Austin's unmatched enthusiasm (to put it lightly 😂) for Red Rising is the reason I picked up the series and I'm so glad that I did because this might have just become my favourite book of all time, thankyou so much for putting it on my radar

I'm glad you are showing golden sun the respect it deserves

The ending of the book was more intense than The Red wedding from GOT. It just fits with the theme of the book Death begets death begets death. Masterpiece!!!

My gosh he made me tear up talking about Victra

Back here because I JUST finished it. WHAT THE FUUUUCCCC 🤓 What a book. I’ve never verbally yelled while reading.

I'm actually very surprised that you two saw Eo's pregnancy reveal coming. That reveal absolutely shocked me and I am usually good at guessing big twists or reveals haha. Im with Austin on this one, I also give it a perfect 10!!!

I just finished Golden Sun. I have to say it's probably my favorite book beating the mistborn trilogy. The most emotional part for me was the scene with darrow and his mother. I have 4 kids, so I was sobbing reading it!! I just kept picturing them, and I almost couldn't handle it!

I didn’t quite get the Tactus message like Austin but makes sense. I was invested in Mustang continually telling Darrow to fix the Roque relationship and not to trust her brother.

Golden Son was great! The only thing for me was I got lost in some of the space battle scenes, and how quickly they moved from one location to the others

I think one of the most incredible things this series does is it's able to take income inequality, racism, nationalism, facism, etc and make very pointed and eloquent arguments against them while also being a high octane sci fi. I really love Darrow and his way of thinking, there's a lot of reflections of myself in there that I am not too fond of and some that I am.

The most badass line was during the Cassius fight, when it says, 'inside me, red meets gold.'

Pierce told me at comic con that this 6th book is going to be crazy good but he still likes golden son the best

I would say Darrow DID NOT try to make up to Roque. You actually have Mustang constantly telling Darrow to fix things with Roque and Darrow just ignored it and keeps postponing it

The “I trained” quote gave me chills reading it was so epic! Thank you for having Kyle read that it was beautiful. Also the fox and the hare quote was my favorite quote 👏🏼

The line, "Always, Darrow. Always." I CRIED, and wrote that moment down in my journal. If memory serves (bc I just finished it a few hrs ago, but I've slept since then), it wasn't so much about him saying "I with you to the end" so much as it was the context in which he said it. He'd been so alone, all through Red Rising, so alone in Golden Son up to that point with so much greater stakes, and here's Sevro ignoring the class difference between them and accepting the HUGE truth of it, and still sticking with him. That was a line where I just shut the book, let a few tears fall, amd stared at the wall for a moment. This book had lots of those, for lots of different reasons.

Yeah, I loved pretty much everything in golden son. It was incredible.

Finished this book a couple hours ago because the red rising episode and now I'm crying to the most beautiful voice I've ever heard

I know that bcs of the end many will by soured by Roque's character but I really did like him (even after what he ended up doing). His and Darrow's relationship and how you see the gulf widen and then the moment where Darrow touches his forehead to Roque, apologising (it genuinely made me tear up). There's this really interesting dynamics with all of these relationships built up in the first book, best shown by Tactus. We, in the entire first two books get alot of allies betraying to becoming allies again to betraying, and therefore it could get way too repetitive. So when Tactus who goes from being uber loyal, to betraying them, to coming after Darrow to kill him, to once again beging for his forgiveness and be loyal to him - again it could be seen as cheap and repetitive. But Darrow hones on this aspect of Golds generally but also his relationship w Tactus and Co. Its in their nature to fight to survive, to backstab, to jockie for position of power. But Darrow notes that Tactus wants that forgiveness from Darrow, they need his approval there's a weird element where Tactus is but a child acting out as a gold usually does, but there's a sorrow as at the end if he is acting upon his natural inclination, there is that part of him which craves his friend's approval, which creates an inner conflict - and a more dynamic and tragic relationshop. And I'm glad Darrow didn't choose kill him, just to forgive him once again but Lorn does - as it highlights the weird and teagic relationship better and how Darrow really believes that his relationshipwith these ppl is what can change things. It really adds that tragic aspect of their relationship - and the theme of the book, where its what society has taught vs personal relationships. Can the relationship Darrow created with these people overcome their natural inclinations. I still hold out hope for Roque salvaging what he did but the scale of the betrayal is much different.

So cool to be reading this with you guys. I had never heard of your channel and just finished the first book when I saw your video on it. I just finished the second book 2 days ago. This is perfect timing.

I finished this book, open KZfaq to see this video. Perfect timing! I agree this is an amazing series and has made its way to #1 in my favorite series. Keep up the great content guys!

I just finished reading the trilogy in four days. Best reading experience I’ve ever had. I even had epic battle music play in the background, it was like a cinematic event in my mind🤯

Golden son is still my favourite of the series, but Iron Gold and Dark Age are incredible as well. I'm sure Austins incredible enthusiasm will compel him to read on, but will you (Richard) continue on with the later books?

Just finished reading this book and Golden Son improved on everything I wanted from the first book. The most emotional scene for me was when he told Sevro the truth about his real colour. It was so satisfying to see Darrow stop lying and just be honest with a friend. Shout out to Ragnar too, the development of his philosophy and thoughts on life were fascinating to see. He's surprisingly the character I'm most interested in. I wanna see his reaction to Darrow's capture and hopefully his ascension as a leader! On to book 3!🚶

Loving Austin's enthusiasm! Also loved Rich's confusion at Austin's 10/10 rating. 😂

Eo killed her self in protest not because she thought Darrow would fight against the golds

Just finished it today. I can't imagine reading it when it came out and having to wait for Morning Star, although by the time I finish Light Bringer I will have to wait for Red God. Can't wait to continue!

I just started this series last week. Finished Golden Son today. It's funny how in the Red Rising episode, I could not disagree with Austin more. I was entirely on Rich's side. But then I read Golden Son. And bloodydamn, I'm with Austin. 10/10. The energy and excitement and emotion that Austin displays here is exactly what I felt reading and finishing Golden Son. I don't know how the third book will live up to the second, but I'm excited.

My favorite series of all time. It is CRIMINALLY underrated! Thank you for talking about it!

Richard is going to be POSITIVE in this episode ...Richard makes cutting remarks

Spoiler warning within: Read at your own discretion. This book is a paragon of science fiction. I finished the other day, and I have to say, the reveal of Fitchner being Ares was jaw-dropping. I'm not sure if Pierce Brown did this for the reason I thought of, it could have been a coincidence, but it makes perfect sense for Fitchner to play the role of Ares. This is because earlier it was revealed that Sevro is a Son of Ares member, and he is the son of Fitchner, MAKING HIM THE LITTERAL SON OF ARES. So who else to be Ares other than Fitchner? Genius. We are witnessing a titan of science fiction in the flesh. My only criticism of the book is the bloodshed, which, in my opinion, is overdone. I understand it advances the plot and fits the story, but that is simply not within my taste. However, this is not that noteworthy of an issue to lower my rating. Also I learn so many words reading this. Same here, Austin, 10/10. Glad yall enjoyed it. Read on!

excited to hear what you guys are gonna say about iron gold it is my personal favourite so far

"if they touch my Ragnar" Me: that's some passion he's got there.

I started watching this podcast a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I also adore this series (maybe slightly less than Austin, but only slightly) and I’m about to start Morning Star! If I may make one recommendation for book review episodes, I think it would be an even BETTER watch (and it’s already wonderful) if you both read the book not too long before the episode, whether that’s for the first time or as a refresher. I really respect both of your opinions and experience in the sci-if/fantasy space, so when you’re trying to pull your thoughts from a semi-distant memory, I get a bit bummed because it doesn’t feel like I’m getting your fully informed perspective. That may just be me, but figured I’d share. Keep up the awesome work!

I just finished it last night around 11pm. I was so high on adrenaline after the final 20 pages that I stayed up until 3am getting started on Morning Star. Now I am at work falling asleep at my desk. Worth it.

I know this is late but I just wanted to put my 2 cents in about tactus and his "redemption" I loved this scene because it shows another reason why gold's and the society is evil. Tactus if he had grown up in any other society, he would have been an incredible friend and ally to Darrow, he wanted more then anything to be his friend but golds didn't let someone like tactus or Julien survive to become good men.

Late to the party, but just finished Golden Son and I’m still reeling. Jaw on the floor, flabbers are gasted, crying in the club (my room), and so many feelings I’m in a perpetual state of shookith. Loved this book, and love that you guys make these reviews to share the experience.

I knew you were gonna love it, but favorite all time!?! That’s incredible, I’m glad you loved it man.

I just finished the trilogy today and Golden Son is my favorite of the trilogy. My biggest positive with this book is the pacing. The entire book has ZERO dull moments. Usually there are some filler or dull moments in even my favorite books but this one goes and doesn't stop. Every chapter builds and builds and every set piece is better than the last. The ending flattened and destroyed me. I had to start Morning Star that night. So many good moments in this book and the Jackal can go to hell.

so ready for the rest of these podcasts about the next books.

I just finished Golden Son, took some deep calming breaths, then rushed to this review. Oh my gosh my jaw was on the floor with the ending. My heart needed a break after having anxiety pumping through it haha. The entire book had me on the edge of my seat, I lost count of how many times I had literal chills! Loved Lorn's "one-liners", loved how at the beginning we hear about a Gold and a Red falling in love and going through the carving then to the death of the Red wife, ONLY TO FIND OUT, that of course its Fitchner/Ares. Seeing Darrow connect the dots was amazing. I was defs part of the audience who didn't see the Eo pregnant bombshell coming. I was so emotionally deep that I didn't use my common sense to foresee that happening. Knew its was going to be huge but figured it might be something like she knows about the Surface or has some revolutionary info on the Golds hahaha. Still broke my heart though, knowing that was going to be her second surprise to Darrow in Red Rising. Also, I agree Austin, THANK GOODNESS Sevro is alive and hopefully well :') Keen to start Morning Star. Oh, and! What was it like meeting Pierce Brown (as I know you guys have met him by the time I'm posting this. Did you tell him about the pod or ask him any questions about writing etc?

Just finished the book like an hour ago. What a ride. I agreed with almost everything both of you guys said, but my takeaway of the book was actually the opposite of Austin's. SPOILERS (just for Golden Son) Austin said that the message of the book is that there is a limit to loyalty and that some people are just irredeemable. I thought that the book was saying the opposite, that we should all trust in the common humanity and capacity to do good of other people, just like how Darrow does with many characters in the book (Tactus, Mustang, Ragnar, Victra, Mickey, even the Jackal to some extent) I think the Jackal actually proves the point. Because of how his father treated him, he turned into a pretty terrible person and did some terrible things only to seek validation. In other words, he wanted other people (mainly Augustus) to believe in him and trust him and his capacity to be a good person. So if everyone had truly trusted the Jackal and helped him be a better person (we hear from like every single character that he is terrible and Darrow shouldnt trust him, so absolutely no one believs he can ever do something good for once), the whole ending wouldnt have happened. However, by the end, I believe that he is truly too far gone to be redeemed later in the series (I havent read it, so idk if Im right or not) But anyways, thats just my two cents on the matter, since I found it really interesting that I reached almost the opposite conclusion than Austin. Love you guys, will definitely tune in to your other Red Rising discussions once I finish each book

Another great reaction. So much fun and yes it is an amazing book. And kudo's to Kyle (who should do a collab with 'read by kyle' honestly). As for the Julia au Bellona reaction. We must not forget that Julian was probably arranged to be pitted against a nobody from some asteroid who would have way less pedigree and training. They could not've known this nobody was an extremely well-carved and trained primus among golds.

Highly, HIGHLY recommend the audio book! One of the best, arguably THE best, I've ever heard!!❤❤❤❤❤

I’m so glad I found your channel. Loved this review. Loved Austin’s energy and I love Golden Son too. It’s my favourite of the whole series. And that’s not to say it goes downhill; the rest are just behind it. Can’t wait for your Morning Star review now cos of course Austin’s dove/dived/doveded 😂 straight in! Has Richard read Iron Gold and Dark Age? I’m on countdown for Lightbringer; so excited!

Great review, you guys are one of my favorite book reviewers that I watch, and I watch a lot of them, keep up the good work guys

Love the channel, and I'm a howler too. Red Rising is my favorite series of all time. Agree so much on your love of Golden Son, only disagree on your assessment of Tactus as Pierce said that if he wasn't killed, he would have changed for the better. The interview Pierce gave on Mike's Book Reviews explains Tactus :)

I read mainly fantasy and i found red rising through you two, I like the first one more at the moment and i think thats due to it being a slight blend between both genres and i like red rising at the moment but i found this book hard to read. the way you two express your love for this series makes me want to start this book again rather than giving up

Love Golden Son, favorite of the trilogy

1:13:59-1:16:40 What a way to introduce a new character.

Loving the videos on Red Rising, been my favorite series for years and it’s so great to see people discovering it. Don’t know if this has already been answered, but just reread the first novel and the reason Julia Bellona is so angry and vengeful is because, while they did know Julian was gonna die, he was never meant to enter the Institute and Nero rigged it so he could have him killed. It was illegal to reject an Institute invitation so Julian had to enter.

You’re killing me here! How could this be better than a Brandon Sanderson book?!

I’m too coming from the Sandoverse, Oathbringer was my top but wait until you finish Lightbringer. Pierce has created something incredible with this universe.

SPOILERS Just finished golden son, the ending was pure depression man. As soon as I read (paraphrasing as I don't remember exact) "I recognized that pinks movements". I initially thought it was going to be theodora planting a bomb or something but this was much worse. So my face was just sorrow the entire time through the ending. I definitely recognized how much more enjoyable to read golden son's prose was in comparison to Red rising (I loved red rising as well). But I finished the chapter where Nero and pliney were telling darrow that he is getting sold the back and forth between the 4 in the room was great, it was the first time I finished a chapter and went "wow that was really fun dialogue." The ending with them knowing that Darrow is a red just brings an entirely new layer that will be explored in morning star that I cant wait to read. (I see your morning star thumbnail I really hope that is click bait and I end up loving it). Also really cool pick up on the tactus message with lorn I had that kind of idea in my head but didn't dwell on it or try to pry anything out of that little theme so I just mentally skipped over it but gained a new perspective on it. Idk how to rate books tbh as I have read so little, so take my rating with a grain of salt. 9.8/10 (I gave red rising a 9) Its so funny everytime I read a book its like I unlock one of your videos 🤣.

This book really peaked up a notch from rhe first book and defied the "Hunger Games" catcall. Really surprised many people and myself included, i enjoyed it as much as both of you!

I just finished Golden Son a few hours ago. I had to put it down so many times bc the tension was so great, and my fear for the characters I loved made me too afraid to read if they died. The last 100 pages was an edge of my seat, bit all my nails down, nerve-wracking, beautiful, soul-gripping, adrenaline rush! 10/10!! ❤❤❤❤❤

After reading the third book (I’m on this journey with you. I am about to start Morning Star after just finishing Golden Son) I think it would be awesome if you two could do an episode where you cast the red rising series as if they were making movies or a show. Money is no option, take all the big name stars you want! I want to know who you guys picture as the characters! Thanks and love the videos.

The relationship between the Jakal and Darrow reminds me of the relationahip between the Joker and Batman. Loved the Book as well, but i think i like it exactly as much as the first book. I loved the battle royal part in book one. Characters and plot is improved in book two, tho. Thanks for talking about it :)

It’s an Improvement to Red Rising which I rate as 7/10. Golden Son has some good plot twists, full of action and a great ending, 8.5/10. If you haven’t read in a while or don’t read at all this is a great set of books to get you going again. Look forward to finishing the trilogy before I have a crack at Dune. Thanks for vids and the recommendations 👍…. I wish I could get them in the trade paperbacks but can’t seem to get them in the UK.

I’m here months late but am a super fan of this series. I might be jumping the gun since I’m only 56 minutes each but you missed a big part about the Julian thing. They never planned for him to go they knew he was too soft for it, Augustus actually made the board of quality control send him an invite. Once a gold gets an invite to the institute they can not refuse. Cassius explains that his whole family knew he wasn’t strong enough to go through it but they couldn’t keep him away from it and that’s why they helped him train

The shower revelation explains so much

In somewhat of a defense of Eo: perhaps she did not want to bring a child into the world just to have a short life of terrible hardship and slavery (as I recall, she knew more of what was going on than Darrow did, so, how far did her knowledge go?). So, perhaps while she sat in her cell -- and who knows what she endured while a prisoner that Darrow was never aware of -- perhaps she decided death was a mercy to herself and her child. And if she was resigned to die -- to protect her child -- then THEIR deaths must mean something, stand for something more. WAS it selfish? Depends on your perspective, I think.

Right after the ares reveal I stopped reading and was thinking back to every time fitctner was around. And then the realization hit me, he was proctor Mars, and what is the Greek name for Mars? Ares. It was right in front of us the whole time, it’s a crazy bit of foreshadowing

@18:22 I know where I was when I read that, it was great.😂

I gave this book a 9.5/10 only because “Morning Star” was my favorite and that book was 10/10.

Kyle's Ragnar voice is on fucking point

I think the point of the ending is to show who is and isn’t worth redeeming tactus DIDNT want to continue wanted redemption and jackle never sought that this idea I feel is expanded in the third book with Cassius

Just finished golden son

my only complaint about this book (and red rising, to an extent) is that it deserved to be even more fleshed out with a larger page count!

Screw you guys making me tear up on my morning commute. You gotta warn people

on God my blood ran cold at the climax - like no book has ever done that to me before. I felt dazzed and mournful when i shut it

I agree that Golden Son is one of the best books I have ever read and I read pretty much everything of the main stream stuff. Have you guys read Dungeon Crawler Carl yet? I recommend the audio book, its legendary. If you havent, stop what you are doing and start listening. It will hit you about as much as Red Rising did.

I’m obsessed with Aja like she was a menace

Kyle is great but y'all are absolutely sleeping on Tim Gerard Reynolds!

Just finished it… the ending made my jaw drop. 10/10 book for sure! Great review! Just subbed

I lost my mind reading the last chapter. The book was amazing

I happened to watch a short where you guys suggested Red Rising so I thought I would give it a shot … A week later I listened nonstop to the first 3 books … Just fantastic story telling 10/10 … I will listen to the next next 3 for sure …

Page for page golden son is one of the best books in a long time … it’s not even close . Its that good lol

This was probably me favorite one until light Bringer. Pierce Brown is killing it

I am almost finished with the third book. I think the second book might just be a better story than Empire Strikes Back. And that has been my second favorite story, next to Revenge of the Sith. This is my new second favorite story and my most favorite book. The ending was amazing.

You might also like Poppy War by R. F. Kuang, Austin! There are some similarities to Red Rising in terms of tropes, characters, emotional turmoil & writing. R. F. Kuang and Pierce Brown also have the same agent.

It’s interesting you see Tactus as unredeemable… I thought it was pretty obvious he was. Tactus and Adrius are two different beings

Victra went from kinda annoying side character to making me shed a tear at her final words. Brilliant writing.

Since it’s my favorite book, I don’t need to look through your videos to decide, instant subscribe!!! can’t wait for 7/25, it’ll be epic!

The paring in the tunnel was not random , it is spasifcly said that Nero set it up so. At the beginning of the book when darow is being dismissed by Nero and soled. And agian when he ask for Nero to send him with his name to the Dule with cusis

This book GOES

Just finished golden son five minutes ago, immediately bought morning star. Mouth agape at the ending and more curious than george

Stopped before spoilers since I just finished Red Rising. I’ll come back after I finish GS.

I vicariously live my fanboy excitement for the Red Rising series through Austin ❤

When Darrow drop through the ceiling and walks across the table or floor I can’t remember which and smacks the shit out of Pliny twice I thought it was so bad ass

I got my supervisor and coworker on this series and its like starting a fanbase lmao

now i'm curious to see the reaction about dark age! that book lives up to its name It's one of the most brutal books I've ever read...

I love the third book so much every now and again, I occasionally think about putting it in the number one spot but something about this book just beats out that book just by a little

Yal deserve more followers. Keep it up! Love watching you guys. Just started morning star 🎉

the fucking oracle scene is probably my favorite

Don't think we didn't hear you say that you haven't read ASOIAF Richard...

Knew this episode was coming soon after.

Rewatching the episode before I start morning star today

Bro Golden Sun is incredibly good. So glad you’re crazy about it !

Hey I noticed the plushy. 😂😂😂

Best book I've ever read