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:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

*Warning! May contain mild spoilers! Do NOT read if you haven't read The Hunger Games!*

Summery:
Well, it's round two for readers following The Hunger Games, however it's round 75 for the residents of Panem. Every 25 years, the Capitol puts on an even more extravagant version of the Hunger Games, known as the Quarter Quell. As winner's of last years' Hunger Games and in honor of the Quarter Quell, Katniss and Peeta must go on a "victory tour" to each district. Before setting off on the tour, Panem's President Snow comes to visit Katniss and warn her that country is currently treading on thin ice. Ever since last year's Hunger Games, there has been a seed of doubt planted in the minds of the citizens of Panem, which has lead to a spread of rumors regarding revolt and anarchy. President Snow further explains that if Katniss and Peeta do not completely comply with President Snow's expectations, and clearly support the Capitol during and after the tour, Snow will go after their friends and family, as well as possibly the entire district, stopping at nothing to regain control. As Katniss and Peeta travel from district to district, it becomes clear that more than a seed of rebellion has been planted. By the time they return to district 12, the seed has fully developed into a well-grown garden. Rebellion is everywhere and Katniss and Peeta find themselves in middle of it all. The only card the government has left to play are the Hunger Games, and in true honor of the Quarter Quell, President Snow shows that he will not give in. In fact, he will stop at nothing to prove that every single person in Panem is nothing but a mere pawn, helpless under his control...what better way to prove his point, than to make a prime example out of Katniss and Peeta?

Review:
This book is electrifying! Completely impossible to set down, once you've started reading! Katniss and Peeta return to their old district, but it is impossible to return to their old lives. You journey through waves of emotions, as the characters experience them firsthand. Collins' has added some amazing and horrifying twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I am not the least bit sorry that I bought both Catching Fire and The Hunger Games as hardcovers! If you haven't already, go out and buy them both immeadately and start reading! Trust me, once you get going, it will be difficult to set them down!

Cover Art Commentary:
Simple, beautiful, classic. I love the vibrant red of Catching Fire in comparison to the hollow black of The Hunger Games. There is definitely some foreshadowing going with the color choice! ;) Both books look beautiful apart, but even more lovely as a set!

Overall rating:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summery:
The United States has collapsed due to fire, drought, famine and war. In it's place, Panem has risen. Panem is the new country, divided into 12 districts, not counting the Capitol. Originally, there were 13 districts, but the 13th district was obliterated when the 13 districts rebelled against the Capitol. As a reminder of their failed success, Panem keeps it's districts starving and surviving on minimal necessities. In addition to this painful reminder, every year, the Capitol holds an annual even known as the hunger games. Each district randomly selects two "tributes" i.e. children between the age of 12 and 17, one male and one female. These tributes must complete against each other in a fight to the death. The winner receives a lifetime of comfort and their district is well fed for an entire year. This year, Katniss' 12 year-old sister Prim is selected as the female district 12 tribute. 16 year-old Katniss steps up and volunteers to take her sister's place. Along with her male counterpart, a son of a baker named Peeta, Katniss enters the hunger games armed with the desperate attempt to stay alive or die trying.

Review:
Back in 2000, when Battle Royale was released, I remember watching with complete horror. How awful it must be to kill other innocent humans, much less children, in order to survive. Collin's book The Hunger Games, really drives this point home. How far would you be willing to go to protect yourself, your family, your life? This book has received much praise, and I am inclined to agree. This book is faced-paced, heart-wrenching, and filled with ethical questions. I highly, highly recommend it.

Cover Art Commentary:
Simple. Eloquent. Classic. I love the mockingjay on the cover. There is another on the cover itself when you take off the sleeve. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this book based on the cover alone.

Overall Rating:




Other reviews of The Hunger Games can be found at:
Book Love Affair
Jawas Read, Too!
Temporary Worlds