I had a big heart for this story that comes out of the box. Everyone is benefiting since this novel mixes several styles of dystopia through the fantastic romance and adventure. Red Queen is incredibly addictive, it's a great novel that deserves to be known!
The days of Mare are repetitive: it flies to survive and dreads the day she will go, as his brothers in combat. The Reds have to offer their lives for the war Silvers. They are not equal in the kingdom of Norta, the Silvers and Reds dominate serve. Mare saw his three brothers go to war and knows that his turn will come sooner or later. For her, from means dying, she has no hope of survival to the front. While Mare is losing hope, she will do unimaginable discovery. The Reds do not have power and yet holds a Mare. This gift will change its daily, slave, she will become princess. Unfortunately for her, her life will only become more dangerous ...
The universe is unique to the author even if it sometimes made me think of dystopia "Crossfire" (for power) and "selection" (to the romance and the aspect of "royalty"). Victoria Aveyard is not confined to one style and develops an interesting mythology in this first volume. I absolutely love the dystopias that incorporate fantasy elements. The powers of the Silvers are dreaming and that of Mare is stunning!
Mare has the perfect profile of heroin: courageous, determined, fair and intelligent but she remains human. The young woman will make poor choices and pay the price. I have trouble with too unrealistic protagonists. Mare is just the opposite. Yes, she is afraid for his life when he arrived at the palace. Although it defend its case, that of Red, she is terrified that the King and Queen could make them for himself and his family. Forced to play the role assigned to it, Mare will have to find a solution to rebel without risking the lives of her loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed following our heroine. Although I have not always agreed with their decisions, I found it touching.
Romance is not a central element in this first volume. Mare approaches the two Silvers princes Cal and Maven and even if we feel it has the attraction to the first and affection for each other, Victoria Aveyard does not leave us much to put us in the tooth. Relations between our Red and Silver Princess princes are complicated. They are enemies by nature and Mare does not know if she can trust them ....
For my part, I fell for Cal, the future sovereign. It has many facets and this is what I like about him. Cal may be humble and altruistic but also dangerous and blind. This is a soldier, a warrior who dares to question the system. Quite the opposite Mare who are tired of his family living in poverty because of Silvers.
Finally, Red Queen passionate me, from the first to the last page. I did not see coming the dramatic turn of late and I loved it. This first opus was a wonderful discovery, his world and his characters have convinced me!
Blow of heart!
