If I had to describe Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard in three words, I would probably choose rebellion, betrayal and power. All three words accurately describe the dystopian structure of Mare’s world and the dark hearts of all who reside within it.

Mare Barrow lives in a world split by blood. Reds, those with red blood, are powerless and poor, doomed to live their lives as servants and soldiers, and Silvers, the gods of her world, gifted with supernatural abilities. Mare is a Red, thieving to support her family, glaring at Silvers through her eyelashes. But when Mare discovers that she possesses a deadly ability—even though she’s Red—in front of thousands of Silvers, the king and queen force her to live among the Silver nobles, to pretend to be one of them. Mare is Red, Silver, and stronger than both at the same time. She is feared and shrouded in mystery, and the Silvers are getting suspicious. Mare’s playing a dangerous game of power and blood. Anyone can betray anyone.

I would rate Red Queen 4.5 out of 5 stars. All of the places are vividly described from the smudge of dirt to the sparkle of a jewel. I love how complex this world is. Aveyard takes the time to explore each aspect of the blood divide, showing the Scarlet Guard rebellion and the Silver nobles in their palace. 

I would recommend Red Queen to ages 13 and up because of infrequent swearing, violence and mild romance. This YA novel is perfect for fantasy lovers and readers who love a strong-willed heroine. If you like fast-paced plot lines and a twist you’ll never see coming, Red Queen is the perfect book for you.

Red Queen is the first book in a four-book series with a couple of novellas. This novel can’t be found on Sora, but you can check out or place a hold on the first book, the second book and a novella of the Red Queen series in the Clague Library.