Book Review - Catching Fire (#2 of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire (#2 of the Hunger Games)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2009 
Page: 400
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

New to me author? No 
Read this author again? Yes!!! Can't wait to read the last book in the series!!!
Tearjerker? No 
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from amazon.com):
xReviewers were happy to report that the Hunger Games trilogy is alive and well, and all looked forward to the third book in the series after this one's stunning conclusion. But they disagreed over whether Catching Fire was as good as the original book Hunger Games or should be viewed as somewhat of a "sophomore slump." Several critics who remained unconvinced by Katniss's romantic dilemma made unfavorable comparisons to the human-vampire-werewolf love triangle in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. But most reviewers felt that Catching Fire was still a thrill because Collins replicated her initial success at balancing action, violence, and heroism in a way that will enthrall young readers without giving them (too many) nightmares.

First Sentence:
I clasp the flask between my hands even though the warmth from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air.

 
Why did I pick this book?
Read The Hunger Games and loved it, so have to read #2! (Yes I'd definitely read #1 before #2!)

My thoughts:

• I had such high expectation of this book, given how much I loved The Hunger Games. I knew from other blog reviews that #2 is pretty good (though I didn't really read them thoroughly as I didn't want any spoilers), but you just never know... and I'm so glad to say that I was not disappointed!

• I don't know if I like #1 or #2 better - maybe #1 just slightly just because it totally surprised me (not just the storyline, but Collin's writing was so engaging!) - though with #1 you can kinda predict how it'd end, and with #2, I had no idea what to expect - I mean, Collins can't recycle the storyline can she?! But I thought #1 was a little bit more touching with Rue, though I loved the scene in District 11 in Book #2 (well "loved" might not be the right word given the context... but it was unexpected).

•  I really hope they make it into a movie - I can't wait to see the scene with all the food, and especially Katniss' dress that Cinna designed (plus all the wedding dresses!)

• I think the front cover design is very clever - you won't understand its significance until you read the book

•  I have to admit I forgot who Seneca Crane was (the name was briefly mentioned in this book), had to google to find out who that was and I wasn't alone!

• Team G or Team P - I was leaning toward G after #1, but now I think I may like P better - but that could be because G didn't have much "screen time"? But P definitely has some very desirable qualities (especially his gesture to District 11).

• Can't wait till #3!! I wonder how Collins is doing - I mean, if #3 is any less of a book, so many people will be disappointed after #1 and #2!! Oh the pressure!!!!

Quote:

"It's not necessary. My nightmares are usually about losing you," he (Peeta) says. "I'm okay once I realize you're here." (p86)

 
Rating: 4.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult