Catching Fire is the “sequel” to The Hunger Games, although it’s really more of a continuation. I wouldn’t have wanted to read the second book without having read the first. But having read the first, I had to read the second, and having finished that one now too, I share the same anticipation of most of the YA world for the third one, yet to be published.
This supposed trilogy [can the author really stop at three after all the hoopla (read: income) surrounding these books?] centers on Katniss Everdeen, a young girl now age 17 in book two, who lives in constant fear that the evil government of Panem will hurt the ones she loves to punish her for inciting resistance throughout the country.
Panem is a dystopic descendant of the United States, divided into twelve districts and ruled with an iron glove. The government tries to inflame internecine conflict among the districts in the age-old strategy of keeping subjects divided in order to maintain control over them. But Katniss, unbeknownst even to herself, changes everything, and threatens to bring the hegemony of the Capitol to an end.
Katniss is idealistic, naïve, loving, brave, loyal, and apparently quite attractive, although to the author’s credit, she dwells on the character of Katniss much more than on her appearance. There are two young men in love with her, and each seems too good to be true, but let’s face it, who cares?
There’s lots of kissing in this book, but nothing more physically, and not even any bad language! Okay, there are brutal murders, but no one curses while committing them!
Evaluation: This is a must read for those who have read The Hunger Games, but it might be a bit confusing if you haven’t. I would agree with the reviews asserting that this book is not quite as good as the first, but it isn’t relevant: after you finish the first book, you are too sucked in not to want to read the second book!
Rating: 4/5
FTC Disclaimer: I won this book along with a pin and a t-shirt but the t-shirt is too small for me so it doesn’t count!
Note to readers: This review is part of my ongoing series, “Probable Last Person in the Universe to Have Read This Book.”
Filed under: Book Review | Tagged: Book Review
I am on the hold list at the library for this audio (I think I’ve got about 40 people in front of me!). The kids and I cannot wait!
I felt the same way. It’s like crack — I need another fix. I didn’t enjoy the second one quite as much as the first either!
I like this series that you do. I’m definitely am one of the last people in the universe to read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. They look really good though & I will have to add them to my wishlist.
Actually I would be the last person to read it. I am yet to acquire it!
LOL!
I love “the t-shirt is too small for me so it doesn’t count.”
I won that package too, and I agree that the shirt was small. It said it was a large and I just barely fit in it. Great review!
My husband just got the first book& is looking forward to this one as well. There’s been so much good buzz on them. Thanks for the review!
I really hope that Suzanne Collins writes a fourth book I think that if she continues to writes book this series has a chance to become very big. Anyways as of now I just can’t wait for book three.
http://themockingjay.vndv.com
I am definitely in the Last in the Universe club with you. I didn’t read #1 or 2. But wait – if I don’t read them then I can’t be in the list of last person to read, now can I? I guess I’ll have to decide how important is it to be in with the I-have-read-it crowd. Loved your note to the FTC. All this jabbing is turning out to be fun.
My son Marc just finished this one and loved it. I’m the nerd of the family and haven’t read #1 yet!! I hope to change that sometime soon
My husband loved this and The Hunger Games. He’s anxious for the next book to come out.
I haven’t heard anything that would keep me from reading Hunger Games or this one. Thanks for the review. I LOVED getting sucked in to a series….. that is good stuff..
Well, I am slated to read “The Hunger Games” this year too. .. I am just two steps behind you on this one!
You are the series QUEEN!! You breeze thru them so quickly that I cannot keep up
I haven’t touched this series yet and probably won’t until all three books are out.
I’m looking forward to the next book, too. I agree that it would be really hard to follow without reading The Hunger Games first.
–Anna
I totally agree that while the book wasn’t quite as “good” as the first, I can’t even imagine finishing The Hunger Games and not immediately wanting to devour this one! Thankfully I read the first in August, just before the second came out… I didn’t have to wait TOO long to enjoy
Can’t wait for the third novel to come out!
You need to read the Hunger Games..definitely.
this is great Jill….
after you finish the first book, you are too sucked in not to want to read the second book!
Too bad about the T-shirt.