Book Review 13: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins

I read the original Hunger Games trilogy (for the first time) a few months ago. I wanted to read it in time for the new book's release. Although I was late to the Hunger Games craze, I was curious to read this one shortly after it was released. (Partially because I missed The Hunger Games hype, so wanted to be a part of it this time around.)

I didn't know what to expect since it already has so many mixed reviews. It seemed like not a lot of people were interested in hearing a story about President Snow, but much rather wanted to learn more about Haymitch. I also know a lot of people felt like the book was a way to sympathize with the villian. Nevertheless, I am always curious to know more about the villain's (tragic) backstory.

The first half of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes started off slow (another complaint people seemed to have). I feel like Collins started the story off slow to show Coriolanus' character development. It picked up and got a bit more fast paced halfway through. Not only did we learn about Coriolanus' adolescence, the book also gave insight to a few other significant aspects of The Hunger Games.

Unsurprisingly, the story ended on a high note. Whoever has read The Hunger Games trilogy already knows Snow's fate. I didn't love the first half of the book, but I started to like it when things got a little more interesting. I'm happy I read it and would give it a 4/5.

Considering this book contains a lot of violence and death, I am onto a much lighter book next!

President Snow

Book Review 11: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

*** This review contains minor spoilers***

I remember hearing about The Hunger Games books many years ago from a local librarian. There were a couple of librarians who knew me personally and knew my genres of choice when it came to reading. The last book (Mockingjay) was about the be released that year, so she suggested it was something I may enjoy. I had the books on my TBR for many years, until I finally decided to pick them up near the end of 2019. I was lucky to have found all three books in pretty good condition at my local library book sale. 

The book(s) were intriguing and hard to put down. However, by the time I reached the last few chapters of Mockingjay, it was when the world started dealing with the covid-19 pandemic. As much as I was still enjoying the story, I couldn't help but notice the parallels between this (dystopian) book and reality. People living in bunkers, secretly hoarding food, the government implementing food rationing, and one chapter even had them wearing masks as protection from a deadly gas. It made me feel a bit uneasy. Real life should not feel like a dystopian book/movie. Eventually, I pulled through and made it to the end.

Although I found the ending a bit anti-climactic, it was overall an enjoyable and entertaining read. I liked that the author portrayed the story through Katniss' eyes. It gave the story some heart. I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of YA books. Even though I was a bit late to the Hunger Games party, I finally made it! Better late than never! I would give this trilogy a 4 out of 5 stars.