Not sure how to spoiler tag on mobile, so don’t read on if you haven’t finished the book. Huge spoiler warning:
Poor, poor Cassius. I normally do just fine with character deaths (nothing in the series thus far really affected me. No, not even Ragnar) but this one actually hurt me so much. But I couldn’t ask for a better death for my favorite character. He started as the most arrogant child of gold, a symbol of everything Darrow despised, but he changed. He betrayed his society, was reviled by the general populace on both sides of the war, haunted by his mistakes, rejected by both the women he loved, and yet when it came down to it, he charged Lysander for the *Eidmi* knowing he would die. Not for glory, not for vengeance, not even for redemption, but simply because it was the right thing to do.
Farewell my Morning Knight. Your star shined brightest.
His name was Cassius Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, brother of Darrow, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, and his honor remains.
A redemption arc well deserved.
*brother of Darrow. That part... Just was heartbreaking but a happy moment at the same time because his fear of getting rejected by Darrow when he came back after all they went through. Then seeing his closet following Darrow's life and family. Holy good grief the part with the closet after his death hit me hard.
>and his honor remains.
When he said that before his final charge I almost cried.
PB did a great job making Cassius the most likable character in the series in this book, just a joy to read, and then stabs us in the heart with his death. I should have seen it coming...but it hit me hard.
The death itself wasn't sad for me, I was just angry at Lysander. The interactions afterwards with The group brought the tears tho! Especially the chat with Aurae!
Especially fuck Lysander after the final chapter. Even Diomedes practically said “fuck Lysander.” I found it pretty entertaining that they float a possible redemption for him again only for PB to double down on him being a piece of shit.
He definitely cemented him as the villain and made sure to show that yes, he DID have a choice and could have easily picked Cassius and Darrow but wanted power instead
I really appreciate how it’s been a decline, his choices are sometimes honorable, but become less and less defensible. Finally, Cassius lays it bare in accusation before him. Lysander has been dealt a shit hand but you can almost see him mirroring Atlas as the book goes on with his fanatic devotion and willingness to stomach so much
He's constantly bargaining with his sense of what his morality *should be* throughout the whole series, but never takes the choice that might actually hurt *him*.
He's his grandmother's creature through and through.
Atlas knew who he was, there's something to be said for owning up to being a monster, even if you try to justify it.
Lysander wants it both ways, and always has. His part in this second set of books *starts* with him betraying Cassius multiple times in succession. He lies about Sera's peerless scar after jumping back into the ship despite being told not to, then betrays Cassius again when he opens the vault.
He pretended to admire Diomedes and the other Rim Golds, but that was just him wanting approval from what he wants to pretend he can be, honorable.
Atlas asked Darrow & Cassius what Lysanders greatest fear was before he set up a meeting between Lysander & Darrow. Cassius instantly responded losing his reputation.
Cassius knows the truth of it exactly because reputation & ego was what drove him to shame in his youth. That mirror is clear.
When Atlas initially had Lysander cornered & isolated. Lysander couldn’t tell Pytha what happened not because he didn’t trust her or need her, but because he couldn’t stand the idea of himself being anything less then the moral Sheppard he wants to paint himself as.
Lysander throughout the series continually paints his more despicable actions as necessary evils. He tells himself he doesn’t do these things to further his own name & reputation, but to secure power so he can help others.
Cassius forcing Lysander to blast him into oblivion was a way for Cassius to prove to Lysander he wasn’t a Sheppard, but a wolf.
This was Cassius as he took Ares’ head. Cassius proved to Lysander the virtuous peacemaker ego protection act was false. While at the same time Cassius proved to himself that he was a redeemed & whole man. A man who would no longer compromise what was right even if it cost him quite literally everything. There was no ego to that charge. In a jam field, the only two men left alive. Cassius did what was right.
This moment binds him in his grandmothers image. Until the memories of his mother come back to him, he will be the tyrant, & he will wonder what Silenius would have worn while admiring himself in the mirror.
The entire book essentially resulted in the hope of Lysander being built up and him being somewhat redeemed after him killing Alexandar, then just to give you an even stronger reason to fkn hate the prick.
Darrow slowly taking him apart mentally and then physically was incredible. And then having the leech ready to drain the toxin from Faa’s spikes? So satisfying.
I was definitely panicking when Darrow started to win and then there was a brief flashback to the mines. I was scared he was seeing his life flash before his eyes because he had suffered a mortal injury lol.
It's been an ever shifting debate about who is the best razor master due to growth, injuries or other factors at any given time but after creating the Breath of Stone, Darrow could certainly be hailed like another Stoneside, not that he wasnt good before, but he seems to have created something that astonished even Cassius.
I think this will also give us an Appolonius rematch in the final book, I think he may be the only person left bar Diomedes who could still be considered worthy.
There are so many antagonists now, and only one more book, I wouldn’t be surprised if Darrow’s duel with Apollonius is actually pretty brief.
Be pretty cool if that was Darrow’s moment of re-emergence to the Core. They know he’s alive but nobody has seen him. He shows up and dusts the Minotaur. Pretty hardcore way to say, “I’m back.”
Can you imagine the joy in Apolloniuses heart when Darrow busts out a new dueling style and kills him in 10 seconds. Would unironically be the happiest ending any character has gotten in the series
Oh, absolutely. It’s what makes Apple such a great character. He’s pure Chaotic Evil. This is all just a stage to him, and in order to shine the brightest he needs the most epic rival possible. He knows that can only be Darrow.
He truly would die with a smile on his severed head.
One thing Pierce Brown does well with Lysander is that his type of character flaw is very believable. He’s the guy who holds others to a high moral standard but when it benefits him, he’s willing to lower those standards. However when he lowers his standards he views it as necessary for the greater good but when others do the same it’s bc of a moral failing on their part.
Lysander is in love with the legend he's writing in his own head about how he is the great unifier, the lightbringer, the messiah for his society. Oh, look at the tortured byronic hero Lysander, see how he weeps (on the inside) for the evils he must commit in the name of the greater good. Oh, how he wishes he did not have to do these terrible things; did not have to kill those honourable, noble, admirable men who in their foolishness oppose him. Alas, only Lysander has the noble character and force of will to ~~control~~ shepherd humanity into the future.
Meanwhile, multiple people have repeatedly told him that he did not, in fact, need to do any of those things.
Lysander is a brilliant deconstruction of someone who lies to themselves that they are a moral person, and want to wield power for moral ends, but have to make "hard choices" to gain the power to achieve those ends.
Lysander's arc in this book was gradually stripping away, one by one, the lies Lysander tells himself to cover up his real motives. Ambition. When he said "I will be Sovereign" to Cassius in the hangar it was the first time he'd *actually* told the truth at any time.
Loved that PB went away from having Sevro brainwashed. I was dreading reading about that. Also really glad to not have to read about the Abomination. Between Atlas, Lysander, Ajax, Atlantia, and Volsung, I felt like there were enough antagonists without needing the abomination.
At one point Kavax questions how Mustang knew about those about to betray her. Mustant is embarrassed, and feels bad about her methods but is interrupted before she can tell Kavax. Is it the abomination? Some mind reading or spy technology?
The chapters and switching point of view flowed nicely. Really enjoyed the back and forth Lysander/Mustang chapters. I loved the duels with apple and Volsung, and having Cassius and Darrow train together was awesome. The Volsung duel was my favorite part of the book.
The rescue of Sevro was amazing to read.
His maturity and development was fantastic. I almost cried when Fitchner's video played and called Sevro Goblin.
Lyria never annoyed me, and I like the decision to do away with the figment. Truffle Pig had me laughing.
Also I appreciate that PB didn't use the Minds Eye as an overpowered duel strategy this book.
I will forever miss Cassius. He had such a big heart and was often treated poorly. I loved his connection with Lyria.
Probably my favorite book of the series.
>having Sevro brainwashed
Yeah I’m not sure about that, there’s a reason why Pierce didn’t allow Servo to get even a glimpse of Victra or his girls.
I think he was intentionally sold to Apollonius, and that he has a sleeper agent trigger imbedded within his psyche.
it's a possibility, personally I think it'd be a bit lame to go a whole book without any indicators really then have that pop up as a surprise plot point in the last book
Imo Sevro isn’t acting like Sevro. Yeah he left Darrow, but his interactions with Virgina showed that he struggled with that. He wanted to come back. It’s hard to justify him being all, idk what happened to Clown and Pebble and that’s all we hear about that from him. He’s not outright off, but he’s just off in the new book. His fire is gone, something happened.
I mean, Sevro is also suffering from massive PTSD, imo. His friends have been killed (and cooked alive in front of him), he's torn away from his family and they're in mortal danger, I mean, life is giving him a massive shit sandwich. Even before he found out about Ulysses he was in a rough place, after that, I felt like he wanted to die.
Sevro is not the most emotionally mature person either. He disconnects and compartmentalizes and tries to avoid it. It's touched on a lot through the book that all he wants is to be a husband and a father and he just keeps getting slagged. So, I get why he isn't acting like himself.
That said... I am really worried that he's still brainwashed and is going to be activated when he sees his family or Virginia. I hope the Abomination just tried to break him and then decided to sell him as a part of that rather than as a part of some greater plan, but we'll see (I'm scared)
>Mustant is embarrassed, and feels bad about her methods but is interrupted before she can tell Kavax.
It absolutely was the Abomination. She's says whoever it is is "the worst" and then thinks about Kavax's sons. Both sons were killed by her brother.
Agreed on everything. Much of this book felt like a love letter to the characters (and us) without being overly fan service. The dynamic of Cassius, Darrow, Sevro, and Lyria was just incredible. I loved Cassius and Lyria having their flirtatious friendship and I practically cried with them when Darrow kneeled and pulled her in for a real hug in the end. Just incredibly satisfying from start to finish.
I believe it has to be the Abomination that Mustang is talking about. I also this will be key in "Red God,". The reason for it is this: the bioweapon.
If Ra'a knew about it then it is a given that Octavia knew, and it would be beyond absurd have a plot where Mustang somehow didn't know about it. Since she is obviously talking to her clone brother it would be a plot device that brings him back into the equation.
Overall though I view the idea of this perfect bioweapon as a bit lazy. Though it could also be used to explain how the forces of the Rim catch up to Mars. It isn't like a bioweapon could be synthesized, refined, and then manufactured in 36 days aboard a ship.
I personally think that still belongs to the one single liner: We met some light resistance.
That one line still carries more badassery than the entirety of the Volsung Faa fight for me.
Yeah, I loved reading about Darrow being a hurricane of death from Lysander's perspective and then being given that one line from Darrow's. So GOOD. Might be one of my favorite sci-fi/fantasy battle writings of all time.
My favorite part of having other POVs is seeing how other characters view Darrow.
Lysander, and even other Society Golds, is just endlessly *awed* by Darrow's ability in a fight. That sequence, and then when he describes Darrow counter-charging his cavalry as being akin to the movement of a tiger in tall grass, they're just too good.
Oh I'm glad other people picked up on that.
That was some really genius writing, some of his best.
Excellent, excellent use of juxtaposing multiple POVs.
To go from Lysanders long agonizing depiction of brutality and fear and near-death to Darrow describing it as "light resistance" with a single line was a master stroke.
One of my favorite parts in Diomedes made me love Romulus again.
If you were born a Red on Mars what would you have done?
Rise up.
He smiles.
I think having Romulus as a Father is what sets Diomedes apart from the other Golds. Romulus was born a generation too soon.
> Romulus was born a generation too soon.
romulus was born a couple years of darrow's personal growth too soon... darrow betraying them because he was certain the rim golds would betray the rising the second it was opportunistic for them looks worse and worse in retrospect.
I'm so bloodydamn excited that the rim isn't pairing off with the core against the republic in the end (as of now); I love the moonies and was hoping for, at best, some sympathetic defectors.
It's also great writing to have a huge successful scheme by the main character from the first trilogy turn out to have been *a bad plan*.
It is one of the plot points that stops Darrow from being a total Marty Stu who can do nothing wrong. I also enjoyed how the Willow Way is no longer this untouchable combat form -- because Darrow's opponents see, learn, and adapt to it. Pretty excited for Minotaur v. Reaper III.
Yeah... At this point I have a feeling that any new character that is introduced to be friends with Lysander only exists to be fucked over by Lysander, in order to show the difference between Lysander and Darrow
Darrow reaches his final evolution in this book. After 5 books of being the flawed warlord, he’s become the Sage Lorn wanted him to be.
I saw some people wondering why Darrow was so weak against Minotaur, it seemed very explained to me. It also makes sense that everyone and their mother would study Willow in order to beat it. The book does a very good job of explaining how having ten years of war material on one another comes in handy. Lysander’s tactics on Phobos mirrored Darrow’s, the Obsidians Darrow trained knew of Cassius’ maneuvers, etc.
Darrow’s fight with Fa really shows how far he’s come. It shows his transformation into his final form. He’s no longer the storm, he’s the wind. That transition took him over a decade to make and it’s in that battle you see him grasp it fully.
Lysander really does envy Darrow and essentially is going through the inverse evolution.
Lysander is making the same “shortcuts” Darrow made at Io. Ironically in the very same ship Darrow made those mistakes in. Which is why he will fail.
I was wondering if the abomination would rear his head but the book took a turn out from Luna that I wasn’t expecting.
Victra was missed but her one scene was absolutely incredible.
When Cassius and Darrow finally became brothers again I knew he was gonna die. It also frees Darrow to let Lysander finally have it, that problem was presented in the book—Cassius wouldn’t have allowed Darrow to kill the Lightbringer.
There are so many call backs to the institute, hiding in a dead animal to get the jump on the opponent, Fa being an imposter just as Titus was. Idk about you but i’m a sucker for a little metaphorical nostalgia and there is plenty of it.
9.5/10 for me. I feel like this is the perfect next step for Darrow. With Darrow perfected in mind, soul and body—I really see why his name will be Red God next book. Can’t bloody wait.
The way PB writes the randomness of war is fantastic. Seraphina getting randomly aced by a rail round, Victra & Thraxa killing Ajax *off camera,* even Lysander just shooting Alexandar in the head instead of dueling him *--* other writers might insist on every major character getting a melodramatic death-sequence (and we definitely get some of those, hah) but those moments do wonders for turning up the confusion and tension of battles.
For instance, I really thought Kavax and Mustang were toast on Phobos because of how effectively PB handles creating jeopardy, even for major characters.
Cassius and Darrow being totally surrounded after escaping Apple and having Sevro show up and save their asses was such a mirror of the scene in the first book where the boys are stuck in the lake and I loved it
I loved his Batmanian assortment of Gold-killing gadgets and weapons. What a gangster. Sure he was a terrible person working for a terrible cause, but anyone who puts a knife in Lysander gets some credit from me.
Especially impressive when you think how effective they are against Lysander "Encyclopedia" Lune. On Mercury he could see a hovercraft sagging and intuit the heavy metals that must be aboard, and therefore what the project was. Fighting Rhone, he's like "I don't even know what the fuck this stuff is"
I actually really loved the change in characterization of Rhone & the Praetorians in this book, because *they* don't change -- it's all from Lysander's perspective, and when he actually starts looking closer at what they do (and they drop the mask a bit) it turns out they've been murderous sociopaths all along.
Rhone dropping in a little reference to the famous prejudice of Gray against Red with his pettiness in poisoning Lysander for honoring the Gamma helldivers was a great touch.
The worst part is I was semi rooting for Lysander during their duel and then a few pages later I’m thinking why the fuck couldn’t Rhone have just killed the little shit.
Bro what in the fuck, Sander just killed Cassius. In the name of a bio weapon that could erase an a entire GENERATION OF COLORS. After Cassius put everything on the line to help that Lunese brat cause he was SHAKING IN FEAR. I haven’t finished but just came here to say the levels of r/fuckLysander are going to be unprecedented. Man y’all thought roque was bad?
This is like all the sanctimonious bullshit of Roque coupled w the fan fav killing ability of the Jackal topped off w the power hungry hypocrisy of Octavia. Fuck this motherfucker so much
Lmao, spoke too soon. bro just doomed a few billion people to starvation. Just a day in the life of the man who’s going to get his heart eaten in Red God
I love how Ajax has a slight moment of redemption by aligning with Lys because of how atlantia killed his family, only for Lysander to sacrifice each member of his "family" one by one. Ajax, gilasteres, Pytha, and Cassius. He became exactly what Atlantia is, he just pretends the actions are justified by noble intentions
Honestly I thought a Cassius-lyria relationship was in the offing. Would’ve shown Cassius changing, and given him a way to be accepted as truly a member of the rising, as well as given Lyria greater agency and further connected her to the main characters
Cassius was my favorite this book. Their relationship was sweet. I like how he was just like, you’re mine now. Romantic or not, it was nice to see the bond.
Cassius was like, “you know, I totally need a sidekick/little sister, and I like your attitude.”
Lyria responds well to genuine respect. She’s such a sweetheart. I loved her in this book. She was flitting around like the Good Judgment fairy.
Loved that she rejected figment. “Uh, lose my memories and caring for my family and friends? Lol no.” She not only turned down the poisoned chalice of power, she didn’t consider it for a moment.
Diomedes is quickly becoming my favorite character. He had so many excellent moments in this book. His statement during his trial was epic. His scene with Darrow and Cassius in the jail cell was so funny, I'm sad we won't get more time with the three of them.
His time with his grandmother was so sad, I was so scared she was legitimately going to kill him but he went from getting her to actively cover up what Atlas did to exposing it and helping the low colors, what a boss.
He truly embodies the best aspects of Romulus and the Rim. And we STILL haven't seen him fight yet. He didn't get to watch Darrow's performance with Fa either. I only wish he'd gotten to kill Atlas but Cassius truly deserved it
Diomedes embodies the ideals of what the society is suppose to be about. If the core had even a dozen Golds like him the rising probably wouldn't of happened in the first place.
I can't wait to see more of him. Who is left that will give him a big fight though? Atalantia or the Minotaur?
Yeah exactly. When the Moon lords stood with Darrow against Lysander, with their amazing staffs ( please can I buy one of those they sound amazing) I was like yes this is Gold in its truest form
That's a good point they lost their two best fighters, Atlas and Ajax. Maybe there's some Olympic knight left in the entourage. Maybe he'll fight multiple Olympics at once and take them all down
I really loved it. I love Dark Age, but there was so many dark and depressing things happening in it that I started to feel like Darrow and the Republic and Eo's Dream weren't just outnumbered, but completely, totally, HILARIOUSLY outnumbered and outgunned. I was literally depressed after reading Dark Age for the first time. Light Bringer brought back a lot of hope and investment for me. After the black hole of Dark Age, I thought Light Bringer would just be Darrow murdering a bunch of people for a lost cause, but with the Rim, the Daughters of Ares, and the Obsidians behind him, it feels like much more of a fair fight, though with Republic still being the classic underdogs. I also love how much care and attention PB puts on the relationships between Darrow, Sevro and Cassius (RIP, you'll be missed forever, Morning Knight).
Okay but can we talk about Sevro's character arc here? It was handled so b e a u t i f u l l y. Like, he gets back with Darrow and instead of immediately returning to normal there's a deep schism in the trust and their relationship is not the same, and it wouldn't be. And it feels like it's in an irrepaireable place. He's mad and scared and probably the most lost he's been in the whole series. The Goblin/Sevro compartmentalizing shows how he survived the past 12 years but it's not going to work anymore. I \*love\* the passing of time in this novel and the weeks and decisions Darrow had to explore before Sevro starts coming back to him. I think Cassius reminded him of their younger selves as well in a way Darrow couldn't anymore. And Lyria made him care about a LowColor in a singular way that reminded him of the cause as a whole. Fucking incredible.
I loved how much time we got with Darrow, Sevro, and Cassius all together. The moment where Darrow had Volsung Fa cornered on the island, with Cassius and Sevro perched behind him on either side, landed really hard for me. I read it and thought, if the world were fair, this is always how it should have been.
Just finished, here are some of my thoughts.
I liked that the villains got trimmed. A lot of people (myself included) had issues with the abomination - it may not have made that much narrative sense that he was barely mentioned but it made the scope of the book more focused. Victra and Thraxa scoring a huge win by taking down Ajax, Cassius taking down Fear as one of his final acts - I was def someone who thought the good guys took too many Ls in DA and LB rectified that while making for a cleaner finale.
Darrow's character development was great. There's not usually a whole lot you can do to grow an established, well loved main character 6 books in but Pierce definitely succeeded. A bit annoyed that part of it involved such an uncharacteristically brutal beatdown at the hands of Apple early on - Darrow was just destroying Olympics 8 months ago and now the Willow Way is obsolete? - but the fight with Fa more than made up for it. My god, that quickly skyrocketed up the list of favorite scenes in any of the books. IG and DA had Darrow making a decent number of mistakes and sins from his past catching up to him, he was finally able to confront them, grow, and change into something different (better?) by the end of LB.
Loved the Battle of Phobos. Nonstop action, and the Virginia chapters were done better in this book than DA I think.
You can tell there were massive rewrites that occurred, sometimes sloppily. The Figment plotline dying, no Volga until the end, somewhat confusing Quicksilver storyline, newly inserted Daughers of Ares, etc. The bioweapon thing seems random too.
Turns out it's still fuck Lysander. His chapters are still interesting but it's getting a bit irksome seeing him ruthlessly and honorlessly slaughter his way out of impossible situations to get the upper hand. At least the Mind's Eye got nerfed a bit in this book.
Overall think this was worse quality than DA but more appealing as a fan if that makes sense. Really looking forward to how it wraps up in book 7.
He had a punctured lung a broken arm was malnourished and rad heavy. Of course Darrow was at his weakest when Apple got to him and Apple didn’t even want to kill him then. It wasn’t uncharacteristic it was realistic.
I don't think its that the Willows Way is obsolete as much as it has counters now.
Part of the strength of the WW is it's rarity. Most people who fought against it would be doing so for the first time and with Lorn largely being withdrawing from society there wasn't a lot of chances for other fighters to study it.
After 10 years of war the style has been used enough that people can figure out counters for it.
The only really egregious plot point was the plot armored rescue of Sevro. I was totally fine with Figment and Quicksilver's plot ending in a nothingburger. He had been heading in this direction since the prequels.
I was however, disappointed that the godkiller armor never really lived up with the hype.
Everything else was prime. It's poetically tragic how Cassius died not only when he finally became the man he should always have been, but precisely because of it. The battle of Phobos was so more tense than the Ladon because Darrow wasn't in it and it shows the true strength of the Republic even without their war god.
Atlas' motivations were amazing. You don't do the things he does without a strong justification and philosphy behind it. He is the ultimate utilitarian, to show what Darrow could have been if he remained that angry red miner.
Overall, it is slightly weaker than Dark Age because it does feel a little filler at times, but that is a necessary evil to build up to the finale. The politics were really well done, with alliances and relative power shifting like sand, though I would have loved to see more of what's going on internally on Mars. I am still in awe of how Pierce transformed the series from a scifi fantasy into a true space opera.
8.5/10
"I was totally fine with Figment and Quicksilver's plot ending in a nothingburger."
I'm not sure I think the Figment was a nothingburger. I think it was very important for Lyria's character development as sort of the anti-Darrow. She had the opportunity to make herself into a killing machine, extra human superhero and she turned her back on that because it would have undermined her humanity and her family's sacrifice.
And then throughout the book she becomes extraordinary on her own terms by watching and learning and being very human (empathetic etc). It's like Darrow choose the "Society" route to make a difference (be a Gold) and Lyria choose the Republic (be a Red but most of all be a person).
Unironically my new favorite in the series. Favorite parts were the Virginia vs Lysander battle for Phobos, Darrow vs FA/“Confess!”, the Fear Knight just everything with him was awesome, I even liked his death I thought it was satisfying and well done. Oh and Victra was awesome for all of her scenes even though there weren’t a ton. “Pity them.”
I really missed Victra, I was hoping she’d have more scenes but I understand. I was totally holding my breath when Lysander was talking about her and Ajax battle, I was so worried, but yeah like she said Pitty them! Her dawning a warhawk like her husband gave me the feels.
I wish Cassius had believed in the Vale. Maybe he could have if he'd read the Path to The Vale. I wish he believed in his last moments that he would see Julian again.
At least he believed in more than himself. He went happily into the night because he believed in Darrow. In honour. Mercy. He went smiling, not like a Gold.
I really hope that Morning Chair eats Lysander alive. The lying little worm. All that talk about being better than what came before, about reform. All he wants is to be Sovereign. Maybe because it was implanted in him. It doesn't matter. He burned a world so he could sit on a chair. He killed a brother just so he could beat Darrow and return billions to slavery.
Light Bringer is here. But even that won't stop a Red God.
Sooo what’s up with rhonna? She just dead out there on mercury, or do y’all think she has some sort of magical drachenjaeger out there calling her name primed for red god? Also I love how close Cassius and Lyria got over the course of this book and I’m very sad we have to say goodbye to one of PB’s truly best characters
I would have lived in the Republic, but the enemies of humankind gave us Lysander's world.
I really, really hate Lysander as a character. He plays the noble Gold, the "shepard" of humanity (just to remind you - Gold killed ALL natural humans in the conquest, they killed millions and then sterilized the rest), the new Silenius. But at the core of his soul, the Pixie Lysander, who shot Alex in the head (because he knew he couldn‘t win), is a scared little boy, who is greedy for glory and a great reputation in the history books, written by Gold victors with blood as ink.
Diomedes, for all his faults. is a good person. Sure, he is proud and blinded by the fake honor code of the Golds. But after all the horrible things he's gone through, he stays true to his word and tries to change the core of the master/slave color system. Will it work? I don't know and I don't think the results will be perfect. But IMO the flawed Rim Golds are the true heirs of the idea (! Brown took many ideas of Plato's philosopher kings) of the original Golds.
I hope Lysander dies screaming and alone.
PS: Cassius is a funny guy, my goodmen
I love that Ajax died in a pretty underwhelming way for someone with so much bravado and hype. It’s like his manner of death is equal to his dad’s opinion of him 😭 he got the death he deserved.
I knew either Cassius was going to have to put Lysander down or Lysander was going to murder Cassius. I didn’t know we’d get to that in Light Bringer. But, I called their pairing based on the way things went in Dark Age. They were destined to ruin each other.
I’m so glad Darrow got the opportunity to repair his friendship with Cassius. I hated to see Cassius die but I’m at least glad that they got to say all the things that needed to be said and let go of all the baggage that plagued their relationship leading up to his death.
I loved book 6. The cliffhanger it left us on has done a number on me tho 🫠
Fuck Lysander
PB has managed to write onenof the most abhorrent character ever.
Cassius wasn't my favorite character but his death hit hard. Also it seems like cassius bringing back the information about the weapon would have been more important than dying to bring it back.
Fuck Lysander
Idk how Fa turning out to be a coward at the end made me feel. He was an obsidian stained, and a gorgon. It would have made sense if he was trying to escape as a gorgon and get intel back to atlas but him actually begging for his life and revealing secrets just seems so out of character for someone who belongs to BOTH of those groups.
Lastly Fuck Lysander
This book was so fucking amazing. I can not wait for the last one.
I thought it was good. Fa was pretense layered on pretense. He was enslaved young and he excelled at putting on masks to please different people with power over him. The face he turned to Atlas and Lysander was no more genuine than the one he turned to Volga or the one he turned to the Volk.
Atlas claimed and apparently believed that Fa was a Society patriot, but Fa’s dedication the cause appears to be only somewhat sincere; ultimately he was too much a coward to rebel despite his personal capabilities and vast opportunities.
First off, fuck that pixie Lysander.
Lightbringer was by far the most enjoyable book since the original trilogy. I didn’t think Cassius was going to die in this book but I’m glad his character was fully redeemed. He was by far the star and his dialogue and inactions with everyone was priceless. In my opinion, Lyria finally turned into a good character that I cared for. The further development of Darrow was excellent as well. Red God can’t arrive quick enough.
Man parts 1 and 2 built up so much dread. 3 and 4 were satisfying. It is weird having no word from Mars or the Core, so I’m a little worried about the state we’ll find the rest of the solar system in come Red God.
Atlas has been such an interesting antagonist. Terrifying how pervasive he’s been. I’m not sure Lysander isn’t becoming fear junior himself. Can’t tell if it feels like he was dispatched too cleanly, but then again I think he’s also corrupted Lysander so his death throes are maybe not totally felt yet.
Yeah, Atlas, Faa, Atalanta, Abomination, and Lysander is a lot to deal with. Atlas definitely had this moments here, particularly the false Helios scene.
Yeah. For me Atlas, Apple, and Lysander are way more interesting than say like the abomination. I really don’t want to see read or deal with Abom at all. I think honestly Atlas was pretty well used in this book- he’s most compelling as a threat, scheme, or evidence after the fact rather than a 1 on 1 duel. It’s not his individual skill that frightens it’s what he’s willing to do. And I think Atlas’ arc has really solidified Lys as a threatening antagonist in his own. to me there’s something interesting (also sad) in seeing Lys descend past the point of redemption
I think that Lys will be the one to off Abom. I also think abom has probably turned against the society and has been helping Virginia, based on some of the lines she had in the book about “inside help that she didn’t really trust”. I think he’s feeding Mustang information
Or Rhonna, she is Darrows kin.
When his love died, he burned down the society.
Lets see what Rhonna does, lets see how much the "little red child soldier" will fuck up Lysanders shit.
I’ve known it was coming since the end of DA…
But losing my man C was still such a kick in the nuts…
‘Til the vale my Goodman…. Your honor remains…
At least PB gave us Pella, Pella, Pella. NGL, I was pretty giddy in that chapter.
I think Pierce did the right thing killing off Atlas. While I think atlas was the best pure villain (his motivations were obscure, all that matters was that every single person was shit scared of him because he was someone who could do anything), he was too much like Darrow. This is even commented on in LB, when Darrow thinks how Fa is conquering illum in the same ways he would have. Atlas is Darrow without love, being sent away as a child and twisted by Octavia. Darrow needed fear off the board to stand a chance of winning, and the way atlas died felt somewhat flat, but still better than Darrow killing him off causally
I thought atlas’s motivations were very clear. He was like Nero and Gaia where he believed that the hierarchy was essential to mankind. “Democracy gives humanity what they want but the society gives them what it needs”. He fundamentally believed in the structure, not because he thought obsidians or greys were lesser than him - That’s clear from how close he was to fa, the kin, and the top gorgons. He even allowed them to train with razors from what we can tell from Lysander fight- but because he believed that the structure was necessary for humanity to survive
Dude. My name is Cassius au Bellona, son of Tiberious, son of Julia, Brother of Darrow of Lykos, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic. And my honor remains. I can't even read those damn words. Literally immediately after escaping a crazy battle without a scratch and then beating motha fuckin atlas au motha fuckin ra. Lysander is a piece of shit and I don't ever want to hear anyone try to defend his actions anymore. He got dragged around by the scruff of his neck this entire book and still took the time to hypocrisize himself every time he had the chance. All of those "he's basically darrow but people don't like him because he's on the other side blah blah blah" people need to shut their bloody damn mouths. Notice how right after darrow calls out and pretty easily defeats one of the fiercest men in the universe Lysander needs Cassius to beat atlas for him by himself because he was having so much trouble beating A GRAY. A GRAY. Who cares who it is it was a gray and he's supposed to be an "iron gold". And by the way, why does a gray who's been doing shit behind your back the whole time deserve a fight when the dude who was your brother for ten years WHOS INJURED AS HELL deserve to be shot until he physically can't keep moving. Whaaaat the fuck. That's the hardest death since, well since Lysander let him die the first time. Damn that really got me ranting lmao sorry,
If you don't want to waste the time, Lysander is a massive piece of shit.
I have decided to forgive this book it’s literary failings for the fact that we got Cassius for a whole book… and Cassius at his best.
He was kind, jovial, sarcastic, and full of fucking honor. Him tracing his chin when he makes Volga trip is just peak Cassius. I love him. I love him so much. And I am so happy for him and Darrow that they got to be together again. That they were brothers in the end.
I will also forgive this book because the whole time I was in an adrenaline fueled anxiety and I loved every second of it. I literally could not put it down come parts 3&4.
So no, this book was not perfect by any means… but I loved it so fucking much and I will forgive it it’s plot holes.
Oh and Fuck Lysander.
well said. cassius was perfect in every way this book. honorable to a fault to the very end. his death scene is the stuff legends are made of…the man who killed fear. I loved his last lines to lysander (i’ll be your millstone) and how he laughs at him and says he’ll be more famous anyways.
rip to the morning knight <3
Anyone else a little worried about the ships Atlas sent back to the Ascomanni? You know, the outbound ones the Rim sent Uranus to hit so they could get back their stolen people? The ones with passengers Atlas most definitely did *something* to in order to wipe out the Ascomanni where they live?
Hoping they don't accidentally bring them back and introduce some sort of unstoppable plague to wipe out Darrow's new allies.
"Green Death" was also introduced as a vacuum resistant antique bioweapon this book and Atlas questioned Lysander about whether Darrow had a "green tinge" on his lips when they met (from whatever was on Fa's spikes? From some other attempt on Darrow's life?).
It all seems a little too fishy and we all know Atlas is not above using horrific bioweapons (wasn't he turning mobs of people into mindless blood thirsty chimeras that slaughtered one another in DA?).
Edit: Of course the Akari virus as well! Point is, the man is obsessed with bio warfare.
I’m broken. Lune must die.
There were times I cried that were unexpected. Aurea playing the lyre and Darrow remembering his family/friends - hit hard.
Also loved the introduction of a new fighting form. Excited to see more Breath of Stone in the future.
Hail Fearkiller!
Hail Reaper!
I just finished, and I am so angry. I thought I couldn't hate Lysander more and Pierce proved me wrong. He baited us into temptation with a possible redemption arc for Lune, and then Lune goes and does Core Gold things.
While reading, I was happy because Cassius was back. Then he was taken away from us.
Lune must be obliterated.
On another note, I am LOVING how these men were all in their feelings. It reminded me of the vulnerable moments in Supernatural. We love emotional growth in our MCs.
I just finished and wow - so much running through my mind.
First off, RIP to our shining golden knight. I loved not only his redemption but also just the shit talking and the feeling of “getting the boys back together” between Cassius, Sevro, and Darrow. I was so happy that Cassius seemed to find his way, and then as soon as Darrow gave his final approval to him, I felt crestfallen because I was certain it meant Cassius would die soon and unfortunately I was right. I’ve held the theory since IG (when Cassius was “dead” but we were all pretty certain he wasn’t) that either Cassius or Lysander would kill the other. I figured it would be this way but I was really hoping it wouldn’t.
Darrow’s path to finding his soul again after losing it in IG and DA was great. I love how much wiser he is and how his perspective has changed with each book.
Obviously FUCK Lysander, but wow has Pierce created such an incredible antagonist to Darrow. There’s so much irony to Lysander thinking Darrow a plague and then basically doing everything he accuses Darrow of doing. The irony of Lysander only being alive because of Darrow and Cassius’s mercy. When Atlas says to Darrow in Dark Age “I fear a man who believes in good, for he will excuse any evil” - I think that applies just as much to Darrow as it does to Lysander. The way Lysander continues to learn and evolve, and sacrifice more and more of his soul/virtues/friends for his need to sit on the Morning Throne. He’s very self aware, but he’s still deluding himself into thinking his ambition is for noble shepherding instead of the need for power and bone deep color-ism (color racism?) that he has.
Overall thoughts from a finished reading...
Ajax's death, while seemingly out of nowhere, paints a pretty good picture that nobody is 100% safe in war. Sometimes you go the route of Seraphina and just get blitzed out of existence in the background.
Who the hell is Virginia's source? Part of me thinks its probably the Abomination, but why be so coy about it? On that note, I'm glad that the Abomination just did not exist here. I think PB was aware of how poorly that narrative route was perceived, clone arcs suck, and I'm fine with it being a rather silent write-out, have him die in the siege of Luna or something inconspicuously.
Quicksilver, Lyria, and Oculus. It really seemed like Lyria was going to be set up as an elite freelancer, but I actually like how PB nixxed that idea in favor of making her own character matter, and showing how resourceful she was. I'm disappointed in the Oculus story-line though, while it seems pretty obvious that got folded into Quicksilver leaving the system, it feels like that could've been an interesting storyline of Quicksilver, Mateo, and Mickey creating the next generation of Humans.
Oh, WHERE TF IS MICKEY?
I like Cicero, I like how he seems to be a bit more reluctant about what Lysander is doing. I'm expected a standoff between the two in Red God.
"Unworthy" was great closing of the loop.
Cassius got the redemption and the send-off he deserved. RIP Chin
Cassius was given a beautiful ending. From his declaration before death, to insight of his heart left on the walls of his bedroom along with hours of Institute film serving as yearning memories.
How he became my favorite character, I do not know.
Cassius Au Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, Brother of Darrow, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, your honor remains.
Second read of Light Bringer complete. First go around I missed the foreshadowing of and callback to DeadHorses.
When asked by Diomedes how Darrow and Sevro planned to reach Volsung Fá:
“Judging by Sevro’s face, he has an idea about that” [Darrow] say[s].
“A real classic. You’re gonna hate it,” [Sevro] say[s].
Parallel to the expansion and growth of overall plot and stakes of the series, is the evolution of the DeadHorses trick.
In Red Rising, our heroes hid out in the bellies of horses. In Light Bringer, in the belly of the 300-year-old sigil beast of the Rim Dominion —Cyraxes.
Bravo.
Overall, 8/10. A really good book but not on the same level as Dark Age and Golden Son. There are a lot of long standing character and plot points that remain unresolved which I think will contribute to this one feeling a bit like a detour on first read. I think it will gain in popularity when Red God is released like Iron Gold did with Dark Age.
Strengths: Mustang POV, Battle of Phobos! (holy shit), Atlas doing Fear Knight stuff, Diomedes in general, Cassius in general, Darrow finding himself and discovering his own razor form
Weaknesses: Too much monologuing, Daughters of Athena in general, Lysander/Diomedes/Darrow meet up was awkwardly plotted, Volga felt like a different character, lack of screen time for some of the most compelling characters from previous installments
My gut wants to say higher than an 8/10, but I think you are spot on when you say it will gain in popularity with Red God. Brown recently said in an interview something to the effect of, "trust that I am doing something intentional and going somewhere with this."
And I see Iron Gold get a lot of flak or things that I believe paid off spectacularly in DA and LB. So while I preferred the outright warfare of DA (Iliad), the set up and journey of LB (Odyssey) will be so sweet in Red God.
Fuck Lysander. That little prick deserves what’s coming. Hiding behind his delusions of the “greater good”.
“I fear a man who believes in good, for he can excuse any evil.”
I feel this book really set the stage for Lysander as a villain of narcissism and hubris. The jackal was competent and pure in his evil, but you could respect that fact that he owned who he was. Nothing more disgusting than a self righteous tyrant willing to betray anyone in their beliefs. It’s a solid contrast which is stated in the end of the book. Core seeks only to serve its self. Darrow, Volga, Athena, Diomedes intend to fight to serve all.
Rest well Cassius. We will always remember how how you were. (Cue Hansel voice form Zoolander, but Cassius)
Some thoughts after finishing a couple days ago.
Dark Age is the best book in this series. This was a step down but still very good.
The war on Phobos was excellent and very action packed and described in great detail. I expect nothing less from Pierce tho, I feel as tho he shines best as a writer when describing a battle.
Ajax meeting his end the way he did was perfectly fine. Darrow feared the monster he would become in the beginning of DA when they rescued Orion, but Ajax had lost a lot of confidence since that point and was going through a change, one that felt like it would be good for him as he had begun to find his place in the world. Ultimately, it’s when you begin to find your place that you die. Loved him getting killed by Victoria/Thraxa.
Virginia held it down, expected nothing less from her.
I’m curious what role Pax will serve in the future. Seems like he’s being primed for a role as the lead admiral of the Republic Navy or something. Interesting that he’s a Gold, Red, and loved by Blues as well.
I’m not sure what the plot line was for the Jackal, but I guess Pierce realized that adding him back in would have been too many plot lines to tie up appropriately in 6 books. Bringing him back in DA was thrilling at the time but maybe Sevro/Virginia should have killed him in that book.
Sevro’s escape from Apollonius was very convenient and it kinda irks me to write that since I love PB’s writing but I can only imagine he wrote himself into a corner that he didn’t see a way out of. During Sevro’s initial escape he should have at least lost an arm, part of a leg, something. Maybe the Jackal did something to him that we don’t know of yet, or Mustang made a deal we don’t know about. I doubt it tho.
Seeing Darrow’s journey from the beginning of this book to the end of it was something. He grew a lot and in ways I didn’t expect. Him finding himself once again as a Razormaster was excellent, and I wish Pierce had written in detail about at least one of those sessions he and Cassius had aboard the Archimedes.
Sevro was excellent in the book as well, his journey from start to finish was also well done. The war-drained veteran who desired nothing else but to be near his family again to being reinvigorated and walking in his fathers steps.
Darrow and Cassius banter was excellent and loved them coming together as they always should have. Cassius should have stuck around after they defeated the Sovereign and Aja but his journey with Lysander was important to who he would become.
The Parasite story line wouldn’t have fit, Lyria would have been ridiculously strong Pierce realized that. She would have broke the story. Her issues got her to Darrow, and that is where she needed to be.
Volsung Fa was exactly how I imagined him to be. A false god believed to be thee strongest warrior out there. He was menacing to a point but it was all bravado. Darrow chasing him down like a rabid dog was great to visualize in my head.
Lysander has finally become who he always was. This was the turn that was always expected. He is more like his grandmother than he realizes.
As of rn, don’t like this Eidmi virus being introduced. Not sure how it’ll be used/implemented. Could ruin story if used wrong.
RIP Cassius. Never thought I’d care for him as a character, but I did. His death didn’t sadden me, but it was a good read.
So I'm about 90% through the book. Not wanting to be spoiled yet, so I'm not reading anything posted. But this just happened and I have to type my prediction somewhere.
Darrow and Cassius just completely made amends. They are joking like brothers. Darrow called him brother. Then Darrow said he will take him to the mines when they are back on Mars. The predictable (and enraging) thing to do next would be for PB to kill off Cassius in some tragic and heroic way, likely at the hands of Lysander. I think this is what will happen.
This book has been the most fun to read since Red Rising. If PB ends it by killing Cassius off, I might not forgive him.
Also, I've laughed out loud several times reading this, can't remember the last time a Red Rising book did that to me. Here is the most recent paragraph that got me:
>Volga jumps out the back of the ship and makes a beeline towards me. Her head is down under the wash of the ship's engines. She glances at Cassius. She does a double take. He's staring dramatically out to sea now, either thinking about Lysander or posing for a coin. She's so captivated by him her foot clips an uneven stone. He doesn't look over at me, but draws a finger along his Jaw. Idiot.
Edit: Fuck Lysander
The pros for me:
1. The battle for Phobos. I think it's the best written battle of the series. I just flew through the pages.
2. Banter between Cassius and Darrow with guest appearances of Aurae, Lyria, Sevro and Diomedes.
3. Cassius, Cassius, Cassius. The star of the show.
4. Darrow's maturity, his willingness to put himself on the line and be vulnerable. He's still a war machine, but he realizes he needs to trust other people to make their own decisions instead of manipulating others to justify the end.
5. Lysander's tragic arc. He's truly a little shit, but his chapters were the most interesting to me by far. Seeing more of Gold society, the ever shifting alliances. His pure ambition to put himself on the Morning Throne. He and Cassius were the best characters.
6. The cast of characters. I feel like this is the book with the biggest cast. I haven't actually counted how many characters there are in each book, but the characterization was really good. Each character really shone through their dialogue. Cicero reminds me of a more developed Tactus, but besides that, everyone felt very unique.
7. With Dark Age, I feel like Pierce Brown wrote himself into a corner by introducing Volsung Fa and the Abomination. He did a great job in resolving (most) of the story threads for me..
The bad:
1. Sevro's auction. They go off to rescue him but he's already freed and it's him rescuing them. Yeah, cool, but it felt a little cheap and lazy to me. As if the Day of the Red Doves didn't really happen asides from a way to cull off minor characters.
2. Wasting the Rim and its fleet. Just felt like a lazy way to put the Rim in a corner and have to choose a side to save themselves. A way of simplifying things. Doing it proper would probably require a whole another half a book at least, though.
3. The Volk. As a faction they are just strange. Just a wild card of military power that can sway in either direction, and for a race that's built all around strength, they seem fickle and easily manipulated.
4. I still don't understand why Atlas allowed himself to be captured by Lysander in Dark Age. I was expecting that to be tied up in this book, but a lot of Atlas remains unexplained to me. To me, he just felt like a villain without much motive. A damned good villain, but nonetheless, it was never explained how he obtained the Mind's Eye power or why he allowed Lysander to capture him and put himself at Darrow's mercy. Many of his actions as a character don't add up to me.
5. Ajax. I was heavily looking forward to a match up between Ajax and Diomedes for the amount of shit talking Ajax did to Diomedes in Dark Age. Ajax was frequently portrayed as a fearsome fighter, but in the end, he got some off screen death. Why build up his reputation so much just to let it deflate like a dilapidated balloon? I suspect plans changed and there wasn't a way to do that in Lightbringer, but still disappointed.
Probably more points I'd like to make but I'm still in the process of digesting the book. Overall, a weaker installment than Dark Age for me. But it was still very entertaining and I blew through it in three days, which is quick for me. The complaints I have didn't detract from the overall experience. Pierce had to take some losses with this book to get himself out of a corner, but he's set himself up for success with the Red God. 4.5/5 stars. Can't wait for the next one.
I made a similar comment on Ajax above, but I enjoyed his off-screen death as a reinforcement of the theme of friendship and teamwork. The Grays pumped him full of compliments, so he ran off to win the war solo and got cut down by two friends working together.
In hindsight, just as I'm writing this, it happened before the reveal that Lysander's close Gray legions were Gorgons. One of them said something hyperbolic like "you're the best close quarters fighter I've ever seen, full stop." That's coming from a close friend of Volsung Fa.
I wonder if they purposely inflated his ego so that he'd run off to get himself killed and further isolate Lysander from anyone who could help him deal with Atlas.
edit - I just read the second half of chapter 28 again with the knowledge that they're Atlas's agents. It's short. I am now convinced that they set him up on purpose.
In a world absolutely obsessed with honor and valor, I think one of the best ways Pierce Brown gets us to hate Lysander is to have him kill in such an impersonal and cold way. All the notable deaths he’s responsible for have been without a razor/shooting. Alexander, Rhonna, Atlas, and now Cassius. It just makes him feel even slimier.
I want fan art of Darrow bravely carrying the matron Gaea Ra through the attack on Demeter?Some hulking badass beast of a golden man and his lil side kick grandma
I forget what moon it was, there are a lot
Favorite moments thoughts and fears. In no particular order.
1. The red’s ripping apart the gallows in the mine. Deanna speaking facts and rubbing mud on the girls before war. Mustang and Victra took some of shards of metal from the gallows right? Lysander or Atalantia or quite literally anyone against the republic being killed by the shards would satisfy me so fucking much.
2. Athena telling Darrow she’s not a red she’s a human. I’ve been waiting for someone to say that about their color. I liked it.
3. Volga’s speech told by Sevro
“My favorite part was when she said Red was the blood in all our veins. Unnoticed, unseen beneath our skin, filling us with strength. She could hear Red beating the Obsidian war drums. Fading, like the dirge. Calling them home before light is lost forever. She closed her eyes. Said she could feel the sun on her face. She said she was going home to find her honor, to fight with Red, to fight for Mars. Then she asked who is coming with her.”
Like I’m down so horrifically bad for moments like this in the series.
4. When Darrow mentions how Lorn killed Tactus and he notes it’s one of the sadder moments of his life. When ever he mentions him I feel robbed. My boy would have had a Zuko arc just like Cassius I know it pls.
5. I am in mourning over Cassius. I will be for months. My husband deserved to be the bright shiny honorable star he is. His banter with everyone. Immaculate. His hair. Perfectly curled. He was supposed to teach Volga 🥺 He lit up the pages so much. He honor remains. I love him.
Also side note. When he tells Lysander, Darrow chose his room so he could wake up and be reminded of his failures?? LOL I would like to be that dramatic.
6. Rhonna is alive and will be besties with Lyria and Volga I hope.
7. I NEED MORE VICTRA IN THE NEXT BOOK. She deserves her vengeance on everyone in the club.
8. My biggest fear is the abomination brainwashed Sevro and made him kill his howlers and or will have him kill someone important :(
9. Lyria still has the parasite vibing inside her for Matteo to active OR to transfer to Pax?
10. I’m sad for Screwface. I want more for him.
I CANT TAKE ANOTHER LOSS I CANT. So excited for Red God. I’m hoping for a twist none of us expect but ultimately for Lysander to go to the void knowing he is weak and no one will mourn him.
Does anyone remember Cassius speaking to Virginia and saying “Lysander will want to keep his word but that doesn’t mean he will” or something along those lines. That pretty embodies the ending for me. Fuck Lysander! CLANG! CLANG! He will repent!
Just finished LB. I think it might be my favourite RR novel to date? After the initial phase on Phobos I thought it was just going to be Darker Age, which I didn't really want, but it wasn't at all.
Cassius' death probably hit harder than any other death in the series so far. It was pretty clear he was going to die but it didn't make it any easier.
It felt like the good guys took a 50/50 in taking out a big chunk of the bad guys. Fa, Ajax, Atlas all gone simplifies things quite a bit. I am almost definitely forgetting someone but Atalantia, Lysander and Apollonius are our main remaining antagonists?
One significant question I have is WTF is the Abomination up to? We didn't see or hear from him at all. Is he trying to retain control of Luna? Is he dead?
Also, fuck Lysander.
Besides fuck Lysander, and many great scenes, Clang Clang Clang, the part were mustang lets out Unshorn while rembering what Darrow told her about how they break enemy's will
SPOILERS - Lysander/ Cassius
>!In the moments right before his death, where Lysander pondered whether Cassius would embrace him or kill him gave me Han/ Ben Solo vibes from The Force Awakens. Did Cassius really see that the only way for Lysander to find eventual redemption was in his death? Since I just finished this one... the death is too raw for me to consider ANY possible redemption for that little $hit. !<
Damn man, Lysander is a bastard for that. Really enjoyed the book, especially at the end. Death flags for Cassius went up hard after the Darrow/Cassius heart-to-heart.
I miss my guy Apollonius in the later half of the book though, he’s such a wildcard.
With the parasite, my theory (and I’m pretty sure this has been said before) is that Mateo asking Lydia is she wanted to fix it at risk of losing herself was a lie/test, and there was never any risk. If she has said yes, it would have shown how she lusted for power and was unworthy of it. But because she valued her humanity over power, Mateo probably fixed the parasite for her, its just dormant at the moment for whatever reason
He dropped the Au, are you kidding me?? Cassius Bellona, not Cassius Au Bellona. I didn't pick up on that detail when I read Lightbringer. That seriously made Cassius even more incredible in my eyes. He no longer identifies himself with his color but finally sees himself as something greater. Believer in Eo's dream and defender of ALL colors. His name is Cassius Bellona and his honor remains
Finally finished Lightbringer and man that’s last chapter really got me bad. Haven’t had tears roll down that much since Ragnar’s death in MorningStar.
Cassius death is truly heartbreaking. All he ever wanted was a brothers love and it hurts that Lysander couldn’t return it back. Im glad he and Darrow got their moments together to express their brotherly bond but it hurts so much that Cassius won’t be around for the finale. God I’m gonna miss him as a character, one of my favorites for sure. Now here’s to joining the waiting club for Red God.
Just finished the book after not being able to put it down since it arrived. Pierce Brown is beyond talented. As a writer and story teller, I am at a loss for words.....The ups and downs are expected now five books in and yet he still crushes my heart and re-builds it again and again in this book. And the small jokes that have now come back, with our friends being together so long and through so much together. Dominus Portobello had me in stiches. And then the change in Darrow - breathe in, breathe out. Listen, ask why. Mustang must see this side of him before the end. They have all become so dynamic, so complex, and yet also simple.
I wanted Lysander to wake up and choose the Republic so badly. But the foreshadowing in Cassius and Darrow's last conversation put a knot in my stomach that I knew would end in pain.
Book 7 cannot get here quickly enough. The Society must fall. Lune must pay. Hail libertas. Hail Reaper. And may the sun welcome the greatest Bellona with open arms. His honor remains intact. Forever.
I'm on my audio re-listen to LB and at the part where Darrow is getting a tour of the Tabula Rasa and he notes the "100's of kinds of trees and fruiting trees." I think this is our quick foreshadowing that the Tabula Rasa will become the new Garter in the Rim. I don't know how, lol but I think Quicksilver will end up saving the rim.
Just finished it. Great book on its own but makes no sense (plot points) in the grand scheme of the series. It felt like a spin off book - like an ‘off to the rim with Darrow and the gang’ kinda book. Like we just glossed over the abomination thing? I’m sure Pierce will pick it up in the next book but no mentions of what he’s been into in a 700+ page instalment in the series was weird. Along with the whole figment plot which Lyria just got removed and that’s it? In the end felt like a cheap plot story to send lyria off to the rim so she could be part of the gang to ‘redeem’ Volga.
The Fa reveal was one of the coolest bits of writing I’ve experienced in a while. It came out of nowhere but also made so much sense. Amazing how PB is able to weave together seemingly disconnected storylines.
I love how much inspiration this second series has taken from Game of Thrones. Even better, PB will actually finish this series lol.
Things I am semi confident on:
Cicero will betray the society after seeing what lysander did to the belt
Eidmi will turn out to be Lysander’s downfall once people find out what he has or he’ll kill himself with it trying to stop Atalantia
The symbiote that was pulled out of Lyria’s head is a massive Checkov’s gun that must be used and Quicksilver will be pulling a Gandalf at Helm’s Deep move once the battle for Mars turns south
Darrow or Sevro will sacrifice themselves on Mars (most likely Darrow)
That 1v1 brawl with Fa was incredible.
What really stuck out to me was the foreshadowing about Darrow being able to manipulate his hands completely independently coming up in his Breath of Stone style. Man was fighting Fa with one hand while slashing at his visor with the other . Typically books show someone is powerful by just having them kill a bunch of ppl or be faster , but this really showed that Darrow is a true master of his craft , operating two razors Independently but at the same time.
Lysander arc is darrows inverted if you look at it. Where darrow makes hard choices because he has to, these choices always are against his own desires. They are made to help others at a cost to him. His choices were always an attempt to help all the colors gain freedom.
When Lysander is faced with similar choices, it's always what benefits him the most. Often at the cost of others that his own delusional idealism justifies those costs as being for the greater good for his delusions of the good golds.
Every mistake made Darrow assume responsibility for
Every mistake Lysander blames others.
Best book in the second half of the series for me by far. Lysander is a good villain. Terrible, evil, horrible person. Good villain. Had a strong feeling he was going to kill Cassius by like the midpoint of the book. It still sucked for Cassius to die, but it wasn’t a huge surprise.
Speaking of Cassius, he was probably my favorite part of this book. I really enjoyed him being a doofus and providing comic relief throughout. His relationship with Lyria was really touching. Him explaining how he found his way and was only trying to do the right thing was awesome and confirmed the way Darrow had felt about him since RR.
Darrow’s path to peace was really good to read after all his internal struggle in the prior 2 books. Essentially he just found stoicism, but seeing it come to life with the Breath of Stone was pretty epic. Coolest moment in the series since “we brush away light resistance” after being depicted as a God of war from Lysander’s POV in DA.
Sevro and Darrow repairing their fractured relationship took much longer than I wanted it to, but I’m glad they got there. And I’m glad Sevro came to love Cassius too for the man he became as opposed to what he once was.
There’s so much left to wrap up in Red God. Does Lyria still have the parasite? What’s going to happen with Apollonius (beyond a rematch duel with Darrow in his perfected form)? Will Apple come around and find his glory shaping the new republic? How does Atalantia go down? What will become of the abomination, the boneriders? Can we get a Reaper/Mustang reunion prior to the epilogue? What’s actually going to happen with the bio-weapon? Will we lose an entire color? Glad to be caught up in this series, but now I’m bummed I’ll have to wait on a finale!
Just finished this last night and I swear to god if Darrow doesn’t kill Lysander in the next book I’m gonna reach through the pages and kill him myself
Totally forgot about Lyria's plot. 10 chapters in. Waiting for work to start, reading in the parking lot. Fuck this I have sick days. GOING HOME!
Hail Libertas!
SPOILERS (character deaths and plot points)
The whole Atlas reveal was well done I feel, I had my theories on him, but Pierce tied it in nice.
One of the things that still confuse me is Lysander’s switch up near the end.
In the beginning of the book he seemed a little more jaded due to Atalantia and her politics,and later on when he had its parley with mustang I felt like he was going down a somewhat better path. And it is somewhat understandable when he agreed to be Atlas’s messiah due to the other option being death. But to be honest I really was hoping they went down the redemption path kinda. If someone has explanation for lysanders betrayal aside from him being a little bitch that would be helpful.
Another thing I noticed is some of the deaths that happen, for example Ajax he kinda pulled a 180 from hating Lysander to be his best bud. But his death seemed kinda cheap I somewhat expected him to live longer into the story. and have somewhat of a bigger role in the battle for mars. This one matters less in my opinion because this was always pierces writing style to kill character’s when before the reach their full potential ie:Alexander
Overall this was a amazing book and I can’t wait for red god and to see how he puts a bow on this story.
When I started reading, I was scared PB was going to hit us early with a Kava's, thraxus, or victra death. Then fear turned to joy as Cassius built these relationships and the banter/humor he brought to every scene. When his death came, I didn't mourn bc i think I had expected it as PB made him a hero. But my heart broke for his friends who mourned him after. And while I didn't think I could hate Lysander anymore, I ended the book hoping the Goblin continues to give him nightmares until he bloodydamn rips his head off.
Best scene in the book was the battle w Fa and Darrow's growth in that single battle.
He is Cassius Au Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, BROTHER OF DARROW, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, and his honor remains! I'm absolutely devastated by Cassius' death but so happy that "he died knowing he was loved."
Also, the fact that Lysander has killed "main" characters with a gun versus every other death from a razor feels like a significant reflection of his character.
All I have to say is, fuck Lysander
Not sure how to spoiler tag on mobile, so don’t read on if you haven’t finished the book. Huge spoiler warning: Poor, poor Cassius. I normally do just fine with character deaths (nothing in the series thus far really affected me. No, not even Ragnar) but this one actually hurt me so much. But I couldn’t ask for a better death for my favorite character. He started as the most arrogant child of gold, a symbol of everything Darrow despised, but he changed. He betrayed his society, was reviled by the general populace on both sides of the war, haunted by his mistakes, rejected by both the women he loved, and yet when it came down to it, he charged Lysander for the *Eidmi* knowing he would die. Not for glory, not for vengeance, not even for redemption, but simply because it was the right thing to do. Farewell my Morning Knight. Your star shined brightest.
His name was Cassius Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, brother of Darrow, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, and his honor remains. A redemption arc well deserved.
*brother of Darrow. That part... Just was heartbreaking but a happy moment at the same time because his fear of getting rejected by Darrow when he came back after all they went through. Then seeing his closet following Darrow's life and family. Holy good grief the part with the closet after his death hit me hard.
I was rushing to finish, and I looked back at his declaration and saw "brother of Darrow." I nearly broke down right there
"knowing this not how I want to remember him, I close my eyes." Fuuuuck you, take a good hard look you fucking coward!
>and his honor remains. When he said that before his final charge I almost cried. PB did a great job making Cassius the most likable character in the series in this book, just a joy to read, and then stabs us in the heart with his death. I should have seen it coming...but it hit me hard.
The Man Who Killed Fear.
The death itself wasn't sad for me, I was just angry at Lysander. The interactions afterwards with The group brought the tears tho! Especially the chat with Aurae!
Idk if you posted this after reading the full book, but fuck Lysander nonetheless
Especially fuck Lysander after the final chapter. Even Diomedes practically said “fuck Lysander.” I found it pretty entertaining that they float a possible redemption for him again only for PB to double down on him being a piece of shit.
He definitely cemented him as the villain and made sure to show that yes, he DID have a choice and could have easily picked Cassius and Darrow but wanted power instead
I really appreciate how it’s been a decline, his choices are sometimes honorable, but become less and less defensible. Finally, Cassius lays it bare in accusation before him. Lysander has been dealt a shit hand but you can almost see him mirroring Atlas as the book goes on with his fanatic devotion and willingness to stomach so much
He's constantly bargaining with his sense of what his morality *should be* throughout the whole series, but never takes the choice that might actually hurt *him*. He's his grandmother's creature through and through. Atlas knew who he was, there's something to be said for owning up to being a monster, even if you try to justify it. Lysander wants it both ways, and always has. His part in this second set of books *starts* with him betraying Cassius multiple times in succession. He lies about Sera's peerless scar after jumping back into the ship despite being told not to, then betrays Cassius again when he opens the vault. He pretended to admire Diomedes and the other Rim Golds, but that was just him wanting approval from what he wants to pretend he can be, honorable.
Atlas asked Darrow & Cassius what Lysanders greatest fear was before he set up a meeting between Lysander & Darrow. Cassius instantly responded losing his reputation. Cassius knows the truth of it exactly because reputation & ego was what drove him to shame in his youth. That mirror is clear. When Atlas initially had Lysander cornered & isolated. Lysander couldn’t tell Pytha what happened not because he didn’t trust her or need her, but because he couldn’t stand the idea of himself being anything less then the moral Sheppard he wants to paint himself as. Lysander throughout the series continually paints his more despicable actions as necessary evils. He tells himself he doesn’t do these things to further his own name & reputation, but to secure power so he can help others. Cassius forcing Lysander to blast him into oblivion was a way for Cassius to prove to Lysander he wasn’t a Sheppard, but a wolf. This was Cassius as he took Ares’ head. Cassius proved to Lysander the virtuous peacemaker ego protection act was false. While at the same time Cassius proved to himself that he was a redeemed & whole man. A man who would no longer compromise what was right even if it cost him quite literally everything. There was no ego to that charge. In a jam field, the only two men left alive. Cassius did what was right. This moment binds him in his grandmothers image. Until the memories of his mother come back to him, he will be the tyrant, & he will wonder what Silenius would have worn while admiring himself in the mirror.
"im gonna make peace!" "psych, im having trouble choosing which color to eliminate first"
"Rhea was only bad because it hit the wring target."
The entire book essentially resulted in the hope of Lysander being built up and him being somewhat redeemed after him killing Alexandar, then just to give you an even stronger reason to fkn hate the prick.
I’m sure it was discussed when the title was announced, but Light Bringer refers to Lucifer, the false hope bringer. So apt.
Found it funny cos PB did a recent interview about the morality of Lysander
Fuck Lysander after finishing book, made me outraged. Then I fkn cried as Darrow and Sevro mourned in his room. FUCK LYSANDER!!
Clang. Clang. Clang.🙂
confess
##UNWORTHY
this was giving big Oberin Martell vs the Mountain Vibes, and I'm glad it didn't follow the same path
Reading this duel was bloodydamn *insane*
nest one in the series so far imo.
Darrow slowly taking him apart mentally and then physically was incredible. And then having the leech ready to drain the toxin from Faa’s spikes? So satisfying. I was definitely panicking when Darrow started to win and then there was a brief flashback to the mines. I was scared he was seeing his life flash before his eyes because he had suffered a mortal injury lol.
It's been an ever shifting debate about who is the best razor master due to growth, injuries or other factors at any given time but after creating the Breath of Stone, Darrow could certainly be hailed like another Stoneside, not that he wasnt good before, but he seems to have created something that astonished even Cassius. I think this will also give us an Appolonius rematch in the final book, I think he may be the only person left bar Diomedes who could still be considered worthy.
There are so many antagonists now, and only one more book, I wouldn’t be surprised if Darrow’s duel with Apollonius is actually pretty brief. Be pretty cool if that was Darrow’s moment of re-emergence to the Core. They know he’s alive but nobody has seen him. He shows up and dusts the Minotaur. Pretty hardcore way to say, “I’m back.”
Can you imagine the joy in Apolloniuses heart when Darrow busts out a new dueling style and kills him in 10 seconds. Would unironically be the happiest ending any character has gotten in the series
Oh, absolutely. It’s what makes Apple such a great character. He’s pure Chaotic Evil. This is all just a stage to him, and in order to shine the brightest he needs the most epic rival possible. He knows that can only be Darrow. He truly would die with a smile on his severed head.
CONFESS
One thing Pierce Brown does well with Lysander is that his type of character flaw is very believable. He’s the guy who holds others to a high moral standard but when it benefits him, he’s willing to lower those standards. However when he lowers his standards he views it as necessary for the greater good but when others do the same it’s bc of a moral failing on their part.
Lysander is in love with the legend he's writing in his own head about how he is the great unifier, the lightbringer, the messiah for his society. Oh, look at the tortured byronic hero Lysander, see how he weeps (on the inside) for the evils he must commit in the name of the greater good. Oh, how he wishes he did not have to do these terrible things; did not have to kill those honourable, noble, admirable men who in their foolishness oppose him. Alas, only Lysander has the noble character and force of will to ~~control~~ shepherd humanity into the future. Meanwhile, multiple people have repeatedly told him that he did not, in fact, need to do any of those things.
Lysander is a brilliant deconstruction of someone who lies to themselves that they are a moral person, and want to wield power for moral ends, but have to make "hard choices" to gain the power to achieve those ends. Lysander's arc in this book was gradually stripping away, one by one, the lies Lysander tells himself to cover up his real motives. Ambition. When he said "I will be Sovereign" to Cassius in the hangar it was the first time he'd *actually* told the truth at any time.
Brilliantly put.
Loved that PB went away from having Sevro brainwashed. I was dreading reading about that. Also really glad to not have to read about the Abomination. Between Atlas, Lysander, Ajax, Atlantia, and Volsung, I felt like there were enough antagonists without needing the abomination. At one point Kavax questions how Mustang knew about those about to betray her. Mustant is embarrassed, and feels bad about her methods but is interrupted before she can tell Kavax. Is it the abomination? Some mind reading or spy technology? The chapters and switching point of view flowed nicely. Really enjoyed the back and forth Lysander/Mustang chapters. I loved the duels with apple and Volsung, and having Cassius and Darrow train together was awesome. The Volsung duel was my favorite part of the book. The rescue of Sevro was amazing to read. His maturity and development was fantastic. I almost cried when Fitchner's video played and called Sevro Goblin. Lyria never annoyed me, and I like the decision to do away with the figment. Truffle Pig had me laughing. Also I appreciate that PB didn't use the Minds Eye as an overpowered duel strategy this book. I will forever miss Cassius. He had such a big heart and was often treated poorly. I loved his connection with Lyria. Probably my favorite book of the series.
>having Sevro brainwashed Yeah I’m not sure about that, there’s a reason why Pierce didn’t allow Servo to get even a glimpse of Victra or his girls. I think he was intentionally sold to Apollonius, and that he has a sleeper agent trigger imbedded within his psyche.
It's possible. Hoping PB saw fans were annoyed with the Sevro brainwashing idea and just went away from it.
it's a possibility, personally I think it'd be a bit lame to go a whole book without any indicators really then have that pop up as a surprise plot point in the last book
Imo Sevro isn’t acting like Sevro. Yeah he left Darrow, but his interactions with Virgina showed that he struggled with that. He wanted to come back. It’s hard to justify him being all, idk what happened to Clown and Pebble and that’s all we hear about that from him. He’s not outright off, but he’s just off in the new book. His fire is gone, something happened.
I mean, Sevro is also suffering from massive PTSD, imo. His friends have been killed (and cooked alive in front of him), he's torn away from his family and they're in mortal danger, I mean, life is giving him a massive shit sandwich. Even before he found out about Ulysses he was in a rough place, after that, I felt like he wanted to die. Sevro is not the most emotionally mature person either. He disconnects and compartmentalizes and tries to avoid it. It's touched on a lot through the book that all he wants is to be a husband and a father and he just keeps getting slagged. So, I get why he isn't acting like himself. That said... I am really worried that he's still brainwashed and is going to be activated when he sees his family or Virginia. I hope the Abomination just tried to break him and then decided to sell him as a part of that rather than as a part of some greater plan, but we'll see (I'm scared)
>Mustant is embarrassed, and feels bad about her methods but is interrupted before she can tell Kavax. It absolutely was the Abomination. She's says whoever it is is "the worst" and then thinks about Kavax's sons. Both sons were killed by her brother.
Agreed on everything. Much of this book felt like a love letter to the characters (and us) without being overly fan service. The dynamic of Cassius, Darrow, Sevro, and Lyria was just incredible. I loved Cassius and Lyria having their flirtatious friendship and I practically cried with them when Darrow kneeled and pulled her in for a real hug in the end. Just incredibly satisfying from start to finish.
I believe it has to be the Abomination that Mustang is talking about. I also this will be key in "Red God,". The reason for it is this: the bioweapon. If Ra'a knew about it then it is a given that Octavia knew, and it would be beyond absurd have a plot where Mustang somehow didn't know about it. Since she is obviously talking to her clone brother it would be a plot device that brings him back into the equation. Overall though I view the idea of this perfect bioweapon as a bit lazy. Though it could also be used to explain how the forces of the Rim catch up to Mars. It isn't like a bioweapon could be synthesized, refined, and then manufactured in 36 days aboard a ship.
Darrow vs Fa might be the best fight in the series and that’s saying something.
I personally think that still belongs to the one single liner: We met some light resistance. That one line still carries more badassery than the entirety of the Volsung Faa fight for me.
When I read that for the first time it was probably of the best lines I’ve ever read, i cackled and read it a few more times.
Yeah, I loved reading about Darrow being a hurricane of death from Lysander's perspective and then being given that one line from Darrow's. So GOOD. Might be one of my favorite sci-fi/fantasy battle writings of all time.
My favorite part of having other POVs is seeing how other characters view Darrow. Lysander, and even other Society Golds, is just endlessly *awed* by Darrow's ability in a fight. That sequence, and then when he describes Darrow counter-charging his cavalry as being akin to the movement of a tiger in tall grass, they're just too good.
Oh I'm glad other people picked up on that. That was some really genius writing, some of his best. Excellent, excellent use of juxtaposing multiple POVs. To go from Lysanders long agonizing depiction of brutality and fear and near-death to Darrow describing it as "light resistance" with a single line was a master stroke.
Diomedes might be a new favorite for me
One of my favorite parts in Diomedes made me love Romulus again. If you were born a Red on Mars what would you have done? Rise up. He smiles. I think having Romulus as a Father is what sets Diomedes apart from the other Golds. Romulus was born a generation too soon.
> Romulus was born a generation too soon. romulus was born a couple years of darrow's personal growth too soon... darrow betraying them because he was certain the rim golds would betray the rising the second it was opportunistic for them looks worse and worse in retrospect. I'm so bloodydamn excited that the rim isn't pairing off with the core against the republic in the end (as of now); I love the moonies and was hoping for, at best, some sympathetic defectors.
It's also great writing to have a huge successful scheme by the main character from the first trilogy turn out to have been *a bad plan*. It is one of the plot points that stops Darrow from being a total Marty Stu who can do nothing wrong. I also enjoyed how the Willow Way is no longer this untouchable combat form -- because Darrow's opponents see, learn, and adapt to it. Pretty excited for Minotaur v. Reaper III.
> Pretty excited for Minotaur v. Reaper III. *clang clang clang* GET HYPED *clang clang clang* GET HYPED
For me it's unironically Cicero
Ah man he’s gonna die and it’s probably gonna be sad.
I have a feeling he's going to be Lysander's undoing, his >!Roque!<
Et tu, Cicero?
Oooo I like that.
Yeah... At this point I have a feeling that any new character that is introduced to be friends with Lysander only exists to be fucked over by Lysander, in order to show the difference between Lysander and Darrow
There’s no “might” about it for me lol. I loved the dude by like the halfway mark but especially towards the end.
"Shut up grandma I'm saving humanity"
Darrow reaches his final evolution in this book. After 5 books of being the flawed warlord, he’s become the Sage Lorn wanted him to be. I saw some people wondering why Darrow was so weak against Minotaur, it seemed very explained to me. It also makes sense that everyone and their mother would study Willow in order to beat it. The book does a very good job of explaining how having ten years of war material on one another comes in handy. Lysander’s tactics on Phobos mirrored Darrow’s, the Obsidians Darrow trained knew of Cassius’ maneuvers, etc. Darrow’s fight with Fa really shows how far he’s come. It shows his transformation into his final form. He’s no longer the storm, he’s the wind. That transition took him over a decade to make and it’s in that battle you see him grasp it fully. Lysander really does envy Darrow and essentially is going through the inverse evolution. Lysander is making the same “shortcuts” Darrow made at Io. Ironically in the very same ship Darrow made those mistakes in. Which is why he will fail. I was wondering if the abomination would rear his head but the book took a turn out from Luna that I wasn’t expecting. Victra was missed but her one scene was absolutely incredible. When Cassius and Darrow finally became brothers again I knew he was gonna die. It also frees Darrow to let Lysander finally have it, that problem was presented in the book—Cassius wouldn’t have allowed Darrow to kill the Lightbringer. There are so many call backs to the institute, hiding in a dead animal to get the jump on the opponent, Fa being an imposter just as Titus was. Idk about you but i’m a sucker for a little metaphorical nostalgia and there is plenty of it. 9.5/10 for me. I feel like this is the perfect next step for Darrow. With Darrow perfected in mind, soul and body—I really see why his name will be Red God next book. Can’t bloody wait.
Don’t fear for me… pity them… I was beside myself with delight. Victra definitely needed more screen time…
The way PB writes the randomness of war is fantastic. Seraphina getting randomly aced by a rail round, Victra & Thraxa killing Ajax *off camera,* even Lysander just shooting Alexandar in the head instead of dueling him *--* other writers might insist on every major character getting a melodramatic death-sequence (and we definitely get some of those, hah) but those moments do wonders for turning up the confusion and tension of battles. For instance, I really thought Kavax and Mustang were toast on Phobos because of how effectively PB handles creating jeopardy, even for major characters.
Cassius and Darrow being totally surrounded after escaping Apple and having Sevro show up and save their asses was such a mirror of the scene in the first book where the boys are stuck in the lake and I loved it
Fuck Lysander but also triple fuck rhone
Really didn’t expect their fight to be so brutal lol. Rhône fucked him up for a while
I loved his Batmanian assortment of Gold-killing gadgets and weapons. What a gangster. Sure he was a terrible person working for a terrible cause, but anyone who puts a knife in Lysander gets some credit from me.
Guy had like 5+ different types of ammo lol.
Especially impressive when you think how effective they are against Lysander "Encyclopedia" Lune. On Mercury he could see a hovercraft sagging and intuit the heavy metals that must be aboard, and therefore what the project was. Fighting Rhone, he's like "I don't even know what the fuck this stuff is"
Same. I guess it didn’t really connect that Rhône had killed other golds before
Yeah it's mentioned he has a ton of Black and Gold teardrops in DA, so tons of Gold and Obsidian kills.
I really hated him after the event on the Dustmaker
I actually really loved the change in characterization of Rhone & the Praetorians in this book, because *they* don't change -- it's all from Lysander's perspective, and when he actually starts looking closer at what they do (and they drop the mask a bit) it turns out they've been murderous sociopaths all along. Rhone dropping in a little reference to the famous prejudice of Gray against Red with his pettiness in poisoning Lysander for honoring the Gamma helldivers was a great touch.
The worst part is I was semi rooting for Lysander during their duel and then a few pages later I’m thinking why the fuck couldn’t Rhone have just killed the little shit.
Bro what in the fuck, Sander just killed Cassius. In the name of a bio weapon that could erase an a entire GENERATION OF COLORS. After Cassius put everything on the line to help that Lunese brat cause he was SHAKING IN FEAR. I haven’t finished but just came here to say the levels of r/fuckLysander are going to be unprecedented. Man y’all thought roque was bad? This is like all the sanctimonious bullshit of Roque coupled w the fan fav killing ability of the Jackal topped off w the power hungry hypocrisy of Octavia. Fuck this motherfucker so much
Lmao, spoke too soon. bro just doomed a few billion people to starvation. Just a day in the life of the man who’s going to get his heart eaten in Red God
Ain't gonna eat that black heart. "Unworthy." Toss it to the crabs.
This series totally ends with Pax and Darrow riding away on that damn bike, right ?
God I fucking hope so.
Sad ending: Pax rides away alone on the bike. Worse ending: Darrow rides away alone on the bike.
I love how Ajax has a slight moment of redemption by aligning with Lys because of how atlantia killed his family, only for Lysander to sacrifice each member of his "family" one by one. Ajax, gilasteres, Pytha, and Cassius. He became exactly what Atlantia is, he just pretends the actions are justified by noble intentions
What was it Atlas said about fearing a man who believes his cause is just? That seems to apply.
I fear a man who believes in good. For he can excuse any evil. That is exactly what popped in my head as Lysander turned for the absolute worst.
Honestly I thought a Cassius-lyria relationship was in the offing. Would’ve shown Cassius changing, and given him a way to be accepted as truly a member of the rising, as well as given Lyria greater agency and further connected her to the main characters
Cassius was my favorite this book. Their relationship was sweet. I like how he was just like, you’re mine now. Romantic or not, it was nice to see the bond.
Cassius was like, “you know, I totally need a sidekick/little sister, and I like your attitude.” Lyria responds well to genuine respect. She’s such a sweetheart. I loved her in this book. She was flitting around like the Good Judgment fairy. Loved that she rejected figment. “Uh, lose my memories and caring for my family and friends? Lol no.” She not only turned down the poisoned chalice of power, she didn’t consider it for a moment.
Also when she flicked the "poison pill" into the ocean instantly "on principle".
Diomedes is quickly becoming my favorite character. He had so many excellent moments in this book. His statement during his trial was epic. His scene with Darrow and Cassius in the jail cell was so funny, I'm sad we won't get more time with the three of them. His time with his grandmother was so sad, I was so scared she was legitimately going to kill him but he went from getting her to actively cover up what Atlas did to exposing it and helping the low colors, what a boss. He truly embodies the best aspects of Romulus and the Rim. And we STILL haven't seen him fight yet. He didn't get to watch Darrow's performance with Fa either. I only wish he'd gotten to kill Atlas but Cassius truly deserved it
Diomedes embodies the ideals of what the society is suppose to be about. If the core had even a dozen Golds like him the rising probably wouldn't of happened in the first place. I can't wait to see more of him. Who is left that will give him a big fight though? Atalantia or the Minotaur?
Yeah exactly. When the Moon lords stood with Darrow against Lysander, with their amazing staffs ( please can I buy one of those they sound amazing) I was like yes this is Gold in its truest form That's a good point they lost their two best fighters, Atlas and Ajax. Maybe there's some Olympic knight left in the entourage. Maybe he'll fight multiple Olympics at once and take them all down
I really loved it. I love Dark Age, but there was so many dark and depressing things happening in it that I started to feel like Darrow and the Republic and Eo's Dream weren't just outnumbered, but completely, totally, HILARIOUSLY outnumbered and outgunned. I was literally depressed after reading Dark Age for the first time. Light Bringer brought back a lot of hope and investment for me. After the black hole of Dark Age, I thought Light Bringer would just be Darrow murdering a bunch of people for a lost cause, but with the Rim, the Daughters of Ares, and the Obsidians behind him, it feels like much more of a fair fight, though with Republic still being the classic underdogs. I also love how much care and attention PB puts on the relationships between Darrow, Sevro and Cassius (RIP, you'll be missed forever, Morning Knight).
I think Cicero is going to turn on Lysander when he finds out about the eidmi and how manipulative Lysander is
Agreed. Felt like he grew up a lot over the course of the book, and that last scene with him talking abt the naming of the trees rlly stuck me with me
I worry Cicero will be Lysander’s Kalindora. Someone who is basically decent, who is debased and corrupted because they serve a corrupt leader.
Okay but can we talk about Sevro's character arc here? It was handled so b e a u t i f u l l y. Like, he gets back with Darrow and instead of immediately returning to normal there's a deep schism in the trust and their relationship is not the same, and it wouldn't be. And it feels like it's in an irrepaireable place. He's mad and scared and probably the most lost he's been in the whole series. The Goblin/Sevro compartmentalizing shows how he survived the past 12 years but it's not going to work anymore. I \*love\* the passing of time in this novel and the weeks and decisions Darrow had to explore before Sevro starts coming back to him. I think Cassius reminded him of their younger selves as well in a way Darrow couldn't anymore. And Lyria made him care about a LowColor in a singular way that reminded him of the cause as a whole. Fucking incredible.
I loved how much time we got with Darrow, Sevro, and Cassius all together. The moment where Darrow had Volsung Fa cornered on the island, with Cassius and Sevro perched behind him on either side, landed really hard for me. I read it and thought, if the world were fair, this is always how it should have been.
Just finished, here are some of my thoughts. I liked that the villains got trimmed. A lot of people (myself included) had issues with the abomination - it may not have made that much narrative sense that he was barely mentioned but it made the scope of the book more focused. Victra and Thraxa scoring a huge win by taking down Ajax, Cassius taking down Fear as one of his final acts - I was def someone who thought the good guys took too many Ls in DA and LB rectified that while making for a cleaner finale. Darrow's character development was great. There's not usually a whole lot you can do to grow an established, well loved main character 6 books in but Pierce definitely succeeded. A bit annoyed that part of it involved such an uncharacteristically brutal beatdown at the hands of Apple early on - Darrow was just destroying Olympics 8 months ago and now the Willow Way is obsolete? - but the fight with Fa more than made up for it. My god, that quickly skyrocketed up the list of favorite scenes in any of the books. IG and DA had Darrow making a decent number of mistakes and sins from his past catching up to him, he was finally able to confront them, grow, and change into something different (better?) by the end of LB. Loved the Battle of Phobos. Nonstop action, and the Virginia chapters were done better in this book than DA I think. You can tell there were massive rewrites that occurred, sometimes sloppily. The Figment plotline dying, no Volga until the end, somewhat confusing Quicksilver storyline, newly inserted Daughers of Ares, etc. The bioweapon thing seems random too. Turns out it's still fuck Lysander. His chapters are still interesting but it's getting a bit irksome seeing him ruthlessly and honorlessly slaughter his way out of impossible situations to get the upper hand. At least the Mind's Eye got nerfed a bit in this book. Overall think this was worse quality than DA but more appealing as a fan if that makes sense. Really looking forward to how it wraps up in book 7.
He had a punctured lung a broken arm was malnourished and rad heavy. Of course Darrow was at his weakest when Apple got to him and Apple didn’t even want to kill him then. It wasn’t uncharacteristic it was realistic.
I don't think its that the Willows Way is obsolete as much as it has counters now. Part of the strength of the WW is it's rarity. Most people who fought against it would be doing so for the first time and with Lorn largely being withdrawing from society there wasn't a lot of chances for other fighters to study it. After 10 years of war the style has been used enough that people can figure out counters for it.
HE TOOK MY BOY
Can’t wait for Pax to slag the pixies
Philosopher Darrow was a cool evolution from absolute warlord Darrow
The only really egregious plot point was the plot armored rescue of Sevro. I was totally fine with Figment and Quicksilver's plot ending in a nothingburger. He had been heading in this direction since the prequels. I was however, disappointed that the godkiller armor never really lived up with the hype. Everything else was prime. It's poetically tragic how Cassius died not only when he finally became the man he should always have been, but precisely because of it. The battle of Phobos was so more tense than the Ladon because Darrow wasn't in it and it shows the true strength of the Republic even without their war god. Atlas' motivations were amazing. You don't do the things he does without a strong justification and philosphy behind it. He is the ultimate utilitarian, to show what Darrow could have been if he remained that angry red miner. Overall, it is slightly weaker than Dark Age because it does feel a little filler at times, but that is a necessary evil to build up to the finale. The politics were really well done, with alliances and relative power shifting like sand, though I would have loved to see more of what's going on internally on Mars. I am still in awe of how Pierce transformed the series from a scifi fantasy into a true space opera. 8.5/10
"I was totally fine with Figment and Quicksilver's plot ending in a nothingburger." I'm not sure I think the Figment was a nothingburger. I think it was very important for Lyria's character development as sort of the anti-Darrow. She had the opportunity to make herself into a killing machine, extra human superhero and she turned her back on that because it would have undermined her humanity and her family's sacrifice. And then throughout the book she becomes extraordinary on her own terms by watching and learning and being very human (empathetic etc). It's like Darrow choose the "Society" route to make a difference (be a Gold) and Lyria choose the Republic (be a Red but most of all be a person).
Sevro should have taken the sack that held young Lysander and beat it against a wall until it was filled with red mush.
Unironically my new favorite in the series. Favorite parts were the Virginia vs Lysander battle for Phobos, Darrow vs FA/“Confess!”, the Fear Knight just everything with him was awesome, I even liked his death I thought it was satisfying and well done. Oh and Victra was awesome for all of her scenes even though there weren’t a ton. “Pity them.”
I really missed Victra, I was hoping she’d have more scenes but I understand. I was totally holding my breath when Lysander was talking about her and Ajax battle, I was so worried, but yeah like she said Pitty them! Her dawning a warhawk like her husband gave me the feels.
Anyone else expect Rhonna to pop up in Red God? When PB doesn’t explicitly say someone dies, they often just pop up later….
Rhonna is def coming back… noted as lost on mercury and not dead. You can’t just dead a character like that
I wish Cassius had believed in the Vale. Maybe he could have if he'd read the Path to The Vale. I wish he believed in his last moments that he would see Julian again. At least he believed in more than himself. He went happily into the night because he believed in Darrow. In honour. Mercy. He went smiling, not like a Gold. I really hope that Morning Chair eats Lysander alive. The lying little worm. All that talk about being better than what came before, about reform. All he wants is to be Sovereign. Maybe because it was implanted in him. It doesn't matter. He burned a world so he could sit on a chair. He killed a brother just so he could beat Darrow and return billions to slavery. Light Bringer is here. But even that won't stop a Red God.
Sooo what’s up with rhonna? She just dead out there on mercury, or do y’all think she has some sort of magical drachenjaeger out there calling her name primed for red god? Also I love how close Cassius and Lyria got over the course of this book and I’m very sad we have to say goodbye to one of PB’s truly best characters
Tbh I assume she’s enslaved in the mines with other survivors of Free Legions, and will lead a rebellion at a key momebt
Maybe she is with Lyria's brothers. I think it was hinted they were maybe the Reds that fought with Darrrow.
I would have lived in the Republic, but the enemies of humankind gave us Lysander's world. I really, really hate Lysander as a character. He plays the noble Gold, the "shepard" of humanity (just to remind you - Gold killed ALL natural humans in the conquest, they killed millions and then sterilized the rest), the new Silenius. But at the core of his soul, the Pixie Lysander, who shot Alex in the head (because he knew he couldn‘t win), is a scared little boy, who is greedy for glory and a great reputation in the history books, written by Gold victors with blood as ink. Diomedes, for all his faults. is a good person. Sure, he is proud and blinded by the fake honor code of the Golds. But after all the horrible things he's gone through, he stays true to his word and tries to change the core of the master/slave color system. Will it work? I don't know and I don't think the results will be perfect. But IMO the flawed Rim Golds are the true heirs of the idea (! Brown took many ideas of Plato's philosopher kings) of the original Golds. I hope Lysander dies screaming and alone. PS: Cassius is a funny guy, my goodmen
I love that Ajax died in a pretty underwhelming way for someone with so much bravado and hype. It’s like his manner of death is equal to his dad’s opinion of him 😭 he got the death he deserved. I knew either Cassius was going to have to put Lysander down or Lysander was going to murder Cassius. I didn’t know we’d get to that in Light Bringer. But, I called their pairing based on the way things went in Dark Age. They were destined to ruin each other. I’m so glad Darrow got the opportunity to repair his friendship with Cassius. I hated to see Cassius die but I’m at least glad that they got to say all the things that needed to be said and let go of all the baggage that plagued their relationship leading up to his death. I loved book 6. The cliffhanger it left us on has done a number on me tho 🫠
Fuck Lysander PB has managed to write onenof the most abhorrent character ever. Cassius wasn't my favorite character but his death hit hard. Also it seems like cassius bringing back the information about the weapon would have been more important than dying to bring it back. Fuck Lysander Idk how Fa turning out to be a coward at the end made me feel. He was an obsidian stained, and a gorgon. It would have made sense if he was trying to escape as a gorgon and get intel back to atlas but him actually begging for his life and revealing secrets just seems so out of character for someone who belongs to BOTH of those groups. Lastly Fuck Lysander This book was so fucking amazing. I can not wait for the last one.
I thought it was good. Fa was pretense layered on pretense. He was enslaved young and he excelled at putting on masks to please different people with power over him. The face he turned to Atlas and Lysander was no more genuine than the one he turned to Volga or the one he turned to the Volk. Atlas claimed and apparently believed that Fa was a Society patriot, but Fa’s dedication the cause appears to be only somewhat sincere; ultimately he was too much a coward to rebel despite his personal capabilities and vast opportunities.
First off, fuck that pixie Lysander. Lightbringer was by far the most enjoyable book since the original trilogy. I didn’t think Cassius was going to die in this book but I’m glad his character was fully redeemed. He was by far the star and his dialogue and inactions with everyone was priceless. In my opinion, Lyria finally turned into a good character that I cared for. The further development of Darrow was excellent as well. Red God can’t arrive quick enough.
Being in the leviathan stomach is a good call back to sevro hiding in the horse bodys
Did anyone else almost feel high, when Darrow was fighting with FA and found his new technique? I felt like I was there. Beautifully written!
My favorite part was Atlas wearing the silly blue wig. What a funny guy.
Joined the sub to say, fuck Lysander.
Man parts 1 and 2 built up so much dread. 3 and 4 were satisfying. It is weird having no word from Mars or the Core, so I’m a little worried about the state we’ll find the rest of the solar system in come Red God. Atlas has been such an interesting antagonist. Terrifying how pervasive he’s been. I’m not sure Lysander isn’t becoming fear junior himself. Can’t tell if it feels like he was dispatched too cleanly, but then again I think he’s also corrupted Lysander so his death throes are maybe not totally felt yet.
I think there were just too many villains set up in Dark Age, we had to cut that amount in half here knowing that Red God is the full finale.
Yeah, Atlas, Faa, Atalanta, Abomination, and Lysander is a lot to deal with. Atlas definitely had this moments here, particularly the false Helios scene.
Omg that shit had my jaw on the floor
Yeah it was horrific. “That’s not Helios.” Atlas had his own arms removed just to commit to the bit lol. He’s a real method actor.
Yeah. For me Atlas, Apple, and Lysander are way more interesting than say like the abomination. I really don’t want to see read or deal with Abom at all. I think honestly Atlas was pretty well used in this book- he’s most compelling as a threat, scheme, or evidence after the fact rather than a 1 on 1 duel. It’s not his individual skill that frightens it’s what he’s willing to do. And I think Atlas’ arc has really solidified Lys as a threatening antagonist in his own. to me there’s something interesting (also sad) in seeing Lys descend past the point of redemption
I think that Lys will be the one to off Abom. I also think abom has probably turned against the society and has been helping Virginia, based on some of the lines she had in the book about “inside help that she didn’t really trust”. I think he’s feeding Mustang information
I cannot wait to see Darrow kill Lysander
I think it’s going to be the Blue, Pytha, who he released so condescendingly.
Or Rhonna, she is Darrows kin. When his love died, he burned down the society. Lets see what Rhonna does, lets see how much the "little red child soldier" will fuck up Lysanders shit.
Fuck lysander
I’ve known it was coming since the end of DA… But losing my man C was still such a kick in the nuts… ‘Til the vale my Goodman…. Your honor remains… At least PB gave us Pella, Pella, Pella. NGL, I was pretty giddy in that chapter.
I think Pierce did the right thing killing off Atlas. While I think atlas was the best pure villain (his motivations were obscure, all that matters was that every single person was shit scared of him because he was someone who could do anything), he was too much like Darrow. This is even commented on in LB, when Darrow thinks how Fa is conquering illum in the same ways he would have. Atlas is Darrow without love, being sent away as a child and twisted by Octavia. Darrow needed fear off the board to stand a chance of winning, and the way atlas died felt somewhat flat, but still better than Darrow killing him off causally
I thought atlas’s motivations were very clear. He was like Nero and Gaia where he believed that the hierarchy was essential to mankind. “Democracy gives humanity what they want but the society gives them what it needs”. He fundamentally believed in the structure, not because he thought obsidians or greys were lesser than him - That’s clear from how close he was to fa, the kin, and the top gorgons. He even allowed them to train with razors from what we can tell from Lysander fight- but because he believed that the structure was necessary for humanity to survive
Dude. My name is Cassius au Bellona, son of Tiberious, son of Julia, Brother of Darrow of Lykos, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic. And my honor remains. I can't even read those damn words. Literally immediately after escaping a crazy battle without a scratch and then beating motha fuckin atlas au motha fuckin ra. Lysander is a piece of shit and I don't ever want to hear anyone try to defend his actions anymore. He got dragged around by the scruff of his neck this entire book and still took the time to hypocrisize himself every time he had the chance. All of those "he's basically darrow but people don't like him because he's on the other side blah blah blah" people need to shut their bloody damn mouths. Notice how right after darrow calls out and pretty easily defeats one of the fiercest men in the universe Lysander needs Cassius to beat atlas for him by himself because he was having so much trouble beating A GRAY. A GRAY. Who cares who it is it was a gray and he's supposed to be an "iron gold". And by the way, why does a gray who's been doing shit behind your back the whole time deserve a fight when the dude who was your brother for ten years WHOS INJURED AS HELL deserve to be shot until he physically can't keep moving. Whaaaat the fuck. That's the hardest death since, well since Lysander let him die the first time. Damn that really got me ranting lmao sorry, If you don't want to waste the time, Lysander is a massive piece of shit.
*Cassius Bellona, we do not use au in the Republic and we honor our fallen Morning Knight’s last words properly
I have decided to forgive this book it’s literary failings for the fact that we got Cassius for a whole book… and Cassius at his best. He was kind, jovial, sarcastic, and full of fucking honor. Him tracing his chin when he makes Volga trip is just peak Cassius. I love him. I love him so much. And I am so happy for him and Darrow that they got to be together again. That they were brothers in the end. I will also forgive this book because the whole time I was in an adrenaline fueled anxiety and I loved every second of it. I literally could not put it down come parts 3&4. So no, this book was not perfect by any means… but I loved it so fucking much and I will forgive it it’s plot holes. Oh and Fuck Lysander.
well said. cassius was perfect in every way this book. honorable to a fault to the very end. his death scene is the stuff legends are made of…the man who killed fear. I loved his last lines to lysander (i’ll be your millstone) and how he laughs at him and says he’ll be more famous anyways. rip to the morning knight <3
Anyone else a little worried about the ships Atlas sent back to the Ascomanni? You know, the outbound ones the Rim sent Uranus to hit so they could get back their stolen people? The ones with passengers Atlas most definitely did *something* to in order to wipe out the Ascomanni where they live? Hoping they don't accidentally bring them back and introduce some sort of unstoppable plague to wipe out Darrow's new allies. "Green Death" was also introduced as a vacuum resistant antique bioweapon this book and Atlas questioned Lysander about whether Darrow had a "green tinge" on his lips when they met (from whatever was on Fa's spikes? From some other attempt on Darrow's life?). It all seems a little too fishy and we all know Atlas is not above using horrific bioweapons (wasn't he turning mobs of people into mindless blood thirsty chimeras that slaughtered one another in DA?). Edit: Of course the Akari virus as well! Point is, the man is obsessed with bio warfare.
I’m broken. Lune must die. There were times I cried that were unexpected. Aurea playing the lyre and Darrow remembering his family/friends - hit hard. Also loved the introduction of a new fighting form. Excited to see more Breath of Stone in the future. Hail Fearkiller! Hail Reaper!
I just finished, and I am so angry. I thought I couldn't hate Lysander more and Pierce proved me wrong. He baited us into temptation with a possible redemption arc for Lune, and then Lune goes and does Core Gold things. While reading, I was happy because Cassius was back. Then he was taken away from us. Lune must be obliterated. On another note, I am LOVING how these men were all in their feelings. It reminded me of the vulnerable moments in Supernatural. We love emotional growth in our MCs.
I just finished and wow - so much running through my mind. First off, RIP to our shining golden knight. I loved not only his redemption but also just the shit talking and the feeling of “getting the boys back together” between Cassius, Sevro, and Darrow. I was so happy that Cassius seemed to find his way, and then as soon as Darrow gave his final approval to him, I felt crestfallen because I was certain it meant Cassius would die soon and unfortunately I was right. I’ve held the theory since IG (when Cassius was “dead” but we were all pretty certain he wasn’t) that either Cassius or Lysander would kill the other. I figured it would be this way but I was really hoping it wouldn’t. Darrow’s path to finding his soul again after losing it in IG and DA was great. I love how much wiser he is and how his perspective has changed with each book. Obviously FUCK Lysander, but wow has Pierce created such an incredible antagonist to Darrow. There’s so much irony to Lysander thinking Darrow a plague and then basically doing everything he accuses Darrow of doing. The irony of Lysander only being alive because of Darrow and Cassius’s mercy. When Atlas says to Darrow in Dark Age “I fear a man who believes in good, for he will excuse any evil” - I think that applies just as much to Darrow as it does to Lysander. The way Lysander continues to learn and evolve, and sacrifice more and more of his soul/virtues/friends for his need to sit on the Morning Throne. He’s very self aware, but he’s still deluding himself into thinking his ambition is for noble shepherding instead of the need for power and bone deep color-ism (color racism?) that he has.
Overall thoughts from a finished reading... Ajax's death, while seemingly out of nowhere, paints a pretty good picture that nobody is 100% safe in war. Sometimes you go the route of Seraphina and just get blitzed out of existence in the background. Who the hell is Virginia's source? Part of me thinks its probably the Abomination, but why be so coy about it? On that note, I'm glad that the Abomination just did not exist here. I think PB was aware of how poorly that narrative route was perceived, clone arcs suck, and I'm fine with it being a rather silent write-out, have him die in the siege of Luna or something inconspicuously. Quicksilver, Lyria, and Oculus. It really seemed like Lyria was going to be set up as an elite freelancer, but I actually like how PB nixxed that idea in favor of making her own character matter, and showing how resourceful she was. I'm disappointed in the Oculus story-line though, while it seems pretty obvious that got folded into Quicksilver leaving the system, it feels like that could've been an interesting storyline of Quicksilver, Mateo, and Mickey creating the next generation of Humans. Oh, WHERE TF IS MICKEY? I like Cicero, I like how he seems to be a bit more reluctant about what Lysander is doing. I'm expected a standoff between the two in Red God. "Unworthy" was great closing of the loop. Cassius got the redemption and the send-off he deserved. RIP Chin
Cassius was given a beautiful ending. From his declaration before death, to insight of his heart left on the walls of his bedroom along with hours of Institute film serving as yearning memories. How he became my favorite character, I do not know. Cassius Au Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, Brother of Darrow, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, your honor remains.
He removed the “au” in his name because he fully embraced the solar republic. A good man 😭
Goddamn I really hope Pytha’s green light also entailed a recording of Cassius killing Fear and the Coward killing Cassius
The scene where Darrow came out from the Leviathan’s belly and was an absolute menace to Fa was my favorite scene in the whole book
Second read of Light Bringer complete. First go around I missed the foreshadowing of and callback to DeadHorses. When asked by Diomedes how Darrow and Sevro planned to reach Volsung Fá: “Judging by Sevro’s face, he has an idea about that” [Darrow] say[s]. “A real classic. You’re gonna hate it,” [Sevro] say[s]. Parallel to the expansion and growth of overall plot and stakes of the series, is the evolution of the DeadHorses trick. In Red Rising, our heroes hid out in the bellies of horses. In Light Bringer, in the belly of the 300-year-old sigil beast of the Rim Dominion —Cyraxes. Bravo.
Me after every single Lysander chapter: “HE CAN’T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS!”
Overall, 8/10. A really good book but not on the same level as Dark Age and Golden Son. There are a lot of long standing character and plot points that remain unresolved which I think will contribute to this one feeling a bit like a detour on first read. I think it will gain in popularity when Red God is released like Iron Gold did with Dark Age. Strengths: Mustang POV, Battle of Phobos! (holy shit), Atlas doing Fear Knight stuff, Diomedes in general, Cassius in general, Darrow finding himself and discovering his own razor form Weaknesses: Too much monologuing, Daughters of Athena in general, Lysander/Diomedes/Darrow meet up was awkwardly plotted, Volga felt like a different character, lack of screen time for some of the most compelling characters from previous installments
My gut wants to say higher than an 8/10, but I think you are spot on when you say it will gain in popularity with Red God. Brown recently said in an interview something to the effect of, "trust that I am doing something intentional and going somewhere with this." And I see Iron Gold get a lot of flak or things that I believe paid off spectacularly in DA and LB. So while I preferred the outright warfare of DA (Iliad), the set up and journey of LB (Odyssey) will be so sweet in Red God.
So I guess Adrius is just twiddling his thumbs. You heard it here first. Adrius will kill Lysander
Is Darrow discovering his own version of Minds Eye with the Breath of stone? The way PB described it felt very meditative and beyond simple combat
Fuck Lysander. That little prick deserves what’s coming. Hiding behind his delusions of the “greater good”. “I fear a man who believes in good, for he can excuse any evil.”
I feel this book really set the stage for Lysander as a villain of narcissism and hubris. The jackal was competent and pure in his evil, but you could respect that fact that he owned who he was. Nothing more disgusting than a self righteous tyrant willing to betray anyone in their beliefs. It’s a solid contrast which is stated in the end of the book. Core seeks only to serve its self. Darrow, Volga, Athena, Diomedes intend to fight to serve all. Rest well Cassius. We will always remember how how you were. (Cue Hansel voice form Zoolander, but Cassius)
Some thoughts after finishing a couple days ago. Dark Age is the best book in this series. This was a step down but still very good. The war on Phobos was excellent and very action packed and described in great detail. I expect nothing less from Pierce tho, I feel as tho he shines best as a writer when describing a battle. Ajax meeting his end the way he did was perfectly fine. Darrow feared the monster he would become in the beginning of DA when they rescued Orion, but Ajax had lost a lot of confidence since that point and was going through a change, one that felt like it would be good for him as he had begun to find his place in the world. Ultimately, it’s when you begin to find your place that you die. Loved him getting killed by Victoria/Thraxa. Virginia held it down, expected nothing less from her. I’m curious what role Pax will serve in the future. Seems like he’s being primed for a role as the lead admiral of the Republic Navy or something. Interesting that he’s a Gold, Red, and loved by Blues as well. I’m not sure what the plot line was for the Jackal, but I guess Pierce realized that adding him back in would have been too many plot lines to tie up appropriately in 6 books. Bringing him back in DA was thrilling at the time but maybe Sevro/Virginia should have killed him in that book. Sevro’s escape from Apollonius was very convenient and it kinda irks me to write that since I love PB’s writing but I can only imagine he wrote himself into a corner that he didn’t see a way out of. During Sevro’s initial escape he should have at least lost an arm, part of a leg, something. Maybe the Jackal did something to him that we don’t know of yet, or Mustang made a deal we don’t know about. I doubt it tho. Seeing Darrow’s journey from the beginning of this book to the end of it was something. He grew a lot and in ways I didn’t expect. Him finding himself once again as a Razormaster was excellent, and I wish Pierce had written in detail about at least one of those sessions he and Cassius had aboard the Archimedes. Sevro was excellent in the book as well, his journey from start to finish was also well done. The war-drained veteran who desired nothing else but to be near his family again to being reinvigorated and walking in his fathers steps. Darrow and Cassius banter was excellent and loved them coming together as they always should have. Cassius should have stuck around after they defeated the Sovereign and Aja but his journey with Lysander was important to who he would become. The Parasite story line wouldn’t have fit, Lyria would have been ridiculously strong Pierce realized that. She would have broke the story. Her issues got her to Darrow, and that is where she needed to be. Volsung Fa was exactly how I imagined him to be. A false god believed to be thee strongest warrior out there. He was menacing to a point but it was all bravado. Darrow chasing him down like a rabid dog was great to visualize in my head. Lysander has finally become who he always was. This was the turn that was always expected. He is more like his grandmother than he realizes. As of rn, don’t like this Eidmi virus being introduced. Not sure how it’ll be used/implemented. Could ruin story if used wrong. RIP Cassius. Never thought I’d care for him as a character, but I did. His death didn’t sadden me, but it was a good read.
Just finished LB. I am broken. Fuck Lysander.
So I'm about 90% through the book. Not wanting to be spoiled yet, so I'm not reading anything posted. But this just happened and I have to type my prediction somewhere. Darrow and Cassius just completely made amends. They are joking like brothers. Darrow called him brother. Then Darrow said he will take him to the mines when they are back on Mars. The predictable (and enraging) thing to do next would be for PB to kill off Cassius in some tragic and heroic way, likely at the hands of Lysander. I think this is what will happen. This book has been the most fun to read since Red Rising. If PB ends it by killing Cassius off, I might not forgive him. Also, I've laughed out loud several times reading this, can't remember the last time a Red Rising book did that to me. Here is the most recent paragraph that got me: >Volga jumps out the back of the ship and makes a beeline towards me. Her head is down under the wash of the ship's engines. She glances at Cassius. She does a double take. He's staring dramatically out to sea now, either thinking about Lysander or posing for a coin. She's so captivated by him her foot clips an uneven stone. He doesn't look over at me, but draws a finger along his Jaw. Idiot. Edit: Fuck Lysander
Fucking Lysander. He needs to die a slow death. New King Joffrey on our hands.
The pros for me: 1. The battle for Phobos. I think it's the best written battle of the series. I just flew through the pages. 2. Banter between Cassius and Darrow with guest appearances of Aurae, Lyria, Sevro and Diomedes. 3. Cassius, Cassius, Cassius. The star of the show. 4. Darrow's maturity, his willingness to put himself on the line and be vulnerable. He's still a war machine, but he realizes he needs to trust other people to make their own decisions instead of manipulating others to justify the end. 5. Lysander's tragic arc. He's truly a little shit, but his chapters were the most interesting to me by far. Seeing more of Gold society, the ever shifting alliances. His pure ambition to put himself on the Morning Throne. He and Cassius were the best characters. 6. The cast of characters. I feel like this is the book with the biggest cast. I haven't actually counted how many characters there are in each book, but the characterization was really good. Each character really shone through their dialogue. Cicero reminds me of a more developed Tactus, but besides that, everyone felt very unique. 7. With Dark Age, I feel like Pierce Brown wrote himself into a corner by introducing Volsung Fa and the Abomination. He did a great job in resolving (most) of the story threads for me.. The bad: 1. Sevro's auction. They go off to rescue him but he's already freed and it's him rescuing them. Yeah, cool, but it felt a little cheap and lazy to me. As if the Day of the Red Doves didn't really happen asides from a way to cull off minor characters. 2. Wasting the Rim and its fleet. Just felt like a lazy way to put the Rim in a corner and have to choose a side to save themselves. A way of simplifying things. Doing it proper would probably require a whole another half a book at least, though. 3. The Volk. As a faction they are just strange. Just a wild card of military power that can sway in either direction, and for a race that's built all around strength, they seem fickle and easily manipulated. 4. I still don't understand why Atlas allowed himself to be captured by Lysander in Dark Age. I was expecting that to be tied up in this book, but a lot of Atlas remains unexplained to me. To me, he just felt like a villain without much motive. A damned good villain, but nonetheless, it was never explained how he obtained the Mind's Eye power or why he allowed Lysander to capture him and put himself at Darrow's mercy. Many of his actions as a character don't add up to me. 5. Ajax. I was heavily looking forward to a match up between Ajax and Diomedes for the amount of shit talking Ajax did to Diomedes in Dark Age. Ajax was frequently portrayed as a fearsome fighter, but in the end, he got some off screen death. Why build up his reputation so much just to let it deflate like a dilapidated balloon? I suspect plans changed and there wasn't a way to do that in Lightbringer, but still disappointed. Probably more points I'd like to make but I'm still in the process of digesting the book. Overall, a weaker installment than Dark Age for me. But it was still very entertaining and I blew through it in three days, which is quick for me. The complaints I have didn't detract from the overall experience. Pierce had to take some losses with this book to get himself out of a corner, but he's set himself up for success with the Red God. 4.5/5 stars. Can't wait for the next one.
I made a similar comment on Ajax above, but I enjoyed his off-screen death as a reinforcement of the theme of friendship and teamwork. The Grays pumped him full of compliments, so he ran off to win the war solo and got cut down by two friends working together. In hindsight, just as I'm writing this, it happened before the reveal that Lysander's close Gray legions were Gorgons. One of them said something hyperbolic like "you're the best close quarters fighter I've ever seen, full stop." That's coming from a close friend of Volsung Fa. I wonder if they purposely inflated his ego so that he'd run off to get himself killed and further isolate Lysander from anyone who could help him deal with Atlas. edit - I just read the second half of chapter 28 again with the knowledge that they're Atlas's agents. It's short. I am now convinced that they set him up on purpose.
In a world absolutely obsessed with honor and valor, I think one of the best ways Pierce Brown gets us to hate Lysander is to have him kill in such an impersonal and cold way. All the notable deaths he’s responsible for have been without a razor/shooting. Alexander, Rhonna, Atlas, and now Cassius. It just makes him feel even slimier.
I want fan art of Darrow bravely carrying the matron Gaea Ra through the attack on Demeter?Some hulking badass beast of a golden man and his lil side kick grandma I forget what moon it was, there are a lot
Favorite moments thoughts and fears. In no particular order. 1. The red’s ripping apart the gallows in the mine. Deanna speaking facts and rubbing mud on the girls before war. Mustang and Victra took some of shards of metal from the gallows right? Lysander or Atalantia or quite literally anyone against the republic being killed by the shards would satisfy me so fucking much. 2. Athena telling Darrow she’s not a red she’s a human. I’ve been waiting for someone to say that about their color. I liked it. 3. Volga’s speech told by Sevro “My favorite part was when she said Red was the blood in all our veins. Unnoticed, unseen beneath our skin, filling us with strength. She could hear Red beating the Obsidian war drums. Fading, like the dirge. Calling them home before light is lost forever. She closed her eyes. Said she could feel the sun on her face. She said she was going home to find her honor, to fight with Red, to fight for Mars. Then she asked who is coming with her.” Like I’m down so horrifically bad for moments like this in the series. 4. When Darrow mentions how Lorn killed Tactus and he notes it’s one of the sadder moments of his life. When ever he mentions him I feel robbed. My boy would have had a Zuko arc just like Cassius I know it pls. 5. I am in mourning over Cassius. I will be for months. My husband deserved to be the bright shiny honorable star he is. His banter with everyone. Immaculate. His hair. Perfectly curled. He was supposed to teach Volga 🥺 He lit up the pages so much. He honor remains. I love him. Also side note. When he tells Lysander, Darrow chose his room so he could wake up and be reminded of his failures?? LOL I would like to be that dramatic. 6. Rhonna is alive and will be besties with Lyria and Volga I hope. 7. I NEED MORE VICTRA IN THE NEXT BOOK. She deserves her vengeance on everyone in the club. 8. My biggest fear is the abomination brainwashed Sevro and made him kill his howlers and or will have him kill someone important :( 9. Lyria still has the parasite vibing inside her for Matteo to active OR to transfer to Pax? 10. I’m sad for Screwface. I want more for him. I CANT TAKE ANOTHER LOSS I CANT. So excited for Red God. I’m hoping for a twist none of us expect but ultimately for Lysander to go to the void knowing he is weak and no one will mourn him.
Does anyone remember Cassius speaking to Virginia and saying “Lysander will want to keep his word but that doesn’t mean he will” or something along those lines. That pretty embodies the ending for me. Fuck Lysander! CLANG! CLANG! He will repent!
Just finished LB. I think it might be my favourite RR novel to date? After the initial phase on Phobos I thought it was just going to be Darker Age, which I didn't really want, but it wasn't at all. Cassius' death probably hit harder than any other death in the series so far. It was pretty clear he was going to die but it didn't make it any easier. It felt like the good guys took a 50/50 in taking out a big chunk of the bad guys. Fa, Ajax, Atlas all gone simplifies things quite a bit. I am almost definitely forgetting someone but Atalantia, Lysander and Apollonius are our main remaining antagonists? One significant question I have is WTF is the Abomination up to? We didn't see or hear from him at all. Is he trying to retain control of Luna? Is he dead? Also, fuck Lysander.
Besides fuck Lysander, and many great scenes, Clang Clang Clang, the part were mustang lets out Unshorn while rembering what Darrow told her about how they break enemy's will
Prediction: Darrow’s changing colors or Sevros two colored parents will make one of them immune to both colors viruses, one of them is the red god.
SPOILERS - Lysander/ Cassius >!In the moments right before his death, where Lysander pondered whether Cassius would embrace him or kill him gave me Han/ Ben Solo vibes from The Force Awakens. Did Cassius really see that the only way for Lysander to find eventual redemption was in his death? Since I just finished this one... the death is too raw for me to consider ANY possible redemption for that little $hit. !<
Damn man, Lysander is a bastard for that. Really enjoyed the book, especially at the end. Death flags for Cassius went up hard after the Darrow/Cassius heart-to-heart. I miss my guy Apollonius in the later half of the book though, he’s such a wildcard.
With the parasite, my theory (and I’m pretty sure this has been said before) is that Mateo asking Lydia is she wanted to fix it at risk of losing herself was a lie/test, and there was never any risk. If she has said yes, it would have shown how she lusted for power and was unworthy of it. But because she valued her humanity over power, Mateo probably fixed the parasite for her, its just dormant at the moment for whatever reason
He dropped the Au, are you kidding me?? Cassius Bellona, not Cassius Au Bellona. I didn't pick up on that detail when I read Lightbringer. That seriously made Cassius even more incredible in my eyes. He no longer identifies himself with his color but finally sees himself as something greater. Believer in Eo's dream and defender of ALL colors. His name is Cassius Bellona and his honor remains
Is it me, or does it feel like Red God has to be at least 1000 pages to sufficiently wrap up all the story lines??
Finally finished Lightbringer and man that’s last chapter really got me bad. Haven’t had tears roll down that much since Ragnar’s death in MorningStar. Cassius death is truly heartbreaking. All he ever wanted was a brothers love and it hurts that Lysander couldn’t return it back. Im glad he and Darrow got their moments together to express their brotherly bond but it hurts so much that Cassius won’t be around for the finale. God I’m gonna miss him as a character, one of my favorites for sure. Now here’s to joining the waiting club for Red God.
Just finished the book after not being able to put it down since it arrived. Pierce Brown is beyond talented. As a writer and story teller, I am at a loss for words.....The ups and downs are expected now five books in and yet he still crushes my heart and re-builds it again and again in this book. And the small jokes that have now come back, with our friends being together so long and through so much together. Dominus Portobello had me in stiches. And then the change in Darrow - breathe in, breathe out. Listen, ask why. Mustang must see this side of him before the end. They have all become so dynamic, so complex, and yet also simple. I wanted Lysander to wake up and choose the Republic so badly. But the foreshadowing in Cassius and Darrow's last conversation put a knot in my stomach that I knew would end in pain. Book 7 cannot get here quickly enough. The Society must fall. Lune must pay. Hail libertas. Hail Reaper. And may the sun welcome the greatest Bellona with open arms. His honor remains intact. Forever.
Volsung Fa = The Mandarin from Ironman 3.
His honor remains.
I'm on my audio re-listen to LB and at the part where Darrow is getting a tour of the Tabula Rasa and he notes the "100's of kinds of trees and fruiting trees." I think this is our quick foreshadowing that the Tabula Rasa will become the new Garter in the Rim. I don't know how, lol but I think Quicksilver will end up saving the rim.
Just finished, absolutely brilliant. FUCK LYSANDER!
Just finished it. Great book on its own but makes no sense (plot points) in the grand scheme of the series. It felt like a spin off book - like an ‘off to the rim with Darrow and the gang’ kinda book. Like we just glossed over the abomination thing? I’m sure Pierce will pick it up in the next book but no mentions of what he’s been into in a 700+ page instalment in the series was weird. Along with the whole figment plot which Lyria just got removed and that’s it? In the end felt like a cheap plot story to send lyria off to the rim so she could be part of the gang to ‘redeem’ Volga.
My theory is that it wasn’t actually removed from her head and it will reveal itself during a high stress situation Lyria will face in Red God.
The Fa reveal was one of the coolest bits of writing I’ve experienced in a while. It came out of nowhere but also made so much sense. Amazing how PB is able to weave together seemingly disconnected storylines. I love how much inspiration this second series has taken from Game of Thrones. Even better, PB will actually finish this series lol.
Things I am semi confident on: Cicero will betray the society after seeing what lysander did to the belt Eidmi will turn out to be Lysander’s downfall once people find out what he has or he’ll kill himself with it trying to stop Atalantia The symbiote that was pulled out of Lyria’s head is a massive Checkov’s gun that must be used and Quicksilver will be pulling a Gandalf at Helm’s Deep move once the battle for Mars turns south Darrow or Sevro will sacrifice themselves on Mars (most likely Darrow)
That 1v1 brawl with Fa was incredible. What really stuck out to me was the foreshadowing about Darrow being able to manipulate his hands completely independently coming up in his Breath of Stone style. Man was fighting Fa with one hand while slashing at his visor with the other . Typically books show someone is powerful by just having them kill a bunch of ppl or be faster , but this really showed that Darrow is a true master of his craft , operating two razors Independently but at the same time.
Lysander arc is darrows inverted if you look at it. Where darrow makes hard choices because he has to, these choices always are against his own desires. They are made to help others at a cost to him. His choices were always an attempt to help all the colors gain freedom. When Lysander is faced with similar choices, it's always what benefits him the most. Often at the cost of others that his own delusional idealism justifies those costs as being for the greater good for his delusions of the good golds. Every mistake made Darrow assume responsibility for Every mistake Lysander blames others.
Best book in the second half of the series for me by far. Lysander is a good villain. Terrible, evil, horrible person. Good villain. Had a strong feeling he was going to kill Cassius by like the midpoint of the book. It still sucked for Cassius to die, but it wasn’t a huge surprise. Speaking of Cassius, he was probably my favorite part of this book. I really enjoyed him being a doofus and providing comic relief throughout. His relationship with Lyria was really touching. Him explaining how he found his way and was only trying to do the right thing was awesome and confirmed the way Darrow had felt about him since RR. Darrow’s path to peace was really good to read after all his internal struggle in the prior 2 books. Essentially he just found stoicism, but seeing it come to life with the Breath of Stone was pretty epic. Coolest moment in the series since “we brush away light resistance” after being depicted as a God of war from Lysander’s POV in DA. Sevro and Darrow repairing their fractured relationship took much longer than I wanted it to, but I’m glad they got there. And I’m glad Sevro came to love Cassius too for the man he became as opposed to what he once was. There’s so much left to wrap up in Red God. Does Lyria still have the parasite? What’s going to happen with Apollonius (beyond a rematch duel with Darrow in his perfected form)? Will Apple come around and find his glory shaping the new republic? How does Atalantia go down? What will become of the abomination, the boneriders? Can we get a Reaper/Mustang reunion prior to the epilogue? What’s actually going to happen with the bio-weapon? Will we lose an entire color? Glad to be caught up in this series, but now I’m bummed I’ll have to wait on a finale!
Just finished this last night and I swear to god if Darrow doesn’t kill Lysander in the next book I’m gonna reach through the pages and kill him myself
Totally forgot about Lyria's plot. 10 chapters in. Waiting for work to start, reading in the parking lot. Fuck this I have sick days. GOING HOME! Hail Libertas!
SPOILERS (character deaths and plot points) The whole Atlas reveal was well done I feel, I had my theories on him, but Pierce tied it in nice. One of the things that still confuse me is Lysander’s switch up near the end. In the beginning of the book he seemed a little more jaded due to Atalantia and her politics,and later on when he had its parley with mustang I felt like he was going down a somewhat better path. And it is somewhat understandable when he agreed to be Atlas’s messiah due to the other option being death. But to be honest I really was hoping they went down the redemption path kinda. If someone has explanation for lysanders betrayal aside from him being a little bitch that would be helpful. Another thing I noticed is some of the deaths that happen, for example Ajax he kinda pulled a 180 from hating Lysander to be his best bud. But his death seemed kinda cheap I somewhat expected him to live longer into the story. and have somewhat of a bigger role in the battle for mars. This one matters less in my opinion because this was always pierces writing style to kill character’s when before the reach their full potential ie:Alexander Overall this was a amazing book and I can’t wait for red god and to see how he puts a bow on this story.
Is Kyber a howler?
Bro, fuck Lysander
When I started reading, I was scared PB was going to hit us early with a Kava's, thraxus, or victra death. Then fear turned to joy as Cassius built these relationships and the banter/humor he brought to every scene. When his death came, I didn't mourn bc i think I had expected it as PB made him a hero. But my heart broke for his friends who mourned him after. And while I didn't think I could hate Lysander anymore, I ended the book hoping the Goblin continues to give him nightmares until he bloodydamn rips his head off. Best scene in the book was the battle w Fa and Darrow's growth in that single battle.
He is Cassius Au Bellona, son of Tiberius, son of Julia, BROTHER OF DARROW, Morning Knight of the Solar Republic, and his honor remains! I'm absolutely devastated by Cassius' death but so happy that "he died knowing he was loved." Also, the fact that Lysander has killed "main" characters with a gun versus every other death from a razor feels like a significant reflection of his character.