I have to admit, I was never really that interested in reading the Hunger Games until I watched the first two films. I enjoyed the films as they're exciting and engaging, however, I couldn't help but thinking all the way through 'I bet the books of these are far better than the films'. And I was so right!
The books offer a level of detail that the films could never even dream of achieving. Collins' descriptive writing is fantastic and allows you to delve into the world of Katniss Everdeen as if you were walking alongside her. The book is written in first person, and so, gives an interesting first person account of Katniss' story and allows you to access her thoughts and feelings in a way that a third person narrative wouldn't allow. The narrative itself is fast-paced, exciting, and as each chapter ends with some form of enigma, it creates a thirst to read on.
Collins' imagined post-apocalyptic nation of Panem is an enthralling concept. At the centre of the nation is the monumentally wealthy Capitol. The Districts serve the Capitol's every need: each District is in charge of the production of something for the Capitol (i.e coal, food, textiles), and it is from the Districts that the tributes are reaped for the annual hunger games. The majority of the Districts live in dire poverty and their anger towards the Capitol fuels their struggle towards rebellion. Katniss, unknowingly, ignites the rebellion through her defiant act against the Capitol within her first hunger games. The second and third books then follow Katniss' story as she becomes the face of the rebellion, the Mockingjay, and documents the efforts of the rebellion as they attempt to rise against the Capitol's power.
The first two books are truly captivating reads, however, the second is definitely my favourite. I found the narrative of the second book fast paced, imaginative and completely enthralling. We're introduced to an array of vibrant new characters who become central to the rest of the trilogy. The book is full of twists and turns ends on a tantalising cliffhanger - so much so that I had to download the third instalment immediately to continue reading!
The only criticism that I have of the trilogy (but I have to admit, it is a biggie!) is the ending of the third and final book. The ending is so anti-climatic and underwhelming that it genuinely ruined my day. It is in no way a representation of the tantalising and intricate storyline that is woven throughout the previous books, and indeed, throughout the first two thirds of the final book. It almost gave me the impression that Collins had given up towards the end and just decided to go for the most obvious and mundane plot line possible. I honestly saw it coming a mile off. The final couple of chapters were painfully slow with very little content within their pages; the total opposite of the rest of the trilogy. Totally disappointing to say the least.
I would be lying to say that I didn't enjoy the books because of the disappointing final ending. The rest of the story is fantastic and I would definitely recommend the book to those who love a bit of action/adventure/romance/fantasy. It's a thrilling read, even with its let-down ending. Overall I'd rate it a 4 out of 5 and the deduction of that star is purely down to the poorly thought out final chapter - other than that it's truly engrossing!
The only criticism that I have of the trilogy (but I have to admit, it is a biggie!) is the ending of the third and final book. The ending is so anti-climatic and underwhelming that it genuinely ruined my day. It is in no way a representation of the tantalising and intricate storyline that is woven throughout the previous books, and indeed, throughout the first two thirds of the final book. It almost gave me the impression that Collins had given up towards the end and just decided to go for the most obvious and mundane plot line possible. I honestly saw it coming a mile off. The final couple of chapters were painfully slow with very little content within their pages; the total opposite of the rest of the trilogy. Totally disappointing to say the least.
I would be lying to say that I didn't enjoy the books because of the disappointing final ending. The rest of the story is fantastic and I would definitely recommend the book to those who love a bit of action/adventure/romance/fantasy. It's a thrilling read, even with its let-down ending. Overall I'd rate it a 4 out of 5 and the deduction of that star is purely down to the poorly thought out final chapter - other than that it's truly engrossing!
Have you read any of the Hunger Games books?
Did you enjoy them?
Were you as disappointed in the ending of the final book as I was?
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