A review by annad318
Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After finishing the Red Rising Trilogy, I did not know what would follow in Iron Gold and where the story would lead. The novel takes place ten years after the events of Morning Star, and we get to read the perspectives of not only Darrow but also Lyria, Ephraim, and Lysander. These characters have had a brutal decade to say the least. It was exciting to see how much the resident characters have grown, showcasing their fledging families and positions within the Republic. At times it was almost unsettling to see them so mature. It felt like it was just yesterday that they were rebellious youths with a dream.

It took some time for me to adjust to the new perspectives in this book. Mainly because all the characters despised the Reaper and/or The Sovereign and I had grown attached, borderline defensive, to the pair (By will or by force, I don't know. I’ve avoided judging characters too harshly for my own peace of mind and not overthinking everything). However, I soon realized that having diverse and dissenting opinions was beneficial, as they provided a fresh outlook on the story. Moreover, all of the characters' stories eventually intertwined, leading them to work together in some way or another—something I loved seeing unfold!

I really enjoy this series for what it is, so I haven't taken much time to dissect the “good” from the “bad.” Once I finish the series, I may be more critical, but for now, some quotes and comments that I highlighted! 😊

"In my youth, I was consumed with the fever of war. I don't feel that fever now. I only feel the cold weight of duty and the fear of what it will do to my family." 

This. This right here. Darrow is so determined to see this war through, so convinced that what lies at the end is the ideal society, a perfect world. However, even his best friend Sevro is sick of his obsession and accuses him of being too "drunk on his own myth". The Ash Lord calls him no more than a slave, bred to "toil, dig, and die for the good of humanity," mocking everything he has fought to achieve. All the while, Darrow is painfully aware of how destructive his actions can be and questions the morality of them  daily. He cries himself to sleep every night, feeling guilty about being an absent husband and father. As a reader, it was difficult to process these emotions with Darrow and watch as people sowed seeds of doubt that have already long been inside him. 

"It feels like the world is doing this to us. But is it the world, or is it me? The way I am built. A breaker, not a builder, after all."

"Amidst the bodies, Mustang looks a ghost of herself. Ten years of building and one night has broken it all." vs. "Ten years of brotherhood evaporate in a breath. We stare at one another and see strangers." INSANITY. THE PARALLELS.

I was deeply saddened by

Cassius's passing. I couldn't help but feel like his death was shrouded in secrecy and isolation. I wonder if Diomedes even bothered to retrieve his body for a proper burial (PLEASE tell me this is a plot twist and he isn't dead, I'm going to throw up). Reading about how he fought and defeated each of his opponents while defending his honor gave me goosebumps. Even while clinging to life, he never forgot to remind us that he is THE Cassius Bellona.

Volga's character tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted to protect her at all costs. 

Alexander and Apollonius were both hilarious characters. I missed the humor that was present in the previous books, and these two provided the much needed comedic relief (though there could have been more). 

Mustang's request for Lyria's forgiveness was a very moving scene that spoke volumes (to me). Do your Mus-THANG girl. 

I got chills reading the last page. Hail, Reaper, baby! Sorry, let me love him for as long as I can 🫶🫣Starting Dark Age asap.