the Institute. His cruel and violent tactics of conquest earn him the nickname "The Jackal". Cassius au Bellona, Darrow's ally and friend in House Mars. Roque, Darrow's friend and ally in House Mars, a self-styled poet. Sevro, Darrow's friend and ally in House Mars, a lowDraft with an antisocial attitude. Antonia au Severus, a ruthless Gold whom Darrow alienates almost immediately. Titus au Ladros, a violent and tyrannical member of House Mars. Pax au Telemanus, a massive warrior aligned with Virginia in House Minerva. Tactus au Rath, a duplicitous member of House Diana. Fitchner, Proctor of Mars at the Institute, Sevro's father. Narol, Darrow's paternal uncle, rescues Darrow after his execution and sends him to the Sons of Ares. Dancer, Darrow's mentor in the Sons of Ares who first reveals to him the lies of the Golds. Harmony, Dancer's half-disfigured, female partner and Darrow's contentious drill instructor. Mickey, a Violet Carver who remakes Darrow's body and physically transforms him into a Gold. Matteo, a Pink who educates Darrow about the society, its history, politics and arts. Octavia au Lune, the Sovereign of the Society. Evey, a winged-Pink who nurses and cares for Darrow during The Carving. Development Brown said of writing Red Rising, "I started with the main character [Darrow] and shaped my world around him. I was inspired by the plight of Irish immigrants in the 19th century and by the disenfranchisement of working classes." Brown also explained: Reception Red Rising was well received by both readers and critics, and hit #20 on The New York Times Best Seller list in February 2014. Marc Snetiker of Entertainment Weekly gave the book an A−, writing, "Brown writes with cinematic grandeur, cleverly fusing Roman mythology with science fiction and pacing his action scenes for a slow-burn build to a hold-your-breath final act." Brian Truitt of USA Today gave the book 3.5 out of 4 stars, proclaiming, "Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field." Writing for The Huffington Post, Britt Michaelian explained, "The morals and values that are explored through the characters in Red Rising have the potential to inspire a generation of readers to think intelligently about the impact of their decisions on themselves, their family and friends and on their world as a whole. This book is truly a powerful lesson in leadership." Niall Alexander wrote for Tor.com: Kirkus Reviews described the novel as "reminiscent of The Hunger Games