Red Queen is a novel written by Victoria Aveyard. Victoria managed to both write and publish the book in less than a year. It is the first book in a quartet. The story follows Mare as she embarks on an adventure, trying to free the Reds (people born with red blood) from the oppression from the Silvers (people born with Silver blood). There are several themes and even symbols that show the heart Aveyard must have had writing the book, and what values she has.
The color of the blood shows the difference between those who are born with powers and are privileged, and those who are powerless and poor. The Reds are heavily oppressed and treated badly by the Silvers. Yet, they all have the characteristics that makes them human; will, love and life. They have to fight for their independence and freedom, much like African Americans have done in America and Africans have done in many of the colonies in Africa.
Mare also wear mismatched earrings, no matter how rich she becomes, in order to remember where she had come from. This shows that remembrance and honor is important, believing in who you are and what you can become all stems from the beginning of who you are. Even though she grew up to become a royal, it was still as important for her to make sure the Reds were taken care of.
Aveyard is often quoted for “anyone can betray anyone” quote that she wrote in the first book. The books have been written parallel to the revolutions in the middle east, as she explores how the people might be feeling, needing to fight for their basic human rights. She also included the anxious tension she felt in the country during the American election in her book.
