A review by withlivjones
The Hunger Games: Special Edition by Suzanne Collins

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Is it too early to call this book a modern classic yet? Most of the books I read during the YA dystopian boom of the early-to-mid-2010s have not aged well at all, but I enjoyed this book so much that I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without reading it. Suzanne Collins provides a masterclass in dystopian worldbuilding as she creates a society that is so clearly awful yet so close to the world we live in. There is so much potential and I feel Collins has only touched the surface so I look forward to exploring more of Panem in the other books. 

I tend to find the protagonists of these kinds of books annoying and Mary-Sue esque but I was really surprised by how much I liked Katniss. Her limitations, the way she narrates her thoughts, and the way she interacts with other people seem so realistic and three-dimensional. It may have helped that I was listening to the audiobook narrated by Tatiana Maslany, whose voice acting throughout is absolutely fantastic and brought every character, and especially Katniss, to life. 

Plus, I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope and it’s so well-written here. 

I can see why these books are so popular and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings