Books Like Red Rising: 10 Reads You'll Love
If you want more of Red Rising's sci-fi, start with The Martian.
Updated July 2026
Books like Red Rising: 10 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, from The Martian to Dune.
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10 books like Red Rising
A ranked list of books similar to Red Rising — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.
The Martian
by Andy Weir
While not a rebellion story, The Martian shares Red Rising's emphasis on a resourceful protagonist facing impossible odds, forced to use their intellect to survive in a hostile environment. Mark Watney's sheer ingenuity and determination against the brutal realities of Mars will appeal to those who admire Darrow's cunning and resilience.
Dune
Frank Herbert's Dune is a foundational epic of political intrigue, chosen ones, and rebellion against oppressive regimes, much like Red Rising. The intricate world-building, deep philosophical themes, and the story of Paul Atreides leading a desert people to revolt will resonate strongly with fans of Darrow's fight against the Golds.
The Name of the Wind
Red Rising fans who appreciate Darrow's journey from humble beginnings to a figure of legend will find a similar appeal in Kvothe's story in The Name of the Wind. While fantasy, it shares the intricate world-building, compelling protagonist, and a narrative of a young man striving to make his mark in a complex society.
Ender's Game
For those who loved the intense training and strategic brilliance within the Institutes in Red Rising, Ender's Game offers a similar focus on gifted young individuals undergoing rigorous training for the fate of humanity. Ender Wiggin's innovative tactical mind and the high stakes of his education will be deeply engaging.
Saga
by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
If the found family aspect and the relentless pursuit of freedom against an oppressive system in Red Rising appealed to you, then the graphic novel series Saga is a must-read. It follows a star-crossed family on the run, showcasing intense action, emotional depth, and stunning world-building that mirrors Red Rising's epic scope.
The Licanius Trilogy (The Shadow of What Was Lost)
The intricate magic system, deep political conspiracies, and the fate of an entire world resting on the shoulders of a few individuals in The Licanius Trilogy will attract readers who enjoy Red Rising's complex plotting. It features a compelling group of characters thrust into a conflict much larger than themselves, mirroring Darrow's journey.
Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
For readers who enjoyed the dark humor, unique world-building, and fierce rivalries within Red Rising, Gideon the Ninth offers a similarly intense and irreverent experience. It combines space opera with gothic fantasy, featuring powerful individuals vying for power and a sardonic, sword-wielding protagonist.
The Poppy War
by R.F. Kuang
Fans of Red Rising's darker themes, the brutality of war, and the moral compromises made for power will find a challenging yet rewarding read in The Poppy War. Rin's journey from an orphan to a powerful warrior leading a rebellion echoes Darrow's transformation, set in a meticulously crafted, war-torn fantasy world.
Children of Time
While a departure in terms of character-driven rebellion, Children of Time shares Red Rising's grand scope and imaginative vision of humanity's future among the stars. It explores themes of evolution, survival, and the profound changes humanity undergoes, offering a thought-provoking, epic sci-fi experience.
Skyward
If you loved the intense underdog training, aerial combat, and the fight against a seemingly invincible enemy in Red Rising, Brandon Sanderson's Skyward is an excellent choice. Spensa's burning desire to become a pilot and prove her worth in a world threatened by alien invaders mirrors Darrow's drive and determination.
Why readers loved Red Rising
Pierce Brown's Red Rising burst onto the science fiction scene with the force of a supernova, quickly captivating readers with its brutal yet brilliant vision of a stratified society and the audacious rebellion sparked by a single, defiant Darrow. It's a saga that combines the visceral thrill of gladiatorial combat with the intricate chess game of political intrigue, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of a colonized solar system. Readers are drawn to its relentless pace, the unflinching exploration of class warfare, and the compelling journey of a hero forged in the fires of vengeance and hope.
Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: sci-fi, fantasy, magic. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.
Shared themes & tropes
The threads that connect these recommendations to Red Rising.
Who this list is for
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Genre fit
Perfect for readers who want…
- sci-fi — without losing what made Red Rising special.
- fantasy — without losing what made Red Rising special.
- magic — without losing what made Red Rising special.
- space opera — without losing what made Red Rising special.
- war — without losing what made Red Rising special.
- survival — without losing what made Red Rising special.
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