adventurous challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I was among those who questioned if we needed this prequel but honestly, after finishing this book, I am so glad it exists. 

Given Haymitch’s posture in the beginning of The Hunger Games, you know his backstory doesn’t end with a happy ending. But learning about how his character changed as a result of the games brought a new level of empathy to Haymitch and a deeper understanding of just what Katniss was up against in The Hunger Games trilogy. The story also tied up a few questions that the last prequel left its readers with. But most importantly, the story delivers timely messages that should not be ignored: Don’t take everything you see from the government at face value; don’t settle for a situation just because that’s the way it has always been; and don’t underestimate the power that one person can have - sometimes a spark is all that is needed. 

This book did not disappoint, and the Easter eggs that transcend across each separate story are a delightful twist for the fans of this series.

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Fucking dark but gripping

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dark reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes



“‘Forty-nine kids died for it, but you gave it the old Heavensbee spin and, in that propo, you’re some kind of hero.’

Plutarch takes a moment to answer.  ‘I’m nobody’s idea of a hero, Haymitch.  But at least I’m still in the game.’”

i think what i loved best about sotr is showing us that plutarch isn’t the good guy.  in the original trilogy you would think he’s good, but he was just waiting for his time to pounce.  no one in the capitol except for cinna and portia give us an idea that they truly disagree with the games.  plutarch always saw it as a means of getting what he wants: he wants power, to control behind the scenes.  he wants to be the wizard of oz, paying no attention to the man behind the curtain as long as you believe what he wants.

he didn’t care about stopping that sun from rising, he wanted the power of helping it stop.  he didn’t care how many kids died.

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This book will rip your heart to smithereens. Part 3 does require (demand) tissues. IMHO you have to read the other books in the series (including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) before you touch this one for the full experience. Suzanne killed me but it was worth it. The movie in production is going to break me but dang it take my money.

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. Poor Haymitch deserved so much better.

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

And I thought the first four Hunger Games books were devestating. They absolutely have nothing on this. I fear for the movie, as I doubt it can truly capture the horror and heartbreak Haymitch endures. There is no teenage love story in this arena, just a boy trying to survive as literal children are slaughtered. That is a fact the earlier books and movies let slide a little, with the older protagonists who keep to themselves. But Haymitch's attachment to the younger competetors refuses to let you look away or romanticize the slaughter.

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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