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amandalyn's review against another edition
5.0
Holy hell. I love this series so damn much. Must. Get. Mockingjay.
novabird's review against another edition
4.0
The intensity of, Catching Fire, had me tearing through the pages even faster than with THG. From THG, “The most dangerous part of the Hunger Games is about to begin,” keeps its promise. The smoldering question of the tension between the Districts and the Capitol, gets addressed, as Collins continues to render realistic settings, easily made vivid in a reader’s eyes and create such believable dialogue between characters.
However, I was disappointed in two important elements of the novel both towards the conclusion of, Catching Fire. First was Katniss’ character development. Second was a deus ex machina (the hand of God intervening) technique that detracted from the overall naturalism of the plot.
Second is, the fact that District 13 has suddenly been involved all along and has the ability to evade detection in the Capitol and scoop up both Katniss and Finnick with a hovercraft, almost literally like a hand of God descending from the sky (deus ex machina) and rescue them that really stretches my willing suspension of disbelief. Plus, the fact that there already exists a widespread underground movement that involves one of the Capitol’s leaders Plutarch, these two factors combine to impose a whole other reality that just gets sprung on the reader with no back story, let alone configuration as part of the plot development.
Collins once again imbues her work with contemporary issues. For me the strongest political point was not the gross over-indulgence in the Capitol in the form of puking potions. It was how each mayor of each District had private broadcasts about the political state of affairs in all of the Districts in Panem, which struck me the hardest, while the rest of the District’s people had enforced, censored viewing. I think that this alludes to an informed acquiescence on the part of the Mayors and collusion on their part to act as agents of the Capitol and aid in the control of both communications and knowledge. This very quietly inserted political content redeems, by any comparison, what I now see as minor flaws.
However, I was disappointed in two important elements of the novel both towards the conclusion of, Catching Fire. First was Katniss’ character development. Second was a deus ex machina (the hand of God intervening) technique that detracted from the overall naturalism of the plot.
Spoiler
“First is, Katniss being demoted to becoming a “pure” symbol for the uprising, as a Mockingjay. I had high hopes that she would stand as a model for a politically engaged young woman. Instead, Haymitch the least likely candidate conveniently steps to the forefront and says to Katniss,“See, this is why no one lets you make the plans.”
Second is, the fact that District 13 has suddenly been involved all along and has the ability to evade detection in the Capitol and scoop up both Katniss and Finnick with a hovercraft, almost literally like a hand of God descending from the sky (deus ex machina) and rescue them that really stretches my willing suspension of disbelief. Plus, the fact that there already exists a widespread underground movement that involves one of the Capitol’s leaders Plutarch, these two factors combine to impose a whole other reality that just gets sprung on the reader with no back story, let alone configuration as part of the plot development.
Collins once again imbues her work with contemporary issues. For me the strongest political point was not the gross over-indulgence in the Capitol in the form of puking potions. It was how each mayor of each District had private broadcasts about the political state of affairs in all of the Districts in Panem, which struck me the hardest, while the rest of the District’s people had enforced, censored viewing. I think that this alludes to an informed acquiescence on the part of the Mayors and collusion on their part to act as agents of the Capitol and aid in the control of both communications and knowledge. This very quietly inserted political content redeems, by any comparison, what I now see as minor flaws.
kjgeiger's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
sheisinquisitive's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this 6 stars, I would. It's absolutely incredible! Collins crafted possibly the most unique world with complex characters, unlike anyone I could ever encounter in real life. The stakes are always high, the suspense always keeps you on edge, and oh, how swiftly she maneuvers through action, romance, and world-building without falling off track from the primary plot.
Falling in love with this trilogy over a decade ago has to be one of life's greatest gifts. Decades from now, when my generation passes on and hopefully the world hasn't rotted away from global warming and human destruction, I like to believe that this will be an absolute classic for the youth to discover. For many of us, it has become that already.
Falling in love with this trilogy over a decade ago has to be one of life's greatest gifts. Decades from now, when my generation passes on and hopefully the world hasn't rotted away from global warming and human destruction, I like to believe that this will be an absolute classic for the youth to discover. For many of us, it has become that already.
elsecallerreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
marsh31's review against another edition
5.0
Re reading this book has given me a new appreciation for Peeta Mellark. Reading as a 13 year old, I took what Katniss said at face value, but reading back, I have fallen in love with all of the characters again. Finnick Odair will always be one of my favorites.
allthebloodonmyhands's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fionadesantis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brokencircle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75