Rating: 3.5/5 
 ***Minor spoilers*** 
 A few months ago, before I saw this book all over goodreads, my friend picked up this book on a whim and ended up really loving it. She told me I HAD to read it and that it was really great. I usually don't like buying my books hardcover because I find it a waste of money (usually 2 paperbacks = the price of 1 hardcover) but I finally got it from my library and got the chance to read it. I can see why she liked it but I can also see a lot of flaws in the book. 
 Mare Barrow lives in a world segregated by their blood. She is a Red - red blood and no different from us. The Silvers are the ruling class - silver blood, and they each have special abilities such as controlling fire, healing, or super strength. Several chapters in, by accident, Mare showcases an ability she shouldn't have - an ability she didn't even know she had - in an arena full of Silvers, including the king and queen - the ability to control electricity. For the remainder of the book, Mare must live as Lady Mareena Titanos as a way for the king and queen to hide Mare's true identity. 
 This book had a very interesting storyline at first, but sometimes I found it all over the place. At times I felt like we were jumping from thing to thing way too fast. Sometimes I found certain plot points unnecessary, as well. I did find that a few things in the book were pretty unbelievable, for example (view spoiler)[ Mare lived her WHOLE LIFE not realizing she was a silver? She didn't bleed, not once? She never got a paper cut or skinned her knee? Never had her period? I find it ridiculous how an entire nation can believe a girl of 16 or 17 has never bled. (hide spoiler)]. I also hated the whole love square going on. How was it possible that Aveyard created a love square but at the same time there's barely any romance? I hate love triangles, but I find love squares even worse. Why does a girl need THREE love interests? 
 Aside from what was said above, there were things I did like. I think Aveyard did a good job on the world building and creating an amazing new universe. The world was easier to understand than most YA novels, which I was grateful for. (I just read Deep Blue and I was hardly able to understand the world at all.) It was enjoyable reading about all the Silver powers. There was a twist ending that I know a lot of people must have seen coming. I didn't, which made it all the more exciting for me. 
 Overall, Red Queen was a good read, but not an amazing one. If you enjoy YA dystopian novels, interesting world building, or fantasy, definitely give this book a try. Beware that you'll have to tolerate a love square, though. While this book didn't AMAZE me, I'll probably try to get my hands on book 2, Glass Sword, when I can.