When I first picked up Red Queen, I didn’t just find another young adult novel—I found a world built by Victoria Aveyard, an American writer whose vision reshaped how I see fantasy fiction. Born on July 27, 1990, in Western Massachusetts to public school teachers, she grew up surrounded by stories and imagination. Later, at just eighteen, she moved to California to study at the University of Southern California’s screenwriting program, where her passion for crafting unique storylines, complex characters, and sharp plot twists truly took shape.
After graduating in 2012, Aveyard wrote the spec screenplay Eternal for Sony Pictures, but her real breakthrough came when she created the complete fantasy book series, beginning with Red Queen. Guided by Suzie Townsend, whom she met through her USC writing program, she turned her vivid imagination into a bestseller that earned positive reviews for its diversity and depth. Published in 2015, the book quickly captured readers’ hearts and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Goodreads Author. I still remember how its balance between court politics and rebellion reminded me of books like Throne of Glass—a mix of elegance, danger, and emotional fire.
The success of Red Queen sparked sequels and a prequel, extending the universe and giving readers a sense of continuity. The series even caught the eye of Universal Pictures and Elizabeth Banks, who worked to adapt it into a film franchise. Later in 2021, the project evolved into a television series with Peacock, where Banks took a recurring role. Seeing this transformation unfold, from page to screen, made me appreciate how stories can live beyond print. Aveyard herself celebrated the renewal for a second season on Instagram and even wrote the pilot script—a testament to her storytelling expertise.
Outside the Red Queen world, Aveyard continued her creative journey with Realm Breaker, which reached the top of The New York Times Best Sellers list for young adult hardcover books. Living in Santa Monica with her husband and dog, the Scottish and Italian-descended author continues to inspire fans worldwide. Her path from USC graduate to global fantasy icon proves that the power of imagination, discipline, and heart can build more than worlds—it can create legacies.
Red Queen:
Plot
In Victoria Aveyard’s New Era, the world is split by blood—the Red and the Silver. The Silvers, gifted with supernatural abilities, see themselves as superior, wealthy, and almost like gods, while the Reds live as servants, often conscripted into endless war between the kingdoms of the Lakelands and Norta. Among the Reds, Mare Barrow stands out. A thief from the Stilts, she lives with her parents Daniel and Ruth, her sister Gisa, and brothers Bree, Tramy, and Shade, who all fight on the front line. I’ve always admired how Aveyard paints Mare’s jealousy of Gisa’s sewing skills—how the dream of being a seamstress could mean safety from being conscripted at eighteen. When her friend Kilorn Warren loses his master and faces the same fate, Mare’s desperate escape plan brings her to Will Whistle and Farley, the captain of the Scarlet Guard, a rebel group fighting for equality. Their mission, their cost in crowns, and the growing threat of rebellion all set the stage for the chaos to come.
As events unfold in Summerton, chaos erupts when the Scarlet Guard is blamed for bombed buildings, leading to violent retaliation by Silvers. A single act of pickpocketing leaves Gisa’s hand broken, and Mare’s guilt drives her into a tavern, where she meets Cal, a mysterious servant who later reveals himself as Crown Prince Tiberias Calore VII, son of Tiberias Calore VI. When Mare displays electrokinetic powers during the Queenstrial, shocking everyone including Evangeline Samos, she’s forced into an uprising of her own. Disguised as Mareena Titanos, engaged to Maven, she navigates royal politics, love, and betrayal in a palace ruled by Queen Elara and King Tiberias. Guided by Julian Jacos, the librarian who reveals her genetic mutation, Mare learns that her blood makes her stronger than both Reds and Silvers. After Shade is believed to be executed for desertion, she joins the rebellion, leading to an invasion at Archeon, chaos within the castle, and horrifying mind control by Elara that forces Cal to kill his father on live television. Labeled traitors, Mare and Cal are captured, sent to the arena with their powers stifled, and must fight former sparring partners before being rescued by the Undertrain. With revenge burning in her heart, Mare clings to the list of others like her—those hidden, those mutated, those ready to rise.
Characters:
Mare Barrow – The Little Lightning Girl
Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl, lives in a world divided by blood. She discovers her supernatural powers of electrokinesis, earning the name “little lightning girl.” Her loyalty is torn between her best friend Kilorn and the Scarlet Guard, where she becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Silvers. Mare’s lightning becomes both her weapon and her curse as love, loss, and betrayal shape her destiny.
Tiberias Calore VII – The Flame of Duty
Tiberias Calore VII, known as Cal, is the elder son and heir of King Tiberias Calore VI and Queen Coriane Jacos. A noble Silver Burner with control over fire, he’s engaged to Evangeline Samos yet falls for Mare. His loyalty to his father and the kingdom of Norta clashes with his heart’s pull toward freedom and love. Cal’s flames mirror his inner battle between duty and desire.
Maven Calore – The Broken Prince
Maven Calore, the second son of King Tiberias and Queen Elara Merandus, hides behind his shy smile and manipulative mother. Gifted as a Burner, he envies his elder brother and Mare’s affection. Elara’s Whispering twists his mind, turning love into jealousy and loyalty into hatred. Maven’s tragic fall from grace makes him both a victim and a villain in Mare’s story.
Elara Merandus – The Whispering Queen
Elara Merandus, the sadistic queen and mother of Maven, uses her power of manipulation to control minds. As a Whispering Silver, she destroys all who oppose her, even her husband, King Tiberias Calore VI. Her cruel games end lives, including that of Queen Coriane, her sister-in-law. Elara’s cunning leaves scars deeper than her words.
Queen Coriane Jacos – The Lost Voice
Queen Coriane, the gentle Singer and first wife of King Tiberias, is Mare’s distant connection through Julian Jacos, her brother. Coriane’s power lies in her voice, but her life is silenced by Elara’s jealousy. Mutilated and muted, her death haunts the palace halls. Her diary and memories guide others toward truth and rebellion.
Julian Jacos – The Voice of Truth
Julian Jacos, a royal librarian and Singer, is the brother of Coriane Jacos and uncle to Cal. He reads minds and manipulates truth with his voice. Julian’s knowledge becomes Mare’s strength as he reveals the hidden lies of the Silver court. His wisdom and compassion balance the chaos surrounding them.
Evangeline Samos – The Magnetic Princess
Evangeline Samos, a proud and haughty Silver from House Samos, wields the power of magnetic manipulation. Engaged to Cal but despising weakness, she uses her Magnetron ability to humiliate others. Beneath her iron confidence lies a grudging respect for Mare’s courage, though she masks it behind her cold, princess-like pride.
Kilorn Warren – The Loyal Friend
Kilorn Warren, Mare’s childhood friend and fishing apprentice, dreams of escaping conscription. His bond with Mare makes him a catalyst for her involvement with the Scarlet Guard. Though ordinary among the superpowered, Kilorn’s certainty, loyalty, and courage keep Mare grounded amid chaos.
Diana Farley – The Fearless Captain
Diana Farley, captain of the Scarlet Guard, is dedicated to their cause against the Silvers. Fierce, strategic, and unyielding, she leads dangerous campaigns and inspires rebellion. Farley’s strength pushes Mare and Kilorn to fight harder, proving that even without powers, courage can change a kingdom.
Sara Skonos – The Silent Healer
Sara Skonos, a nurse and Skin Healer, once punished and made mute, heals others with touch. Her quiet nature hides immense strength and compassion. Despite her mutilated tongue, Sara’s actions speak volumes, helping those the Silver court would rather forget.
glass sword:
Plot
In Glass Sword, Mare Barrow’s journey becomes darker and more complex. After escaping Naercey with Cal, Shade, Kilorn, and Farley through the underground train, the Scarlet Guard finds refuge on Tuck Island. The leadership of the group shifts when the Colonel—Willis Farley—takes command, chaining Cal and interrogating him in Barracks 1, a cold underwater bunker built of Silent Stone. I found this shift in control fascinating; it shows how easily loyalty and power can blur when war and survival mix. Mare, known as the Lightning Girl, struggles with her emotions and the scars—both lightning-shaped and emotional—that mark her after Maven’s brutal betrayal.
Their mission to find the list of newbloods leads them across the countryside in a stolen air jet. From Nix Marsten to Harbor Bay’s smuggler gang, the Mariners, each encounter is a test of trust and betrayal. Maven, once Cal’s brother and Mare’s love, sends haunting notes filled with promises and violence, forcing Mare to hide her feelings while she fights to keep her recruits safe. The Security Center raid, Wolliver Galt’s trap, and the strange machine that causes her pain reveal Maven’s growing cruelty and obsession. Even when unconscious, Mare’s spirit does not break—something I deeply admired about her strength and leadership under such relentless pressure.
The story’s pace intensifies as new names and places emerge—Rosen, Jon the seer, Julian Jacos the tutor, and Cameron Cole, who can turn off the abilities of others. Together with her volunteers and family—Bree, Tramy, Kilorn, and Cal—Mare plans daring rescues from Corros Prison and the Choke. Shade’s death, brutally caused by Ptolemus Samos, transforms Mare’s inner storm into violent lightning control, showing the cost of war and rebellion. Cal and Mare’s fight over Elara’s death and their disagreement at the Notch safe house reflect how love and leadership can clash when weighed down by grief and revenge.
In the end, Mare’s deal with the Colonel and her surrender at Whitefire Palace complete her transformation. Kneeling before King Maven, wearing a golden collar and leash as the Silver Elites jeer “traitor” and “murderer,” she becomes both a symbol of rebellion and sacrifice. Her broadcast message calling Reds, Silvers, and newbloods to rise up echoes through the world—proof that even in chains, Mare Barrow cannot be broken. Her promise of survival, power, and revenge lives on, reminding us that true leadership often demands losing everything first.
Characters:
Returning Heroes
Most of the characters in Glass Sword are the same as those from Red Queen, continuing their stories with new challenges and deeper emotions. Mare Barrow, the lightning girl, becomes both a leader and a symbol of fear as she searches for newbloods. Cal, once a prince, now faces exile and guilt over his family’s fall. Maven, consumed by power and jealousy, rules Norta with cruelty and lies. Kilorn Warren stays by Mare’s side, while Farley, Shade Barrow, Sara Skonos, and Julian Jacos fight for freedom, carrying the pain and strength of their past.
Cameron Cole – The Power of Silence
Cameron Cole, a fierce newblood, can silence other powers, earning her the title of “Silencer.” Distrustful yet brave, she becomes an important part of Mare’s rebellion, showing that courage can exist even in fear.
Nix – The Bright Flame
Nix joins Mare’s mission with his fire-based ability and a determined heart. His bravery in dangerous moments adds warmth and strength to the team of newbloods.
Nanny – The Hidden Face
Nanny, an older Scarlet Guard member, can change her appearance through shapeshifting. Her cleverness and calm guidance help the team survive deadly missions, though her sacrifice leaves a lasting mark on them all.
Gareth – The Steadfast Fighter
Gareth’s strength and loyalty make him one of the most dependable newbloods. His unwavering faith in Mare’s cause reminds everyone that power means little without heart.
King’s Cage:
Plot
In Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, the third installment known as King’s Cage captures a dark turn in the story. The Lightning Girl, Mare Barrow, once a symbol of rebellion, finds herself powerless, a prisoner of King Maven Calore. Once a boy she loved, Maven now weaves his dead mother’s web of lies and betrayal, tightening his control over the country of Norta. Inside the palace made of Silent Stone, Mare feels the heavy mercy of her captor as her lightning fades and her lethal mistakes haunt her. The Reds and newbloods, scattered in the shadows, are organizing, training, and expanding for war, while Cal, the exiled prince, burns with a conflicted heart between love and duty.
I’ve always admired how Aveyard makes the palace feel like a golden cage. You can almost sense the torture Mare endures as Samson Merandus, the whisper, invades her memories, forcing her to relive Shade Barrow’s death. Evangeline Samos, betrothed to Maven by Volo Samos, plays dangerous court games while Cameron Cole and the Scarlet Guard prepare at Irabelle, near the Lakelander city of Trial. The Guard and Cal clash in vision—while she fights for freedom, he still values Silver lives. In this tense dance of allegiances, Mare is a pawn in broadcasts and bargains, wearing a golden leash of shame as King Maven spins his tactics before the citizens of Norta.
The truth behind Maven’s childhood and Elara Merandus’s manipulation adds painful depth. His love for Thomas, lost in a war front accident, and his burner abilities reveal his pain—a twisted soul molded by a cruel mother. Meanwhile, newbloods appear before Maven’s court, including Halley from House Eagrie and Nanny, the shifter who takes her own life to protect the cause. Reading Julian Jacos’s books, Mare learns the histories of a continent where Silvers once felt oppressed by Reds. This flips her world upside down, a haunting reminder that power shifts but cruelty remains constant.
The plot widens as princes Alexandret and Daraeus of Piedmont arrive, followed by an assassination attempt by Houses Iral, Haven, and Laris. During the coronation tour, Rocasta and the Kingdom of the Lakelands become part of Maven’s alliance. The Scarlet Guard seizes Corvium, and Farley earns a victory that changes everything. The wedding between Maven and Princess Iris Cygnet, meant to seal peace with the Lakelands, turns into the Wedding Battle—a chaotic storm of fire, blood, and escape.
Later, the rise of the Kingdom of the Rift, forged by Volo Samos, Anabel Lerolan, and the Houses, leads to uneasy alliances between the Scarlet Guard, Montfort, and the Reds. Cal, torn between love and throne, accepts his role as King of Norta, leaving Mare heartbroken. Farley and Davidson plan to let the Silvers destroy each other, believing it’s the only way to earn true freedom for Reds. As someone who has followed many fantasy wars, I found this moment raw and painfully real—equality, war, and marriage used as weapons of survival rather than love.
Characters:
Iris Cygnet – The Silent Storm
Iris Cygnet, a princess from the Lakelands, enters the story through a political marriage to Maven Calore. Calm but calculating, she hides her strength behind grace. Her power to control water makes her a dangerous opponent and a quiet strategist, turning tides both in battle and in court.
Samson Merandus – The Whispering Shadow
Samson Merandus, Elara’s nephew and a skilled Whisper, uses his mental powers to control and torture others. Cold and ruthless, he becomes Maven’s trusted ally. His manipulation of minds reveals how terrifying the Silver gift can truly be when driven by cruelty.
Jon – The Prophet
Jon, a mysterious newblood, has the rare ability to see the future. His cryptic warnings and quiet presence make him both an ally and an enigma. He helps guide Mare’s rebellion at critical moments, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Ada Wallace – The Living Memory
Ada Wallace, a brilliant newblood, possesses a photographic memory that lets her recall every detail she sees or hears. Calm, sharp, and loyal, she serves as the mind of the Scarlet Guard, turning information into power.
Tyton – The Thunder’s Heir
Tyton, another newblood with control over lightning, mirrors Mare’s abilities but wields them with a colder precision. His confidence and quiet intensity earn him respect among the Guard’s ranks, proving that even power shared can take different forms.
Clover – The Silent Blade
Clover is a skilled fighter within the Scarlet Guard, known for her silence and deadly efficiency. With or without powers, her combat skills and loyalty make her one of the rebellion’s strongest defenders.
Davidson – The Rebel Leader
Premier Davidson, the charismatic leader of Montfort, introduces a world where Reds and Silvers live as equals. Smart, visionary, and calm under pressure, he becomes a guiding force for Mare’s cause, showing that freedom can be built, not just fought for.
Evangeline Samos – The Torn Princess
Though seen before, Evangeline’s role transforms in King’s Cage. Torn between duty to her family and love for someone she shouldn’t choose, her inner conflict deepens. Her pride softens as she begins to see beyond the crown’s cold metal.
War Storm:
Plot
The final chapter of Victoria Aveyard’s electrifying series, War Storm, brings an intense mix of war, love, and betrayal. As I reread it recently with a Facebook Group of fans, the emotional ending struck me even harder. Mare Barrow’s journey toward freedom, equality, and redemption feels more personal this time, especially as she faces both Cal’s rule and Maven’s obsession. The Scarlet Guard, Reds, and newbloods unite under the banner of rebellion, determined to end oppression and bring peace to Norta and beyond. Their strategy, marked by courage and leadership, shapes the fate of nations as Mare’s power shines like lightning, a symbol of hope in chaos.
The war storm that brews across Montfort, Piedmont, and the Lakelands reveals not only epic battles but also the deep political intrigue behind every alliance and betrayal. I was drawn to how Iris Cygnet and her Cygnet family, including Queen Cenra Cygnet and King Orrec Cygnet, manipulate the sea with deadly precision, using water control as both power and weapon. Meanwhile, Evangeline, torn by Elane’s love and her duty to Volo Samos, faces a painful decision between loyalty and freedom. Her struggle reflects the cost of monarchy and government built on slavery and inequality, and I couldn’t help but admire her quiet resistance.
In the heart of Archeon, Cal, or Tiberias Calore VII, sits upon the throne, carrying the heavy crown of a broken kingdom. His choice between love and duty mirrors the prophecy Jon once spoke of — a future uncertain, where fate and destiny twist like a raging storm. The Scarlet Guard generals, led by Diana Farley and General Farley, plot the Archeon assault with Davidson and the Montfort council, representing the Free Republic and Montfort democracy. Through council meetings, strategy, and rebellion, they aim to end oppression and rebuild a world based on democracy and hope.
When Maven’s capture finally comes, the Red coalition and Montfort army see a glimmer of victory, but Maven’s death leaves behind more heartbreak than peace. I still remember how the battle of Harbor Bay, Fort Patriot, and Ocean Hill felt alive with battleships, armies, and soldiers fighting for freedom. Mare’s fate and Cal’s crown collide when Iris’ plot and Bracken’s betrayal threaten everything they fought for. The Lakelander invasion, the fall of Volo, and Anabel’s plan for revenge show how fragile every alliance can be. Julian’s song, Cameron’s courage, and Kilorn’s loyalty all echo the story’s heart — the belief that unity, courage, and sacrifice can rebuild even the most broken kingdom.
In the end, Mare’s freedom and Cal’s rule stand on opposite sides of the same dream — a peace restored but a future uncertain. The series conclusion of War Storm and Broken Throne is more than just epic battles and character development; it’s about rebuilding after destruction, healing from heartbreak, and finding hope in the ruins of a kingdom collapse. Every time I revisit this full-length novel, I am reminded of Mare’s power, Cal’s destiny, and the Reds’ freedom that defines this series — a powerful story of rebellion, redemption, and the endless fight for equality.
Unused words: Silent Stone, Silent guards, Raiders, Ascendant, Corvium, Cardamon, Ptolemus, Wren, Gisa, Tyton, Arezzo, Cully, Lord Rem Rhambos, Province Island, Whitefire Palace, Rift, Red labor, teleporters, dropjet, transports, missile, dagger, electricity, manipulation, revenge, uprising, monarchy, rebuilding, Piedmont alliance, Cenra’s army, alliance broken, victory balance, survival, kingdom collapse, official recaps, book series reread, electrifying series, points of view.
Characters:
Iris Cygnet – The Tide Queen
Iris Cygnet returns stronger and more determined, commanding the power of water and the armies of the Lakelands. Now a queen, she balances loyalty to her gods with her hunger for vengeance. Calm on the surface but deadly beneath, Iris’s storms shape the fate of nations.
Davidson – The Voice of Freedom
Premier Davidson stands firm as the leader of Montfort, guiding Reds, Silvers, and newbloods toward unity. His clear vision and steady leadership inspire others to fight for a world without blood-based divisions. He becomes the political heart of the final war.
Evangeline Samos – The Iron Heart
Evangeline faces her most difficult choice in War Storm: her family’s ambition or her own happiness. With her magnetic power and fierce pride, she fights for freedom and love, proving she’s more than just a Silver pawn. Her growth from arrogance to compassion marks one of the series’ strongest transformations.
Tyton – The Storm’s Ally
Tyton’s mastery of lightning continues to mirror Mare’s, but his calm control and strategic mind make him a vital ally in the rebellion’s final battles. He stands beside her in war, turning storms into weapons of justice.
Montfort Soldiers – The United Front
The soldiers of Montfort represent a new world’s promise — Reds, Silvers, and newbloods fighting together as equals. Their unity shows that true strength lies not in power alone but in trust and shared purpose.
Maven Calore – The Fallen King
Though once a central figure, Maven’s downfall reaches its tragic end. His broken love for Mare and the shadow of his mother’s control lead him down a path of destruction. In his final moments, he remains both a monster and a boy lost to whispers and grief.
Cal (Tiberias Calore VII) – The Fire of Redemption
Cal, no longer just a prince, rises as a leader torn between heart and crown. His flames light the path toward rebuilding a world divided by war. His reconciliation with Mare brings closure, blending fire and lightning into hope.
What is Red Queen mostly about?
In the world of Mare Barrow, life feels divided by blood — the Red and the Silver. The Red people are the common ones who serve the elite Silver, those gifted with superhuman abilities that make them powerful and feared. Mare, a poor thief from a rural village, lives a hard life until a twist of fate throws her before the Silver court. I still remember how deeply this story pulled me in — how Mare’s courage and confusion made the separation between the Red and Silver feel real, almost echoing our own world’s struggles.
Is Red Queen LGBTQ?
n the Red Queen series, the character Maven Calore adds emotional depth through his romantic complications and internal battles. As a bisexual man, his love for Mare, the heroine, feels both tragic and powerful. Alongside him, Evangeline faces her own struggles with marriage requirements tied to her elite position, showing how duty often clashes with desire. I found these layers of emotion beautifully written — they make the story feel real, filled with tension and truth that goes beyond fantasy.
Is Red Queen a spicy book?
The Red Queen Series has some mature language and a few torture scenes that make the story intense, but it’s not overly explicit. There are heated moments and gentle kissing, yet they stay within a safe criteria for most readers. Personally, I found these moments added emotion without crossing into discomfort — just enough to heighten the tension.
Is Red Queen worth watching?
For me, the Red Queen series is a definite must-see, especially if you enjoy clever characters and layered plots like Sherlock Holmes or Death Note. The story’s mystery and intriguing twists keep you hooked, even when the content feels a bit quirky or baffling. While some reviews might seem dubious, I found the world-building and genius storytelling hard to explain without giving too much away.
Is Red Queen a dark romance?
The Red Queen may sound like a fantasy, but it also fits the dark romance tone seen in the Queens series. Though not a mafia story, it carries that emotional intensity often found in a sizzling book filled with power struggles and heartache. Unlike some standalone tales that promise a happy ever after, this story feels heavier, containing scenes of violence and sacrifice that make it unforgettable.
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