Review Wednesday: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES OR CATCHING FIRE. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: August 24, 2010

ISBN: 9780439023511
# of Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.04

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird is now taking flight and the lines are all broken, which means some major destruction is going to happen.
View on Title: So is the Mockingjay Katniss? Or is the Mockingjay something bigger?

Pros:

• Mockingjay is a much different read when you look at the tone of it all. Sure, Katniss has gone through a lot of PTSD before The Hunger Games really started and more so in Catching Fire. But, you truly see the mental and emotional impact of the Hunger Games and war has on people. You don't necessarily see it in just Katniss. You see it in Finnick, Peeta, Gale, Prim, Buttercup, and Haymitch. You pretty much see it in everyone. You watch how everyone copes with the entire issue whether that's complete avoidance, drugs, alcohol, or keeping your hands busy with anything to try to get your mind off all the pain and suffering they and their loved ones have and are currently enduring.
• This book really shows what war is like and how it can bring both the best in people and the worst in others. War brings some hard losses, broken relationships, and misguided delusions. I know most of the time Katniss is pretty close to being completely incapacitated (You would be if you were in her position.), but the people she loves gives her the strength to fight and be what the people of Panem needs: the Mockingjay.
• This book really pulled at my heartstrings because the book comes full circle to the beginning of the series and the purpose of why Katniss really went to the Hunger Games in the first place.
• I really liked the ending before the epilogue. I thought it was another clever ending and shows how Katniss really starts Panem with a fresh start despite costing her pretty much everything. 
• Overall, the book was well done as the installments prior to that. I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light or fun read. This series, in general, is pretty dark, but this book in the series is probably the darkest.

Cons:

• I thought the epilogue was a bit unnecessary and forced, but I understand the purpose of it. It's to show that there is hope despite everything that Katniss and Peeta and everyone else has gone through.
• Some of the deaths in this novel seemed a bit excessive, but this is war after all. Death and destruction happen.

Critics' Reviews:

"Fans will be happy to hear that Mockingjay is every bit as complex and imaginative as Hunger Games and Catching Fire." —Entertainment Weekly
"Suspenseful... Collins' fans, grown-ups included, will race to the end." —USA Today
"At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter." —New York Times Book Review
"Unfolding in Collins' engaging, intelligent prose and assembled into chapters that end with didn't-see-that-coming cliffhangers, this finale is every bit the pressure cooker of its forebears. [Mockingjay] is nearly as shocking, and certainly every bit as original and thought provoking, as The Hunger Games. Wow." —Los Angeles Times
*"This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level." —Publishers Weekly

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Review Wednesday: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 1, 2009

ISBN: 9780439023498
# of Pages: 391

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

SPARKS ARE IGNITING.

FLAMES ARE SPREADING.

AND THE CAPITAL WANTS REVENGE.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest that she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. Katniss is about to be tested as never before.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.29

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird in this one has no arrow but it looks like it is ready to take flight. Also, those lines look very intentional and specific.
View on Title: What is catching fire? Could it be Katniss? The Capitol? The districts?

Pros:

• I feel like the first book is full of so much world-building that you don't see as much of Katniss' growth as you can see it here. There is still some more world-building when it comes to seeing the other districts outside of District 12, but it's more character development and plot development that you see in this installment.
• The twists and turns of this entire book were so good, which is why Catching Fire is my favorite book in the trilogy. I thought the arena was absolutely clever in how Suzanne Collins structured it. The part that really intrigued me was how much the other victors truly hated the Capitol. It makes sense but the things they do and say when they go through their pre-arena process. I liked being able to see Katniss' growth as she gets to know and work with the other victor tributes.
• And boy, that ending! I never saw that coming when I first read the series, but I won't give that away.
• I think this book and series deserves all the praise it gets. It's usually one of the first book series I recommend to people who want to get into reading because it takes you for a wild ride.

Cons:

• I think the star crossed lovers piece in this book is much easier to swallow because you start to see that it may not be entirely fake on either end. Peeta definitely softens Katniss' rough edges and you can see that through her time in both arenas with him.
• I think there is too much focus on the love triangle here. Although the first few times I've read this series I was all Team Gale, as I get older I have become much more Team Peeta. I think it was Gale's boldness I liked but realized it's more of a boldness out of hatred of the Capitol rather than a real boldness for Katniss. Sure, Peeta never said anything to Katniss until their reaping and (coincidentally) found that the last time he could express his true feelings was then.

Critics' Reviews:

"Whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." —Time Magazine

"Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book." —The New York Times Book Review

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review Wednesday: Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Title: Chosen Ones (Chosen #1)
Author: Veronica Roth

1st Date of Publication: April 7, 2020

ISBN: 9780358164081
# of Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Dystopian Society/Fantasy

Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Drug Abuse, and Sexual Content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,” prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.

Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended.

Setting: Chicago, IL
Point of View: 3rd person- Sloane Andrews

Goodreads Rating: 3.68

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title

View on the Cover: I'm not quite sure of what to make of the cover. It just looks like strands going in and out of the 
View on Title: Who are the Chosen Ones? Why are they chosen? So many questions swimming through my head!

Pros:

• I was really unsure about reading this because Roth is known for writing young adult novels rather than adult novels. I honestly liked this so much better than her esteemed Divergent series and I was a megafan when it first came out. I like how Roth aged her writing with her audience. I truly hope she continues even after the duology.
• The characters are a really interesting mix and they all have their own unlikeable personalities although you mostly get to see Sloane as the book follows her the entire time.
• Sloane is really not likable and extremely stubborn who tends to get herself in trouble. Despite all this, I actually liked her for her boldness and her desire/duty to save her friends and the world.
• Matt is technically the Chosen One and the leader of the pack back in the day. He sticks to take the leadership role that everyone seems fine with, except Sloane at times. He honestly seemed too perfect, but it's quick to find out that he is barely keeping it together himself.
• Esther comes off as a super bubbly character who is supportive of everyone on the team despite dealing with her mom with cancer. She honestly seems the most put together in the group.
• Albie is a character I really liked. Despite struggling with PTSD and depression, he was always telling jokes and supporting Sloane in her struggles because they are the most bonded from their experience with the Dark One. I really wish we got to see more of his character.
• Ines is a character not really seen or talked about too much. She's of Mexican descent who identifies as a lesbian. I also really wish to see more of her character.
• Roth touches on so many issues and makes them feel so real with the characters. Everyone in one way or another struggle with PTSD and depression. If you struggle with reading from a depressing character's point of view, I caution you to read this.
• Sloane struggles deeply with PTSD and deep down you can tell she wants to get help but doubts it will actually help with all that she has dealt with because she is a hero and that's not a typical expertise a counselor would have.
• Matt also struggles in his own way. He acts like he is put together and dives into all these events and signs autographs to mask his own PTSD.
• Albie masks his PTSD with drugs.
• The relationships are very real, or they felt real to me. There is nothing perfect about them. You can really see Sloane's struggle when she is with Matt. You can tell she cares but she feels too damaged to enjoy the things in life. Plus, Matt doesn't relate to her very well despite how much you can tell he cares for Sloane.
• This book is definitely written for millennials. There's a lot of references to technology and social media. Esther, another Chosen One, is all over social media with an Instagram account. She comes off as this bubbly person you would associate with having an Instagram account.
• When I heard that this was an adult novel, I was a little wary of the sexual content, but there was very minimal sexual content in it. There is one scene but it isn't too long. These are adults in their mid-twenties after all.
• If you are bothered by language, you might not want to read this. The f-bomb gets thrown around in some heated situations along with other colorful words in that realm, but I think that makes the book more realistic. When crap hits the fan, most people's decorum drastically changes so I was expecting much worse.
• I think it was really interesting to see Top Secret government files. It made me feel somewhat like an insider but still lacked the information I did need in order to understand it all.
• Both the twists in the plot and the ending weren't what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised for the most part.

Cons:

• There's no cliff hanger in this novel and there is a second novel coming that follows this one. So my question is: How is she going to continue the story? It just makes sense to end it there because the ending was great so it is making me scratch my head and wonder where she is going with this, but I'll find out in about a year.
• I believe the book could have definitely been even more interesting if Roth followed the three main characters (Sloane, Matt, and Esther) instead of Sloane. I know she has the skill for it and I was slightly disappointed that she stuck with just Sloane.
• There isn't much information as to why they were the Chosen Ones. It doesn't really seem like they had any superpowers. All the book seemed to share was that they were discovered through a prophecy. The only one who seemed any semblance of a superpower was Sloane. I really wish that there was more background on their "superpowers" or whatever that made them so special other than a prophecy. It also makes me wonder who thought it was okay to let five teenagers fight this evil Dark One as well as why follow a prophecy. Maybe a prequel will be in the works, or Roth can make this a trilogy with the Chosen Ones as the middle book.
• There were times where I was really captivated by the story and others where I wasn't. I think being able to know and reading the Chosen Ones having powers would have really helped.

Critics' Reviews:

"Roth’s first novel for adults (after the wildly popular Divergent series for teens) is driven by Sloane, a stubbornly unlikable heroine who wears her troubles on her sleeve but doesn’t truly understand her full power until the shocking ending. Those who like twisty power plays and very detailed worldbuilding will appreciate this…The many fans of Roth’s YA series will be clamoring for her adult debut, which features magic, lots of sarcasm, and a hint of romance.” —Booklist
"Roth (The End and Other Beginnings: Stories From the Future, 2019, etc.) made her name by writing bestselling YA action/adventure novels like the Divergent series, so it makes sense that she can so expertly deconstruct those tropes for adult audiences. There’s a lot of magic and action to make for a propulsive plot, but much more impressive are the character studies as Roth takes recognizable and beloved teen-hero types and explores what might happen to them as adults. Roth makes a bold entrance to adult fantasy." —Kirkus Review

Veronica Roth's Website:

https://veronicarothbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Review Wednesday: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 14, 2008

ISBN: 9780439023481
# of Pages: 374

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
WINNING MEANS FAME AND FORTUNE.
LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.
THE HUNGER GAMES HAVE BEGUN. . . .

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and once girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.33

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: When I first saw this I thought the cover was fairly minimalistic but I knew birds and arrows are symbolic. I was curious as to what the symbolism meant of it and if there was any significance to the circles and lines.
View on Title: What exactly are the hunger games? Are people hungry and play games to win food? The title definitely piques the interest as to what that means.

Pros:

• Suzanne Collins is a well-seasoned writer as is clearly seen in The Hunger Games. If you have done any research on any of the characters, places, and events in The Hunger Games and/or the rest of the series, you will see how much work was put into writing this book/series. From the name Katniss to her connection to being an archeress to the name Panem, it is rich in subtle references to mythology, nature, and results of political satire. Despite this book being more than a decade old, it continues to stay relevant in so many aspects of life and with current events.
• Sure it seems like it duplicates pieces from the mythological story Theseus and the Minotaur, which Suzanne Collins has mentioned influenced this series in several interviews. But, it is clearly its own story. This book clearly pulls at your heartstrings and makes you think because no one truly wants to see your child or younger sibling be thrown into an arena and be forced to watch them most likely die or just come back with trauma.
• Its widespread popularity has given many young women confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to as seen by the character Katniss. The depth of Katniss' character is exceptionally subtle and requires at least three reads to truly see her growth. Katniss may come off as this ruthless and selfish person. Think about it. How would you feel and react if you or your younger sibling were given a death sentence and wholly stripped of who you are? I bet you would react the same way. Yes, she is calculating, but behind all that, Katniss truly is being selfless. Pay attention to how she thinks through her actions and others.

Cons:

• I hear a lot of people gripe about the star-crossed lover romance portion. I believe it is over-the-top and is somewhat nauseating but is essential for Katniss' growth. The romance piece did add depth to it but in a lot of subtle ways.
• Katniss' growth seems pretty stunted for the most part unless you look really deep into her characterization. It actually took me about 3 read-throughs of this installment of it to see the subtle growth she goes through, which is why I heavily wrote about Katniss' characterization in my senior.

Critics' Reviews:

"This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance." —Booklist

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review Wednesday: She Regrets Nothing by Andrea Dunlop

Title: She Regrets Nothing
Author: Andrea Dunlop

1st Date of Publication: February 6, 2018

ISBN: 9781501155987
# of Pages: 374

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Age Rating: 17+ (Language and Some Sexual Content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
In the tradition of The Emperor’s Children and The House of Mirth, the forgotten granddaughter of one of New York’s wealthiest men is reunited with her family just as she comes of age—and once she’s had a glimpse of their glittering world, she refuses to let it go without a fight.

When Laila Lawrence becomes an orphan at twenty-three, the sudden loss unexpectedly introduces her to three glamorous cousins from New York who show up unannounced at her mother’s funeral. The three siblings are scions of the wealthy family from which Laila’s father had been estranged long before his own untimely demise ten years before.

Two years later, Laila has left behind her quiet life in Grosse Point, Michigan to move to New York City, landing her smack in the middle of her cousins’ decadent world. As the truth about why Laila’s parents became estranged from the family patriarch becomes clear, Laila grows ever more resolved to claim what’s rightfully hers. Caught between longing for the love of her family and her relentless pursuit of the lifestyle she feels she was unfairly denied, Laila finds herself reawakening a long dead family scandal—not to mention setting off several new ones—as she becomes further enmeshed in the lives and love affairs of her cousins. But will Laila ever, truly, belong in their world?

Setting: New York City, NY
Point of View: 3rd Person - Laila Lawrence

Goodreads Rating: 3.27

My Rating: 2.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: It looks like a city. It could easily be New York City, which is a typical city that authors write about.
View on Title: Who is she? What does she do that she doesn't regret? Is it something people normally would regret?

Pros:

• When I was reading the description of this novel, it seemed really interesting. Who wouldn't want to read a novel about a small-town girl who had a family that was powerful and popular in the big city? It had a pauper to prince kind of feel to it as the main character, Laila has never known the lavish New York City life that her cousins live.
• I gave this review a 2.75 because I did manage to finish it, but it required me to map out and be intentional in making sure I finish it. Some books I am unable to do so, but I managed with this one.

Cons:

• I felt like this novel fell short of what it could have been. I really struggled to finish this novel, but I persevered so that I can give you an honest review.
• The drama in the novel seemed super superficial, and you can see the dark path that Laila goes down just by being associated with her extended family. I feel like that was a realistic depiction of what fame and money can do to someone.
• Since I have been to New York City, I know there is so much you can do there, but the lack of setting made it difficult to focus since it made the novel seem so bland. I've read similar novels that were far more entertaining and better written than She Regrets Nothing.

Critics' Reviews:

"Dunlop’s smart and suspenseful debut follows the lead of Katie Crouch’s Abroad (2014) and Jennifer duBois’ Cartwheel (2013), but delves more deeply into the repercussions beyond a shocking incident during a year abroad. Dunlop richly evokes the heady emotions of friendship, lust, and betrayal." —Booklist
"Readers who follow New York trends will enjoy the stories of fashion, clubs, and restaurants Dunlop builds to a gripping climax while delving into questions of family, loyalty, lust, wealth, power, and betrayal." —Library Journal
"A sharp, glittering story of wealth, family, and fate and one’s woman search to find her place in it all." —Buzzfeed

Andrea Dunlop's Website:

https://www.andreadunlop.net/

 

Other Recommendations:
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker