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A review by kaitie_reads
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
***possible spoilers ahead if you are not familiar with The Hunger Games franchise and you plan to read this book first***
I enjoyed this villain origin story.
Coriolanus Snow has grown up surrounded by war. During his impressionable years, he saw the worst of humanity from neighbours and friends who were on the brink of starvation. Mix in a sociopathic mentor, loyalty to your family name, a drive to escape poverty, and a firm belief that everyone is capable of being evil if pressed; and you discover Coriolanus Snow.
I enjoyed how Suzanne Collins didn't portray Coryo as inherently evil. We get to see the thought process that shapes him as a character and the actions that shape his worldview. Early on, he learns the art of manipulation and how to wield it to put himself on top. While he doesn't enthusiastically agree with The Hunger Games at the beginning, he's able to convince himself that all of life is The Hunger Games, and he refuses to be anything but a victor. She also contrasts him beautifully against the character of Lucy Gray, his complete opposite in every way.
I did struggle a little bit with the pacing of the story. I also struggled with reading from the POV of someone who is deplorable and narcissistic, but it was a great read all the same. The actual Hunger Games portion was slow at times, and I did find the ending a tad fast.
I enjoyed this villain origin story.
Coriolanus Snow has grown up surrounded by war. During his impressionable years, he saw the worst of humanity from neighbours and friends who were on the brink of starvation. Mix in a sociopathic mentor, loyalty to your family name, a drive to escape poverty, and a firm belief that everyone is capable of being evil if pressed; and you discover Coriolanus Snow.
I enjoyed how Suzanne Collins didn't portray Coryo as inherently evil. We get to see the thought process that shapes him as a character and the actions that shape his worldview. Early on, he learns the art of manipulation and how to wield it to put himself on top. While he doesn't enthusiastically agree with The Hunger Games at the beginning, he's able to convince himself that all of life is The Hunger Games, and he refuses to be anything but a victor. She also contrasts him beautifully against the character of Lucy Gray, his complete opposite in every way.
I did struggle a little bit with the pacing of the story. I also struggled with reading from the POV of someone who is deplorable and narcissistic, but it was a great read all the same. The actual Hunger Games portion was slow at times, and I did find the ending a tad fast.