Red Rising is the story of a society in a desolate future, riven by class conflict and shaken by the tremors of an impending revolution. Darrow, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future, is a Red who works tirelessly, believing his efforts will make Mars livable for future generations. However, the revelation that humanity has already reached the surface of Mars, and that Reds like him are nothing more than slaves, propels him into action.

Inspired by a longing for justice and driven by the memory of his lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste. There, he will compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. Determined to bring down his enemies, Darrow must become one of them to enact his revenge.