A review by olliepopop
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I found this novel to be an amazing addition to Hunger Games lore. First, I enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes of the games so much since it helped me imagine Haymitch and the other mentors and what power or influence they could've tried to wield to help their tributes in the games, and the limitations of their influence too.

I also really appreciated getting to see Snow's perspective and the mindset of the Capitol elite (and eventually people) that would've contributed to the longevity of the Hunger Games.
I heard some people felt that reading Snow's perspective and the romance made him too sympathetic, but honestly, I felt it truly showed his character and how he could be capable of rising to such complete and vicous power. I started marking every time he talked about "his girl" who of course loved him, was devoted to him, and would only ever think about him while trying to fight for her life in the arena. Sure. 

I was shocked when it was revealed Lucy Gray did actually love him at all and wasn't just playing him, but that just further showed the sinister nature of his lying, that she could think he did things for her when it was really just to save his own reputation, future, or life every time. The last chapter felt the perfect culmination and reveal of Snow's true nature even while he was still making himself sick lying to himself.


Overall, I really enjoyed the book and think it showed what it wanted to incredibly well!

Part 1: 4 ⭐️
Part 2: 4.25 ⭐️
Part 3: 5 ⭐️
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