"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOUR



"If we burn you burn with us"



Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But she's still not safe. A revolution is unfolding, and everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - everyone except Katniss.

And yet she must play the most vital part in the final battle. Katniss must become their Mockingjay - the symbol of rebellion - no matter what the personal cost.



The ending of Catching Fire revealed at lot of secrets and Mockingjay started off where CF ended, with the revelations still fresh in my mind. The first chapter was harrowing, and the first part of the book was a different read to that of the previous two novels, partly due to the different setting and also the absence of Peeta. I really ached for Katniss at times and I could still feel her uncertainty over who she would choose. After reading the whole novel, I can still safely say that Peeta remained my favourite of the two, as he was from when I was first introduced to him in The Hunger Games, and therefore I believe Katniss definitely made the best choice. 

In Mockingjay, the stakes were definitely higher than they had been in the whole series, especially in the last part of the book, when Katniss and the Star Squad are sent to the Capitol. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, anticipating what danger would come next, as they made their way through the city towards President Snow's mansion. The deaths of beloved characters made me feel all sorts of emotions, and Suzanne Collins really outdid herself with the deaths, and the new muttations. The rose-scented lizard kind in the tunnels kept me up at night! 
The ending of Mockingjay was perfect, but there were definitely some upsetting moments in there. Peeta just got better and better! I still felt quite bitter about Katniss's broken relationship with her mother, although I do understand why it was quite awkward.
Overall, a brilliantly written ending to my favourite series of books. I wish Suzanne Collins would write more of the series, because this series has changed my life. 


Rating: A*


P.S. The Hunger Games film is amazing!

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

MAY THE ODDS EVER BE IN YOUR FAVOUR



KATNISS EVERDEEN HAS SURVIVED THE HUNGER GAMES. NOW THE CAPITOL WANTS REVENGE. 



Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are still alive. Katniss should be relieved, but now there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. As the nation watches Katniss and Peeta, the stakes are higher than ever. One false move and the consequences will be unimaginable.



After reading The Hunger Games, I delved straight into Catching Fire and was instantly gripped once again. The new characters are brilliantly described: the menacing President Snow, the indecisive, yet brilliant Finnick Odair, geeky yet compelling Beetee and Wiress, and Johanna Mason, sarcastic and spiteful. The tone changed throughout the novel, from the free days Katniss had in District 12, then the Victory Tour, where violence shimmered on the surface, to the shocking twist of the Quarter Quell, and finally to the downright chilling 75th Hunger Games. Yet, I enjoyed every word of it. Katniss was still amazing: strong, loyal but yet conflicted in her motivations and beliefs. Everybody seemed to be hiding something. The enemies were not who I thought they were, and the plot twisted and turned, every chapter leaving me in constant suspense. Peeta kept getting better and better; some of the things he said were heartbreaking, but I could feel Katniss's resolve changing, and her feelings for him slowly emerging. Gale became more relevant in the first part of the book, and I liked and appreciated Katniss's feelings towards his actions. Again, a brilliant novel from Suzanne Collins. I've leapt straight into Mockingjay and I can't wait to read more!


Rating: A*