Catching Fire - Book Review

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #2)

What is it about:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

What did I think of it:
Warning: this review is rather negative, so if you like the book you might want to skip it.

Did I think the first book in this trilogy was a great, entertaining though not very original read, this book was a not so great, not very original read.

The plot was shaky at best and unbelievable at worst. Collins is bending over backwards to be able to re-use the plot devices that made The Hunger Games popular and is pulling rabbits out of hats to start up a second storyline. I would have liked to see her trying just a little bit harder to make that second storyline (that will continue in the third book) more real. Now I was left with a feeling I got half a regurgitated story and half a story that was forced in like a Deus Ex Machina to keep the series going.

I must say after reading this book I didn't feel like reading the last book in this trilogy, but some raving reviews and the fact that I can borrow the book from a friend have made me decide to give the last book a chance so I will be reading it soon to see if this series can be redeemed.

Why should you read it:
If you liked The Hunger Games you might like this book too.

The Hunger Games - Book Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What is it about:
In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

What did I think of it:
In short: a very entertaining, though not very original story.

Don't get me wrong. I really liked this book and the characters, but couldn't help seeing lots of similarity with one of my favourite movies 'Battle Royale' which is based on the novel 'Battle Royale' by Koushun Takami.

Teens having to fight each other to the death for the amusement of an audience: check
Using items/weapons that they have been given at pot luck: check
An announcer giving the death toll every day: check

I could go on for a while, but you get the point.
So I can honestly say I raised an eyebrow when reading that Collins claims to have never read or seen 'Battle Royale'.

That being said: The Hunger Games is well written and despite its lack of originality it's a great read.

Why should you read it:
If you like dystopian YA books you will like this book.