Review CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins

CATCHING FIRE
by Suzanne Collins
Published September 1st 2009 by Scholastic Press
Hardcover, 391 pages
PLACEMENT IN THE PILE: Top Picks!

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NOT YET READ HUNGER GAMES DO NOT READ ON AND GO READ IT!

ABOUT:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

REVIEW:
Firstly I have to say this is the best book I have read and reviewed for this blog so far. It is fascinating, makes you think, and has some incredible twists that I didn't expect!

I hope I gave you time this weekend to read the book. If you have not don't worry, I am not spoiling anything in this review. But you may want to avoid comments as I think those might get more book specific.

My first impression was that the voice is a little less minimalistic, and that Katniss is explaining a lot more than she used to. Honestly the beginning of the book is written so that it would be possible to pick up this book and read it without reading the first one, but I think you would be missing a lot of the emotion.

It made me cry, it shocked me, it introduced me to new characters that I love, and included all of my old favorites. Peeta surprised me in this novel. I no longer picture him the way I did before, and neither does Katniss. There are moments where I figured things out before Katniss did, but I think that it not only stays true to her character but develops her in a way that we the readers never imagined.

My biggest complaint with this novel is it is the quintessential middle book in the series. The book ends in a big cliffhanger because it is obviously not finished. The first book I felt like I NEED more, this book I felt like the story needs more. There is a big difference.

Suzanne Collins is simply brilliant. Her novels could not be more poignant for the world we live in today. I cannot wait for the next book!

If you are interested here is an interview with Suzanne Collins where she discusses where she got her ideas for the Hunger Games books. HERE.