Mockingjay

*I'm going to attempt to be spoiler-free about this one, but there are going to be huge spoilers if you haven't read the other two. I can't help that, though*

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.
from amazon.com

Beth says 5 Stars...

Oh. My. God. That was my reaction when I finished this book. Quite often hyped books disappoint, but Mockingjay wasn't one of them. Whatever I had expected from Collins, this wasn't it, but in the best possible way. Yes, it still moved the story forward, but it wasn't a repeat of the first two. This novel centers on the rebellion and Katniss's struggle to find her place in the new world she's been thrust into. It was very interesting to get to learn more about District 13, which has always been this mythical place; an example of the might of the Capital in it's supposed destruction. Well, shall we say that things are a bit more complicated than that. The plot was beyond amazing. I never knew what was coming next, and only was able to predict one twist. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down, despite having homework...

This one, even though it's as action packed as expected, really belongs to the characters. I felt that I truly got to know Katniss in a way that doesn't happen very often. Perhaps it was the combination of the first person narrative and the intense action, but I feel that the main connection came from how much of the book was psychologically focused. Collins really delved deep into what makes Katniss tick, and it's fascinating and scary. I think that quite often in books there's all of this violence and everyone is completely fine. In this one, they aren't. You get to see the toll that living this life has taken on all of them, from Katniss to Peeta to Gale to the multitudes of rebels.

I'm going to have to cut this one a little short, because I'm afraid that I'll ruin it for everyone else. Grab it yesterday, because it's one of the few books for which the hype is completely deserved. If you haven't read this series, get out from under the rock where you've been living and read them ASAP. You won't regret it.

Catching Fire

If you haven't read The Hunger Games (which you should really grab ASAP) there are spoilers here! Sorry, but they're necessary for this review!

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.

from bn.com

Beth says 5 Stars...
I know I'm a little behind on this one, but I had to post about it. I got it from the library on Friday afternoon and it was done on Friday night. This book was amazing! I was a little bit worried after reading some mixed reviews, but it was all for naught. Collins did not fall prey to the "sophomore slump" and let down from a fantastic first book. I loved the growth of the characters in the novel, and found the change in Katniss particularly engrossing. She matured so much from the beginning to the end of the book. Instead of thinking only of herself, she began to realize that her actions stood for so much more than she intended. She came to terms with being the spark of defiance and a representative for the Districts. She deepened immensely, and became someone willing to stick to her morals and beliefs. The love triangle that began in The Hunger Games became more complicated and intense, as if it wasn't muddy enough already. I have no idea who to root for in this relationship; there need to be Team Gale and Team Peeta t-shirts. The new characters that are introduced are great as well and really balance out the existing characters beautifully.

The plot was very intriguing. There was a bit at the beginning of the book that was a summary of The Hunger Games, but that was actually rather helpful. It allowed me to get back involved in the world and story before launching into something new. I can say that the plot was nothing like I expected it would be. I thought I knew what was going to happen, and although I guessed a couple of really obvious things, the major direction of the plot was completely different from my preconceived notions. There were enough twists to shock me when I needed it, but not to the point where I was confused about what was happening. Not only did the plot blindside me, but it was so enthralling. I couldn't put the book down even though I had other things *cough*homework*cough*. I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. The ending was a bit saddening because it just left me wanting more, and I can't get more for a long time.

Overall this book was fabulous. I loved it just as much as, and maybe more than, The Hunger Games. This is a great series for readers of all ages. It manages to send a message without preaching and captures your attention. I can't wait until the third and final book is out. If you haven't read it yet, go and get it right now.

Book from the Library

The Hunger Games

COULD YOU SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN, IN THE WILD, WITH EVERYONE FIGHTING AGAINST YOU?

Twenty- four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

from scholastic.com

Beth says 5 Stars...

This book was amazing! I'd read another book by Suzanne Collins before, and thought that it was just okay. This one grabbed my attention from page 1 and refused to let me go. I was thrown into the world of Katniss, engrossed in her story. The new vision of the world was just believable enough to feel real. I loved the originality in the way that the story was told; the writing brought everything to life. I didn't feel like I was reading a book, instead I felt like I was experiencing the Games with Katniss. I found Katniss to be a fascinating character. I was constantly amazed by what she did. Her depth and complexity was beautiful, and something I just loved. She was so fiercely loyal to those she loved, yet not completely hardened by her life. Besides Katniss, the other characters were phenomenal as well. I found it interesting to see the changes in the characters as the Games went on, or for some the lack of change. Additionally, the plot was great. It moved along at a breakneck pace like a roller coaster that you never want to leave. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series!