Mockingjay has been the most anticipated novel this year, imo. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are explosive reads and resulted in hordes of fans (me very much included). The entire trilogy is gripping in a way great novels ought to be. Suzanne Collins has created books that make your heart and mind race trying to keep up with the other. Adrenaline-action, pain, disgust, deceit, hope, love and all the above playing it out page after page.
Mockingjay has a surreal yet dreaming feel to it. Katniss was in and out of a stupor of pain meds- recovery after recovery. Katniss has definitely faced the harsh reality of life. There is not a single feeling this young teen has not felt- in fact, her age is easily forgotten. Katniss is thrown into the heat of battle. She is the unsuspecting symbol that rises segregated districts to form one front. But as she learns- rarely does an enemy have one face.
I could have done without the dreamy/ drugged phases of Katniss esp since she is the narrator. There are a few spots that I would benefit from more story line- maybe because I am selfish and want more pages to read but mostly because I felt it warranted more. Case in point, the final chapter almost seemed like a stilling-rush. Stilling within Katniss's mind because she's distraught and moving in slow motion but a rush because there is so much going on around her but we are not privileged to learn of it first hand without Katniss.
Also at the ending, I am a bit bummed that we don't get to see a rekindling phase between Katniss and her suitor (I hate to give away who). It was more of a tell not show deal.
The highlight of the novel and the briefest of moments is of Katniss and Gale showing their partnered hunting skills as one in District 8. It felt as if I was in the thick of things and cheering them on. I wish there were more moments like that one. Honestly, reading is most enjoyable when Katniss is in the mist of everything. She is a force to be known. When she is in action and takes the lead, all of my thoughts of cooking dinner, washing a load, running errand is banished from my mind. I am zeroed in on the story.
All in all, the plot was superb. There was a whole new backdrop of District 13 and The Capitol- a change from the Arena but still savagely similar. The ending, which is very important in the final intallment, is peaceful. There are no loose ends or messes to clean up.
In the first two installments I praise the novels for the 'element of surprise' and it hold true in mockinjay. I will say that I called the surprise at the end but I think majority of the readers most likely called it (hint- the final arrow). Other surprises where momentous- Suzanne writes for the story, meaning that no one is safe in this novel.
Mockingjay is a fitting edition to the trilogy and a MUST read. However, I will say that The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are my most favorite or the series with Mockingjay just a hair behind. Btw, Thank you Suzanne for the Epilogue- I love it.
The series is excellent for all readers. Where you are a 'more-so' fan of one genre over the other- it doesn't matter here.
Other books in The Hunger Games Trilogy:
The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, #1)
Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)
Have you read and reviewed Mockingjay? If so,
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2 comments:
I can't read your review yet, because I don't want to know what happens! I'm ashamed to say I still have to read Catching Fire. I was obsessed with The Hunger Games, and then waited a whole year to read Catching Fire, and then forgot:O . I going to order it this week!
I bet this is a great review though, and I will read it once I read Catching Fire!! hehe
Okay, I just finished this book today. I loved the book, yet felt rushed. But I did enjoy the end. It left me wanting more in the end, good and bad. :) But did enjoy it.
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