A review by cclift1114
Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I saw people say that his book bridges Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the original trilogy, and I agree that it does so nicely, with references to characters and plot points from either side being incorporated or eluded to. I knew this return to the Games would be difficult, but this book hit different than my original experience of reading any of the others. I think because when I read the Hunger Games, I was about the age of the characters, I related far differently to their actions and deaths than I do now as an adult. It felt even harder to read about the violent deaths of children now. I also think it was more difficult since Katniss has already been more hardened and distant from people in certain ways in the originals, whereas Haymitch is much more expressive and motivated by his relationships, especially with his fellow tributes, making their deaths and the aftermath of the Games for him such a painful loss.