Book Review: Red Queen  

By Victoria Aveyard 

5 Stars 

Red Queen, the first installment in its series, immerses readers in Mare Barrow’s world, divided between two types of people - those with silver blood, who possess special powers and live as nobles, and those with red blood, like Mare, who are powerless and live lives of poverty. Suddenly, Mare is called to take a job at the royal palace where she can avoid conscription for a war between their kingdom and another. Everything goes smoothly until, in front of the royal court, Mare accidentally unleashes unknown powers. She is then whisked away into the ruthless world of royalty, simultaneously spying for the Scarlet Guard- a resistance for Reds. As tensions rise, Mare learns that surviving the world of Silvers is a vicious challenge.   

The plot for this story was so creative, and I was surprised by every page turn. It contains hundreds of unexpected plot twists, keeping it exciting and unpredictable. It didn’t feel like there were any slow or dragging parts. Additionally, the world-building was so immersive and detailed that I felt like I was there in the book. You could picture the lands and castles based off distinct and imaginative imagery. Every character was also given layers and flaws. At times, you weren’t sure whether or not to root for or against them. In my opinion, that was the best aspect of the book, paired with the complex relationships between the characters. I feel like this book is perfect for YA fantasy readers who enjoy an action and adventure vibe, but also some slow-burn romance. With the first installment of this series, Victoria Aveyard cleverly weaves found friendship, betrayal, and a love triangle together to create an unforgettable tale. I would highly recommend this read! 

Reviewed by Lexi 

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