the hunger games trilogy book review

Suzanne Collins “The Hunger Games” trilogy – book review

Hunger Games is one of those few instances where I did not insist on reading the book before I saw the film.  In fact I had little intention of reading the books at all. I saw all the movies, and then a few years later I came across Roxane Gay’s article about the Hunger Games . I was intrigued enough that when a kindle edition came up on special offer, I decided to give it a go.

I devoured the first one. I started reading when waiting for a relatively unpleasant medical appointment – and it really does take an absorbing book to take your mind off things in such a situation. I finished it the next evening, and naturally started thinking of excuses to start reading the next ones. If you are looking for a gripping read, Hunger Games is an easy fix.

I enjoyed the antiutopian setting of a ruthlessly upturned United States in which, the capital demands a tribute from each of the local district to fight to the death in a yearly slaughter.

 The inspiration seems to have been the gladiators’ fights in ancient Rome. “Panem” is the name of the capital city in Hunger Games . It comes from “panem et circenses”, the Latin for “bread and games”, the cry of the Roman populace for food and entertainment. Much like the citizens of ancient Rome are typically portrayed by popular culture, the inhabitants of Panem are decadent lovers of opulence and pleasure, unafraid to have people die just to keep themselves entertained.

Like gladiators, some of the tributes are professional fighters, willingly exposing themselves to the arena, whereas some are dragged into the fight against their will.  Unlike the gladiators, the tributes are children. Each district provides two tributes: one boy, one girl. This is why this book gets classified as a young adult novel, even though the children basically spend most of their time trying to murder each other. The Hunger Games can only have one winner- and this is typically the child who has slaughtered everyone else

The narrator, Katniss Everdeen, has volunteered to take part in the Hunger Games to replace her little sister, Prim.  atniss comes from one of the poorest districts of the country and has little hope of surviving the games. In this futuristic version of the Empire, the games are live television, and survival depends not only on skill but also on attracting sponsors.

The other tribute from Katniss’s district is Peeta, a boy who once saved her life by giving her bread when she was almost starving to death. Cue: the repeated theme of bread and hunger.

Eventually Katniss realizes that the best way to attract sponsors in the Hunger Games is to create an on-screen romance with Peeta. She is unsure whether she really has feelings for him. Before the Hunger Games began, she was enjoying a close friendship with Gale another boy from district 12.

Katniss’s conflict with what she is meant to be portraying “for the cameras” and what is actually real rings very true.

The first book is definitely the strongest of the three. The dystopia of institutionalized reality TV demanding on-screen murder, ostensibly for “preserving the peace” feels eerily recognizable. One might think of some parallels between the well-off Western countries with their demands on the developing world and the greedy Panem, extracting all its resources from the struggling districts around it.

Stop reading now if you are worried about spoilers.

In the second part of the Hunger Games, Katniss’s actions in the first Hunger Games are seen as a sign of rebellion against the totalitarian state. Even though she and Peeta threat of double suicide at the first Hunger Games was simply a desperate bid for survival, some in Panem have portrayed Katniss as a possible revolutionary.

The revolutionary undertones bring upon her the wrath of President Snow, the snake-like leader of the regime, who walks around wearing creepy white roses. This is where the strength of the novels begins to ebb. 

President Snow initially tells Katniss to “convince him” and presumably everyone else, that the love she feels for Peeta is real. This would allow the world to accept that she isn’t a revolutionary, but simply a love-struck teenager. When she fails to convince the people of her peaceful intentions, Snow drafts both Peeta and Katniss into a special anniversary edition of the Hunger Games, presumably because he thinks it will give him an excuse to kill them.

It is hard to believe that a leader of a totalitarian regime would really bother too much about this. National heroes might be required to appear on TV and clarify they are not rebellious.  If they fail, they tend to “have a mysterious accident”. They tend not to be given EVEN MORE screen time.

President Snow really seems to be a glutton for punishment.  He spends a lot of time and effort to make Katniss and Peeta into martyrs rather than getting rid of them simply and efficiently. This makes no sense, especially as he apparently has a reputation for poisoning people. With the country already rebelling would you really waste that much money in setting up a Hunger Games PR exercise?

The interaction between the characters are still entertaining though, and there is fun to be had enjoying Katniss’s melodrama of being torn between Peeta and Gale. Poor Gale would like to rebel against Panem, but Katniss still thinks rebellion is too dangerous to think of. And whenever Peeta is in danger, Katniss tends to forget all about Gale.  Ooops.

Amidst all this teenage angst, in unlikely plot twist, the anniversary Hunger Games are partially hijacked by the rebels, and Katniss gets kidnapped to serve as an inspiration for revolution.

I mean, c’mon…

If the Panem government was truly infiltrated by the rebels to that extent, you would have hoped they’d be busy trying to assassinate the president or something. But apparently not.

They even kidnap some of Katniss’s stylists so that she is ready to have her fashion shoots for the revolutionary propaganda. Talk about convenient.

And that for me, is the problem with the 2 nd and 3 rd book of the series. Everything seems to revolve around Katniss. Of course, she is heroine of the books, so that makes sense to an extent. However, in most books, there is usually some pretence to covers up the character-centric nature of the story. Things will happen to the character apparently at random.  States will make decisions based on external factors. Not in Catching Fire or the Mockingjay.

Policy will be decided based on what Katniss thinks best. War maneuvers pretty much likewise. Then when the war is almost at an end, and the female president of the rebellion, Coin, decides to bomb innocent children, she makes sure personally that Katniss’s little sister is among them (needless to say, Coin is not fond of Katniss). Katniss is also supposed to be the person to execute president Snow personally.

I know this is a young adult series. But it still feels strange to postulate that the entire future of a huge country rests on one person’s shoulders. In many ways this approach is the height of individualism, pitting a singular self against system. It subscribes to the “great person” notion of history, where the fate of the world lies in one person’s hands. It probably also appeals to a teenager’s sense of self-importance.

But the novels do hint at the various ways in which Katniss might be broken: there’s a constant reminder of why she doesn’t want to have children (because they might be taken from her to participate in the Hunger Games). Her killing rebellious side (highlighted by her affection for Gale who in the end becomes responsible for creating bombs for the rebels) struggles against her warmer impulses (her love for Peeta and her admiration for his baking and art).  It is characteristic that Katniss describes herself as not much of a healer. unlike her mother and Prim, but she is able to provide medication to Peeta. Peeta consistently unlocks Katniss’s softer side. It is when Peeta is imprisoned that Katniss’s demons are truly unleashed – the aim of her life becomes to “kill Snow”.  It is this brokenness that makes Katniss so appealing a heroine. She may well be brave, but she is not without her weaknesses.

I also like the fact that the rebellion itself is portrayed as inherently problematic. Some of the revolutionaries are truly fighting for freedom, but some seem to be willing to exchange freedom for another kind of bondage.

I did enjoy reading the Hunger Games trilogy a lot. I do think there is plenty of stuff to think about and unpack in it.  I just found a single teenage girl with a bow and arrows abolishing a massive totalitarian state slightly unrealistic. But I guess we can all dream.

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

eating bender

a voracious appetite for food, writing & life

Book Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I picked up a copy of The Hunger Games on a whim last summer. Less than one week later, I had plowed my way through all three books. It’s no secret that I love young adult books – Harry Potter and Twilight, anyone? – but this was the first series I had come across with a dystopian edge. In honor of the movie coming out this Friday, I thought it was about time I shared a review!

Read these books if you enjoy action, adventure, a little romance and, most interestingly, a somewhat bone-chilling view of a “future” world. As my sister-in-law put it, these books are 1984 dystopia meets Lord of the Flies savagery, with a thoroughly modern twist. They also reminded me a lot of the gladiator games, which the author herself has said was an inspiration . What I found most enjoyable was the amount of detail Suzanne Collins uses. She is incredibly effective at creating her own world, much like Hogwarts or any other fictional place where anything goes and unlimited things can happen. I always find it impressive when an author is able to paint a broad and vivid picture of what she has created, and Suzanne Collins is no exception. The reader is thoroughly transported to “Panem” every time they pick up the book.

The Details

The Hunger Games trilogy is told from the perspective of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl who lives in “District 12,” one of the (formerly) 13 districts that make up the nation known as “Panem.” Panem is essentially what is left of the continent of North America in the future, after the current world has been destroyed. It also has a Capitol, a rich and luxurious city by comparison to all the districts, that exudes power over the entire nation. To punish the districts for a previous rebellion, the Capitol forces one boy and one girl from each of the remaining 12 (the 13th was destroyed during the rebellion) to participate in the “Hunger Games” each year. The Games are televised for the entire nation to see. Its participants, called “tributes,” must fight to the death in a dangerous arena until only one remains. As you can probably guess, Katniss ultimately becomes one of the tributes through a series of unfortunate circumstances, and the books take off from there.

There is a fair share of violence and gore that comes along with games that fight to the death, but the book also has a lot of both humorous and sweet moments. The character development is incredible – you will come to know names like Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Cinna and more. Her creativity with these names – have you ever met someone named Cinna? – gives you a peek into the creativity of the entire series. The three titles are The Hunger Games , Catching Fire and Mockingjay .

If you haven’t read The Hunger Games trilogy yet, I recommend doing so immediately. 🙂 I know that several of you mentioned them in my book giveaway , so I’ll be very excited to hear what you think once you finally do read them.

Have you read The Hunger Games trilogy already? If so, what did you think?

33 Comments

I love the trilogy!

It’s been a while since I’ve read The Hunger Games Trilogy so I can’t go into detail. I know I love the fast action and characters. I was really not thrilled about the theme of children killing children. My main disappointment however was the ending. I felt the series ended rather flatly without much imagination. That would be my only dissention.

My grandson read the book at age 12 and I was concerned about having him read about such violence between children but my daughter said it was ok. I guess things are different nowadays.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Judi. I definitely understand your hesitation with the violence, and know that it is not something everyone would want their kids to read. I also agree that the ending was not exactly as I envisioned. There were a few loose ends I wanted to be tied up better than they were, but overall the fast pace and excitement of the rest of the series made up for it in my mind.

I’m glad you shared – thanks again!

There is SO much buzz about this right now! It sounds intriguing. Even this non-reader may pick up the first book to give it a go!

You must!! I promise you won’t regret it. 🙂 I know a few non-readers who are as obsessed as I am!

When I first saw the movie preview where the voice counts down the seconds until they’re all in the arena, I literally had knots in my stomach. Makes me think that the movie will do a good job representing the books 🙂

I felt the same way! Can’t wait for our girl’s outing.

I also felt the same way watching the trailer!

I have ready the trilogy and am looking forward to the movie. I must admit, I had a hard time getting into book 1. After a few chapters, I thought the pace picked up and then I loved it.

I’m glad you kept going! 🙂 I agree the first part is slow when compared to the rest of the action.

great review! I loved the trilogy and can’t wait to see it this weekend!

I’m 1/3 into Mockingjay…I can’t get enough!

Woohoo! You’ll have to let me know what you think of the ending!

Thanks SO much for posting this! I was just considering whether I wanted to read these books–there’s a discount for buying the whole trilogy in the Kindle store right now. After reading this, I can feel confident that I’ll like the whole series 🙂

YES! It truly makes my day that I was able to convince you to get the series. 🙂 Let me know what you think when you’re done!

I LOVE the Hunger Games. I just read them all earlier this year and I can’t wait to see the movie! They reminded me of 1984, too. I think the whole idea of the “future world” was one of my favorite parts of the books.

[…] once. Again, call me crazy, but when it comes to book series – Harry Potter, Twilight and now The Hunger Games – I average at least 2-3 showings in the theater. Yes, that is a lot of dollars spent in […]

[…] You can also sign up to receive emails of new posts on the right. Thanks for reading!I promise the Hunger Games post titles will stop after this one, but I couldn’t help myself […]

[…] on rather than putting the book down. But it’s not necessarily a book that stuck with me (ahem) and made me think, “Wow!” when I had […]

i just want to talk about the ending. i could not decide how the author wanted me to feel and i was not so much as confused about the plot but more so about the relationships i suppose. maybe i’ve read too many books and like a happy endings where i know what people are up to, but it ended so abrubtly within 4 pages that i am still left thinking about it and it’s been 4 days. can you tell me how you felt at the end please

To Cherie….I feel the same way about the ending. Very, very disappointed. It kind of comes out of nowhere and several things are left without closure. Even the eventual reunion with Peeta is a “Oh by the way….they get back together….and this happens”. It’s as if she was up against a time deadline and just finished the book in 30 minutes.

What happens to Haymitch? District 12? The Capitol?

I was rooting for Gale, but halfway through book 3 I knew he wouldn’t win her heart. The war had changed Gale and Katniss view on the world and humanity.

In the end, Gale goes to another district and just never reaches out to Katniss again? I can imagine why, the whole bomb-prim connection (to much pain), but I’m supposed to assume that? He just moves on? Even his capture in the final assault was kind of lame.

I didn’t expect Gale to end up with Katniss. The capital had turned his heart black and full of anger. Not the type Katniss would be with in the end. Heck, all they did is argue. Their relationship as more than friends was broken.

Katniss just lets her mom live in another district? The mom doesn’t want to be with her lone surviving child? They don’t talk or visit?

Is Katniss just mentally insane?

Who was Boggs referring to when he said “Trust noone. Kill Peeta. Don’t go back”? What was the point of his message?

Bottom line, the ending was just horrible. I’m also a sucker for happy endings…or at least well thought out endings. Pretty much everyone dies without a good reason. They spare Gale but he just moves to another district? I would rather have seen him die to save Katniss or Peeta or Prim.

I’m rambling. I know. This ending is a headscratching disaster.

COMPLETELY agree!!! That’s the first thing I thought – she was up against a deadline and abruptly ended the series without much thought. I could not stand the ending either. Hoping that they change it for a better ‘Hollywood’ ending in the movies…

Seeing the way this ends, I would rather one of them had died in the original Hunger games and not have a trilogy. Ugh. Disappointing.

Honestly I loved the ending. (I’ve just finished Catching Fire for the second time and I’m about to start Mockingjay for the second time). I’m so glad Suzanne Collins didn’t try to explain everything at the end. The main characters, especially Katniss, are people who for over a year have been waking up most nights with nightmares, and they are never going to be fully sane again. In addition to that, Katniss’ point of view has always been reflective of her attitude which was has always been a bit impetuous and not analysing everything that happens. There is clearly more that happened in the resolution, but it wouldn’t make sense if we (the audience) heard about it from Katniss POV. Her self-imposed mission in the final third of the book is a complete failure by any measure, but the way it falls apart is instructive to why she acts as she does in the end. War never resolves neatly, and it was clearly hinted that the leaders of the rebellion had the potential to be just as bad as President Snow. So she acted impulsively to change that, but it’s not like she was ever going to be put in a position of power (nor did she aspire to that). Gale will forever in her mind be associated with what happened to Prim, and if she had had a personality more like Peeta she might have been able to be introspective and eventually forgive him, but that was never going to happen because of who she is. Everything about the ending is utterly perfect if you consider the fact that it’s Katniss telling the story: a character who is clearly flawed but people love her anyway. What crimes she commits are forgiven because of her larger heroism. So much to think about and I’m still going, but I’ll stop writing here 🙂

These books are the best I’ve read in a while!!!! I really hope that Susanne Collins will want to extend this triology, you know what I mean! This series should get as huge as the Harry Potter series, I just can’t believe it on how Susanne Collins develops a world beyond our imagination and how the characters transform. Sometimes I literally start questioning myself, “What if this will be our future??”. Susanne really alerted our minds and at moments I even enjoyed how with the ever-growing technology Susanne shows the developing villages. Over all, I just LOVE these books!

I have read each book 4 times and i agree that the ending could have been a little better but if you read it over and over again you start to see that the way i ends coincides with Katniss. Her personality, her love life, her friendship with Gale, and the love for Prim and hate to the capitol after prim dies this all goes with the ending. The ending pretty much says that Katniss loves Peeta crazy or not and she is not going to give up on him as for Gale i knew since book one they weren’t meant to be, the part about her mom confuses me because why would a mom leave right after her daughter finishes a quarter quell and a war against the Capitol and Prims death. Well imma read it again see if i could get something out of this :D.

I have a 12 year old daughter who read and loved this trilogy, she also loved the movies. She actually read the books before she went to bed some nights, and they helped her sleep better(???).

ITIL is definitely becoming more important in today’s IT companies around the world. I understand that, in my experience, it does not constantly go 100 % to strategy – but thats the factor why Itil is just a framework I suspect.

Can I simply just say what a comfort to find someone that actually understands what they’re discussing over the internet. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people ought to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you’re not more popular since you definitely have the gift.

[…] last book, Requiem, left me wanting more. I likened it to how I felt after reading the epilogue of The Hunger Games. I really enjoyed the journey but upon realizing there were only 1-2 pages left, I started to […]

Comments are closed.

My name is Jenn. My nickname is Bender. I'm a 20-something entrepreneur and writer in Phoenix striving to manage a hectic schedule while maintaining my health, happiness and, most importantly, my sanity! Read more here .

Questions? Comments? Just want to chat? Email me at [email protected] !

recent posts

• Hello From Hiatus
• White Pizza with Bacon, Basil and Tomatoes
• Baby Bender: 26 Weeks
• Feeling Thankful + Fall Pinterest Party
• Baby Bender: 19 Weeks {It’s a…}

join the club

Comprehensive Review of The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

• Author: Admin
• March 14, 2024

The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins has undeniably left an indelible mark in the world of literature and pop culture. This series, consisting of "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay," merges the thrills of survival and the harsh reality of a dystopian world, presenting a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

At the heart of these novels is the stark and oppressive nation of Panem, where the Capitol exerts its ruthless control over the twelve districts. Each year, as a grim reminder of the past rebellion and as a means of control, the Capitol hosts the Hunger Games, a brutal televised event where two tributes from each district are forced to fight to the death. The story revolves around Katniss Everdeen, a resilient and resourceful teenager from District 12, who becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion against the totalitarian regime.

Collins' writing is exceptionally vivid and fast-paced, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. The first book, "The Hunger Games," introduces us to the harsh realities of Panem and the cruel nature of the Games. Collins does a remarkable job in developing Katniss’s character, showcasing her strength, vulnerability, and moral dilemmas. The narrative is deeply engaging, making it almost impossible to put the book down.

The second installment, "Catching Fire," escalates the stakes. Here, Collins delves deeper into the politics of Panem and the undercurrents of rebellion stirring in the districts. This book excellently portrays the evolution of Katniss as a reluctant hero and a symbol of hope for the oppressed. The plot twists in "Catching Fire" are brilliantly executed, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the final book.

"Mockingjay," the final book, takes a darker turn as it deals with the realities of war and rebellion. Collins does not shy away from the grim consequences of violence, making this novel more mature and intense than its predecessors. The portrayal of psychological trauma and the cost of war adds depth to the narrative. While some readers found the ending of "Mockingjay" controversial, it undeniably fits the tone and message of the series.

One of the most striking aspects of The Hunger Games is its social commentary. Through the lens of a futuristic society, Collins addresses issues like economic disparity, media manipulation, and the effects of war on individuals and communities. The series encourages readers to question authority and the status quo, making it particularly resonant with a younger audience.

Moreover, Collins masterfully constructs a world that is both imaginative and eerily familiar. The dystopian setting of Panem, with its advanced technology and brutal government, serves as a powerful backdrop for the story’s themes. The series also features a well-developed cast of supporting characters, each adding their own layers to the narrative.

In terms of cultural impact, The Hunger Games has become a phenomenon, inspiring a successful film franchise and a significant fan base. Its influence extends beyond entertainment, sparking discussions about social and political issues among its audience.

In conclusion, The Hunger Games trilogy is a remarkable work that combines thrilling adventure with deep social commentary. Suzanne Collins' skillful storytelling and rich character development make this series a standout in young adult literature. Whether you are a young reader or an adult, these books offer a compelling story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The Hunger Games is more than just a series of books; it's a powerful narrative that challenges readers to think critically about the world around them.

• Historical Novels to Transport You Back in Time: Must-Read Books for History Lovers
• The Greek Demands His Heir by Lynne Graham: A Passionate Tale of Love and Betrayal
• Pretty Reckless by L.J. Shen: A Gritty and Unforgettable Romance
• Raffaele: Taming His Tempestuous Virgin by Sandra Marton - A Passionate Romance Novel Review

You may also like

Bad uncle too by jordan silver: a gripping tale of passion and redemption, unveiling the dark allure of 'cruel king' by rina kent: a compelling dark romance, ruthless people by j.j. mcavoy: a bold and thrilling mafia romance, unveiling love and ambition: a review of 'the fine print' by lauren asher, exploring "the claiming" by jordan silver: a bold and passionate tale, unraveling passion and redemption in dani collins’ "a debt paid in passion", why men need two weekly guys nights for better health – backed by science, why your stomach produces mucus every two weeks: a fascinating digestive fact, mystery of the white shark café: why great white sharks gather in the pacific, understanding the askhole: when advice falls on deaf ears, japan visa-free entry for 2024: eligibility, benefits, and how it works, top reasons for japan tourist visa rejection and how to avoid them, japan tourist visa requirements 2024: a comprehensive guide for travelers, how to apply for a japan tourist visa in 2024: your ultimate step-by-step guide, discover the timeless splendor of the roman baths in bath, england, discover brisbane: a perfect week of adventures and relaxation.

General Knowledge Learning Cards

50 Bestseller Romance Novels: Part One

December 27, 2022

U.S. Visa Information

January 11, 2023

Sorry, You Can’t Actually Get The Nuclear Codes, But Did You Know They Used To Be 00000000?

How to Turn Your Old Smartphone as a Free Security Camera?

December 20, 2022

25 Most Popular Books Published in December 2022

January 19, 2023

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The hunger games by suzanne collins is the first book in the hunger games trilogy. the gripping plot makes it the perfect book to keep you occupied on a long haul flight. here’s my book review of the hunger games by suzanne collins., disclaimer: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and make a purchase, i’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. please note that all sales are processed by the linked website, not rays of adventure, so you’ll be subject to their privacy policy., overview of the hunger games by suzanne collins.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first book of three in The Hunger Games trilogy. It’s set in a future world, where years of conflict have led to the new country of Panem. It’s controlled by the Capitol, and has 12 Districts which are responsible for producing resources for the Capitol. The brutal, totalitarian rule of the Capitol means the people in the Districts live difficult lives, struggling to feed their families. It’s part of the Capitol punishing the Districts for trying to revolt a few years ago. Part of this punishment is the annual Hunger Games, where teenagers from each District are chosen to enter an arena and fight to the death for TV entertainment.

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, and ends up being the chosen tribute to represent her District in the Hunger Games. She’s joined by a boy called Peeta, who is also from District 12. They travel to the Capitol for their training, where they’re given elaborate costumes by designers and appear on TV interviews before they enter the arena.

The Hunger Games begins, and all the tributes must hide or fight, to try to be the last one alive. Katniss uses her archery skills, learned from hunting for food for her family, and manages to stay alive at first. But there’s a twist – Peeta is in love with Katniss, but in the game they are meant to kill each other. And Katniss also has a close friend from home, called Gale, who she’s unsure about her feelings for. It’s a complicated mix of teenage emotion, made even more complicated by the fact that Katniss and Peeta are on live TV and meant to kill each other. And so the Hunger Games begins…

If you’d like to buy this book, click on this link or the picture below to buy it from Amazon (affiliate).

What I like about this book

I found The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins really gripping. The action starts near the beginning of the book – it doesn’t take long at all for Katniss to learn she’s in the Hunger Games. The level of suspense is really good throughout the book, and I feel like it moves at a good pace.

The teenage love triangle is interesting as well. Both Peeta and Gale are likeable characters but for very different reasons, so you can understand why Katniss finds it confusing. It almost reminded me of the love triangle in the Twlight books, where Bella is torn between Edward and Jacob. But I found Peeta and Gale better male characters, with better reasons for choosing each one.

There are plenty of other interesting characters in the books as well. There’s Haymitch, an old Hunger Games victor, who I was never sure if I liked or not. But that just made him more interesting. The fashion designers from the Capitol are also good. I loved the descriptions in the book of the elaborate costumes they produced.

The whole idea behind the country of Panem was also good. It made me think about whether it was a commentary on our world now, with so many conflicts and so much destruction of the world. It actually felt a feasible idea that a totalitarian country like Panem could be the result of the world’s conflicts.

What I wasn’t so sure about

I really enjoyed this book, so there’s not much to dislike. I think the main thing was that I sometimes found Katniss a bit unlikeable. At times, she seemed strong and powerful. But occasionally, she came across selfish, and like she didn’t care about the emotions of other people like Peeta and Gale. I think the author was trying to go for the ‘imperfect heroine’ idea, which I like in a way. But maybe there were just a few too many imperfections. Katniss was good at archery and loved her sister, but apart from that, I couldn’t see too many positive character traits. I think just a few more things to like about Katniss would have made this book even better.

Would I recommend The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins?

My book review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is definitely positive, so I would definitely recommend this book. It’s gripping and full of suspense, so it’s the perfect book to keep you occupied on a long haul flight. I found I could read it for hours at a time without getting bored. It’s not just a teenage book either. Although the main characters are teenagers, there’s plenty of interest for anyone of any age. It’s a really good book and I look forward to reading the second and third in the series. Make sure you check out my reviews of the second book and third book.

If you like the sound of this book,  buy yourself a copy for the weekend here! (affiliate)

If this book has inspired you to want to get on a long haul flight to start reading this book, it’s time to start planning your next trip the uk is a beautiful place to travel, with beautiful scenery in  wales  and  scotland . or you could visit some of the amazing cities in europe, such as  prague ,  berlin  or  vienna . the usa is full of amazing places as well, like the  florida keys ,  san francisco  and the  olympic mountains . start planning your travels and live life with no regrets.

1 thought on “ Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ”

Thanks for the work bozo LLLLL

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Emery Rachelle Writes

author of reverse harem and LGBTQ+ fantasy romance

Book review: The Hunger Games series

Side note: I wrote this post a week before the announcement of the new Hunger Games prequel , and was putting off editing and posting. Ironic timing. I will absolutely be reading that as soon as I can get my hands on it .

As part of my 100 Books list, I’ve been re-reading the Hunger Games trilogy in the last few weeks. Since I remember the stories well and had already read the books twice, I was unprepared for the surprises my third reading brought me.

Here’s one college graduate’s somewhat lengthy take on the bestselling trilogy.

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of North America lies Panem, with a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line with the annual Hunger Games, where children fight to the death on live TV. For sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, survival is second nature. But if she is to win the Games, she will have to make choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Hunger Games on GoodReads

(Beware: There will be spoilers.)

Books vs. movies

The books and movies are certainly more different than I remembered. Gale, Katniss’ childhood best friend and one love interest, is an incendiary, angry teenager in the books, but a strong, romantic leader/hero in the movies. Book Plutarch (Quarter Quell Head Gamemaker and secret rebel) is an entertainer and grand producer first and foremost; in the movie, he’s painted more as a mastermind or revolutionary genius.

One change I really appreciated was the fate of Effie, Katniss’ and Peeta’s Capitol escort/chaperone/handler. In the books, once Katniss is rescued from her second Games (the Quarter Quell in book two ) by rebels, we don’t see Effie again or know her fate until the end of the series (she was imprisoned in the Capitol). In the movies, she takes the place that Katniss’ prep team played in book three , making her over for the rebels’ propaganda films. (She also goes a step further, writing speeches and getting a little involved in directing.) This works both to keep a beloved character in the plot, give us some comedic relief in the stark military compound, and fill the role that the prep team, having been written out of the other movies, can’t.

The movies also changed the tone and message of the books. While I understand the need for an epic “good vs. evil,” black-and-white narrative in blockbuster movies, the film series misses the main point of the books: nobody wins in war and there are no real good guys or bad guys. The books cover messy, necessary questions of population that Panem’s President Snow often raises and rebel President Coin does later have to address. If everyone is willing to die for freedom, who will be left to live freely? If sacrifice is necessary to achieve peace, how many will be left to live in peace?

General writing impressions

The writing in the series is much more simplistic than I remember. Of course, they’re books written for middle and high school ages, so they have to fit certain reading levels. It works for the narrator’s age and language, and the syntax still masterfully accomplishes both telling the story and communicating subtext. Hats off to Suzanne Collins.

There’s a lot of foreshadowing I missed in previous readings. From the beginning, there are hints of the threat President Coin could become, laying a foundation for the twist ending (Katniss kills her). The descriptions of military rule in District 13 play into that as well, since Katniss and the rebels are fighting for real freedom that District 12 refugees don’t find in District 13’s military compound.

The love triangle is actually well foreshadowed, too. When I first read the books, I expected Katniss to live out her days single, without either love interest. But now I can see how the always-simmering conflict with Gale — a firey, impassioned, often merciless rebel with radical ideas — leads to the explosive end of their friendship. Gale was always that person, but Katniss didn’t see that until the rebellion gave him an outlet. Meanwhile, Peeta has been taking care of Katniss since before they even knew each other. Without him, she would quite literally be dead many times over. When Gale says Katniss will choose the person she can’t survive without, he is summing up the entire series’ love triangle in one line.

How did we get here?

I wish the books ( or a prequel, maybe ) explained more of the first war, called the Dark Days. It would be easier to understand and sympathize with Snow and the Capitol if we knew where they came from and what Snow (and other older adults) remembers that Katniss doesn’t. Of course, that’s probably exactly why it’s not in the books; Katniss’ perception of people and events would be different when tempered with the memories and knowledge of days past, and we’re meant as readers to see Snow as a terrible villain.

Still, it would nice to see how Panem got to where it is, as well as to see how North America became Panem in the first place. Also, where is the rest of the world?? I could believe Panem being a closed-off country that others steered clear of or didn’t know the truth about, but at least acknowledge if that’s the state of things. There is zero hint of any international relations or other countries even existing in this series. That’s one thing I did appreciate about the YA dystopian Selection series : the books give us both an indication of how today’s societies became that world and information about countries outside of the story’s specific setting.

Our epic villain? President Snow

The leader of Panem, often described as snake-like, is Katniss’ greatest enemy and worst nightmare. My first two read-throughs, I too hated the man to no end and desperately craved the death he deserved as a wicked villain. This time, I saw him as a more complicated and human figure than that.

The books’ themes of war, just-war theory, and how there are no real winners or losers is actually in part voiced by President Snow. His main argument when trying to convince Katniss to prevent and later work against a rebellion is that, if the districts rebel against the Capitol again, all will be chaos, everyone will die, and nothing and no one will be left. As despicable a man as Snow is, he’s not wrong. Panem doesn’t have a very large population. The biggest problem of District 13, home and leaders of the rebellion, is the constant question of how to maintain, let alone grow, its tiny population. With all the deaths of Peacekeeper Capitol soldiers and rebels from every district, the only reason President Coin doesn’t (heartlessly) execute all Capitol citizens after the rebellion is the basic need for numbers to survive as a new nation. She and Snow were never actually that different.

In that vein, I also realized that Snow takes his role as leader very seriously and truly understands what war would mean. He is selfish, power-hungry, and amoral, but also utilitarian and, in his own eyes at least, a responsible ruler. He works to obtain not just what he wants but what the country needs to survive after him. He’s also clearly very aware of his own age and frailty. His goals and focus go beyond just living in power and wealth; he’s building what he believes is the best world to maintain peace and provide for the people who come after him. (The movies nod to this with the addition of scenes featuring his granddaughter.) And, when he visits Katniss in book two to threaten her in an effort to stifle the district uprisings, he really does see her as an ally (or at least a tool) to prevent war — not just a kid to manipulate.

Luxury, waste, and hunger

It doesn’t take much analysis to see the Capitol as a representation of America. In high school, I wrote a guest blog post (no longer available online) about food insecurity. I don’t remember it very well. This read-through, my thoughts on the comparison of Capitol and districts with America and third world countries went a slightly different direction.

Obviously, Capitol citizens gorge themselves on food while district residents starve to death. Many Capitol citizens are unaware of how bad things really are in the districts, but many are not — they just don’t seem to care. As a public relations graduate, I studied media in college courses, and one thing that stood out to me this time was the effect media presentations in the Capitol had on its citizens. I mean, the series is about a television show, after all.

The districts, the Hunger Games, and the reality of where and how goods (like food) are dispersed in Panem are presented in specific, intentional ways through television programming that guides Capitol citizens’ opinions. The Capitol presents, and therefore sees, President Snow as a smart, powerful, and benevolent leader; the districts as sources of necessary goods and materials; district residents as loyal Panem citizens happily fulfilling their role in a larger society; and the Hunger Games as a long-running national tradition to honor the country’s history and celebrate what makes the districts unique while bringing all of Panem together.

As a result of these perceptions, Capitol citizens grow up believing positive things about Panem and how it works, and they trust the system. They believe they are meant to live in the Capitol and deserve the nice things they have. The harsh realities that seem so obvious to people from the districts are simply incompatible with Capitol mentalities, which have been cultivated through multiple generations now, since each citizen’s birth. Psychologically, it’s incredibly difficult to process cognitive dissonance and accept a reality so in contrast to the one Capitol citizens have held their whole lives. (This is a huge part of the “panem et circuses” Latin concept explained by Plutarch in Mockingjay that sums up the Panem system. People will give up their power — and responsibility — for food and entertainment.)

Of course, some Capitol citizens have opened their eyes. Plutarch, Cinna, even Effie in Catching Fire and Mockingjay , were born and raised Capitol citizens who recognized how wrong the Panem system was, and they decided to do something about it. (Ironically, the Quarter Quell twist sending the beloved Capitol’s victors back to their deaths shook a lot of citizens’ views and opened many eyes.) But the vast majority of people living a decent, comfortable life will find it much, much harder to accept that maybe it’s not fair that they have that life (true of both Americans and Capitol citizens).

What makes this even trickier is the fact that, actually, luxury is not an evil thing in itself — and how “luxury” is defined depends completely on your individual baseline. Plumbing, running water, electricity — these are things real first-world countries like America see as basics of life, often taken for granted. The districts of Panem lack these things. Enough food for everyone, clean water, hot showers — more things the districts don’t have that both America and the Capitol usually expect as givens. When readers see banquets of stuffed pigs, scented showers, light shows, fur garments, and marble palatial homes, then we suddenly recognize the ‘disgusting excess’ of luxury. But scented showers and marble homes aren’t inherently bad things. They just seem evil, heartless, unbelievable to readers and the districts because they are (to us) obviously unnecessary things that exist solely for enjoyment, while so many people still lack the basic necessities to survive.

Basically: (1) Capitol citizens don’t know any better and would need a lot of time, patience, and education to understand the real injustices going on in Panem; and (2) luxury is not by nature evil, but despicable when it is obtained through the exploitation (starvation, slavery, etc) of others.

Other than a critique of reality television, this book is about war and PTSD. I read an interview delving into the personal background of Suzanne Collins, her veteran father’s PTSD, and her motivations for writing this series, and it really illuminated a lot about the series for me. I can’t find the one I read, but there are other interviews with Collins touching on similar topics: one for children and teens at Scholastic , and one for adults at the New York Times .

There’s soooo much to be said about the books and how they address war, just-war theory, PTSD and trauma, etc. But that’s all been said very well by Collins herself and by other reviewers and writers. I just want to make one point, personally: I wish everyone would quit criticizing the love triangle. In the grand scheme of the YA dystopian genre, yeah, love triangles have gotten a bit old. But in this series, it’s not just a love triangle, and it’s not the main plot. (The movies did the series a disservice here in playing to the money-making fans by focusing on the romantic component of scenes between Katniss and the male leads.)

In Collins’ NYT interview, she said it herself: “Peeta and Gale appeared quickly, less as two points on a love triangle, more as two perspectives in the just-war debate. Gale, because of his experiences and temperament, tends toward violent remedies. Peeta’s natural inclination is toward diplomacy. Katniss isn’t just deciding on a partner; she’s figuring out her worldview.”

Another criticism of the series is how unlikeable and selfish Katniss is. In a vacuum, that would be a valid point. But Katniss’ life, and the lives of everyone she loves, rests on her ability to survive. She doesn’t make cold, calculating choices because that’s just who she is or her nature. She’s been made into this person by her circumstances. The destruction via the Games of whatever mental health she had left only makes her need to care for herself even more of a priority as the series progresses. She doesn’t think about others, not because she doesn’t care, but because she simply doesn’t have the mental or emotional energy.

Tough love: Haymitch

I can’t believe I missed this one before, but Haymitch is absolutely a father figure for Katniss. It’s less clear in the movies, and he’s not be the ideal father. He’s a gruff, rude alcoholic who is never silent on his distaste for Katniss’ personality or choices. But he is equally vocal when he approves or is proud of her behavior, and he gives her the support and guidance she needs as a teenager coming of age under immense pressure in such a terrible, broken world. He has a tough-love approach that I think works well for Katniss’ cold, hard-knock-life perspective.

(And where Haymitch fails as a fatherly stand-in, Cinna steps in with the more tender, caring side of masculinity.)

I have a lot more notes I intended to write about here. The awareness some Capitol characters (Caesar Flickerman, Snow, Cinna) have of the state of things in comparison to general Capitol obliviousness; or how Plutarch, Coin, Gale, and Beetee may be on the winning side but aren’t really good guys; or Coin and Snow’s titles as presidents — is that an old term that just carried over, or were they really elected? Did their positions begin as presidencies but become something else with time and political events? (Will the prequel clue us in??)

So many thoughts, so many questions. But this post is already too long. For anyone gracious or interested enough to still be reading, reward yourself with this gem, my favorite fanfiction of all time: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6958902/4/Five-Places-Cinna-Came-From . The story has five possible backstories for Cinna, but the one I linked, the one I carry as headcanon, is chapter four. Let me know what you think.

Share this:

• #Hunger Games
• #YA fiction

PREVIOUS POST

My favorite banned books

Related posts, book review: fourth wing by rebecca yarros, book review: three queens by geneva lee (filthy rich vampires), book review: second rite by geneva lee (filthy rich vampires), book review: filthy rich vampire by geneva lee, one comment on “ book review: the hunger games series ”, 12 days of christmas book tag – emily rachelle writes.

[…] from the Hunger Games series. A favorite of mine in high school (and featured in my first tattoo), I re-read the Hunger Games trilogy this year. While I still love Peeta in the movies too, critics aren’t wrong in saying he is so much […]

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

The Hunger Games Trilogy Book Review

I read the hunger games trilogy from two perspectives: that of senior citizen… and also a 1960s hippie. i was impressed on both counts..

Reading The Hunger Games

I may be a senior citizen now, but I’m also a counterculture hippie-type person from the 60s. So I read and then reviewed  The Hunger Games  trilogy from two perspectives. Old fogey me and rebel hippie me. Quite a head trip, I can tell you. In other words, these aren’t your ordinary cookie cutter-type book reviews.

One viewpoint says, “Why rock the boat? I’m on social security, for heaven’s sake!” The other side of me doesn’t like what I see happening in society today… any more than I did in the sixties.

Did The Hunger Games books  awaken  that? Or did I choose to read the trilogy  because  of that?

And another thing… I usually get my books from the library. I actually purchased ALL 3 books in this series, because I couldn’t wait for the library to catch up with my reading.

Something’s afoot.

My Review of The Hunger Games – Book 1 of the Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Why this book got me thinking….

The Hunger Games begins a little slowly, actually. So slowly, that I had to ask my son if it picked up some once I got into it. “It’s a good book, Mom,” he assured me so I kept reading. And found my head twisting round and round with the bizarre turns of events that kept showing up.

The books could be classified as Science Fiction or Fantasy, and I wonder if author Suzanne Collins is a bit of a mystic herself. Like J. K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter books books hit a chord with kids and adults alike… Collins portrays circumstances and characters that we all recognize… or that we live within. The controlling, centralized institutions, the hard-scrabbling general population, the very young who recognize injustice when they see it and, thankfully, haven’t yet made themselves “put a lid on it” as their elders have done.

The Game of Thrones series is also heading in the same direction, where the youngsters are the courageous ones who are willing to risk, well… anything… to make things right again, while the adults are hanging on for dear life to whatever they have left.

Okay, three series that have made me think – Potter, Thrones and Hunger Games. The fact that all three of these book series have been made into popular films says something. The fact that all three series were best-sellers for months on end says more. People are resonating with the stories in them.

And maybe taking hope.

A prophetic view of our future?

I wondered if the books were written as reminders not to cave in to lemming mentality… even though it’s easier. When we go along with things – even though they don’t feel right to us – a piece of our integrity gets chewed off. Do young adults have enough experience yet to know this? They are the intended audience for The Hunger Games , after all.

The books also drive home a couple of other points: when we ignore the suffering of others and hide behind our shutters, we lose a bit of our humanity. And when we let ourselves be walked all over by our governments and public institutions, there goes our freedom out the door… in fiction and in real life.

Katniss Everdeen, the young heroine of The Hunger Games hasn’t yet had the training to stifle her sense of what’s right. Luckily, she’s a plucky thing and paid attention when her dad taught her to use a bow and arrow. She’s responsible for feeding her family most of the time, even as a young teenager. She has learned a few survival tricks that serve her well at the Hunger Games, where it’s every person for himself until you’re the last one standing… literally.

The Hunger Games are just that – annual events with untrained, unwilling “gladiators”… who are forced to participate in a cruel tradition meant to keep the general population under control. At the same time the games provide bloodthirsty entertainment for the privileged classes of the Capitol… the seat of power of Panem, a geographic area previously known as North America. Each of the twelve districts of Panem is required to send one male and one female “tribute” to the Games, where they will need to fight tooth, nail, claw and hammer to stay alive. Their ordeals are unimaginable. Their courage unbelievable.

The Hunger Games got me thinking… and remembering. The marches for peace and civil rights. The non-violent methods of Martin Luther King, Jr. The counterculture thinking of the 1960s. And I wondered what happened that so much of it has slipped away in the name of… what? Security? Or maybe lack of energy from the aging process?

Where did our – MY – rebellious spirit go?

Reading The Hunger Games brought some of that back to me.

This old fogey is starting to remember. And so, it seems are a few others. “Occupying” is not a new idea at all. Many of us remember taking part in “Sit-ins” way back when.

On the other hand, maybe the fascination with “young adult rebellion” books is just a cyclical thing, where younger generations have to push against the status quo regardless of the reasons why.

I don’t know… but it seems that the books are hitting home with the older generations, too. Or perhaps Suzanne Collins is just a great adventure writer and once the story’s over, we go on to other things.

We’ll see.

Catching Fire – Book 2 of The HungerGames Trilogy

Catching Fire  starts up where Book 1 left off. Katniss and her Hunger Games partner, Peeta Mellark, are back in their District – Number 12 – thinking to live the good life… for the rest of their lives.

Well, whatever’s left of their lives, at any rate.

Katniss is well aware that she is in disfavor with the powers-that-be in the Capitol and that they will stop at nothing to destroy her. But even she couldn’t have imagined what they had in store for her.

If you have not read the books yet, I ain’t givin’ away the plot, sorry. But your jaw will drop and your heart might flutter some when you see the lengths to which the status quo will go to when threatened.

Catching Fire  – even more than  The Hunger Games  – stirred the rebellious spirit within me, as I witnessed (in my mind) the courage of people with nothing left to lose. There’s always a straw that breaks the camel’s back, whether it’s a tax on tea or making people face the severest horrors imaginable – twice.

So rebellion spreads in the districts, fueled largely by the intransigence of young Katniss, whose actions in Book 1’s Hunger Games have triggered an uprising she hadn’t intended.

When I reflected back a bit, I remembered little snippets that gave tiny clues as to what was going on beneath the surface, but, because the books are written from Katniss’ perspective and understanding of events, I didn’t figure things out any better than she did.

And Katniss, having been left out of the secret loop on purpose, is ticked, royally.

And on that note, the second book ends. Our young rebel is rebelling against the rebels.

And now it’s on to Book 3  Mockingjay  to see where it all leads.

You must read Mockingjay to complete the series… but it hurts

On Amazon.com, the book  Mockingjay  has much lower ratings than the first two books in the series. There are a couple of reasons for this. After the long build-up in  The Hunger Games  and  Catching Fire , the climax in Mockingjay winds the series downward with outcomes that most of us wish hadn’t happened.

The agonies suffered by Peeta and Kinnick, for example… two stalwarts we’d grown to respect and maybe love. The loss of so much life in the name of revenge. Katniss knew her rebellious actions might cause trouble for a lot of people, including her family, but even she wasn’t prepared for what happened in the final assaults on the Capitol.

The second reason I think the reviews were less enthusiastic for Mockingjay is the many pages devoted to Katniss’  inner anguish and introspection.  In the first two books, she is larger than life – the type of heroine you’d see in an action movie. In the third book, Katniss turns inward much more. She second-guesses her motives, loses hope and becomes depressed to the point of stupor.

Spunk gone, guilt rampant

Katniss’s final act of rebellion is one that should have ended her life. It didn’t, but the Katniss we got to know is gone forever. And readers didn’t seem to like that one bit.

The epilogue seemed like a throwaway to most readers, myself included. Those two pages more or less stripped the life out of the story at the end. On the other hand, we didn’t have to live through two sets of Hunger Games and, from Katniss’ perspective, perhaps safe and normal felt more like “life” than facing death minute-to-minute as the girl who kept “catching fire.”

For me, Mockingjay was the most gut-wrenching of the three books in the Hunger Games trilogy. It asserts Suzanne Collins’ anti-war message the strongest. So I’d give Mockingjay higher marks than most readers, because the author reflects my thinking so well in this.

I hope you’ll leave your comments about the series below. Am I off the mark… or on?

Closing thoughts…

As each new movie in The Hunger Games trilogy comes to theaters and then to DVD, interest in the series is renewed. If you have not read the books yet… or held off, like I did, thinking they were about violence without reason, I hope my reviews have encouraged you to view the books in a new light.

I originally wrote these reviews in 2012, the year I finally read the books. This article appeared first on Squidoo, then Hubpages and has now migrated where it belongs – on BarbaraCasey.com.

Related Posts

• ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

THE HUNGER GAMES

From the hunger games series , vol. 1.

by Suzanne Collins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2008

Impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns make this volume, the beginning of a planned...

Katniss Everdeen is a survivor.

She has to be; she’s representing her District, number 12, in the 74th Hunger Games in the Capitol, the heart of Panem, a new land that rose from the ruins of a post-apocalyptic North America. To punish citizens for an early rebellion, the rulers require each district to provide one girl and one boy, 24 in all, to fight like gladiators in a futuristic arena. The event is broadcast like reality TV, and the winner returns with wealth for his or her district. With clear inspiration from Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and the Greek tale of Theseus, Collins has created a brilliantly imagined dystopia, where the Capitol is rich and the rest of the country is kept in abject poverty, where the poor battle to the death for the amusement of the rich. However, poor copyediting in the first printing will distract careful readers—a crying shame.  [Note: Errors have been corrected in subsequent printings, so we are now pleased to apply the Kirkus star.]

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2008

ISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1

Page Count: 394

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2008

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Share your opinion of this book

More In The Series

BOOK REVIEW

by Suzanne Collins ; illustrated by Nico Delort

by Suzanne Collins

More by Nico Delort

by Suzanne Collins ; illustrated by James Proimos

More About This Book

PERSPECTIVES

SEEN & HEARD

From the Powerless Trilogy series , Vol. 1

by Lauren Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023

A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.

The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.

Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.

Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023

ISBN: 9798987380406

Page Count: 538

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HER

by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.

In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me , three characters tell their sides of the story.

Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781728276229

Page Count: 416

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

More by Laura Nowlin

by Laura Nowlin

• Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
• News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
• Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
• Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
• Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
• More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
• About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC.   All Rights Reserved.

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

• Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.