If you’ve ever craved a sci-fi epic that blends the brutal intensity of Gladiator with the high-stakes intrigue of Game of Thrones, then Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga is calling your name. Imagine a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, society is stratified by color-coded castes, and one lowly miner’s rebellion could topple empires. Yeah, it’s that good—and addictive. But with multiple books, graphic novels, and fresh releases dropping in 2025, where do you even start?
Don’t worry, fellow Howler (that’s what fans call themselves—get used to it). In this guide, we’ll break down Pierce Brown books in order, complete with non-spoiler summaries, reading tips, and a peek at what’s next. Whether you’re a newbie or revisiting the saga for the umpteenth time, this is your roadmap to Mars’ bloodiest revolution. Let’s break the chains—together.
Who Is Pierce Brown? A Quick Bio on the Mastermind Behind the Saga
Pierce Brown isn’t just an author; he’s a storytelling force of nature. Born and raised in the U.S., Brown grew up idolizing epic tales like Star Wars and The
Lord of the Rings, which seeps into his work like a gravitational pull. After graduating from college in 2010, he hustled as a social media manager by day while scribbling his debut novel by night. That passion project? Red Rising, which exploded onto shelves in 2014 and snagged a Goodreads nomination for Best Debut Author.
What sets Brown apart? He’s a “discovery writer”—no rigid outlines, just pure, organic chaos that keeps even him surprised. His characters aren’t flawless heroes; they’re raw, flawed humans pushed to their moral breaking points, making every twist feel earned and visceral. Oh, and fun fact: Brown’s got a soft spot for cats, dogs, and binge-reading. If that doesn’t make you want to curl up with his books, what will?
Now, onto the meat: the books themselves.
List of Pierce Brown Books in Order by Year
Discover the complete list of Pierce Brown books in order of release, including the thrilling Red Rising saga. Follow Darrow’s epic journey through rebellion, power, and survival in a vividly imagined sci-fi universe. Perfect for fans of dystopian adventure and political intrigue, this guide helps you read Pierce Brown’s books in the best chronological order.
| Order | Title | Type | Publication Year | Series/Arc Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Rising | Novel | 2014 | Red Rising Trilogy (Book 1) |
| 2 | Golden Son | Novel | 2015 | Red Rising Trilogy (Book 2) |
| 3 | Morning Star | Novel | 2016 | Red Rising Trilogy (Book 3) |
| 4 | Red Rising: Sons of Ares (Vol. 1) | Graphic Novel | 2017 | Prequel graphic novel series (Book 1) |
| 5 | Iron Gold | Novel | 2018 | Iron Gold Arc (Book 1; 10-year time jump) |
| 6 | Dark Age | Novel | 2019 | Iron Gold Arc (Book 2) |
| 7 | Red Rising: Sons of Ares – Volume 2: Wrath | Graphic Novel | 2020 | Prequel graphic novel series (Book 2) |
| 8 | Light Bringer | Novel | 2023 | Iron Gold Arc (Book 3) |
| 9 | Red Rising: Sons of Ares – Volume 3: Forbidden Song | Graphic Novel | 2023 | Prequel graphic novel series (Book 3) |
| 10 | Red God (forthcoming) | Novel | 2026 (expected) | Iron Gold Arc (Book 4; series finale) |
Pierce Brown Books in Order: The Red Rising Saga Reading Guide
The Red Rising Saga is Brown’s crown jewel—a sprawling, six-book (so far) series divided into two arcs. The first trilogy (Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star) follows protagonist Darrow’s origin story in a lightning-fast, revenge-fueled sprint. The second arc (Iron Gold onward) widens the lens to a galactic war, jumping timelines and perspectives for even more gut-punches.
Pro tip: Read in publication order—it’s the same as chronological for the main novels, and it builds suspense like a slingshot to the stars. No prequels or side quests needed to jump in. Here’s the lineup, with quick, spoiler-free vibes for each:
1. Red Rising (2014)
The gateway drug. Darrow, a low-color miner on a colonized Mars, uncovers a shattering truth about his world and dives headfirst into a rebellion that redefines everything. Fast-paced, brutal, and impossible to put down—think The Hunger Games on steroids. If you’re new, start here. (Why yes, it is a New York Times bestseller for a reason.)
2. Golden Son (2015)
Darrows infiltrated the elite Golds, but survival means playing their deadly games. Alliances shatter, betrayals sting, and the stakes skyrocket. This one’s a masterclass in tension—your heart will race from page one.
3. Morning Star (2016)
The trilogy’s explosive finale. Wars erupt, loyalties fracture, and Darrow must become the monster he’s fighting. Epic battles, heartbreaking choices, and a payoff that leaves you howling for more. (Fun fact: This closes the first arc with a bang, but don’t stop— the saga’s just warming up.)
4. Iron Gold (2018)
Time jump alert! Ten years later, the solar system’s fracturing under new tyrants. Multiple POVs (including fan-favorites) weave a darker, more complex tale of empire-building gone wrong. If you loved the action, this ramps it up with moral gray areas that’ll keep you debating for days.
5. Dark Age (2019)
Chaos reigns. Old enemies resurface, new horrors emerge, and the Republic teeters on collapse. Clocking in at over 700 pages, this beast delivers non-stop twists and some of Brown’s most gut-wrenching moments. Pro tip: Stock up on tissues.
6. Light Bringer (2023)
The second arc’s heart-pounding closer (for now). Darrow and crew chase redemption amid betrayal and interstellar brinkmanship. It’s a rollercoaster of hope, horror, and hype—ending on a cliffhanger that has fans rabid for the finale.
There you have it: six books that clock in at around 4,000 pages of pure adrenaline. Binge them in a month? Challenge accepted.
Beyond the Novels: Graphic Novels and Short Stories
Brown’s universe doesn’t stop at prose. For visual learners (or comic buffs), dive into the Red Rising: Sons of Ares graphic novel series. Set before Red Rising, it follows Ares’ parents in a gritty origin tale co-written with Rik Hoskin:
- Sons of Ares (2017)
- Sons of Ares – Volume 2: Wrath (2020)
- Sons of Ares – Volume 3: Forbidden Song (2023)
These are canon tie-ins, perfect for filling gaps without overwhelming your TBR pile. Read them anytime after Book 1 for max impact.
What’s Next for Pierce Brown? 2025 and Beyond
The saga isn’t over—far from it. Brown’s cooking up Red God, the explosive seventh and final book, slated for early-to-mid 2026. Expect it to tie up loose ends in the longest entry yet, with all the blood, thunder, and tears we’ve come to crave.
But 2025 isn’t a waiting game. Brown’s dropping The Book of Lorn, a bold new story in the Red Rising universe. It’s an innovative hybrid format—part novella, part interactive digital experience—released in Patreon installments starting September 2025. Think serialized thrills with exclusive lore. If you’re a die-hard fan, this is your VIP pass to more Howler madness.
Why Bother with Pierce Brown? (Spoiler: You’ll Wish You Started Sooner)
In a sea of forgettable space operas, Brown’s saga stands out for its razor-sharp prose, diverse cast, and unflinching look at power, privilege, and perseverance. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a mirror to our world, wrapped in rocket-fueled action. Readers rave: “Once you start, you can’t stop.” And with adaptations in the works (fingers crossed for that Darrow casting), now’s the perfect time to join the rebellion.
Ready to claim your place among the Golds? Grab Red Rising today and let the games begin. What’s your favorite moment in the saga so far—or which book are you tackling first? Drop a comment below; I’d love to geek out with you. Happy reading, and remember: Break the chains.
