"HAIL THE REAPER!" Morning Star Red Rising Book 3 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap

Send us Fan Mail“Finish the bucket, or get the box!” At this point most of you are fully aware of what you’re getting into with this series, so let us officially induct you into our den of Howlers. Just remember two things: “Omnis Vir Lupus 🐺🤘,” and “sh*t escalates.” Because there ain’t nothin’ Pierce Brown has written thus far to indicate that the next four books will bring us anything other than chaos and pain, yet here we stay. Wolf cloaks on, loyal until the end.We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. We discuss who has historically defined and dominated the genre, its subsequent evolution, and how our newest deep dive obsession, the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown fits into it all. Next, we covered books one and two in detail and have officially concluded that this series is indeed, everything you all told us it would be…and MORE. The twists, the turns, the betrayal, the action, the political subterfuge (and everything else!) have fully consumed us and quite frankly, we’re terrified to see what lies in wait. Today we’re diving into book three: Morning Star, the official conclusion to the original trilogy. The rebel alliance is growing with the resurrection of the Red’s “messiah” and we find out who truly wants The Society destroyed, and who will fight to the death to maintain it. With big changes and transfers of power who will step in to create order from chaos? And will it be possible to do so in a way that honors revolution and freedom? We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. Is Pierce Brown doing this responsibly while also keeping us entertained? We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. All of our characters are constantly evolving and now we’re prepared to look ten years ahead to what they’ve created through all of this destruction… Was it worth it? Next week we’ll begin our coverage of the second plot arc which commences ten years after the conclusion of Morning Star with book four: Iron Gold. And something tells us that even though we feel ready, we’re nowhere near prepared. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing:  “Read Books Stay Weird” Tee by @Shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com  Liz is wearing: Feminine Rage Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop | Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=e99454f0a&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix