Catching Fire

Of course you don't. But after receiving this book in the mail today, I got so excited, I immediately plopped down on to the couch (after five minutes of difficulty in opening the package), planning to read the entire book through without any interruptions. Of course, that didn't work out, what with dinner, and phone calls, and such, but I couldn't care less, because this sequel makes me want to explode. In a good way. I have been waiting for this book for such a long time, and so I read the entire book today, the day I got it. And I honestly have on idea where to begin. I don't want to mention any spoilers in this review, but it's not hard not to, so I AM going to mention spoilers from the first book, The Hunger Games, so I wouldn't advise reading this review if you haven't read the first book in the trilogy. So... let's start with the beginning, which isn't really much of a spoiler. Katniss sits in the woods, on the day of the Victory Tour, reflecting on everything that's happened to her since the Games, and all the new developments. She's got so much to juggle on her plate, and, thanks to her new home and new riches, which are all prizes and rewards for winning the last Hunger Games, she's got plenty of time to think about it. Before the Games, she spent all her hours combing the woods, hunting illegally for food, lest she and her family starve to death. Now, with all the newly gained riches, she doesn't need to hunt. With all that time left over, all she can think about is how complicated her life has gotten since the Games. And that same day, just before the Victory Tour, she gets a surprise visitor, and, suddenly, things get even more complicated, but now, they get dangerous, and not just for her, but her family and friends, who could be killed if she makes one wrong move during the Tour. Okay, enough with the summarizing, let's get to the review. Since the last book left off where it did, I was immediately hooked upon this book, clinging to every detail, reading so fast, I had to go back a couple of times so that I could understand a sentence. And starting from the end of Chapter 1, things started to get interesting (remember the surprise visitor?). This entire book is nothing but twists and turns that readers can hardly anticipate. I'm continually impressed by Ms. Collins and her ability to lead the readers one way, but suddenly throw them off completely by introducing yet another startling... er... revelation? At any rate, this book moves along so quickly (especially in the second half) and for some reason, the humor just gets cranked up and I can't help laughing, especially at the interviews, though they weren't really that funny (don't dwell too much on that last part of the sentence, because there's a tiny spoiler there). Okay, so I'm probably making it sound like I think this book is perfect. It IS extremely well written, the emotions are strongly conveyed, and the reader can easily get lost in to this book. The one confusing thing in the book is how much new characters are introduced. Some are easier to remember, like Plutarch Heavensbee (though I'm not sure if I spelled that right) or Finnick, but others, like Brutus (I'm not even sure if that's the right name), are harder to remember. But if you're not too lazy, it's less confusing when you reread the book (though I haven't done that yet). Okay, and now for the big finish, in both this review, and in Catching Fire. I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING. Okay, maybe, I did, just a little. But still, even if I could've predicted that, it still leaves you in absolute shock, making you stare at the book, mouth gaping, for at least a full thirty seconds (that is, of course, unless you have a heads-up, like I did). The Hunger Games left off at the train station, with Katniss confused about her feelings towards Peeta. CF, on the other hand, well, this leaves off with a total cliffhanger. Not that the Hunger Games didn't, but CF is different than THG. What I mean, is that the last sentence in the book reveals something so shocking and astonishing, it's like being doused in water while sleeping - just so abrupt. It is a bit of an odd place to stop the book, but just the fact that... Wow, it's really hard not to say a thing about it, but let's just say that, that it's unexpected. Though it is pretty clever. A sure fire way to get people to read the next book, unless people hate this one. But with a cliffhanger like that, even if I hated this book, I would feel compelled to read the next book, because I would never be able to keep myself hanging like that. It's like I NEED to read the next book because, if I don't, I'll forever wonder what in the world just happened. Five stars for being witty, well-written, unexpected, and overall, just wonderful.

Warning: There could quite well be some spoilers in this review. This of course is the second book in what now has become a pretty well known trilogy. The book pretty much begins where the first book, The Hunger Games stopped. It would be difficult to consider this work a stand alone read and I certainly would not recommend starting the series here, but rather with the first book. This particular story (And I am referring to all three books) is one that most certainly can be classified as a "crossover" read. It was obviously meant for the YA group but it seems to have captivated adult readers as much as it has the younger set. I must include myself in this category as I found these books to be absolutely fascinating, haunting and I will tell you, almost impossible to put down once I started reading them. There are reasons for this, but more about that later. With over 800 reviews on this work so far it would be difficult to add any truly original thought; I can only add my opinion and attempt to pass on my pleasure in reading these things. Since the plot has been beat to death here I will not go into any depth at all in this review. Do be aware that the world of Katniss and Petta and the rest of the characters is pretty much the same here as in the first book but as the reader will soon discover, there is change in the breeze; their world is changing and it is obvious that these changes will be quite profound. The author does take us through another secession of The Hunger Games as played out in the first book, and it is even more twisted and evil than the first...so very much more cruel. There are a number of new characters introduced in this work and we get to learn much more about some of the originals as we read. Characters become more fleshed out and much more complex. Relationships take strange turns and not ever thing is as it seems. As has been pointed out in a number of very fine reviews here, this is the second novel in a trilogy. If you are a novel, that is a horrid place to be. Like all such works, this is a sort of transition book; one that takes us from the beginning and sets us up for the grand ending. Not an easy task for any writer (Even Tolkien had a few problems with "The Two Towers," in this aspect). This author pulls it off better than most though and I must say that while I may not have enjoyed this second offering quite as much as the first, I never the less loved it and it was absolutely necessary to read in order to get to the conclusion of the story. Now these books are popular...there are a lot of people who have read them and a lot of people who are still reading them. To begin with, this author is a very natural story teller and a very good writer when you consider the genre she is working with. Her story is believable and in a strange sort of way, logical. You can fully sympathize with all the "good guys" and really dislike the bad ones. The book is extremely entertaining (at least I thought so) and at the same time gives you some good food for thought on several levels. It is an easy read in a technical sense, yet the subject matter can (as it should and as the author meant it to be) quite emotional and troubling. I started this book immediately after I finished the first and when I finished this one I immediately read the last. I must say I enjoyed the entire trip and this will be a series of books that I will give a reread in the very near future. Don Blankenship The Ozarks

Just like the first Hunger Games book it was amazing I had to force myself to put the book down. I am a very picky ready but this series is one that will make me enjoy reading. The book is a brilliant read and such a page turner for me. I also love how the book is written in a way it dose not bore you but makes you what to keep going chapter after chapter. I really do love this book and I adore Suzanne Collins writing.

Solid 4 stars and most definitely recommended to every one. Not much to say except that I liked the second book in this series very much. Although, I admit that there was nothing new that author introduced in the dystopian side of the story( by which I was disappointed but I am willing to overlook it). As like the first part, story is gripping and fast paced. You can't help but love Peeta again. There are Hunger games to entertain the Panem city and as well as you. You can't help to think and feel the same way Katniss does, trusting no one, scared, confused and angry, since you are in her head. I would have liked the story to much greater extent if we could have gotten the glimpses of Peeta's mind(his POV, like the Game of Throne's multiple characters POV), then this would have been pure gold. There were some deaths which did not make any sense to me at all( but its again overlooked). I should warn if you don't have last part (book) of the series then you should not start this book. The ending of this part will keep you hanging in middle, you will die out anxiety before you can buy the last part.

Currently, I am re-reading the entire 'Hunger Games' series for the third time. With most trilogies, after having already read the books twice, they would be undeniably dull by the third time, but not 'The Hunger Games' and certainly not 'Catching Fire'. Katniss Everdeen has returned to District 12, living in a huge house in the Victor's Village, with all the food, money and luxuries she could want- her reward for being joint champion of the last Hunger Games, alongside fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark. But Katniss is far from happy. She is barely speaking to her supposed 'star-crossed lover', subsequent to an argument they had on the train, in the previous novel. Security has been heavily enforced in District 12, leading to increased suffering and punishments for all its residents. And there is unrest in the districts, stirrings of an uprising against The Capitol, that Katniss has unwittingly caused. With the threat of the snakelike President Snow hanging over her, Katniss knows she must face up to her actions and pay the price for the spark of rebellion she has created. And pay the price she does, but not in the way that she expected... An unexpected twist in the third Quarter Quell, the 75th anniversary of The Hunger Games, means that Katniss and Peeta are once more thrust into the arena, alongside 22 other tributes, all of them victors from past Games. This time, Katniss knows she has no shot at survival. Is this the end for the girl on fire? I really love this action-packed sequel to the brilliant 'The Hunger Games', although it is not as good as its predecessor, in my opinion. It does come a close second though. My favourite character is still Katniss, and she has really come along as a character, and the way she handles certain situations, such as her speech in District 11 and the news about the Quarter Quell are very mature and well-written, so it's as if you're experiencing each event through her eyes, and the same goes for all the horrors she faces in the arena. You forget you're sat against your radiator at home- Suzanne Collins' storytelling makes you believe you're fighting for your life in a ticking timebomb of an arena, alongside Katniss, Peeta and their team of allies. I have also gotten increasingly fond of Peeta, as well. His relationship with Katniss has developed a lot and a sweet friendship lies behind their ongoing staged romance. I liked the way Katniss was striving to sacrifice herself, so that Peeta could be crowned victor, whilst Peeta was determined to give up his life for Katniss. I loved the development of my other favourite characters too. In fact, one of my favourite parts of the whole book was when Katniss and Peeta were watching a replay of the second Quarter Quell, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Games, in which District 12's very own Haymitch Abernathy was crowned victor. I liked this bit because I discovered more about Haymitch as a character- how he managed to become champion, how the horrors he witnessed in the arena made him into the sarcastic drunkard he is today, and how there is actually a sensitive, emotional person underneath his cold, prickly exterior. I also liked the introduction of new characters, particularly Finnick Odair. He made a great addition to Katniss and Peeta's team, and within the space of a few chapters, he developed from the shallow, self-absorbed prettyboy that Katniss and the rest of Panem sees him as, to someone friendly and helpful, who has real feelings and a deep concern for others. I particularly felt for him during the jabberjay scene. I really liked the concept behind the book, particularly all the thought Suzanne Collins has clearly put into the arena and the horrors it contains. Each chapter brings a new key event in the story- there isn't a dull moment during the Games. But here comes the problem, just the little teeny problem I have with this book. The bit which is the actual Games only begins about 3/4 the way into the book. The book is 472 pages long, and the Games begin on page 321. Only the last quarter or so is in the arena. That leaves a big chunk of the book to talk about Katniss adjusting back to life in District 12, and her Victory Tour. Whilst all this stuff is engaging and interesting, I felt it was dragged out too much and I wish there had been more arena time. But that's the only issue I have and it isn't enough to drastically bring down my rating. Definitely a worthy successor to the incredible 'The Hunger Games', even if I did prefer the original. I would rate the book..... 9 stars out of 10.

I am once again blown away by this series. This sequel was so intense I didn't know what to do with myself. (Not to mention that I had the great idea to put the soundtrack of the movie as background music, which made it even harder for my heart to cope.) The plot was really surprising and fast-paced and I was always on the edge because I was terrified for the characters. I love Katniss and Haymitch but absolutely adore Peeta. The new characters (especially Joanna and Finnick) are also absolutely brilliant. The different plottwists throughout the story really make everything all the more exciting. As for the Hunger Games, they were simply horrifyingly amazing. The author created something completely mindblowing and I was as surprised as Katniss with each new incredibly smart thing she discovered. I am terrified for the third and final book, I'm not going to lie, but I also can't wait to get my heart broken somehow. I highly recommend this series! Best dystopian I've read so far. “You know, you could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him.”

Great story. Book arrived in perfect condition.