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Red Queen Book Summary

by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen

Victoria Aveyard

TL;DR

In a world divided by blood – Red and Silver – a lowly Red girl named Mare Barrow discovers she possesses a deadly power, one that threatens the Silver elite’s reign. Forced to masquerade as a lost Silver princess, Mare becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power, love, and rebellion. As she navigates the treacherous Silver court, she uncovers secrets that could shatter the existing order and ignite a revolution.


Table of contents

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Author & Writing Background

Victoria Aveyard is an American author known for her young adult fantasy novels. Before becoming a published author, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in screenwriting. Her debut novel, Red Queen, became a New York Times bestseller and launched a successful series. Aveyard’s writing is characterized by its fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and complex characters.

Key Takeaways

Divided Society

The world of Red Queen is segregated by blood color: Silvers, with their supernatural abilities, rule over the powerless Reds.

Mare Barrow

The protagonist, a Red girl who discovers she possesses a unique power that defies the established hierarchy.

Hidden Identity

Mare is forced to pose as a lost Silver princess, navigating the treacherous world of the Silver elite.

Love Triangle

Mare finds herself entangled in a complicated romance with both a Silver prince and a Red rebel.

Rebellion

Mare becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed Reds, sparking a rebellion against the Silver regime.

Power and Corruption

The book explores themes of power, corruption, social injustice, and the fight for equality.

Betrayal and Loyalty

Mare faces difficult choices as she grapples with questions of trust, betrayal, and loyalty.

Uncertain Future

The book concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of Mare and the rebellion.

FAQ about Red Queen

Is Red Queen appropriate for younger teens?

While the book is categorized as young adult, it does contain some violence and mature themes. Parental guidance is recommended for younger teens.

Is Red Queen part of a series?

Yes, Red Queen is the first book in a four-part series, followed by Glass Sword, King’s Cage, and War Storm.

Is there a movie adaptation of Red Queen?

As of November 2023, there is no movie adaptation of Red Queen, although there were plans for one in the past.

Red Queen Quotes

  • ”Anyone can betray anyone."
  • "Rise, Red as the dawn."
  • "The truth is what I make it. I could set this world on fire and call it rain.”