Red Queen centers around a world of division – those born with red blood and those born with silver blood. Depending on the color of your blood, determines your social standing.
The story tells the tale of Mare, a ‘Red’ teenage girl, who lives in a society segregated by a blood caste.
In this novel, themes of rebellion in an unfair society are prominent throughout and you can easily get consumed by the injustices in the world, and how these can reflect real life, too.
In this world, the ‘Silver’s’ are the highest members of society, being born into richness, prestige, and with superpowers.
On the other hand, the ‘Reds’ are at the bottom of society, often poor and working as slaves.
However, Mare uncovers something about herself that has the ability to change the world. With this newfound knowledge, Mare is determined to break down the walls of hierarchy.
If you’ve already devoured Aveyard’s series and are looking for something of a similar nature to sate your appetite, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I have outlined 5 of the best books similar to Red Queen.
If you couldn’t put down Red Queen, then you’re sure to find books like the City of Brass, Three Dark Crowns, Angelfall, The Shadow Queen, and Graceling just as binge-worth! Check out these books similar to Red Queen to add to your reading list.
Themes Of Red Queen
Power And Degradation
This novel is constructed around the idea that those born with silver blood live in a world of luxury, whereas those with red blood live in poverty.
Mare accepts her fate as a Red, however, it isn’t until she is forced to masquerade as a Silver – and believe the lie – that she questions the relative affluence of Silvers.
Trust And Betrayal
Throughout the novel, the main character, Mare Barrow, often feels like she is being backed into a corner – having to lie to her family, friends, and others.
Although, other characters lie to Mare, too. This makes her increasingly distrustful of everyone – even herself.
Even at the end of the novel, Mare is wary of other people’s actions and the motives behind them, creating a different kind of bond between characters.
This book takes a unique approach to the concept of trust whereby it is sometimes necessary to break one’s trust in an effort for the greater good.
Biological Determinism And Social Inequality
In the Kingdom of Norta, all the citizens’ – including Mare Barrow – destiny is subjected to the color of their blood.
Those with silver blood live a life of luxury which is made possible by the work of ‘Reds’.
‘Reds’ are conditioned to believe that their red blood keeps them in a fate of grueling labor and poverty – with little to no way of escaping.
Published in 2017, City of Brass is another fantasy book similar to Red Queen that Victoria Aveyard fans can sink their teeth into.
Plus, if you’re a fan of The Golem and the Jinni, this novel is sure to be right up your alley.
It is an incredibly imaginative novel that will have you believing you’re standing in the main character’s shoes.
The novel follows the story of Nahri, a talented con artist, who uses her trickery and palm-reading skills to hoodwink Ottoman lords and other prestigious figures.
Nahri’s journey starts during an exorcism whereby she summons Dara, a djinn warrior.
These two characters then embark on an action-packed adventure where they come face-to-face with monsters, spirits, and inequality in society and beyond.
Pros
This novel is similar to Red Queen in that they both dissect class systems and the inequalities and prejudices that reside within them.
Some may even say these themes are applicable to the real world, too.
Cons
Simplistic combat
Themes: Discrimination, Inequality, Friendship, and Conflict.
You’re sure to come across Three Dark Crowns on your quest on finding books similar to Red Queen.
Set on the island of Fennbim, the story tells the tale of a set of triplets born in each generation, and one is destined to become queen.
Although, the catch? In order to become queen, the sisters must fight to the death to determine the strongest queen.
This novel is a combination of themes from Northern Lights, The Hunger Games, and, of course, Red Queen.
The story often focuses on Mirabella – the strongest sister in the group. Unlike her sisters, she doesn’t wish to kill to become queen, although she has the necessary means to successfully do so.
Pros
Death, intrigue, affairs, and romance are all themes that take the reader on an epic journey into a world based on class rule.
Female heroine
Cons
Too much romance
Themes: Betrayal, Social Inequality, Mystery, Resilience, and Secrecy.
If you loved everything about Red Queen, then Angelfall is sure to become one of your favorite books.
Angelfall is the first novel in the trilogy and follows the story of 17-year-old Penryn Young.
The story takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, unfortunately for Penryn and the citizens living there, the city has become the hostage of angels. This applies to the rest of the world, too.
As a reader, you’re dropped into the narrative 6-weeks after the apocalypse where streets are being ruled by gangs and citizens are terrified of stepping foot outside their confinements.
However, it isn’t until Penryn strikes up a deal with warrior angel, Raffe, that things become heated. She finds the angel wingless and battered – using his weakness to her advantage.
Together, the pair begin to wander the streets of California looking for Penryn’s sister who has been held hostage under the angel’s rule.
By the end of the novel, you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat wondering if Penryn and Raffe will complete their quest and, ultimately, save her sister.
What other book has the ability to grab your attention on the first page like Graceling?
Here, you’re reminded that the female protagonist has been able to kill a grown man with her bare hands since the age of 18.
Red Queen and Graceling are similar in the respect that both Mare and Katsa possess an extreme skill that isn’t expected of them by society.
Unlike Mare, Katsa comes from an extremely privileged background, whereby her uncle is the king. That being said, like Mare, Katsa is forced to do things she doesn’t want to.
Pros
Packed with romance, tragedy, and betrayal, Graceling is sure to fill the void left after reading Red Queen.
Cons
Black-and-white world-building
Themes: Power, Corruption, Hierarchy, Coming-of-Age, and Romance.
A lot of novels take influence from classic fairy tales, and The Shadow Queen bears no exception from this, either.
One of the main characters, Lorelai, is based loosely on Snow White. Although, unlike Snow White, she is resourceful, tough, and doesn’t deal with fools.
On the other hand, Kai presents a struggling version of a man looking to save his kingdom by sacrificing himself in an agreement with the wicked queen, Irina.
Pros
This novel questions the character’s morality and whether or not they are willing to sacrifice the things that mean the most to them in the name of the greater good.
Each character struggles with internal conflicts. For instance, Irina has let fear and desperation guide most of her life – providing a different viewpoint on the ‘villain’ of the story.
Cons
Generic plot
Final Thoughts
Red Queen is one of those books that will have you questioning the social structures all around the world and whether the institutions set in place are truly fair.
If you’re looking for books containing similar themes to Red Queen – deception, social inequality, and revenge –, then you’ve come to the right place. You are sure to find something here to sink your teeth into.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Red Queen Books Are There?
The Red Queen series consists of four books: Red Queen (2015), Glass Sword (2016), King’s Cage (2017), and War Storm (2018).
What Is Red Queen About?
Red Queen is categorized as a young adult fantasy book series. The novel takes place in a world segregated by the color of your blood.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
