Summary: In today’s article, I have handpicked 20 of the best books similar to Red Rising that will keep you hooked with epic action, intense rivalries, and gripping storytelling. Here are my top 3 picks:
- The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- The Will of the Many by James Islington
If you love high-stakes rebellion, intense character growth, and thrilling battles, books like Red Rising are a perfect fit. These stories follow underdog heroes rising through oppressive systems, facing brutal competition, betrayals, and political intrigue. With fast-paced action and deep themes of power and resistance, they’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Red Rising
- The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- The Will of the Many by James Islington
- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
- God’s War by Kameron Hurley
- Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan
- The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
- The Red Knight by Miles Cameron
- Suneater Series by Christopher Ruocchio
1. The Rage of Dragons
- Author: Evan Winter
- About: Tau, a low-born Omehi, seeks vengeance in a caste-based society where select individuals can summon dragons and possess enhanced abilities.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and action-driven with detailed battle scenes.
- Length: Approximately 178,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019.
- Emotional Impact: Intense and gripping; leaves a lasting impression through its portrayal of determination and revenge.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with complex themes.
- Why Read It: For its relentless action and deep exploration of personal vendetta within a richly built world.
2. Red Queen
- Author: Victoria Aveyard
- About: In a world divided by blood—Silver elite and Red commoners—Mare Barrow discovers she has a unique power that could disrupt the balance.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and descriptive, with a focus on character emotions and societal structures.
- Length: Approximately 128,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015.
- Emotional Impact: Evokes feelings of rebellion and hope; leaves readers contemplating social hierarchies.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; straightforward prose with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: For its compelling narrative on class struggle and unexpected empowerment.
3. The Will of the Many
- Author: James Islington
- About: A young fugitive navigates the treacherous environment of an elite academy, uncovering secrets that could change the world.
- Style of Writing: Intricate and suspenseful, with detailed world-building.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2023.
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and immersive; challenges perceptions of power and knowledge.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high; complex narrative with layered themes.
- Why Read It: For its deep exploration of societal structures and the pursuit of truth.
4. Ender’s Game
- Author: Orson Scott Card
- About: Young prodigy Ender Wiggin is trained through war games to prepare for an impending alien threat.
- Style of Writing: Clear and direct, with a focus on psychological and strategic elements.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 1985.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and contemplative; delves into the ethics of war and leadership.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with deep philosophical questions.
- Why Read It: For its insightful take on military strategy and the moral complexities of leadership.
5. The Hunger Games
- Author: Suzanne Collins
- About: In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in a televised fight to the death, challenging oppressive societal norms.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with vivid descriptions and emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 99,000 words.
- Year Written: 2008.
- Emotional Impact: Intense and stirring; highlights themes of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; engaging prose suitable for a wide audience.
- Why Read It: For its gripping portrayal of resistance against tyranny and the human spirit's resilience.
6. Dune
- Author: Frank Herbert
- About: Paul Atreides becomes embroiled in a complex struggle for control over the desert planet Arrakis and its valuable spice resource.
- Style of Writing: Rich and descriptive, with extensive world-building and political intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 188,000 words.
- Year Written: 1965.
- Emotional Impact: Epic and thought-provoking; explores themes of power, religion, and ecology.
- Difficulty Level: High; complex narrative with dense terminology and concepts.
- Why Read It: For its monumental influence on science fiction and its deep philosophical insights.
7. The Expanse Series
- Authors: James S.A. Corey
- About: In a colonized solar system, tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt escalate when a rogue ship’s crew and a detective uncover a deadly alien protomolecule that could change the fate of humanity.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and cinematic, with multiple character perspectives.
- Length: Varies per book; the first book (Leviathan Wakes) is approximately 191,000 words, with the full series spanning nine books.
- Year Written: 2011–2021.
- Emotional Impact: Gripping and immersive; blends space politics, mystery, and survival with well-developed characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible sci-fi but with deep world-building and political intrigue.
- Why Read It: A thrilling mix of space opera, conspiracy, and action, perfect for fans of interstellar conflict and grand-scale storytelling.
8. The Fifth Season
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
- About: In a world plagued by apocalyptic disasters, a woman with the ability to control seismic activity must navigate a broken society while searching for her daughter.
- Style of Writing: Unique and poetic, with a mix of second- and third-person narration.
- Length: Approximately 170,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and thought-provoking; explores themes of oppression, survival, and loss.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high; unconventional narrative structure.
- Why Read It: A genre-defying fantasy with incredible world-building and an emotionally resonant story.
9. Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: In a world where an immortal tyrant rules, a young thief with rare magical abilities joins a rebellion to overthrow him.
- Style of Writing: Clear, structured, and action-packed.
- Length: Approximately 217,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006.
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and exhilarating, with a strong sense of justice and adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; complex magic system but easy-to-follow prose.
- Why Read It: Features an excellent heist story with an innovative magic system and compelling characters.
10. The Name of the Wind
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: A gifted young man tells the story of his rise from orphan to legendary magician, chronicling his struggles and triumphs.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical, immersive, and poetic.
- Length: Approximately 250,000 words.
- Year Written: 2007.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and melancholic; leaves a lasting impression with its deep character development.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; beautifully written but can be dense at times.
- Why Read It: A masterful blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure with a protagonist you won’t forget.
11. The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Author: Scott Lynch
- About: A charming thief and con artist operates in a city ruled by crime lords, but his biggest heist puts him in grave danger.
- Style of Writing: Witty, fast-paced, and full of sharp dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 195,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006.
- Emotional Impact: Thrilling and heartbreaking; blends humor with intense emotional moments.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires attention to detail.
- Why Read It: A fun, intelligent, and action-packed fantasy heist novel.
12. Leviathan Wakes
- Authors: James S.A. Corey
- About: In a colonized solar system, tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt erupt into conflict when a dangerous alien entity is discovered.
- Style of Writing: Straightforward and immersive, with multiple perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 190,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Intense and exciting; balances political intrigue with personal struggles.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible sci-fi with layered storytelling.
- Why Read It: A gripping mix of mystery, space politics, and thrilling action.
13. God’s War
- Author: Kameron Hurley
- About: A ruthless bounty hunter fights for survival in a war-torn world where biotechnology and insect-based weaponry dominate.
- Style of Writing: Gritty, raw, and immersive.
- Length: Approximately 124,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Dark and intense; explores themes of war, power, and survival.
- Difficulty Level: High; complex world-building and unconventional prose.
- Why Read It: A unique and brutal sci-fi novel with strong feminist themes.
14. Altered Carbon
- Author: Richard K. Morgan
- About: In a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, a former soldier is hired to investigate a wealthy man’s apparent suicide.
- Style of Writing: Hard-boiled detective noir meets cyberpunk.
- Length: Approximately 138,000 words.
- Year Written: 2002.
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and thrilling; questions the nature of identity and morality.
- Difficulty Level: High; dense sci-fi concepts and philosophical undertones.
- Why Read It: A cyberpunk classic with deep existential themes and a gripping mystery.
15. The Broken Empire Trilogy
- Author: Mark Lawrence
- About: A ruthless young prince, bent on revenge, embarks on a journey through a brutal, post-apocalyptic world.
- Style of Writing: Dark and poetic, with a strong narrative voice.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words per book (three books total).
- Year Written: 2011–2013.
- Emotional Impact: Disturbing yet powerful; explores morality, trauma, and ambition.
- Difficulty Level: High; complex protagonist and philosophical themes.
- Why Read It: A fresh take on the anti-hero journey, with brilliant writing and an unforgettable protagonist.
16. The Black Prism
- Author: Brent Weeks
- About: A powerful mage, known as the Prism, struggles to maintain peace in a world where magic is controlled through colors.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and cinematic.
- Length: Approximately 185,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010.
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and suspenseful; filled with twists and moral dilemmas.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; a unique magic system requires some learning.
- Why Read It: A fresh and exciting fantasy with a unique color-based magic system.
17. The Poppy War
- Author: R.F. Kuang
- About: A war orphan enters an elite military academy, only to discover dark powers that could change the fate of her world.
- Style of Writing: Historical fantasy with vivid and brutal war depictions.
- Length: Approximately 190,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018.
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and haunting; inspired by real historical events.
- Difficulty Level: High; contains heavy themes of war and trauma.
- Why Read It: A powerful mix of military strategy, mythology, and intense character development.
18. The Sword of Kaigen
- Author: M.L. Wang
- About: A mother and her son must defend their homeland against an invading force, discovering hidden strengths along the way.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and character-driven.
- Length: Approximately 190,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019.
- Emotional Impact: Devastating and inspiring; deeply explores sacrifice and family.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; a bit of world-building to absorb.
- Why Read It: A standalone epic fantasy that delivers powerful emotional punches.
19.The Red Knight
- Author: Miles Cameron
- About: A young and talented mercenary captain takes on a dangerous contract to defend an abbey from a monstrous invasion, uncovering deeper conspiracies along the way.
- Style of Writing: Gritty, detailed, and heavily influenced by historical warfare.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012.
- Emotional Impact: Immersive and intense; makes you feel the weight of war and strategy.
- Difficulty Level: High; dense world-building and detailed military tactics.
- Why Read It: A must-read for fans of tactical warfare, deep character work, and medieval-inspired fantasy.
20. Suneater Series
- Author: Christopher Ruocchio
- About: In a distant future, a scholar-turned-warrior tells the story of how he became the galaxy’s most infamous villain.
- Style of Writing: Poetic, introspective, and epic in scope.
- Length: Varies per book; first book (Empire of Silence) is approximately 240,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018 (ongoing series).
- Emotional Impact: Deep and haunting; explores themes of destiny, legacy, and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: High; dense, philosophical, and reminiscent of classic sci-fi literature.
- Why Read It: A mix of Dune and The Name of the Wind, offering a rich, first-person sci-fi epic with a morally complex protagonist.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy epic battles, high-stakes power struggles, or underdog heroes rising against the odds, there’s something here for you. For the closest matches, The Rage of Dragons delivers some of the most intense action I’ve ever read, with a protagonist as relentless as Darrow, Red Queen explores a world where power is determined by blood, and The Will of the Many pulls you into an elite academy filled with secrets, strategy, and ambition. No matter which book you pick, I’m sure you’ll find heart-pounding twists, unforgettable characters, and gripping worlds that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Happy reading!
