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adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
"I love you like all-fire."
I have always loved Haymitch, but to finally witness his games in such gruesome details, I can't help but love him even more. He was always such a tortured character at the hands of the Capitol and Snow. He deserved so much better than what he got. I knew that he had to experience bloodshed double the amount than every other hunger games, but nothing could have prepared me for the games he experienced. I always hoped he didn't go through as much as Katniss and Peeta, but honestly after reading all of this, Haymitch truly had it worse.
I loved learning about the people that interacted with Haymitch at this age. To revisit old names and learn of their importance, their history, and the way they helped Haymitch through his games and later in life; it's truly so tragic and heartbreaking. I loved his mentors. I loved the relationships he had with his fellow district tributes. I loved meeting him as a teenager who just wanted a life full of love, friends, and family - a Haymitch we never got to know in the original series.
Suzanne Collins never fails to add brilliant prequels into her already very well-written original trilogy. The connections that were made from Sunrise on the Reaping to the original story really filled in the gaps and answered questions I have been wondering for years. Everything was even more well-rounded because we got to see the development of the rebellion from the 10th, to the 50th (this book) to the 74th and 75th and unofficial 76th games. It goes to show that feelings can transcend generations. There are so many new details added to our look into the world of Panem. It really mirrors our current world and the discussions that everyone is having because of this book feels so right. Sharing discourse with other readers regarding the different symbolisms and pivotal turning points in this story shows how necessary it is to see stories like this in mainstream media.
This installment of the hunger games really solidified the cruelty of the Capitol. The imbalance between the rich few and the destitute many will always lead to more and more injustice, and as people bear witness to these injustices, the more they are led to make a choice - be complicit or enact change. That's why this story is so powerful. Because it comments on so many human emotions and experiences, and demands to be heard.
I loved this book, and it sits perfectly in the series as another gem, even if it made me cry every other chapter. Even if I knew I was setting myself up for failure falling in love with characters I knew weren't going to make it to the end of the book, I am so glad I got to root for them and the small parts they played in the rebellion. I also loved the new music written for this book.
The epilogue of the novel was everything to me.It reminded me that despite how unattainable Haymitch's promises to all the people he loved seemed to be, he was still able to complete his promises. The sun finally rose on his birthday and there was no reaping. He had such a difficult life, as did so many other characters in this series, but as Suzanne said, "snow may fall, but the sun also rises."
I have always loved Haymitch, but to finally witness his games in such gruesome details, I can't help but love him even more. He was always such a tortured character at the hands of the Capitol and Snow. He deserved so much better than what he got. I knew that he had to experience bloodshed double the amount than every other hunger games, but nothing could have prepared me for the games he experienced. I always hoped he didn't go through as much as Katniss and Peeta, but honestly after reading all of this, Haymitch truly had it worse.
I loved learning about the people that interacted with Haymitch at this age. To revisit old names and learn of their importance, their history, and the way they helped Haymitch through his games and later in life; it's truly so tragic and heartbreaking. I loved his mentors. I loved the relationships he had with his fellow district tributes. I loved meeting him as a teenager who just wanted a life full of love, friends, and family - a Haymitch we never got to know in the original series.
Suzanne Collins never fails to add brilliant prequels into her already very well-written original trilogy. The connections that were made from Sunrise on the Reaping to the original story really filled in the gaps and answered questions I have been wondering for years. Everything was even more well-rounded because we got to see the development of the rebellion from the 10th, to the 50th (this book) to the 74th and 75th and unofficial 76th games. It goes to show that feelings can transcend generations. There are so many new details added to our look into the world of Panem. It really mirrors our current world and the discussions that everyone is having because of this book feels so right. Sharing discourse with other readers regarding the different symbolisms and pivotal turning points in this story shows how necessary it is to see stories like this in mainstream media.
This installment of the hunger games really solidified the cruelty of the Capitol. The imbalance between the rich few and the destitute many will always lead to more and more injustice, and as people bear witness to these injustices, the more they are led to make a choice - be complicit or enact change. That's why this story is so powerful. Because it comments on so many human emotions and experiences, and demands to be heard.
I loved this book, and it sits perfectly in the series as another gem, even if it made me cry every other chapter. Even if I knew I was setting myself up for failure falling in love with characters I knew weren't going to make it to the end of the book, I am so glad I got to root for them and the small parts they played in the rebellion. I also loved the new music written for this book.
The epilogue of the novel was everything to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Classism
Minor: Police brutality
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sadistic!!!
Genuinely sick with emotion after finishing that. Mostly fan service, did not add anything to the world other than an explanation of why AI posed no threat. Needed another pass with an editor. And why go back to 1st person?
For those of you who complained that we did not get enough of Snow being malicious in the last book, hope you’re happy.
But I am very glad I read this. It closes the franchise very well. And some new characters are lovely to read, namely Louella and Maysilee.
Please do not ever write a Gregor sequel.
Genuinely sick with emotion after finishing that. Mostly fan service, did not add anything to the world other than an explanation of why AI posed no threat. Needed another pass with an editor. And why go back to 1st person?
For those of you who complained that we did not get enough of Snow being malicious in the last book, hope you’re happy.
But I am very glad I read this. It closes the franchise very well. And some new characters are lovely to read, namely Louella and Maysilee.
Please do not ever write a Gregor sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Classism
dark
emotional
sad
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 book was amazing. From the writing, to the characters, to the plot, to the meaning that underlies this whole story.
Seeing Haymitch’s story was devastating. Throughout the story we see the drastic difference between him at the start of this book compared to the beginning of the trilogy. I loved that the Covey was in this book and that we see how the stories and songs that got passed down throughout the entire series.
Collins is truly a genius. Her writing is compelling and showcases problems in her fictional world that mirror problems in the real world. Hopefully her books will help teach people what the world is doing to all of us, and that there is hope in both worlds.
Seeing Haymitch’s story was devastating. Throughout the story we see the drastic difference between him at the start of this book compared to the beginning of the trilogy. I loved that the Covey was in this book and that we see how the stories and songs that got passed down throughout the entire series.
Collins is truly a genius. Her writing is compelling and showcases problems in her fictional world that mirror problems in the real world. Hopefully her books will help teach people what the world is doing to all of us, and that there is hope in both worlds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
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
It takes a pretty talented author to write a story where we all "know" the ending yet still be able to draw us in with excellent storytelling and world-building. It is our need to know the journey and the answer to "how did we get here" that trumps us already knowing the outcome of his games and of the rebellion to come. I don't want to say too much and get into spoiler territory, but I was hooked on everything from start to finish, and thank goodness for that epilogue. I can't wait to dive into all of the fan commentaries, and I will be seated and ready to see this adapted for the big screen. Suzanne Collins, you have done it again.
"Each book's as precious as a person, she says, as it preserves someone's thoughts and feelings long after they're gone." p. 121
"Make sure they don't use our blood to paint their posters." p. 290
"Their lack of discernment transforms the recap, validating it as truth. I hope those in the districts can still see it as the piece of propaganda it is, but no telling what they've been fed." p.345
"Each book's as precious as a person, she says, as it preserves someone's thoughts and feelings long after they're gone." p. 121
"Make sure they don't use our blood to paint their posters." p. 290
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug abuse, Police brutality, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicide, Torture, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
I was LAUGHING my ass off in the first half of this book. Not sure if it was because of the narrator with his silly voices for the capital citizens or just Suzanne Collins' words for what they spoke or did. For example when Snow was like "You're better off in the arena, than loving a covey girl" as he was dying LIKE SIR. The situationship was that bad you think fighting for your life against the elements and other teens is the better option here. I let out one short but loud "HA!" when he did that. Then the second half was just the games and my fav going through it, which oddly I like to see why the traumatic character has trauma, so as things happened I was like "yes pack on the pain" though I will admit I got a bit sad at the ending. And have taken out a book on Edgar Allen Poe's poetry because of the epilogue. The torture and kid replacing and death and whatever else is in there, while I would say that this is the most mature Hunger Games book to date I almost wish she went further? I would love to see what an adult book in this series would look like, but I suppose that's what fanfic is for. Also this is probably a hot take but I kind of wish Haymitch found another love after Lenore Dove? I get that Snow was always hung up over Lucy Grey, his desire and needs have festered and turned rotten, but I don't know. I feel like the whole story was about Haymitch loving and losing too soon (honestly I wish that last bit where he came home was longer as well, that decent into isolation) and I wish it could have ended either with him finding familial love with Katniss and Peeta or opening his heart to someone else, not just festering away on his "one true love" when he was 16 because he's now able to open his heart wider without getting hurt like that again. Really I just wish this book was longer, but I am still very happy with what was given.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Classism
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Gore, Vomit, Alcohol, War, Classism