vernip's review against another edition
3.0
Prequels that focus on the villain in the series proper are fascinating. We're introduced to a usually younger version of the big bad and they're full of hope for better things in the future.
Of course, we know that's not going to be the case for Coriolanus Snow, tyrannical future president of a crapsack country whose only entertainment is seeing MORE SUFFERING!
Set way further back from "the Hunger Games" but still far enough in the future that North America will be known for Panem, Snow and his classmates at his prestigious school are given the unenviable task of being the first mentors to the tributes of the 10th Hunger Games. The games are still pretty much rough draft stages now, and the schoolkids have to find ways to not only make the bloodsport more appealing to the masses/keep them engaged, but of course, trying to keep their sheep to slaughter alive. Vile & shadowy forces are at play however, and even the Capitol kids aren't safe from them. Who will not only be victorious, but also survive their ordeal...and at what cost?
Arguably MORE brutal than the worldwide phenomenon series, it also brings up ideals of the true(?) nature of humanity, how to stave off savage natures, and what is necessary to get what you want. Of course, since this is the HUNGER GAMES, it's heartbreaking & cynical with only the faintest glimmers of hope for humanity.
Alexa, play "Hanging Tree" for the next hour as I soak in the sadness of the true meaning now...
Of course, we know that's not going to be the case for Coriolanus Snow, tyrannical future president of a crapsack country whose only entertainment is seeing MORE SUFFERING!
Set way further back from "the Hunger Games" but still far enough in the future that North America will be known for Panem, Snow and his classmates at his prestigious school are given the unenviable task of being the first mentors to the tributes of the 10th Hunger Games. The games are still pretty much rough draft stages now, and the schoolkids have to find ways to not only make the bloodsport more appealing to the masses/keep them engaged, but of course, trying to keep their sheep to slaughter alive. Vile & shadowy forces are at play however, and even the Capitol kids aren't safe from them. Who will not only be victorious, but also survive their ordeal...and at what cost?
Arguably MORE brutal than the worldwide phenomenon series, it also brings up ideals of the true(?) nature of humanity, how to stave off savage natures, and what is necessary to get what you want. Of course, since this is the HUNGER GAMES, it's heartbreaking & cynical with only the faintest glimmers of hope for humanity.
Alexa, play "Hanging Tree" for the next hour as I soak in the sadness of the true meaning now...
merelbennet1910's review against another edition
2.0
I could write better fanfiction than this...
First of all, I get that the 10th hunger games wasn't as fancy as the 74th, but I thought it was pourly done nonetheless. A lot of technology might have been lost during the war, but it has been 10 years... There could at least have been more camera's in the arena. And they could all have the same uniform or something, to keep it coherent. How did they even leave Al the tributes to die before the games? That is supposed to be the idea during the games right, not before it. You can't tell me that they have been doing it like this for 10 years... And do you really not gain anything when you win? What's that about. I also hated that half the tributes had already died before the games begun.
I didn't like Lucy Gray at all, nor the effect she had on Snow. Their conversations where boring, I didn't feel much chemistry.
On a more positive note, I was surprised by the third part. Up and until the Snow and Sejanus moment. We all knew Snow was gonna be a dick, but I expected something to happen that made him who he was in the original story. Turns out he was an ass by birth. The ending was very fast-paced, while the beginning was so slow...
But now something that I actually did like! The originstory of The Hanging Tree and hearing Deep in the Mellow again was really nice. Although I did listen to the audiobook, in which they could better have just spoken the songs in my opinion.
First of all, I get that the 10th hunger games wasn't as fancy as the 74th, but I thought it was pourly done nonetheless. A lot of technology might have been lost during the war, but it has been 10 years... There could at least have been more camera's in the arena. And they could all have the same uniform or something, to keep it coherent. How did they even leave Al the tributes to die before the games? That is supposed to be the idea during the games right, not before it. You can't tell me that they have been doing it like this for 10 years... And do you really not gain anything when you win? What's that about. I also hated that half the tributes had already died before the games begun.
I didn't like Lucy Gray at all, nor the effect she had on Snow. Their conversations where boring, I didn't feel much chemistry.
On a more positive note, I was surprised by the third part. Up and until the Snow and Sejanus moment. We all knew Snow was gonna be a dick, but I expected something to happen that made him who he was in the original story. Turns out he was an ass by birth. The ending was very fast-paced, while the beginning was so slow...
But now something that I actually did like! The originstory of The Hanging Tree and hearing Deep in the Mellow again was really nice. Although I did listen to the audiobook, in which they could better have just spoken the songs in my opinion.
forestt_moss_'s review against another edition
5.0
This book was an absolutely wonderful read which did not disappoint me. Being my most anticipated read since the reveal dates I was slightly worried that although this was a prequel to my all time favourite series, that it was going to focus on a plot that I wasn’t interested in and ruin the original trilogy for me.
However, it did none of that. The difference between this book and the trilogy is something that I will cherish and it was certainly a rollercoaster of a ride. By no means will it compare to the originals but this is still a book that I will love forever more ♥️
However, it did none of that. The difference between this book and the trilogy is something that I will cherish and it was certainly a rollercoaster of a ride. By no means will it compare to the originals but this is still a book that I will love forever more ♥️
booksinacabin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
payb2400's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brilliant
ladynerd's review against another edition
1.0
This is a book that absolutely no one asked for, and I doubt anyone needed either. I should probably mention that I loved the original trilogy and it still tears me up to this day for a number of reasons- I relate to the characters, I relate to the plot, I find the possibility of ending a tyranny fascinating because I deal with it everyday.
This book had none of those things.
First thing I noticed was the cringeworthy writing and the unrealistic dialogue, but then the self-pitying character of Snow came into view. He is not a protagonist that one would enjoy reading. Following him is not an easy task and at times was a chore, because this book was boring. It is riddled with meaningless songs and stupid fan service and one-dimensional character cut-outs that you never care about or root for. The dialogue is cliché. I lost count how many times I rolled my eyes at this book.
The bare minimum was achieved- which is not forcing the reader to like Snow- but am I going to give this book a better rating for that?
No, I don’t think I am.
This book had none of those things.
First thing I noticed was the cringeworthy writing and the unrealistic dialogue, but then the self-pitying character of Snow came into view. He is not a protagonist that one would enjoy reading. Following him is not an easy task and at times was a chore, because this book was boring. It is riddled with meaningless songs and stupid fan service and one-dimensional character cut-outs that you never care about or root for. The dialogue is cliché. I lost count how many times I rolled my eyes at this book.
The bare minimum was achieved- which is not forcing the reader to like Snow- but am I going to give this book a better rating for that?
No, I don’t think I am.
winchella's review against another edition
2.0
I consider this book is what Harry Potter and the cursed child is to the Harry Potter universe but instead to the hunger games universe. I would rather not consider it cannon.
My Series Rating: 4th Place
My Series Rating: 4th Place
thekittenholy's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
hollyberry7's review
2.0
Almost DNF. This book was so boring and I absolutely hated the whole singing thing.