Red Rising, the first book in Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga, is a science fiction novel that follows the journey of Darrow, a young man born into a lower class of humans living beneath the surface of Mars. Darrow's journey follows the classic hero's journey archetype, demonstrating that ordinary people can correct extraordinary injustices. The first stage of Darrow's hero's journey is the call to adventure, which comes in the form of his wife's execution. Darrow is devastated by her death, and when he is approached by the Sons of Ares, a group dedicated to overthrowing the ruling class, he is eager to join their cause. Darrow's call to adventure is a personal one, but it leads him to a larger mission of correcting the injustice of the ruling …show more content…
Darrow's initiation involves him learning to navigate the complex social and political landscape of the Golds, as well as physically training to compete in the Institute, a brutal competition between the Golds to determine their future roles in society. Through his initiation, Darrow learns to blend in with the ruling class and gains the skills he needs to carry out his mission. The third stage of Darrow's journey is the road of trials, which involves him facing a series of challenges and obstacles that test his skills and determination. Darrow's road of trials involves him competing in the Institute and facing numerous enemies and betrayals. He must also grapple with the moral implications of his mission, questioning whether the ends justify the means. The fourth stage of Darrow's journey is his transformation, which involves him undergoing a final test that demonstrates his growth and maturity as a hero. Darrow's transformation comes when he realizes that the Sons of Ares have been manipulating him and other members of the lower classes to carry out their own political agenda. Darrow recognizes the need for a new order, one that is based on equality and justice rather than on the exploitation of the weak by the