Re- review 5 stars, up from 4 stars.

I love this series. Its characters, its story, the action, the suspense, the intrigue, everything. Pierce Brown has really improved in his writing from the original Red Rising trilogy in Iron Gold.

I gave this book 4 stars the first time around in large part due to the jarring move from 1 first person POV to multiple POV's in Iron Gold. Instead of just Darrow we get Darrow, Lyria(a Red), Ephraim(a Gray), and Lysander(a Gold). With Lyria and Ephraim both being brand new characters and Lysander being a character from the original trilogy that we know little about.

Since this was a re-read it was a much more smooth read for me. I really enjoyed every POV, but in particular enjoyed Darrow's and Ephraim's. Ephraim's story is so interesting and fun to follow and his backstory makes him all the more compelling. His reasons for being the way that he is and doing the things that he does are very well thought out and make sense. He is very relatable. Darrow of course is compelling and passionate as usual. A LOT happens in Darrow's POV and we see how the continued war has affected him and his relationships with those he loves.

Iron Gold truly felt like a 1st book in a series. The world had been re-built after the ending of Morning Star 10 years earlier and this was not the same Red Rising world that we were used to. A lot has changed and I really like that about this. Bold move Pierce Brown and excellently done. Respect.

The plot was at first slow to get moving in everybody's but Darrow's POV. The first 1/3 or so of the book was spent getting to know the new characters and I was completely okay with that. I am excited to get to know them even better.

I loved this book upon my re-read and I cant wait for Dark Age to come out on Tuesday so I can see what happens next!