Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Catching Fire

CATCHING FIRE! My absolute favorite of The Hunger Games books. Loved following the development of Katniss and Peeta’s relationship in this. The games, too, were so much more interesting this time, and I liked how much of the other contestants we get to learn about.

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rayne_1906's review against another edition

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adventurous dark reflective tense 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

4.75

Audiobook - I really have appreciated this book a lot more now I am older - I once thought it was a little boring, not enough action, wishing the Hunger Games would begin sooner. Now, I think it is wonderfully written, telling the story of a girl who has been thrust into the heart of a rebellion she doesn't even know about and how she deals with it. The pacing is nearly perfect, but I think the final Hunger Games is slightly rushed - other than this, it is an amazing and impactful read.

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bethsroses's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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valereads's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is definitely the weakest book in the trilogy. I did not finish this book the first time I attempted to read the series and I had many of the same problems on this read through.

I'll begin with the positives; I appreciate the way Collins discusses how the trauma from the events of the first book has affected the protagonists and the accurate and thoughtful way it is portrayed (with a couple of exceptions). In addition the feeling of hopelessness Collins creates in the reader even when you know where the series is going, felt real and all-consuming in parts of the first half.

The pacing of this book was off. The first half was boring and tedious, enough that I gave up 1/3 of the way in on my first read through. The second half is much more fast paced but forgettable and never seems to be going anywhere until the end and the ending was weak.

Continuing from the first book, the romantic relationships were once again one of the weakest aspects of this novel. The only reason I do not consider them the weakest part overall is because the rest of this book was lacking.

Honestly, I can't say I recommend this book unless you really want to read on to Mockingjay.

Content warnings: animal death, death, gore, violence, medical content, police brutality, violence, addiction, alcoholism, animal cruelty, child death, ableism, drug abuse, drug use, slavery, suicidal thoughts, torture

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