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A review by gigiiscorner
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
5.0
Just in case you decide to scroll past this review, just know that "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is an absolute gem! If you're a Hunger Games fan who hasn't picked this up yet, it's a must-read. And if you haven't delved into the Hunger Games series at all, it's about time!
I originally had such low expectations for this book. I've always loved Suzanne Collins' books even more than just the Hunger Games, and the films have been my go-to comfort, I initially felt that this book was arriving a few years late. BUT Suzanne Collins hasn't missed a beat. This novel weaves an amazing tale of President Snow's upbringing without turning him into an outright villain. She managed to make me care about his backstory without entirely forgiving his later actions.
The narrative is beautifully written, humanizing Snow and gradually revealing the evolution of the man we encountered in the original trilogy. The introduction of Lucy Gray, a fresh character, also adds a lot more to the storyline. While I'm torn about my feelings toward her, I think I compared her with katniss too much, she undeniably enhances the story's depth.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" feels like a historical memoir. It not only delves into Snow's past but also uncovers the origins of the Capitol institute and the Hunger Games themselves. The difference the Games in this book sheds light on the small yet significant changes over time.
I've kept this as spoiler-free as possible, but I cannot wait for the film adaptation! I'm ready to have profound conversations about this book. Does this backstory justify Snow's later actions? Does it make him more relatable? How do you feel about Lucy and his relationship with Sejanus? And Dr. Gale – is she unhinged or driven by humanity? Do the Capitol's ideologies hold any ground?
I also know I’ve pronounced every single name wrong
I originally had such low expectations for this book. I've always loved Suzanne Collins' books even more than just the Hunger Games, and the films have been my go-to comfort, I initially felt that this book was arriving a few years late. BUT Suzanne Collins hasn't missed a beat. This novel weaves an amazing tale of President Snow's upbringing without turning him into an outright villain. She managed to make me care about his backstory without entirely forgiving his later actions.
The narrative is beautifully written, humanizing Snow and gradually revealing the evolution of the man we encountered in the original trilogy. The introduction of Lucy Gray, a fresh character, also adds a lot more to the storyline. While I'm torn about my feelings toward her, I think I compared her with katniss too much, she undeniably enhances the story's depth.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" feels like a historical memoir. It not only delves into Snow's past but also uncovers the origins of the Capitol institute and the Hunger Games themselves. The difference the Games in this book sheds light on the small yet significant changes over time.
I've kept this as spoiler-free as possible, but I cannot wait for the film adaptation! I'm ready to have profound conversations about this book. Does this backstory justify Snow's later actions? Does it make him more relatable? How do you feel about Lucy and his relationship with Sejanus? And Dr. Gale – is she unhinged or driven by humanity? Do the Capitol's ideologies hold any ground?
I also know I’ve pronounced every single name wrong