A review by kadtide
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Making the villain of the series the protagonist of the prequel is an interesting challenge. The circumstances of Snow's life through the start of the book are such that we feel for him and want him to succeed. Throughout the book we get to see exactly how he handles the complex issues of morality that lie at the heart of the Hunger Games, and as he is paralleled by his radical foil Sejanus, we see exactly how someone can shift their moral compass to align with their internal goals, all while justifying it as necessary.

It is an excellent character study of Snow as someone who was not born evil, but allows himself to become so due to a central core belief in his own superiority. Furthermore, Lucy Gray is a wonderfully vibrant character who's behavior in the face of death is unique and charming despite the danger. She and the rest of the Covey provide a necessary balance to the horrors of the Capitol and their passion stands out in a way that feels very real.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings