One novel that I had the pleasure of reading during the first semester was Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, a young adult fantasy, that revolves around a dystopian society in which the main social and economical divide is based off the color of blood, whether that be red or silver. To take it one step further, the blood of those with silver maintain abilities that are automatically used as a leverage over those of red until our main protagonist comes in to play. The story itself contains many fantasy components which is initially what drew me in yet the constant that kept me entranced in this world was the underlying real world issues and topics the book touched upon. The most present one would be the reference to discrimination of all kinds that is still a consist present issue during this time. The novel shows the more upfront version in which those with red blood are obviously treated as though they're less than those with the blood of silver and their abilities, that Aveyard consistently describes their self-image with that of Gods. A quote from the novel that pertains to the whole theme of it was, “I used to think there was only the divide, Silver and Red, rich and poor, kings and slaves. But there's much more in between, things I don't understand, and I'm right in the middle of it” (Aveyard). Overall, this book handles the divide and separation prominent within our society with flawless attention to detail and brutal honesty with the blunt flash to our possible future if we continue to pick things to differentiate ourselves from one another, when in reality our differences is what could be making us stronger as one people. Luckily, this story continues on totaling to a series of four that contains the same message through it all: a warning with hope for a better future.
Alexandria Salazar
This sounds like a very interesting book, and it is something I will consider reading. I love the ending when you said " a warning with hope for a better future". When you were describing how the protagonist is in the middle, does that mean they have both red and silver blood?
ReplyDeleteBy being in the middle, the protagonist, Mare, has red blood yet also has the abilities of those with silver. Not only is she a rarity and something never believed possible, she is forced in the middle of an ongoing battle in which she can't be identified for that of either party being that she is not quite like either, making her a wildcard or seen as a threat to everything both sides know. Sorry for the confusion!
DeleteI also read this book and made a post about this. I also really enjoyed this book. One of the best things for me about this book would be that the character development was incredible, and I felt connected to the characters. I didn't even realize how much this book displays the problems we have in our society and highlights the inequality and discrimination people still face daily, but you are right. This book did shine a light on these issues.
ReplyDeleteWith all the discrimination going on today, I feel this book would be a good read to really grasp the true meaning of how people feel being in the middle of both sides. In other words, being a part of the middle class and not being exactly the “silver” or “red” as described from your book. I will definitely be reaching for this book soon after I finish my current book.
ReplyDeleteI adored this book so much, I couldn't ever put it down. The part that stood out to me the most was how the characters together grew overtime, rather than seeing their individual growth. I can give you the next book if you want it, the Glass Sword! The only part I would change in this book is how love struck Mare is; I feel like if Aveyard decided to make Mare NOT fall in love, it would've caught more eyes. How do you feel towards her love interests?
ReplyDeleteAfter falling into this story, I couldn't stop if I tried so I ended up finishing the series in a week! And I couldn't agree with you more on the characters growth that continued gradually along with the plot itself that made it that much more enticing. In addition to this, I also completely agree with you on the main fault in this story being that Mare is constantly in a state of distress just off her issues with the love interests. Initially, I felt that despite dealing with real problems, it was normal for her to become awestruck with the idea of love except it continually interfered with her character development and the story throughout the books, that being my only real barrier from fully embracing the series. As far as her love interest go, frankly I loved them both. Each symbolized very human characteristics as the antagonist love interest was a monster of his families' creation based off their sins becoming what he was taught to be, his darkness turned madness being something he was forced into. As far as the protagonist love interest, he symbolized all things good and being the prime example of chivalry and selflessness, yet had his own twist in the fact that no human is perfect, and he had his own corruption as well. Overall, aside from the issues it created, the dynamic they all shared was so unique it made up for it in my opinion.
DeleteRegarding the message would you say that the author portrayed it well within their piece? discrimination isn't really a sensitive subject because of how widely common it is. I think its interesting that authors use fiction to show the reality in our world. It's kind of like they are putting it into a different perspective for their readers to better comprehend the situation. Out of all the books you've read would this be in your top 10?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I usually gravitate towards fantasy novels so in reading this series and finding out it underhandedly pertains to such controversial issues was something I was extremely excited about for one because it showed literature and writing moving into more bold ways of expressionism, as well as the way it was executed the topics it revolved around and giving it the light it needs with brutal honesty. As far as whether or not it's one of my top 10 reads, I can't answer that without feeling as though I'm cheating on all my other books.
DeleteI think I would greatly enjoy this book and will consider it. The amount of information you gave was perfect, just enough to help me comprehend the plot and purpose of the book. It interests me because of the way you mentioned discrimination plays a role in the book. Your review also made me wonder if any book I have read has ever had any ties to world issues such as discrimination. I would love to read this book next!
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