Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Description (from Goodreads)

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

I couldn't wait to get stuck in to this book. I started it as soon as I finished Catching Fire, which I read right after the Hunger Games. So now it feels like one book not three. I have no idea how I'm going to review it. I can't seem to gather my thoughts. I was left speechless. My boyfriend kept asking me what the matter was, as I was unusually quiet. I tried to explain that I'd just finished reading an intense trilogy, but how to explain something you can't explain, to someone who doesn't read so has no understanding of how it can affect you?

I was kinda detached throughout this book though. I think I realised early on that anything was possible and to not to become too attached to the characters. I had to really try hard to not go over to Goodreads and read some reviews just to find out if everything was going to be okay. I think at some point I didn't even believe katniss was safe.

I wish that katniss was a little more involved in the fighting, but as it was she was usually knocked out, waking up in hospital. We found out what happened through someone else retelling it. But then again she was only a tool in the rebels war. Yeah, ok she was old enough to be sent into the games, but I don't think the leaders of the rebellion (well at least those from district 13) ever took her seriously. She was just a tool to manipulate the common people. Propaganda can win wars people and Katniss was the Rebels mascot. I was amazed she managed to stay alive after she outlived her usefulness.

Spolierish so scroll if you dare...

I don't think that katniss should have been allowed to 'not' choose between Gale and Peeta. She should have had to chose one or the other. I was really disappointed that Gale just drifted out of her life. They were really close, and he apparently loved her so why would he desert her when she needed her friends the most? Also it just felt like she and Peeta slipped into a relationship only because he was the only one to stick around. It was an easy way out. Then again, after everything else maybe she deserved to take the easy choice, but I was left a little unsatisfied by the ending and epilogue.

This book ends a great trilogy. I'm so glad I read them, and I can't wait for the film :)

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Review: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games Trilogy #2) by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

Wow just wow. I loved this book. So intense. Slight spoiler coming, look away now.... (highlight to see)

...I kinda knew that Gale wouldn't be the victor of katniss's heart. After everything she and peeta went through the Games it would have been impossible for her to have the same kind of bonds with Gale.

I think I'm secretly hoping that mockingjay would enable them to share something that could bring their relationship back on tract (whatever that relationship may be).

A fantastic read.

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

I'd kinda been shying away from this series due to the hype the books received, especially Mockingjay. I don't think it help that Mockingjay was all over twitter when it came out. But I knew I wanted to read them so I tried to avoid the spoilers, but jeez it was just everywhere.

I really shouldn't have waited, save the benefit of having all 3 books already published so no waiting months on end (years?!).

I really, really liked it. I was hooked from the start. Katniss's voice and personality were so strong. Wow the Games. What can I say that hasn't been said? The concept was brilliant and the world building was vivid. I loved the ease she had with Gale while they were out hunting at the beginning.

I think my heart broke a little when she told peeta that he had no competition... anywhere . All through the book I held out for Gale, and although I knew that romance wasn't the main theme in the book, I still held out for some. When you're fighting for you life I guess romance takes a back seat. The guys created the love triangle though not katniss. I don't think she would have a had a clue otherwise.

This book made me laugh out loud, cry, and tug at my hair . Well worth all the uncertainty.

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing