The 400 Project

Having never been to book signing before, I really was not sure what to expect. Add to that the fact that it was for a book series I hadn’t read, I was a little in over my head. The story goes that Ben and Matt had plans to go to Pierce Brown’s book signing for Morning Star, and I just invited myself along for the ride. I certainly knew of the books. The Red Rising trilogy was a series I had been meaning to read, often picking the first book up at bookstores though never actually following through to purchase. Truth is I have stacks of books to read, the heaviest of which is Steven Erikson’s 10 book Malazan series (check out Matt’s thoughts on that behemoth series here), and I can fall into stints of losing the drive to pick up a book. But getting out to do something new is good, right? So I bought the books to be signed and told myself that I would finally dive into the series after the signing.

The risk I took – which I didn’t consider till I was about to walk into the event – was the chance of spoilers. Being that this was a signing/introduction to the third book in this series, there was a pretty good chance that something would be blurted out that would sully my trip through this series. Luckily, I made it out unscathed. At least I don’t recall anything being spoiled, though there may have been comments that just went over my head.

Ben and Matt both picked Pierce’s brain on writing and his series, while I decided to have a conversation with him instead about Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Felt like a safe topic based on my limited knowledge of the books and it actually turned out he had a lot to say on the new instalment in the Star Wars franchise. Also turns out he is an extremely friendly guy so I am sure it wouldn’t have mattered what my comments were.

All in all it turned out to be a great experience, and I am really glad I weaselled my way into my friends’ plans. Just another example of how there is no harm in trying something new.

I can finally say I have finished the first book In the Red Rising Trilogy, and I can certainly see what all the hype was about. It is a great, fast-paced, book with twists and turns that always keep you on the edge of your seat. My only complaints would be about some of the pacing and style choices, but those really just come down to personal reading preferences. I would highly recommend anyone to pick up Red Rising and dive into the series with me! Kind feels like a more adult Hunger Games if I had to make a comparison.

It’s kinda funny to have ended up with all three books signed by a great author that I didn’t really appreciate until months after meeting him in person. I guess life is full of surprises!

Have you read Red Rising?? Let me know you thoughts in the comment section below!