Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society’s mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.
Finally, the time has come.
But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied – and too glorious to surrender.
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Page Count: 518
Morning Star is the third and final book in Brown’s trilogy. If you haven’t read the previous installments, Red Rising and Golden Son, I highly suggest you stay far away from this review!!! Like far, far away! In the following there will be a spoiler-free and a spoiler section (clearly marked), but Brown’s books are best experienced when you are clueless in my opinion.
Have you ever had a book hangover while reading the book? This is sort of what reading Morning Star felt like. I was so excited to finally get the book, to read more about Darrow and his friends and foes, however, as soon as I turned to the first page, I dreaded the story coming to an end. My mind was split between wanting to know what happens next and not wanting to finish it at all. So, for my standards, it took me forever to read it! Like always though, Pierce Brown knows how to crush your feels and I felt like nearly having a heart attack a couple of times.
Throughout the series our characters turned from rash teenagers to wiser adults. We plowed through Greek, Roman and now Norse mythology. There were betrayals that felt like a knife in the back and people so fiercely loyal, they warm your heart. War is a nasty business, something I rarely like to read about because of obvious reasons I think, but somehow Brown has managed to captivate me with this tale. It was an epic journey, spanning over the course of several years. He always managed to surprise me, gave me the most bookish trust issues, yet also made me feel deeply for all of the characters. I loved experiencing this world, but that is all that I can say without spoiling you. Pierce Brown is truly writing King!
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***SPOILERS FROM HERE ONWARDS***
There are some things that need to be discussed and that is only possible with people who’ve read the book, so if you are still reading this, without having done so – don’t be a Pixie and return after reading! Believe me, you don’t want to be spoiled! I am just going to straight out say things that you shouldn’t know, so go!
A lot happened, there was so much more war talk and strategising in the past two books than in the first one. Some of it was overwhelming at times, but what I really want to talk about are the relationships in Morning Star! Pierce promised us a love interest for Sevro and he delivered! I would have liked to see a tiny bit more of Sevro and Victra together before they got married, but I do feel that they fit perfectly. They both have a weird sense of humour, are tough with a soft core and they would do anything and everything for Darrow. I am so happy they found each other.
Then that bombshell at the end!!! I bet little Pax is the cutest child in all the worlds. How could she not spill that secret? Mustang is truly the master at this game. I am glad it was her on the throne in the end, because as Darrow has realised himself, he couldn’t have done it.
As always, a lot of people died. No one will be surprised by the fact that I was devastated at Ragnar’s demise, but I was a little astonished with myself at how deeply I felt for Roque. I think it was because I was like Darrow, wanting him back as a friend, being sad that we lost him during the journey. Ultimately, I am glad that at least Cassius was redeemed. I won’t even talk about how much I hate Aja and Jackal … that’s just a given.
And lastly, I still can’t believe he “almost” killed Sevro twice. Like WTF?
***SPOILERS OFF***
Fazit: 5/5 stars! It was truly an epic conclusion to an epic tale! However, I am glad we will get to stay in that same universe with Brown‘s follow-up trilogy.
Have you read Brown’s books? Are you as smitten as me? Did you think this was the ending the story deserved? Are you yearning for more as well?
Life and Other Disasters 