Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)Author: Suzanne Collins
UK Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Summary: In an attempt to stop rebellions across Panem, we saw in Catching Fire past winners were previously made to re-enter the Hunger Games in a special Quarter Quell. Having been rescued from these games by District 13, an underground community bent on the destruction of the Capitol, Katniss must now decide if she can really become the face of the rebel alliance. Peeta, captured instead by the Capitol, is now a prisoner and voice-piece of President Snow. Katniss must decide what she will risk to save Peeta and Panem.
Review: Suzanne Collins has truly become a master of the end-of-chapter cliff-hanger. Just when you think things are going smoothly, some drastic event happens or the story takes a twisting and unexpected turn. You’re left shocked and horrified, but you can’t wait to find out what will happen next. This helps keep the pace flowing and the suspense building.
In Mockingjay, we start seeing more of Gale, as he utilizes his knowledge and experience of hunting to help develop war machines and strategies. It isn’t necessarily a happy development, as he becomes more brutal in his view of the Capitol and the innocent citizens who are part of it. Whilst this might sway us (or Katniss) towards favouring Peeta, the Capitol cruelly manipulates Peeta so that he no longer sees Katniss in the same way. Knowing his real character, it’s really sad to see Peeta fall to the Capitol’s mind control and memory-altering tactics, however Katniss cannot give up hope for Peeta, despite his continued attempts at self-sacrifice.
Katniss’ growing use of Morphling, like others characters’ addictions to alcohol or drugs, show how survivors of the Hunger Games try to come to terms with post-traumatic stress, blackmail and manipulation by the Capitol and the deaths of loved ones. It is sad to see strong characters resorting to such means to block out reality, however it is a realistic and human way of showing the effects of the awful trials they have been through and helps make the struggle for independence even more important and valuable.
As a culmination to the series, it really will shock you, have you in tears, and keep you gripped to every page!
Rating: 4*
3 comments:
I was disappointed with this one, so it is nice to find someone who actually enjoyed it.
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one, the ending was a bit of a let down, but some of the cliffhangers were jawdropping!
I just finished this one as well. I had some disappointment but I still loved it.
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