Red Queen; A Series Full of Powerful Female Characters
/For many readers there is always a book or a series of books that pulls you into the world of reading. The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard is one of those series that did that to me. Not only did it leave me in shambles because the author herself knows how to pull at your heart string and casually tear them to pieces. She also has a knack for creating a well-diversified group of characters, and even more specifically immensely powerful (literally and figuratively) female characters who carry the series. Today I will give you an overview of the series and some of its characters and maybe you’ll find your next read!
photo credits to harperteen ltd, book cover art by Sarah Kaufman
Red Queen – by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen is the first of four (five if including Broken Throne) books in the series, where the world is divided by blood and war between nations. Red blooded people are seen as lower class, poor, controlled, normal humans. Whereas the silver blooded people are considered upper class and possess powers. When suddenly that changes and a red-blooded girl, Mare Barrow, is discovered to have abilities that no one thought possible. Forced to pretend to be a silver-blooded noble instead of once being a red-blooded servant girl, her whole life changes, is it a blessing or is something more sinister in the making?
Mare Barrow
Our protagonist and heroine throughout the series! The first and only of her kind to be discovered. Wielding the power of lightning and surrounded by those who are constantly out to get her for being different. From stealthy pickpocketing on the streets soon to be sent to conscription- to servant girl – to ‘silver-blooded’ noble betrothed to a prince. Yet her life has barely even begun, and the choices to fight for justice of red-blooded people, stop a war, and protect her country begin to fall on her shoulders when she learns of an uprise and becomes a symbol of hope to those who know her and are like her.
Diana Farley
Left Photo (Mare barrow) fanArt by rainha vermelha, Top right (Queen elara) Fanart by rainha vermelha, Bottom right (Diana farley) fanart by christizea
One of the most beloved female characters in the series is Diana Farley, who goes by Farley. Is considered ‘badass’ by many and serves a key role throughout the whole series. As a General in the Scarlet Guard, a resistance of red-blooded individuals who are devoted to bringing equality to the red-blooded population. Though she has no magical powers, she leads the resistance through the challenges they face even through her own misfortunes along the way. Farley puts aside her own fear and emotions to do what is right for her people.
Queen Elara Merandus
Queen Elara is one of the antagonists in the series, and a well-hated (by fans) but truly powerful character. She is the second wife of King Tiberias VI and belongs to the noble house of Merandus. Which are silver-blooded humans who have the ability to control and see into the minds and thoughts of others (also known as whispers). It is said that she is ruthless when it comes to getting the things she wants. She idolizes her son Maven Calore, second born of King Tiberias VI and with that in mind will do anything in her power to one day have him be king.
Photo of victoria aveyard credited to genaro molina/los angeles times
These three characters are just a few of many female characters who have prominent roles in this series. Victoria Aveyard not only did an amazing job of creating a fantasy world, full of magic while bringing in real world politics, but also beautifully created characters that will be on our minds long after finishing her books. She demonstrates how powerful women can be in mind, willpower (and actual power), and physical strength. In doing so, she is making it possible for young readers to see themselves in these characters and to bring a stand for real world justice.
Still wanting to learn more about the world she created? Consider taking some time to get into the Red Queen series and love (or hate) the characters just as much as I do. You may just find your new favourite series!
Photo by brayden seguin
Emily Viola-Rae is an Ottawa writer, who graduated high school in 2023 at St. Mary’s Secondary School, Cobourg, ON. She is currently enrolled at Algonquin College for Professional Writing. Aspiring to become a well-known author you can often find her writing away on her computer or lost in her own world of books and music! As she learns to find her own voice in writing, join her on an adventure through literary fiction and the connections they have in our lives that we might not have ever noticed before.