The last time I read Red Queen was when it came out a year ago. I can honestly say that while I though that most of it was jam-packed with typical YA tropes the first time I read it, the second time made me appreciate the story more, as well as its surprising uniqueness. 
 Honestly, re-read it before reading Glass Sword if you have the chance! It was so much better the second time around! 
 So Mare has red blood. She steals for money for food, and her brothers are at war. She and her friend are waiting conscription, when she suddenly, through a meeting, gets a job at the palace. There, she realizes that she has silver-like powers. She is "Red and Silver, stronger than both". This leads her though a whole royal game, in which she has to disguise herself as a princess and has to figure out who to trust, and who to be weary of. She joins the Scarlet Guard, a resistance group, who resist against Silver oppression. It is full of deception and plot-twists! 
 Mare is really stubborn! She does things even though her parents disapprove, and joins the red guard right under the queen's nose. She's not one to be pushed around! She's not the strongest female protagonist, but I think that her character may further develop in Glass Sword, and I think I might be pleasantly surprised! ^_^ 
 The princes are confusing. You never really know if Cal is to be trusted or not, and Maven seems mostly trustable. I'm really looking forward to Cal's character development in book 2! 
 Kilorn is my personal favorite! He knows what is right to do and will do what it takes to get that done. 
 The plot seems common at times - especially in the context of a royalty novel - but it has an x-men feel to it that brings it to another level in which we can't really say that it is just a 'typical royalty novel' anymore! 
 I won't say much about the ending, but wow! You guys who read it know what I'm talking about! 
 I can't wait for Glass Sword, coming out TODAY all over the world! :D 
 What did you think of Red Queen? Let me know! 
 I'm giving this a 4/5 stars :)