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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
It is quite astounding the difference in tone between this book and its predecessor in the series. Whilst Gone was a breakneck speed read, this second offering satisfied me at a deeper level. The characters are filled out in this sequel, and the moral implications of the situation begin to kick in. For reader and protagonists alike, the initial shock of the FAYZ is over, and the quicksand of reality begins to set in and inevitably delay the pace of both conflict and resolution. I don't mean this to sound like a criticism - I valued this novel more than its predecessor as I read it - Gone was a fantastic page turning thriller, but Hunger challenges us more deeply and extends its reach further into the world and mind of the reader as it plausibly examines the implications of a society run by children under 15 (mostly). In Hunger, we see the strength of our fearless twin brother foes seeping away as the energy of the sudden change to their society sinks in, and the day to day fulfillment of the necessities of life relentlessly erodes their authority, strength and even the purity of their stances as the opposing forces of good and evil.
The YA reader is likely to feel queasy as they are forced to witness the consequences of the crushing responsibility laid upon the child leaders of the FAYZ, and its shocking cost to their mental health. The
implications of irresponsible and immature childhood are difficult to escape as the collapse of social structures begins. Comparisons with Lord of the Flies are far more relevant to this book than its predecessor. As an adult reader, it's wonderful to see these complex and important themes explored for the young adult in such a compelling way. This series has quite a lot to offer to thoughtful readers.
Also different is the tone of the moral universe in this book - right and wrong are still explored and challenged, but they seem less equivocal - the reader can more clearly see what is intended by Grant as right and wrong, which gives me a sense of security. In this volume, much of what I saw as lost opportunities for teaching and learning (and I don't look for these things because it is a YA book - I want to come away from all my reading with something learned, actually) have been taken up and explored, and it just takes this beyond the great read of its predecessor, and into the realms of important reading.
The YA reader is likely to feel queasy as they are forced to witness the consequences of the crushing responsibility laid upon the child leaders of the FAYZ, and its shocking cost to their mental health. The
implications of irresponsible and immature childhood are difficult to escape as the collapse of social structures begins. Comparisons with Lord of the Flies are far more relevant to this book than its predecessor. As an adult reader, it's wonderful to see these complex and important themes explored for the young adult in such a compelling way. This series has quite a lot to offer to thoughtful readers.
Also different is the tone of the moral universe in this book - right and wrong are still explored and challenged, but they seem less equivocal - the reader can more clearly see what is intended by Grant as right and wrong, which gives me a sense of security. In this volume, much of what I saw as lost opportunities for teaching and learning (and I don't look for these things because it is a YA book - I want to come away from all my reading with something learned, actually) have been taken up and explored, and it just takes this beyond the great read of its predecessor, and into the realms of important reading.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, War
Minor: Ableism
Great book! Once again, my favoriute characters where, Breeze (Brianna) Caine, Diana, Sam and Dekka!
Hunger didn't capture my imagination as much as Gone did. There were quite a few perspectives, so it was harder to get as much character development crammed in (although seeing Sam wrestle with some incredibly difficult decisions was both realistic and heart-wrenching).
The good:
Mary's struggles with bulimia were both insightful and painful to read. Stress affects people in a variety of ways and it is all too easy to forget that younger people go through stereotypically more mature disorders. Her 'voluntary' hunger in the face of the other children's forced starvation was particularly poignant. (On a side note, her brother John seems like a sweetheart an I'd like to read more from his perspective.)
I enjoy how the characters are ethnically diverse. I would have thought after reading about the names Edilio was called in Gone that other characters (such as Duck) would face racism but there seemed to be a lack of it towards anyone else. The 'us' and 'them' seemed to be focused upon the 'normals' and the 'freaks'. This divide was very interesting to read about and Zil's showdown was highly reminiscent of Lord if the Flies. I'm sure this conflict will be continue to be a major theme in future books.
I still love how many powers appear to be defined by personality or situations. Sam had the desperate need to protect his mother. He is also is FAYZ's shining light. Diana is manipulative and observant, therefore she can take the measure of other children's powers etc etc.
The bad:
A handful of the secondary characters felt less realistic in this sequel. For example, Brianna and Dekka's bloodthirstiness felt slightly contrived. Yes, they'd been through some life changing events, but going from partying at the club, straight to wanting to run around with guns felt a little disjointed.
Also, some of the main characters from Gone seemed a little sidelined. Edilio is such a brave, intelligent character - possibly all the more kind and mature because of the racism he faces - and it is a shame that he hasn't had a real chance to shine. Astrid seems to be defined by her relationships to Sam and Pete (both of whom she is now outshone by). For a character who was respected for her own intelligence, and who seemed to be developing some interesting powers herself, she has continuously been relegated to playing second fiddle.
The ugly:
Be warned, Grant has certainly upped the gore factor this time around. Straight away you're hit by EZ's situation at the beginning of the story, and things only get darker from there!
3.5 stars.
The good:
Mary's struggles with bulimia were both insightful and painful to read. Stress affects people in a variety of ways and it is all too easy to forget that younger people go through stereotypically more mature disorders. Her 'voluntary' hunger in the face of the other children's forced starvation was particularly poignant. (On a side note, her brother John seems like a sweetheart an I'd like to read more from his perspective.)
I enjoy how the characters are ethnically diverse. I would have thought after reading about the names Edilio was called in Gone that other characters (such as Duck) would face racism but there seemed to be a lack of it towards anyone else. The 'us' and 'them' seemed to be focused upon the 'normals' and the 'freaks'. This divide was very interesting to read about and Zil's showdown was highly reminiscent of Lord if the Flies. I'm sure this conflict will be continue to be a major theme in future books.
I still love how many powers appear to be defined by personality or situations. Sam had the desperate need to protect his mother. He is also is FAYZ's shining light. Diana is manipulative and observant, therefore she can take the measure of other children's powers etc etc.
The bad:
A handful of the secondary characters felt less realistic in this sequel. For example, Brianna and Dekka's bloodthirstiness felt slightly contrived. Yes, they'd been through some life changing events, but going from partying at the club, straight to wanting to run around with guns felt a little disjointed.
Also, some of the main characters from Gone seemed a little sidelined. Edilio is such a brave, intelligent character - possibly all the more kind and mature because of the racism he faces - and it is a shame that he hasn't had a real chance to shine. Astrid seems to be defined by her relationships to Sam and Pete (both of whom she is now outshone by). For a character who was respected for her own intelligence, and who seemed to be developing some interesting powers herself, she has continuously been relegated to playing second fiddle.
The ugly:
Be warned, Grant has certainly upped the gore factor this time around. Straight away you're hit by EZ's situation at the beginning of the story, and things only get darker from there!
3.5 stars.
adventurous
challenging
medium-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
This series hasn’t disappointed yet. The story in this one feels just a little bit more scattered, but overall still very good.
THis book was awesome, it had mystery,drama,terror and suspense all in 600 pages!!!
Great story, characters and writing. Considering how many important characters are in this book the author does a great job of distinguishing their personalities to help the reader remember who's who. Although I was a fair way into the book before I felt like I had a handle on that.
Improved on the first one with higher stakes, more character development and a more detailed plot. There are some predictable developments but they work well and I found quite a few scenes chilling. Secondary characters also got more of a spotlight which was great. Overall, it was better than 'Gone' and I can't wait to read the rest of the series
adventurous
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:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes