Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Red Queen. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: Mare Barrow learns that Maven, the prince she trusted, was working with his mother Queen Elara all along. Maven frames his brother Cal for their father's murder and becomes king, and Mare and Cal escape with the Scarlet Guard rebels.
Quick facts
– Book: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
– First published: 2015
– Type: A young adult fantasy novel
– Tone of the ending: Shocking
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Mare, a Red with no powers, discovers she can control lightning, which should be impossible for a Red. The royal family disguises her as a lost Silver noble and engages her to Prince Maven. She joins the Scarlet Guard to fight for Reds.
What Happens at the End of Red Queen
Mare, Cal and Maven plan a coup with the Scarlet Guard during a royal celebration, hoping to force the king to listen. The plan collapses. Maven reveals that he has been on his mother's side all along. Queen Elara, a whisper who can control minds, forces Cal to kill his own father, the king, in front of the court, then blames Cal and Mare. Maven is crowned. Cal and Mare are sent into an arena to be executed, but the Scarlet Guard attacks and rescues them, helped by Mare's lightning. As they flee, Mare learns from a list kept by the rebel Julian that she is not the only Red with powers; there are other “newbloods” across the kingdom.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Maven was a traitor.
- Cal is framed.
- Mare escapes.
- There are other “newbloods.”
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Mare Barrow | Escapes with the Scarlet Guard |
| Maven Calore | Becomes king |
| Cal Calore | Framed and escapes |
| Queen Elara | Manipulates the king's death |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows betrayal and the start of rebellion.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Many readers were shocked by Maven's twist, since he seemed the kinder brother. Others noticed hints in his quiet comments. The final line, “Anyone can betray anyone,” becomes the theme of the series.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Betrayal. Maven betrays Mare.
Power. Silvers rule Reds.
Rebellion. The Scarlet Guard rises.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Red Queen as shocking. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Victoria Aveyard to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are shocking will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Victoria Aveyard closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Red Queen with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about betrayal, and do you agree with Victoria Aveyard's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as shocking, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces betrayal and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Victoria Aveyard leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Red Queen often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Red Queen earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Red Queen on Amazon
Books to Read After Red Queen
- Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Related: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Red Queen You’ll Love: Powers, Betrayal and Royal Intrigue
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Red Queen?
Mare Barrow learns that Maven, the prince she trusted, was working with his mother Queen Elara all along. Maven frames his brother Cal for their father's murder and becomes king, and Mare and Cal escape with the Scarlet Guard rebels.
Is the ending of Red Queen happy or sad?
Most readers call it shocking.
What does the ending of Red Queen mean?
The ending shows betrayal and the start of rebellion.
Who wrote Red Queen and when was it published?
Red Queen was written by Victoria Aveyard and first published in 2015.
Is Red Queen worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy young adult fantasy novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Victoria Aveyard prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Red Queen before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.