REVIEW: MOCKINGJAY

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*

REVIEW: CATCHING FIRE

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

UK Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Summary: In the controlled and poverty driven country of Panem, those in the Capitol live in luxury whilst those in the 12 districts live in poverty and desperation. The brutal sport of sending children out to kill each other in the Hunger Games is run as a reminder that the Capitol rules.

As a survivor of the games, Katniss is now coming to terms with the impact her survival with Peeta has had on the Capitol and its repressed Districts. Seen as a symbol of rebellion and hope, Katniss realises she has sparked an unstoppable change in people, and is threatened by the President unless she can diffuse the likely rebellions in other Districts. Soon enough however his threats become a reality when the Quarter Quell reveals that once again Katniss must face the Hunger Games.

Can anyone escape the Capitol’s control? And can Katniss once again survive the Hunger Games?

Review: On reading the first in the series I picked up similarities to another story, Battle Royale, and felt that The Hunger Games was a similar slant on the theme of televised slaughter of young children. Having read this book, I can now see Suzanne Collin’s writing come into its own, the Panem world develop, and Katniss’s character grow and mature.

We delve further into the relationships between Katniss, Peeta and Gale, and the love triangle that exists between them. Katniss obviously loves and cares for both of them but in very different ways. Personally I like both Peeta and Gale, and like Katniss can't decide between them. The possibility of marrying Peeta, who is like her opposite - self sacrificing, open, honest and caring - scares Katniss,  as she tries to see what future there could be with either in a changing and dangerous world

The plot is made up of twisting turns, dramatic revelations, and brutal developments in the Capitol’s control of Katniss and District 12. Once again there is a sense of trepidation and shock at Katniss and Peeta entering another round in the Hunger Games, and what threats there might be. The suspense of what will happen during the games as well as to those that Kat loves builds with every page and keeps you glued to the story.

The theme of the series is one of repression, control and the fight for freedom. Success and hope of a rebellion rises and falls at different points in the story. With the Quarter Quell it seems that President Snow is determined to rid Panem of Katniss as well as other symbols of hope and survival. However there is a palpable feeling that change is on the horizon for citizens of the districts who are no longer willing to live under a regime of repression and poverty.

A gripping story, The Hunger Games will leave you thirsty for more.

Rating: 4*