A review for Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Posted by Donna

Published Date: August 24th, 2010

Finished Date: June 12th, 2011

Format: Kindle

Pages: 390

The Blurb from Goodreads: Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

The Review: I finished this book late last night and I have woken up this morning still trying to decide how to rate it. I bet your wondering why I am having such a hard time deciding. Well here’s why.

Mockingjay starts with President Snow declaring war on all the districts leaving district 12, Katniss’s home…destroyed. With know where else to turn, Katniss find herself being taken in by district 13 to prepare to become the mockingjay, the voice that will give all the districts hope and hopefully join the battle against President Snow together. As the war starts can Katniss manage to keep all her family and friends safe and can she rescue Peeta from the Capitol?

I was completely shocked when I first started this series and found out I loved it, I read both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire in a matter of days, so you could probably expect my excitement to start Mockingjay with it being the final book and all. But with Mockingjay, I can’t help feel…..a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel this is one of the best series I’ve read but I can’t help feeling Mockingjay got a bit lost along the way.

I honestly didn’t like the whole army type feel of the book. I found parts confusing and it just reminded me of something from an action movie as you can tell, action movies aren’t my favourite. I found myself losing interest in the plot of the story and ended up focusing on Katniss’s and Peeta’s relationship, and let’s be honest; Peeta is not himself for the most of this book. There were a few deaths in this story that felt a little out of place…Finnick and Prim. I just don’t see why they had to die. I just didn’t feel emotionally attached to them to cry…both of their deaths felt a little rushed and it was only the last few pages I did feel something.

You all know I’m 100% a Team Peeta fan and like I said before Peeta was not himself during this book and although it was a great story line, one that kept me guessing and honestly my heart was breaking for both Katniss and Peeta, I can’t help feel that Peeta wasn’t even present in this book. I missed him! Whether this is the intention of the author, I’m not sure but I really thought there should have been more moments between him and Katniss. Although I’m completely over the moon that Katniss ended up with the right person, it wasn’t the ending I was expecting. Yes, I loved the epilogue but I guess I was expecting a big reunion between them and…..it just never came. Peeta was the one of main reasons I read this book, I completely fell in love with his character and the way he feels for Katniss is amazing. I know deep down Katniss new she was in love with him but just didn’t realise it until the end but I think this is why I feel so disappointed.

Saying all this, I’m going to rate this book a four because Suzanne Collins still manages to write a book that is completely dangerous, intense and full of emotion. I do think this is the least favourite but I still think it’s worth a read. This series has left me more excited to watch the movie and I think it’s going to be a long wait until March 2012. 

A review for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #2)

Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 1st, 2010

Finished Date: June 12th, 2011

Format: Kindle

Pages: 391

The Blurb from Goodreads: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

The Review: Wow! After finishing this a few days ago this is definitely one of my favourite series. The Hunger Games was a phenomenal book and Catching Fire was a close second.

Catching Fire starts 8 months after the events in The Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta both survived the games and were both named winners although to the distaste of the game makers. Knowing that her actions in the games will not go unnoticed Katniss tries to start an uprising on the Capitol only to find out that she and Peeta will have to enter the games AGAIN! Will they survive this time around? And who will there be competition?

I loved this book! I nearly enjoyed it as much as the first one but I found the start a little slow. It was definitely a more mellow feel to it, however when hell breaks loose in some of the other districts you’re thrown right back into the action of the story.

Even though I knew before I started this book that Katniss and Peeta were going to return to the games, I never expected to feel the emotions that I did when Katniss found out. She’s always been so strong but for that one moment we see her scared and weak and I loved that we finally got to see a different side of her. Her relationship between Peeta and Gale doesn’t really improve during this book, although we do have a little hope during that games that she will end up with Peeta. With them both back in a deadly situation, you can see how much they care about one another whether in deny or not and I love how they can both lean on another for support.

I also loved that a few new faces were introduced and what I found more exciting was that these people were past winners of the games. It was interesting to meet them and found out how some of them won but I especially liked that we found out Haymitch’s story.  Haymitch has always been abit of a closed book with all his drinking and he likes to shut everything out but we finally see him different towards the end of the book. I for one am interested to see how he plays out.

At times I found the book quiet hard to read, not because the story was bad but because of what the Capitol do to people. They are truly monsters and the death and destruction they leave in their wake just to prove a point is completely horrifying.  Cinna! Poor Cinna! I honestly didn’t see the need for that.

Overall, this was a great sequel, one that has a MASSIVE cliff-hanger…I’m so glad I had the next book ready and waiting for me otherwise I honestly don’t know what I would have done. 

A review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 14th, 2008

Finished Date: June 11th, 2011

Source: RAK from Bella at Cheezy Feet Books

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384 Pages

The Blurb from Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Review: Wow! Why have I not started this series before now? Why? Well, I’ll tell you why…..it’s because I’m stupid! Lol. All I’ve had over the past 6 months is people recommending this series to me and I’ve put it for so long because I honestly thought I wouldn’t like it. Well, I was wrong! I don’t even think wrong covers it. I ended up loving this book and I think it’s one of my favourite read of 2011 so far.

The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl living in North America set in the future. Katniss lives in a hard world, one that is divided by districts, rich and poor. Twelve districts in total are run by the Capital and to keep them in line they created a yearly event in which 2 members from each districts will battle it out to the death, for sport on live TV.  When Katniss’s sister Prim is picked as a tribute, Katniss willingly takes her place in the games. She is teamed up with Peeta, the other member from District 12 and together they must become the last ones standing.

This is something completely new for me. This type of genre is 100% out of the norm but hey, with so many people recommending it, I had to see what all the fuss was about. And let me just say….amazing. Not only did this book keep me gripped to the edge of my seat but I was also quiet scared to continue reading. I’ve never been so frightened in my life not knowing what would happen next to the characters, not knowing how someone would die or who would die next and if our main characters survive the horrid games. Honestly, the idea of the book to start with was a little sickening but Suzanne Collins managed to capture the story and writes the deaths not to gruesome.  Not only does she write well but she managed to create a world that I couldn’t dream of living in, the idea of it scares the hell out of me but she also makes it completely imaginable.

The characters were well developed and strong. I’m so glad we had such a strong female heroine like Katniss. Katniss is probably the strongest character I’ve read about in a long time, she doesn’t sit around and cry, she determined, strong willed and dedicated to the job at hand even though she hates the thought of killing someone else…she knows she has no choice because in this world, its kill or be killed. Peeta is another great character. I can’t help feel a little bad for him because god does he take a beating during the games but I’m glad Katniss was there to nurse him back to health. Even though this book doesn’t centre around their romance, it is still there skimming the surface and I’m intrigued to find out what happens next. Oh and let’s not forget Prim, Cinna, Haymitch and Gale…..I do hope we get to see more them in the next book.

Overall, I’m already hooked into this series and I have another two books to go. So far I love it, I love the world Suzanne Collins has created and I can’t wait to read more.

A special Thank You to Bella who brought this book for me as a gift! 

A review for Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Posted by Jessica

Published Date: August 21st, 2010
Read Date: April 8th, 2011
The Blurb: Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.
The Review: It took me a while. But I finished after a lot of slacking on my part.

Mockingjay is the final installment to The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. This is where we see the rebellion begin to rise. Katniss never meant to start a rebellion, she was just trying to survive.

I liked this book, this is the saddest of the three, there are so many lovable characters and yet they all end up dead? It just doesn't seem fair. I don't have much to say about this book. I really don't. 

I will say this, that the ending to the book wasn't exactly what I pictured but it was still a nice ending. Even after all the tortures that Katniss went through she still managed to find some peace and slowly begins to rebuild her life. Piece all her broken strength, her heart slowly begins to heal with the help of the left over friends that she has within District 12. 

In closing, The Hunger Games Trilogy is by far one of the greatest trilogies I have read. Ever. Fact. I would highly recommend this book, even if you're not into the Dystopian sort of genre (I wasn't) I still say give it a shot. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you'll enjoy this trilogy. I did. 

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Posted by Donna

Published Date: August 24th, 2010

Finished Date: June 12th, 2011

Format: Kindle 

Pages: 390

The Blurb from Goodreads: Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

The Review: I finished this book late last night and I have woken up this morning still trying to decide how to rate it. I bet your wondering why I am having such a hard time deciding. Well here’s why.

Mockingjay starts with President Snow declaring war on all the districts leaving district 12, Katniss’s home…destroyed. With know where else to turn, Katniss find herself being taken in by district 13 to prepare to become the mockingjay, the voice that will give all the districts hope and hopefully join the battle against President Snow together. As the war starts can Katniss manage to keep all her family and friends safe and can she rescue Peeta from the Capitol?

I was completely shocked when I first started this series and found out I loved it, I read both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire in a matter of days, so you could probably expect my excitement to start Mockingjay with it being the final book and all. But with Mockingjay, I can’t help feel…..a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel this is one of the best series I’ve read but I can’t help feeling Mockingjay got a bit lost along the way.

I honestly didn’t like the whole army type feel of the book. I found parts confusing and it just reminded me of something from an action movie as you can tell, action movies aren’t my favourite. I found myself losing interest in the plot of the story and ended up focusing on Katniss’s and Peeta’s relationship, and let’s be honest; Peeta is not himself for the most of this book. There were a few deaths in this story that felt a little out of place…Finnick and Prim. I just don’t see why they had to die. I just didn’t feel emotionally attached to them to cry…both of their deaths felt a little rushed and it was only the last few pages I did feel something.

You all know I’m 100% a Team Peeta fan and like I said before Peeta was not himself during this book and although it was a great story line, one that kept me guessing and honestly my heart was breaking for both Katniss and Peeta, I can’t help feel that Peeta wasn’t even present in this book. I missed him! Whether this is the intention of the author, I’m not sure but I really thought here should have been more moments between him and Katniss. Although I’m completely over the moon that Katniss ended up with the right person, it wasn’t the ending I was expecting. Yes, I loved the epilogue but I guess I was expecting a big reunion between them and…..it just never came. Peeta was the one of main reasons I read this book, I completely fell in love with his character and the way he feels for Katniss is amazing. I know deep down Katniss new she was in love with him but just didn’t realise it until the end but I think this is why I feel so disappointed.

Saying all this, I’m going to rate this book a four because Suzanne Collins still manages to write a book that is completely dangerous, intense and full of emotion. I do think this is the least of my favourite but I still think it’s worth a read. This series has left me more excited to watch the movie and I think it’s going to be a long wait until March 2012. 

A review for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #2)

Posted by Jessica

Published Date: September 1, 2009
Finished Date: 31st March, 2011
The Blurb: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.


The Review: I’m actually speechless! *sputters*

You know how the sequels are never as good as the originals? Yeah well forget that! Because Catching Fire was AMAZING! I’m still in complete awe about it.

We re-visit Katniss 9 months after The Hunger Games took place, her and Peeta are now filthy stinking rich and are living in the Victors Village with their Mentor Haymitch (separate houses of course). It’s time for Peeta and Katniss to take the Victory Tour through all the Districts of Panem ending with The Capitol and then returning to District 12. Her best friend Gale has been a little icy with her since she returned 9 months ago after he witness her Peeta’s ‘star crossed lovers’ role that they took on. Peeta is also a little distant. So Victory Tour goes to plan. Sort of. Once the Victory Tour is over and Katniss and Peeta have returned to District 12, President Snow announces that there is to be the Quarter Quell (a smaller version of The Hunger Games) this takes place every 25 years. Yup you guessed it, all previous victors from previous Hunger Games are to take part. Which leads Katniss and Peeta heading back into The Capitol and back into the arena.

I actually enjoyed this one more than The Hunger Games. It was so full of suspense and I was on the edge of my seat! I could not put it down. The only time I found myself putting the book down was to sleep, and even in my sleep I was dreaming about it, and waking up I was thinking about it! I’d be staring at the book that stays on my desk at work. Just staring at it ALLL day! Yup Catching Fire is awesome, and I don’t have much more to say about it except, that it was great reading about Katniss and Peeta again. It was so well written that you are literally on the edge of your seat, biting what’s left of your finger nails. There isn’t a single flaw in plot, not a single dull moment. New characters arrive; like Finnick. Ah Finnick he’s a fine piece of man hunk! The way Suzanne Collins describes him makes me think of a Greek God. *sigh*. Anyway, major cliff hanger at the end, which is annoying BUT at least I don’t have to wait to read Mockingjay, heh that’s right, ITS IN MY BAG RIGHT NOW! Waiting to be cracked open, so I can read more and more, and fall even more madly in love with The Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark, Finnick Odair and Katniss Everdeen.

Thank you, thank you Suzanne Collins; you’re a serious piece of awesomeness! 

______________________

Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 1st, 2010

Finished Date: June 12th, 2011

Format: Kindle

Pages: 391

The Blurb from Goodreads: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

The Review: Wow! After finishing this a few days ago this is definitely one of my favourite series. The Hunger Games was a phenomenal book and Catching Fire was a close second.

Catching Fire starts 8 months after the events in The Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta both survived the games and were both named winners although to the distaste of the game makers. Knowing that her actions in the games will not go unnoticed Katniss tries to start an uprising on the Capitol only to find out that she and Peeta will have to enter the games AGAIN! Will they survive this time around? And who will there be competition?

I loved this book! I nearly enjoyed it as much as the first one but I found the start a little slow. It was definitely a more mellow feel to it, however when hell breaks loose in some of the other districts you’re thrown right back into the action of the story.

Even though I knew before I started this book that Katniss and Peeta were going to return to the games, I never expected to feel the emotions that I did when Katniss found out. She’s always been so strong but for that one moment we see her scared and weak and I loved that we finally got to see a different side of her. Her relationship between Peeta and Gale doesn’t really improve during this book, although we do have a little hope during that games that she will end up with Peeta. With them both back in a deadly situation, you can see how much they care about one another whether in deny or not and I love how they can both lean on another for support.

I also loved that a few new faces were introduced and what I found more exciting was that these people were past winners of the games. It was interesting to meet them and found out how some of them won but I especially liked that we found out Haymitch’s story.  Haymitch has always been abit of a closed book with all his drinking and he likes to shut everything out but we finally see him different towards the end of the book. I for one am interested to see how he plays out.

At times I found the book quiet hard to read, not because the story was bad but because of what the Capitol do to people. They are truly monsters and the death and destruction they leave in their wake just to prove a point is completely horrifying.  Cinna! Poor Cinna! I honestly didn’t see the need for that.

Overall, this was a great sequel, one that has a MASSIVE cliff-hanger…I’m so glad I had the next book ready and waiting for me otherwise I honestly don’t know what I would have done. 

A review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Posted by Jessica

Published Date: October 1st, 2008
Read Date: March 24th, 2011
The Blurb: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Review: Whoa! I'm at a loss for words, and I'm not sure I can put any coherent words into a review. I can't begin to describe how much I loved this book. Its a genre away from anything I've ever read before, and I wasn't sure about it at first, and I probably wouldn't have picked it up; but so many of my GR buddies recommended it to me, kept telling me I had to read this book, and you know what? I'm glad I did.

This is the first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins set in post-apocalyptic North America in a country called Panem, that is made of 12 Districts, and each year two 'Tributes' from each Districts one boy and one girl from the ages of 12-18 are sent to the Capitol where they must partake in a grueling battle for survival called The Hunger Games. Each Tribute is trained privately and let loose in the 'Arena' where they must ultimately kill each other until only 1 tribute remains standing and pronounced the winner. We meet Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take part in The Hunger Games instead of her 12 year old sister Prim, who was originally chosen. Along with Katniss is boy tribute Peeta Mellark the bakers son. Both Katniss and Peeta head to the Capitol, where they realise that only one of them can survive.

When I first started reading this book I was so sickened by the idea of all these teenagers killing each other off, just for the entertainment of the residents of the Capitol. Ultimately this comes down to survival. I was on the edge of my seat when reading this book. I'm trying to grow my nails, so it was really hard to try not to bite them whilst reading this, safe to say the inside of my cheek has seen better days.

I loved our two main characters, Katniss with her strenght and will power, and knowledge of how to survive in the wild from hunting in the forest everyday back in District 12. Peeta, the bakers son who doesn't really have any kind of skill, except for camoflague (thanks to icing cakes) and his upper body strength, but ultimately this is a duo who are set on surviving the next ardious weeks of their young lives.

God this review sucks. Anyway, I think that's all I can say about this book. Except that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would, and I can't wait to continue with Catching Fire. Read it! :)

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Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 14th, 2008

Finished Date: June 11th, 2011

Source: RAK from Bella at Cheezy Feet Books

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384 Pages

The Blurb from Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Review: Wow! Why have I not started this series before now? Why? Well, I’ll tell you why…..it’s because I’m stupid! Lol. All I’ve had over the past 6 months is people recommending this series to me and I’ve put it for so long because I honestly thought I wouldn’t like it. Well, I was wrong! I don’t even think wrong covers it. I ended up loving this book and I think it’s one of my favourite read of 2011 so far.

The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl living in North America set in the future. Katniss lives in a hard world, one that is divided by districts, rich and poor. Twelve districts in total are run by the Capital and to keep them in line they created a yearly event in which 2 members from each districts will battle it out to the death, for sport on live TV.  When Katniss’s sister Prim is picked as a tribute, Katniss willingly takes her place in the games. She is teamed up with Peeta, the other member from District 12 and together they must become the last ones standing.

This is something completely new for me. This type of genre is 100% out of the norm but hey, with so many people recommending it, I had to see what all the fuss was about. And let me just say….amazing. Not only did this book keep me gripped to the edge of my seat but I was also quiet scared to continue reading. I’ve never been so frightened in my life not knowing what would happen next to the characters, not knowing how someone would die or who would die next and if our main characters survive the horrid games. Honestly, the idea of the book to start with was a little sickening but Suzanne Collins managed to capture the story and writes the deaths not to gruesome.  Not only does she write well but she managed to create a world that I couldn’t dream of living in, the idea of it scares the hell out of me but she also makes it completely imaginable.

The characters were well developed and strong. I’m so glad we had such a strong female heroine like Katniss. Katniss is probably the strongest character I’ve read about in a long time, she doesn’t sit around and cry, she determined, strong willed and dedicated to the job at hand even though she hates the thought of killing someone else…she knows she has no choice because in this world, its kill or be killed. Peeta is another great character. I can’t help feel a little bad for him because god does he take a beating during the games but I’m glad Katniss was there to nurse him back to health. Even though this book doesn’t centre around their romance, it is still there skimming the surface and I’m intrigued to find out what happens next. Oh and let’s not forget Prim, Cinna, Haymitch and Gale…..I do hope we get to see more them in the next book.

Overall, I’m already hooked into this series and I have another two books to go. So far I love it, I love the world Suzanne Collins has created and I can’t wait to read more.

A special Thank You to Bella who brought this book for me as a gift!