How Does 'Red Queen' End? Is There A Cliffhanger?

As someone who devours YA fantasy like it's candy, I can confidently say 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard has its moments of intensity, but 'spicy' isn't the word I'd use. The romance between Mare and Cal simmers with political tension rather than physical heat—think more forbidden glances and power struggles than steamy scenes. The real spice comes from the betrayals and bloodshed, which are plentiful. That said, if you're craving something with more romantic fire, I'd point you toward 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout or 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. Those series crank up the heat with explicit scenes and sizzling chemistry. 'Red Queen' focuses more on the adrenaline of rebellion, with a side of slow-burn attraction that’s more about emotional stakes than physical desire. It’s a gripping read, just don’t expect it to set your Kindle on fire.

The ending of 'Red Queen' is a rollercoaster of emotions and political upheaval. Mare Barrow, the lightning girl, finally confronts Queen Elara in a brutal showdown where she uses her electrifying powers to devastating effect. The battle leaves the Silver elite reeling, but the cost is high—Mare loses someone close to her, fueling her resolve to tear down the oppressive system. The novel closes with Mare joining the Scarlet Guard, setting the stage for a full-scale rebellion. The last pages hint at her growing bond with Cal, though trust remains fragile. It’s a bittersweet victory, leaving readers desperate for the next book to see how the revolution unfolds.

I just finished rereading 'Red Queen' and the love triangle is one of its most intense aspects. Mare Barrow gets caught between two very different princes - Cal, the brooding warrior who represents stability, and Maven, the seemingly gentle brother with hidden depths. Victoria Aveyard writes their dynamics brilliantly, making you feel Mare's torn emotions. Cal offers strength and tradition while Maven presents change and understanding, at least initially. The political stakes make their romantic tension even more gripping because Mare's choice could literally change the kingdom's future. Their interactions are charged with this delicious tension where every glance and touch feels loaded with meaning.

In 'Red Queen', Mare Barrow stands out with her electrifying powers, literally. She can generate and control lightning, a rare ability even among the elite Silvers. This isn't just about zapping people—she can channel electricity through objects, create barriers, or even overload tech. Her power evolves throughout the story, from accidental shocks to precise, deadly strikes. What makes Mare unique is her dual nature as a Red with Silver abilities, a twist that fuels the plot. She’s not just strong; her existence challenges the entire caste system. The lightning reflects her personality—unpredictable, fierce, and impossible to ignore. Later, she learns to absorb electricity, turning defenses into attacks. The political chaos she ignites mirrors her raw, crackling energy, making her both a weapon and a symbol.

In 'Red Queen', Mare's betrayal comes from someone she least expects—Maven, the prince she grows to trust and even develops feelings for. His betrayal isn’t just personal; it’s deeply political. Maven is manipulated by his mother, Queen Elara, who uses her mind-control abilities to twist his loyalty. She molds him into a weapon against Mare and the Scarlet Guard, ensuring the Silver elite maintain power. Maven’s actions reveal the brutal reality of the world they live in, where power and bloodline dictate everything. Mare’s trust in him shatters, and the betrayal becomes a turning point in the story, forcing her to confront the harsh truth that even those closest to her can be enemies in disguise. The betrayal isn’t just about Maven’s weakness; it highlights the systemic corruption in their society. Mare’s initial hope for change through alliance with the Silvers crumbles when Maven turns against her. His reasons aren’t purely his own—Queen Elara’s influence poisons his mind, making him a puppet in her grand scheme. This twist adds layers to the conflict, showing how deeply the Silver monarchy’s control runs. Mare’s devastation is visceral, and readers feel the sting of betrayal just as sharply as she does.

I just finished reading 'Red Queen' and can confirm it's absolutely part of a series. The first book sets up this brutal world where people are divided by blood color, with the Silvers having all the power and the Reds being oppressed. The story continues in 'Glass Sword', where Mare Barrow starts building her own army of newbloods. 'King's Cage' shows her being captured by the enemy, and 'War Storm' wraps up the whole conflict with an epic final battle. The series does a great job of developing Mare's character from a street thief to a revolutionary leader. If you like dystopian settings with political intrigue and superpowered battles, this series is worth checking out.

Mare's betrayal in 'Red Queen' hits hard because it comes from someone she trusts deeply. Maven, the younger prince who seemed to genuinely care for her, turns out to be the mastermind behind her downfall. His betrayal isn't just personal—it's political. He manipulates everyone, including his own brother Cal, to seize power. The twist is brutal because Maven plays the role of the vulnerable, kind-hearted prince so well. His cold-blooded reveal shows he was always his mother's puppet, willing to destroy Mare to maintain Silver supremacy. What makes it worse is how calculated it is—he doesn't just betray her; he orchestrates her public humiliation and near-execution.

'Glass Sword' and 'Red Queen' are both gripping, but their tones and stakes shift dramatically. 'Red Queen' introduces Mare Barrow’s explosive discovery of her lightning powers in a world where blood divides royalty from commoners. The rebellion sparks here—tense, raw, and full of betrayals. 'Glass Sword' dials up the urgency. Mare’s no longer just surviving; she’s hunting fellow superpowered 'newbloods' before the villainous Silver king can slaughter them. The missions are riskier, the moral lines blurrier. Mare’s alliances fracture, and her powers evolve, but so does her ruthlessness. While 'Red Queen' feels like a revolution’s birth, 'Glass Sword' is its bloody adolescence—darker, faster, and less forgiving of hope.