Catching Fire (book 2 in The Hunger Games trilogy)
Published August 27, 2010
Katniss and Peeta not only survived The Hunger Games, they effectively humiliated the Capitol in their defiance. Now back home in District 12, Katniss’s internal confusion (and friendship with Gale) ushers in a cold front that borders on glacial over her and Peeta’s private relationship. Except in this next season their very public romance must flare up hotter than ever. Because intended or not, Katniss and Peeta’s act of survival / love / rebellion—whatever you want to call it—in the Games has sent out a spark of unrest in the Districts. And it’s up to the two of them to diffuse it. Or else lose the ones they love.
The question is…can they?
And SHOULD they?
The civil turbulence roiling just beneath the surface of the individual Districts inadvertently flickers awake…alive…on Katniss and Peeta’s victory tour, igniting into an unstable rebellion with the introduction of the next Hunger Games and the realization that Katniss—the Districts’ symbol of revolution—their Mockingjay—is going back into the arena. With Peeta.
And let’s face it…this time NO one is playing by the rules.
What I liked:
- Suzanne Collins’ writing. EXCELLENT. Involved. Engaging.
- The ebb and flow between tension and humor. Ms. Collins nails this flawlessly.
- The flavor of characters, especially Mags and Beetee.
- The dialogue between the tributes in the arena.
- Katniss’ comment, “Oh, the fun we two have together,” in reference to President Snow.
- Cinna’s channeling of his emotions through Katniss’ dress at the televised interview. (I cried.)
- Cinna. *sigh*
What *only slightly* annoyed me:
- Their re-entry into the Hunger Games. I wanted this second book to move further ahead rather than repeat what worked so well in the first novel. Unfortunately this made it feel more like an intermission to me instead of the next season.
- The way it ended. So fantastic, but so frustrating. (I wanted more!)
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Smashing Pumpkins: Tonight, Tonight
Tags: About the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire book cover, Katniss and Gale, Katniss and Peeta's relationship, Review of Catching Fire book, summary of Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
08.27.2010 / 9:20 am
Starting at the end: Oh yes, the ending of “Catching Fire” is the EXACT reason why I hate reading series that are not yet complete. I was actually shaking with anticipation of the conclusion. SO amazingly well done and absolutely frustrating. At least I only had to wait a week. =) Even though the return to the arena was not what I was expecting, I appreciate that it was so very different than “Hunger Games”, and that the other characters were so well fleshed out. I can’t wait to see the film version of these books, especially Cinna’s work. His designs sound AMAZING!
08.27.2010 / 9:41 am
*sigh* it’s all so painful when I think about it.
08.27.2010 / 9:49 am
I agree, Kati. I forced myself to write this review before I read Mockingjay just so my thoughts wouldn’t be tainted or bent one way or the other. In hindsight…that was a good idea.
Dani, I think I remember throwing THIS book at the wall as well (yes, my Hunger Games trilogy books are pretty thrashed with all the throwing and weeping involved in the reading process). And while Peter didn’t like this book (but obsessed over The Hunger Games), he DID like that they went back into the Games for the reason you mention above.
08.29.2010 / 1:06 pm
Liked the first book, not a fan of the second,won’t read third. Well, Maybe.
08.30.2010 / 8:25 am
Riiiiiiiight… So why did I just find Mockingjay stuffed into your man purse? Hmm???
11.17.2010 / 10:37 pm
I think the term “page-turner” will forever be redefined as “Hunger Games Trilogy.”
WHO HAS MOCKINGJAY?????
11.18.2010 / 8:25 am
I’m wondering the same thing, Jeanette! WHO has my Mockingjay??? Whichever of you it is, send it to Jeanette so she can satisfy her “Peeta or Gale” questioning…
11.19.2010 / 8:58 pm
BOO HOO! Nobody is confessing. I think Peter has it! Come on, Peter, your’re not Peeta…(even though your names sound so much alike). So stop fantasizing and hand over the book. I’m going through withdrawals because I don’t know how the story ends but the rest of the important and cool people who read this blog do know. I feel like swallowing some poison berries! Have pity before the tick-tocking drives me Corny-copius.
11.19.2010 / 9:24 pm
Ahem…Mockingjay has been located. Apparently it was under MY side of the bed, but that’s all hear-say, so…whatever. Anyhow, I’ll be at the craft fair tomorrow if you want it. You and Peter can fight to the death for it. I’ll be the gamekeeper.