By Maddy Rodak
Staff Writer

       On Feb. 10 ‘Red Queen’, a novel by Victoria Aveyard, released to the public and seemingly shot to the top of everyone’s radar, quickly becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller in a matter of days. ‘Red Queen’ is Aveyard’s debut novel.
        ‘Red Queen’ is an elaborate blend of dystopia and high fantasy. There are two different classes of people in the novel: Reds and Silvers. The Reds live their lives in poverty, while the Silvers rule over them with god-like powers.
        There has been a lot of hype surrounding this novel. MTV even wrote an article on their website about it, dubbing it ‘Hunger Games meets X-Men’. MTV also stated that ‘Red Queen’ has been optioned to become a film and Aveyard nabbed a three-book deal. Not surprising, considering the success of other young adult novels such as ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘Divergent’ and ‘Maze Runner’—all dystopian novels, all trilogies, all major motion pictures.
       So, does ‘Red Queen’ live up to the hype? The result is a love-hate relationship.
‘Red Queen’ is basically every young adult novel with a twist. There is government corruption, teen angst, rebel attacks, and not just a love triangle, but a love square. Though there are these clichés, the novel is entertaining nonetheless with its dramatic rebel attack scenes and the revelation of secrets.
        The writing is beautiful and descriptive, flowing from line to line, but the beginning of the story is in a way predictable. In the world of Norta we find our main protagonist Mare Barrow, a seemingly normal Red girl. That is, until one day she discovers that she has Silver-like abilities so strong they threaten to destroy Silver control. And so the story begins.
Mare is fearful of the war that ravages the bordering countries of Norta, her homeland, and an opposing country, the Lakelands. Citizens of Norta are constantly being drafted for the war, which they call ‘conscription’. Mare doesn’t want to get drafted into the war of course, and because of this craziness ensues.
While the writing is beautiful, the world building in the story is confusing. Aveyard describes the kingdom of Norta as an alternate ancient Greece or Rome, but at the same time there are large cars that roam the streets and screens and cameras that cover the walls. Sometimes it’s hard to picture the aspect of ancient Greece or Rome.
With the world-building aside, the story captures the reader’s attention from the beginning, taking them on a roller coaster of turns and plot twists. As the stakes rise and the characters become more engaging, it becomes harder to put the book down.
‘Red Queen’ is captivating and entertaining, all of the things a vivid dystopian novel should be. The characters are strong and the unexpected twists are nail-biting. Though it has its faults, there is a reason why ‘Red Queen’ hit the best-seller’s list.