The Red Queen Series

The Red Queen series as depicted by Victoria Aveyard is an exceedingly gripping tale of which explores ideas of oppression and racism within a fantasy esque, dystopian that explores the life of the ordinary Mare Barrow as she navigates the Kingdom of Norta, where to have red coloured blood is to be normal and oppressed by the 'God-like' silver blooded superiors. The silver bloods have access to powers and abilities beyond the average human and abuse this strength to force a totalitarian state very much representing aspects of our modern world. Mare however, seeks to defy all odds and suddenly finds herself thrown into a silver world she isn't ready for. Mare despite going through so many horrible and traumatic incidences is still quoted saying ''There are worse lives to live. Don't feel sorry for me.'' She is a true hero despite her naivety which becomes her doom as she learns that ''words can lie'' 

Each novel explores a new aspect of Mare's journey to fight for liberation and protection for those she cares about. The way that Victoria writes is so incredibly detail oriented and everything has a clear purpose. With themes of trust and betrayal, power and degradation, revolution VS. stability and biological determinism as well as social injustices and inequalities. 

There are clear symbols and even motifs throughout the series including Mare's earrings as well as images of blood.

Out of all of the books in this series: The Red Queen, Glass Sword, Kings Cage, War Storm and Broken Throne my favourite was definitely Kings Cage as I loved the exploration of suffering for a cause and having the strength to be unbroken by the things that most would break under.

A really philosophical undertone exists in this series all the while being great for casual readers due to the way she describes war and action in this series and since it is fantasy allows the reader to feel almost exited by the areas of physical conflict as it is distanced from us and allows us to not feel guilt at the concept of finding war 'cool' similar to how the Marvel films have created an interest in finding powerful beings to fight one another. 

Written by M.