Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Book Summery:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. -goodreads.com

Rue's Lullaby (Very haunting):



Book Review:
Well, it's official. The Hunger Games are at a close with the release of the third book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. I have to say, Collins had some surprises in store for her readers. There are definite aspects that I liked about Mockingjay, and definite aspects I did not care for. I honestly will admit that this is my least favorite book in the series. Now, before you start throwing food and small tools at me, keep in mind, this is still one of my all time favorite series. I just found Mockingjay to have a little less oomph, and let me tell you why...

*WARNING!!! There be spoilers ahead!*

What I didn't like:

To start off, I was really looking forward to a more evolved Katniss. Instead I got the same rebellious girl, who persistently made the same headstrong decisions which landed her in the hospital. It felt like a continuous cycle. Katniss runs off into combat, gets hurt/knocked out, and then wakes up in the hospital nursing a brand new wound. It was very repetitive for me. Also, I felt like the numerous deaths were overlooked. In the previous 2 books, Katniss would take time to mourn her fallen comrades. This time around, I had to re-read certain parts to make sure I read correctly that someone had died. The third aspect that bothered me was that I was looking for Katniss to end the love triangle once and for all. Instead, it drags on and on, and the final decision is practically made for her. It was a major disappointment for me.

What I liked:
Gale becomes a more forefront character. I enjoyed learning more about him and watching his relationship evolve in multiple different ways with Katniss. Learning more about District 13. I honestly expected District 13 to be more of a democracy. It was a bit more strict than I had expected, but I was completely marveled by their self-sufficiency. Finnick. Talk about character evolution! He started with regression and then progressed to a solider, provider, and friend. It was a very impressive character arc! The rebellion. I am not one for war, but nation of Panem was in dire need of some serious change. It was interesting to read about the strategy and progression of the rebellion movement. Of course, I was happy that it was successful, but at such a cost! So, make that bittersweet for me. I was more happy for the future generations who will be able to enjoy freedom and ultimately only know of the hunger games as a thing of the past.

Overall, Mockigjay was a bittersweet expedition for me. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. While I was happy for the political process the rebels were making, I was saddened by their sacrifice and loss. I have highly enjoyed the entire series and will most likely read it all over again in the future. The three books in the trilogy are among my most recommended reads of all time. Thank you for the incredible journey Ms. Collins! :)

Favorite Quote:

"Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!" (p. 106)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love this cover. It's simple, stunning, and poignant. Rather fitting, I think. The color is gorgeous.

Overall Rating: