A review by penguinna
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I didn’t particularly enjoy this book when I first read it at 15 years old. I remember being bored by the first half and even considering not finishing it, but a friend of mine encouraged me to push through. I didn’t regret it; however, it was my least favorite part of the Hunger Games trilogy.

This time, I couldn’t get enough of it. I couldn’t stop reading and finished the entire book in two days, enjoying it even more than the first one!

I felt so proud and sad when all the previous Hunger Games winners held hands in front of the entire Panem during the show. They were so united, demonstrating to the whole world that they weren’t enemies to each other. The only enemy they had was the oppressive system forcing them to obey.

Katniss is one of my favorite main characters ever written. She’s far from perfect and often unlikable, which makes her feel so real to the reader. She never chose the challenges she faces, but has to adapt to protect the people she loves, even at the cost of her own life.

As a teenager, I was always on Team Gale and couldn’t stand Peeta. However, this time I changed my view. Peeta is so caring and patient, never pushing his feelings on Katniss and giving her the freedom to choose. Even knowing she doesn’t have romantic feelings for him, he still does everything possible to help her survive.

If you’re considering reading or re-reading The Hunger Games trilogy, do it without hesitation. These books are even better when you’re a bit older because you can understand the characters and their motives on a deeper level.

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