Finished Red Rising and looking for your next great read? These books like Red Rising deliver intense action, deadly rivalries, political intrigue, and rebellion.
We’ve selected 10 highly rated sci-fi and fantasy books, from dangerous academies and underdog heroes to epic space wars and powerful empires.
Whether you loved Darrow’s determination, the Institute’s brutal competition, or the shocking betrayals, this list will help you find your next book.
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What Are the Best Books Like Red Rising?
The Will of the Many is our top pick for its elite academy, hidden identities, and political power struggles. For brutal action, try The Rage of Dragons, or choose Leviathan Wakes for interplanetary conflict.
Our 10 recommendations feature:
- Rebellion against oppressive rulers
- Deadly academies and military training
- Determined underdogs and fierce rivalries
- Strategic battles, betrayals, and political intrigue
- Epic sci-fi and fantasy worlds
- Gripping stories that continue across multiple books
Explore the list below to find your next read based on what you loved most about Red Rising.
1. The Will of the Many by James Islington
BEST OVERALL
Vis Telimus is hiding his true identity in a society where the powerful gain strength from those beneath them.
When he enters the prestigious Catenan Academy, he must compete against privileged students, uncover dangerous secrets, and avoid exposing his past.
If you loved the Institute in Red Rising, you’ll recognize the appeal: an outsider infiltrating an elite academy, ruthless rivalries, and a society built to protect those at the top.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | Hidden identity at an elite academy |
| Genre | Epic fantasy |
| Setting | Roman-inspired empire |
| Tension | Political intrigue & dangerous rivals |
| Best For | Fans of the Institute storyline |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | The Will of the Many Gives You |
|---|---|
| Darrow posing as a Gold | Vis hiding his identity |
| The Society’s Color hierarchy | A system built on surrendering Will |
| The Institute’s deadly rivalries | Competition at Catenan Academy |
| Strategic power struggles | Political schemes and deception |
| Darrow challenging the elite | An outsider navigating the ruling class |
Who It’s For
Choose The Will of the Many if you want:
- A clever protagonist with secrets to protect
- Elite academy competition and rivalries
- Political intrigue and shifting loyalties
- A fantasy world built on inequality
Our Verdict
The Will of the Many earns our Best Overall spot for its compelling mix of academy competition, hidden identities, and political power struggles.
It’s fantasy rather than science fiction, so don’t expect space battles. But if you loved watching Darrow outsmart the Golds and challenge the system from within, this is a strong next read.
Loved the Institute? Start with this one.
2. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
BEST FOR RELENTLESS ACTION
Tau wants a peaceful life, but a devastating loss sends him down a path of revenge in a society ruled by powerful warriors and rigid social classes.
Determined to defeat enemies with far greater advantages, he pushes himself through brutal training to become an exceptional swordsman.
If you loved Darrow’s determination in Red Rising, Tau delivers that same underdog intensity, with relentless combat, personal sacrifice, and a refusal to back down.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | An underdog driven by revenge |
| Genre | Epic fantasy |
| Setting | African-inspired warrior society |
| Action | Brutal combat & sword fighting |
| Best For | Fans of Darrow’s relentless determination |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | The Rage of Dragons Gives You |
|---|---|
| Darrow challenging the Color hierarchy | Tau fighting against inherited privilege |
| Darrow’s determination | Relentless training and sacrifice |
| Brutal battles and deadly enemies | Intense sword fights and warfare |
| Overcoming stronger opponents | An underdog facing elite warriors |
| Anger fueling Darrow’s decisions | A personal quest for revenge |
Who It’s For
Choose The Rage of Dragons if you want:
- Fast-paced action and brutal combat
- An underdog fighting against the odds
- Intense training and sword fights
- A revenge-driven fantasy adventure
Our Verdict
The Rage of Dragons earns our Best for Relentless Action spot for its intense combat, demanding training, and determined protagonist.
It’s fantasy rather than science fiction, with a stronger focus on personal revenge than political revolution. But if Darrow’s ambition and brutal battles were your favorite parts of Red Rising, Tau’s story is a great match.
Want more action and less politics? Start here.
3. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
BEST FOR DEADLY TRIALS
Laia risks everything to rescue her brother from the Martial Empire, a ruthless regime that punishes anyone who challenges its authority.
To find him, she goes undercover as a servant at Blackcliff Military Academy, where she meets Elias, an elite soldier who secretly wants to escape the Empire.
If you loved the Institute in Red Rising, expect a similarly dangerous atmosphere, with brutal military training, hidden agendas, divided loyalties, and a growing resistance.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A spy inside a ruthless military academy |
| Genre | YA dystopian fantasy |
| Setting | Oppressive empire & military academy |
| Romance | Slow-building romantic tension |
| Best For | Fans of the Institute and rebellion |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | An Ember in the Ashes Gives You |
|---|---|
| Darrow infiltrating the Golds | Laia spying inside Blackcliff Academy |
| The Institute’s dangerous environment | Brutal military training and deadly trials |
| The Society’s rigid hierarchy | An empire built on fear and oppression |
| Unpredictable alliances | Hidden motives and divided loyalties |
| Rebellion against the ruling class | A resistance fighting for freedom |
Who It’s For
Choose An Ember in the Ashes if you want:
- A dangerous military academy
- Secret missions and political intrigue
- Resistance against a ruthless empire
- High-stakes fantasy with romantic tension
Our Verdict
An Ember in the Ashes earns our Best for Deadly Trials spot for its dangerous military academy, oppressive empire, and characters caught between loyalty and survival.
It’s more romance-focused and YA-oriented than Red Rising. But if you loved the Institute’s brutality, undercover missions, and rebellion against powerful rulers, this is a strong next read.
Loved the Institute and want more romance? Start here.
4. Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio
BEST EPIC SPACE OPERA
Hadrian Marlowe is destined to become one of the galaxy’s most infamous figures, remembered as both a hero and a destroyer.
But his story begins as a young nobleman who rejects his family’s plans and finds himself stranded on a distant world. His journey draws him into gladiatorial combat, imperial politics, and conflicts that reach across the galaxy.
If you loved the scale of Red Rising, expect powerful ruling families, competing factions, and a morally complex protagonist whose choices could change history.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A nobleman’s rise to galactic infamy |
| Genre | Science fiction / space opera |
| Setting | Vast interstellar empire |
| Pacing | Slow-building & immersive |
| Best For | Fans of Red Rising’s epic scale |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Empire of Silence Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Society’s ruling families | Powerful noble houses and imperial politics |
| Darrow’s transformation | Hadrian’s journey toward a legendary reputation |
| Interplanetary power struggles | Conflicts across a vast galactic empire |
| The consequences of warfare | Moral dilemmas and difficult decisions |
| Expansive sci-fi worldbuilding | Richly developed planets, cultures, and history |
Who It’s For
Choose Empire of Silence if you want:
- A vast science fiction universe
- Galactic politics and powerful empires
- A morally complex protagonist
- Deep worldbuilding and a long-running series
Our Verdict
Empire of Silence earns our Best Epic Space Opera spot for its ambitious worldbuilding, imperial politics, and complex protagonist.
It’s slower and more philosophical than Red Rising, especially early on. But if you loved the expanding universe and political conflicts of Pierce Brown’s later books, Hadrian’s story is worth exploring.
Want another massive sci-fi saga? Start here.
5. Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
BEST FOR FIERCE RIVALRIES
Nona Grey escapes execution and finds refuge at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, where young girls train to become skilled and deadly fighters.
But life at the convent is far from safe. Nona must master her abilities, navigate dangerous rivalries, and protect the friendships she builds as powerful enemies threaten her future.
If you loved the Institute in Red Rising, expect intense training, fierce competition, complicated loyalties, and friendships tested by danger.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A girl training at a deadly convent |
| Genre | Dark fantasy |
| Setting | Warrior convent in a harsh fantasy world |
| Training | Combat, discipline & deadly skills |
| Best For | Fans of the Institute’s rivalries |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Red Sister Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Institute’s brutal training | Dangerous lessons at Sweet Mercy |
| Darrow forming alliances | Nona building close friendships |
| Competition between talented fighters | Fierce rivalries among gifted students |
| Betrayals and shifting loyalties | Secrets that put trust to the test |
| Characters growing through hardship | Nona mastering her deadly abilities |
Who It’s For
Choose Red Sister if you want:
- Intense training and dangerous rivalries
- Strong friendships tested by loyalty
- A fierce, underestimated heroine
- Dark fantasy with combat and political intrigue
Our Verdict
Red Sister earns our Best for Fierce Rivalries spot for its intense training, complicated friendships, and dangerous competition.
It’s dark fantasy rather than science fiction, with a stronger focus on Nona’s personal journey than large-scale rebellion. But if the Institute’s alliances, betrayals, and rivalries kept you hooked on Red Rising, this is a strong next read.
Loved the Institute’s friendships and rivalries? Start here.
6. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
BEST FOR MILITARY STRATEGY
Ender Wiggin is a gifted child recruited into Battle School, an elite military academy preparing young commanders for a possible alien invasion.
There, he must outsmart talented rivals, master increasingly difficult combat simulations, and survive the psychological pressure of instructors who constantly test his limits.
If you loved the Institute in Red Rising, expect tactical battles, fierce competition, and a brilliant protagonist who relies on strategy rather than strength.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A young military genius at Battle School |
| Genre | Military science fiction |
| Setting | Space-based military academy |
| Strategy | Tactical battles & psychological warfare |
| Best For | Fans of the Institute’s tactical battles |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Ender’s Game Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Institute’s tactical competition | Strategic battles at Battle School |
| Darrow outsmarting stronger opponents | Ender’s exceptional military intelligence |
| Rivalries between elite students | Competition among gifted recruits |
| Psychological manipulation | Instructors testing and isolating students |
| Leadership under pressure | Difficult decisions with serious consequences |
Who It’s For
Choose Ender’s Game if you want:
- Clever military tactics and strategic battles
- Intense competition at an elite academy
- A brilliant but isolated protagonist
- Psychological tension and moral dilemmas
Our Verdict
Ender’s Game earns our Best for Military Strategy spot for its clever tactical battles, competitive training, and psychological tension.
It’s more focused on military simulations and moral dilemmas than political rebellion. But if you loved watching Darrow outthink his rivals and lead under pressure, Ender’s story is an excellent choice.
Loved the Institute’s strategy and competition? Start here.
7. Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
BEST FOR SPACE POLITICS
Humanity has colonized the solar system, but tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt are pushing everyone toward war.
When Jim Holden and his crew investigate a distress signal, they uncover clues to a dangerous conspiracy. Meanwhile, detective Miller’s search for a missing woman leads him toward the same growing threat.
If you loved the political conflicts in Red Rising, expect rival factions, hidden agendas, military confrontations, and a conspiracy that could change the entire solar system.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A conspiracy threatening the solar system |
| Genre | Science fiction / space opera |
| Setting | Earth, Mars & the asteroid belt |
| Conflict | Political intrigue & space warfare |
| Best For | Fans of Red Rising’s interplanetary conflicts |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Leviathan Wakes Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Society’s powerful factions | Earth, Mars, and the Belt competing for control |
| The Color hierarchy | Inequality between planetary populations |
| Space battles and military conflict | Dangerous encounters and escalating warfare |
| Political schemes and betrayal | Conspiracies with system-wide consequences |
| Expansive science fiction worlds | A detailed, politically divided solar system |
Who It’s For
Choose Leviathan Wakes if you want:
- Interplanetary politics and rival factions
- Space battles and military tension
- A dangerous conspiracy to unravel
- Realistic sci-fi worldbuilding and a long series
Our Verdict
Leviathan Wakes earns our Best for Space Politics spot for its competing factions, escalating military tensions, and political intrigue.
It’s more focused on mystery and multiple perspectives than Darrow’s personal rebellion. But if you loved the space warfare and political power struggles of the later Red Rising books, this is an excellent next read.
Loved Red Rising’s space politics and warfare? Start here.
8. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
BEST FOR REVOLUTION
The immortal Lord Ruler controls an empire where powerful nobles thrive while the oppressed skaa struggle to survive.
Kelsier, a skilled thief determined to overthrow the regime, recruits a crew that includes Vin, a young street thief with extraordinary magical abilities.
If you loved the rebellion in Red Rising, expect a divided society, dangerous infiltration, clever schemes, and a small group of rebels taking on an almost unbeatable enemy.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A daring plot to overthrow an immortal ruler |
| Genre | Epic fantasy |
| Setting | Empire divided by social class |
| Action | Magic, combat & strategic planning |
| Best For | Fans of Darrow’s rebellion |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Mistborn Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Golds controlling the lower Colors | Nobles exploiting the oppressed skaa |
| Darrow’s fight against the Society | Kelsier’s plan to overthrow the Lord Ruler |
| Infiltrating the ruling class | Vin moving among powerful nobles |
| Rebels facing overwhelming odds | A small crew challenging an empire |
| Clever strategies and betrayals | Deception, secret plans, and unexpected twists |
Who It’s For
Choose Mistborn: The Final Empire if you want:
- A rebellion against a powerful empire
- Class conflict and political intrigue
- Clever schemes and undercover missions
- Epic fantasy with a unique magic system
Our Verdict
Mistborn: The Final Empire earns our Best for Revolution spot for its class struggle, ambitious rebellion, and clever strategies.
It’s epic fantasy rather than science fiction, with magic replacing futuristic technology. But if Darrow’s fight against the Society was your favorite part of Red Rising, Kelsier’s rebellion is an excellent match.
Loved Red Rising’s rebellion against the Golds? Start here.
9. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
BEST FOR SURVIVAL
Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem, where the wealthy Capitol forces children from its districts to compete in a televised fight to the death.
When her younger sister is chosen, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Inside the arena, she must outsmart stronger opponents, form risky alliances, and survive a competition designed to entertain the ruling class.
If you loved the Institute in Red Rising, expect deadly challenges, shifting loyalties, and an underestimated protagonist fighting against an oppressive system.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | A televised fight to the death |
| Genre | YA dystopian science fiction |
| Setting | Panem & the Hunger Games arena |
| Survival | Deadly challenges & risky alliances |
| Best For | Fans of the Institute’s survival challenges |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | The Hunger Games Gives You |
|---|---|
| The Institute’s deadly competition | A survival arena with one intended victor |
| Darrow forming strategic alliances | Katniss deciding whom she can trust |
| The Society’s oppressive hierarchy | The Capitol controlling the districts |
| Powerful leaders manipulating events | Gamemakers controlling the arena |
| Darrow challenging the ruling class | Katniss defying the Capitol’s expectations |
Who It’s For
Choose The Hunger Games if you want:
- Deadly competitions and survival challenges
- Dangerous alliances and unexpected betrayals
- A determined heroine facing impossible odds
- Fast-paced dystopian fiction with political tension
Our Verdict
The Hunger Games earns our Best for Survival spot for its deadly competition, unpredictable alliances, and constant pressure to stay alive.
It’s more YA-focused and smaller in scale than Red Rising, especially at the beginning. But if the Institute’s survival challenges and shifting loyalties kept you hooked, Katniss’s fight for survival is a strong match.
Loved the Institute’s deadly competition? Start here.
10. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
BEST UNDERDOG HERO
Spensa dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, but her father’s reputation as a coward threatens to keep her grounded in a world fighting for survival against alien attacks.
Determined to prove herself, she fights for a place in flight school, where she faces fierce competition, demanding training, and dangerous missions.
If you loved Darrow’s journey in Red Rising, expect a determined outsider challenging expectations, military rivalries, and fast-paced battles in the skies.
Quick Look
| Main Hook | An outsider fighting to become a pilot |
| Genre | YA military science fiction |
| Setting | Human colony under alien attack |
| Action | Fighter-pilot battles & military training |
| Best For | Fans of Darrow’s underdog journey |
Why Read It After Red Rising?
| If You Loved This in Red Rising | Skyward Gives You |
|---|---|
| Darrow fighting against his assigned place | Spensa overcoming her father’s reputation |
| The Institute’s demanding training | Competitive flight-school training |
| Rivalries between ambitious students | Young pilots competing to prove themselves |
| Military tactics and dangerous battles | Aerial combat against alien enemies |
| Darrow refusing to accept defeat | Spensa fighting for her dream |
Who It’s For
Choose Skyward if you want:
- A determined underdog protagonist
- Competitive military training
- Fast-paced aerial combat and action
- Friendship, teamwork, and personal growth
Our Verdict
Skyward earns our Best Underdog Hero spot for its determined protagonist, competitive pilot training, and action-packed battles.
It’s lighter in tone and more YA-focused than Red Rising, with less emphasis on political intrigue. But if you loved Darrow’s determination and watching an outsider prove everyone wrong, Spensa’s journey is a strong next read.
Loved Darrow’s underdog journey? Start here.
What Makes a Great Book Like Red Rising?
A great book like Red Rising delivers more than action. It combines high-stakes conflict, compelling characters, and a society worth fighting against.
| Key Element | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Underdog Protagonist | A determined hero facing stronger opponents |
| Social Hierarchy | Oppressive rulers and deep class divisions |
| Deadly Competition | Brutal training, fierce rivalries, and survival |
| Alliances & Betrayals | Complicated loyalties and unexpected twists |
| Epic Conflict | Political intrigue, rebellion, and large-scale battles |
Whether you prefer sci-fi or fantasy, look for the elements you enjoyed most in Red Rising to find your next read.
Which Book Like Red Rising Should You Read?
Not sure where to start? Match what you loved most about Red Rising with one of our 10 recommendations.
| If You Loved… | Read This Next |
|---|---|
| The Institute’s elite competition | The Will of the Many |
| Darrow’s determination and brutal combat | The Rage of Dragons |
| Deadly academies and resistance | An Ember in the Ashes |
| Galactic empires and political intrigue | Empire of Silence |
| Fierce rivalries and friendships | Red Sister |
| Military tactics and clever strategies | Ender’s Game |
| Space warfare and political conflict | Leviathan Wakes |
| Rebellion against powerful rulers | Mistborn: The Final Empire |
| Deadly competitions and survival | The Hunger Games |
| Underdog heroes and military training | Skyward |
Still undecided? Choose The Will of the Many for the closest match to the Institute, or The Rage of Dragons for relentless action. Explore their recommendations above and find your next read.
How Did We Choose These Books Like Red Rising?
We selected these 10 books based on their similarities to Red Rising, reader ratings, and the kind of experience each offers.
| Selection Criteria | What We Looked For |
|---|---|
| Story Similarities | Rebellion, deadly competition, and political intrigue |
| Reader Ratings | Strong ratings and positive reader feedback |
| Genre Variety | Sci-fi, epic fantasy, and dystopian fiction |
| Character Appeal | Determined underdogs, rivalries, and complex loyalties |
| Availability | Books listed on Amazon.com |
Our goal is to help you find a highly rated book that matches what you loved most about Red Rising, whether that’s brutal action, clever strategies, or epic space warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for your next read after Pierce Brown’s Red Rising? Here are answers to common questions about similar books, genres, and recommendations.
What book is most similar to Red Rising?
The Will of the Many by James Islington is our top pick. It features an oppressive social hierarchy, a protagonist hiding his identity, and dangerous competition at an elite academy. For more space-focused science fiction, try Leviathan Wakes or Empire of Silence.
What should I read after finishing Red Rising?
Start with The Will of the Many for academy rivalries and political intrigue, The Rage of Dragons for brutal action, or Leviathan Wakes for interplanetary conflict. If you want another sweeping space opera, Empire of Silence is an excellent alternative.
Are there any fantasy books like Red Rising?
Yes! The Will of the Many, The Rage of Dragons, Mistborn: The Final Empire, and Red Sister share themes of rebellion, inequality, intense competition, and powerful protagonists. They deliver similar emotional stakes in fantasy settings rather than futuristic worlds.
What books are like the Institute in Red Rising?
The Will of the Many, Ender’s Game, and An Ember in the Ashes are excellent choices. Each features elite institutions, dangerous training, fierce rivalries, and intense competition. For a darker fantasy alternative, try Red Sister.
Is Red Rising science fiction or dystopian fiction?
Red Rising is both. Its advanced technology and interplanetary civilization make it science fiction, while its oppressive government, rigid class system, and social inequality introduce strong dystopian themes.
Which books like Red Rising have the most action?
The Rage of Dragons is our top choice for relentless combat and brutal training. Skyward delivers fast-paced space battles, while The Hunger Games offers deadly survival challenges. For action driven by clever military tactics, try Ender’s Game.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Next Read
Finished Red Rising and not sure what to read next? Start with what you loved most about Pierce Brown’s series.
Choose The Will of the Many for deadly academy rivalries, The Rage of Dragons for brutal action, or Leviathan Wakes for space warfare and political intrigue.
Each offers a different experience, so the best choice depends on what you’re looking for next.
Ready to find your next favorite? Explore our 10 recommendations above, pick the book that matches your taste, and check it out on Amazon today!
