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A review by richardrbecker
Light Bringer by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When Light Bringer (named after the renamed starship Morning Star) engages its plot, there is no slowing down in the next installment of Pierce Brown's terrifyingly addictive saga that places the four cycles of civilization at its center — rebellion, ascension, decadence, and decline. But unlike the cultures we study in history, Brown's story occurs among the stars.
The Golds, the genetically enhanced and augmented society that dominates a future caste system civilization, are still at war with each other, and with the story's tragic protagonist, Darrow, a "red" turned "gold" with the help of advanced augmentations. Mostly, though, the society at the top of the heap is still up to its old tricks of treacheries and betrayals — sometimes for Darrow's benefit and sometimes not. Brown skillfully uses their deceits and conceits in his favor. Readers know what is coming, but the sweeping reversals of fortune always manage to ultimately surprise everyone anyway.
Although leaving readers with what feels like a bigger cliffhanger than previous outings, Light Bringer spares no expense in presenting a theatrical empire eerily similar to the Roman Empire had it become space born. This time, most of the book is spent among Jupiter's outer rim and moons, with Darrow searching for an army to replace the one he lost. He has little time as core Golds lay siege to the red planet his family calls home.
Light Bringer does a great job shining a light on new heroes and villains. Good thing. We needed replacements at the pace Pierce Brown likes to bury them. Along with these new stars (and a few remaining favorites), readers will notice how mature Darrow has become as a leader. No longer a teen known for his bravado, the aging, bearded hero has grown wiser and war-weary. Where he once sought the council of giants, he is now one in his own right. Breathtakingly brilliant.
The Golds, the genetically enhanced and augmented society that dominates a future caste system civilization, are still at war with each other, and with the story's tragic protagonist, Darrow, a "red" turned "gold" with the help of advanced augmentations. Mostly, though, the society at the top of the heap is still up to its old tricks of treacheries and betrayals — sometimes for Darrow's benefit and sometimes not. Brown skillfully uses their deceits and conceits in his favor. Readers know what is coming, but the sweeping reversals of fortune always manage to ultimately surprise everyone anyway.
Although leaving readers with what feels like a bigger cliffhanger than previous outings, Light Bringer spares no expense in presenting a theatrical empire eerily similar to the Roman Empire had it become space born. This time, most of the book is spent among Jupiter's outer rim and moons, with Darrow searching for an army to replace the one he lost. He has little time as core Golds lay siege to the red planet his family calls home.
Light Bringer does a great job shining a light on new heroes and villains. Good thing. We needed replacements at the pace Pierce Brown likes to bury them. Along with these new stars (and a few remaining favorites), readers will notice how mature Darrow has become as a leader. No longer a teen known for his bravado, the aging, bearded hero has grown wiser and war-weary. Where he once sought the council of giants, he is now one in his own right. Breathtakingly brilliant.