Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)

Synopsis
Katniss is now with the rebels and must decide if she is willing to become the face of the revolution. She may be out for President Snow's blood, but she also needs to figure out if the new government will be any better than the previous tyranny.

Review
I enjoyed this book so much more than the second one. While there was more self-indulgent whining on the part of Katniss, the inclusion of a wider character base really fleshed out the story. If was also nice to see that some of Katniss' reactions were actually based on damage from the games and not just on her lack of a personality. I was actually moved to tears at one point due to the return of Buttercup and his interaction with Katniss. The series certainly wraps everything up by the end of the story, and I found the tone of the the conclusion to be very satisfying.

My Recommendation
If you made it through Catching Fire, then this is your reward. Though be warned, the first few chapters are still a bit whiny. I give it a 4/5 - Wait for a sale/coupon.

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)


Synopsis
Katniss thought she was safe after surviving the Hunger Games. Little does she know that things will only get worse. President Snow blames her for bringing the country to the brink of rebellion, and lets her know that if she can't convince the country that she is really in love on the victory tour, more than her family's lives are at stake.

Review
The Hunger Games trilogy has been our road trip soundtrack this year. I enjoyed the first book as it had quite a bit of action, and Katniss' depression and confusion was understandable. Catching Fire picks up where Hunger Games left off. Katniss has managed to not learn anything from her time in the games and constantly whines about being confused and not understanding any of the glaringly obvious events and clues happening around her. After about 4 hours of being trapped in the car with her whining, I simply wanted to beat her in the face. She is supposed to be a fairly capable 17 year old girl, not mentally incompetent.
I figured that the book would become interesting again after the new Hunger Games began, but the story simply continued with the theme of Katniss being confused in new locations.

My Recomendation
This book is filled to the brim with angst. Unless you are continuing the series, skip it. I give it a 2/5 - If it happens to be around, it's OK.