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A review by orionmerlin
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Characters: 8.5/10
The characters in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes were compelling and memorable. Coriolanus Snow’s complexity stood out, and I found his moral descent fascinating to follow. Lucy Gray Baird’s charisma and artistry brought a vibrant energy to the story, serving as an excellent foil to Snow’s calculating nature. While some secondary characters felt less developed, the key relationships carried the narrative effectively. I cared deeply about what happened to these characters, and their distinct personalities made them easy to describe and reflect upon.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9/10
The setting felt immersive, pulling me into the post-war Capitol with its decadent yet crumbling veneer. The stark contrast between the Capitol’s excess and the districts’ hardships created a palpable tension that elevated the story. I could vividly picture the early Hunger Games arena, raw and unsettling in its brutality. The scenes in the Capitol were especially effective in conveying an atmosphere of superficial glamour hiding deeper corruption, and the wilderness surrounding Lucy Gray’s performances added a haunting beauty to the narrative.
Writing Style: 8.5/10
I enjoyed Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which balanced clarity with moments of lyrical beauty, especially during Lucy Gray’s performances. The prose flowed smoothly and was easy to follow, without feeling simplistic. I found the balance between dialogue and narration satisfying, with the dialogue effectively revealing character dynamics. The narration filled in important world-building details without bogging down the pace. The writing was engaging and made me eager to pick up more of Collins’ work, even in a different genre.
Plot: 8.5/10
The plot was well-constructed, with a strong first half that kept me engrossed. The pacing faltered slightly in the latter sections, where Snow’s internal struggles became repetitive. However, the story as a whole was satisfying, providing a fresh perspective on the Hunger Games universe by exploring its early days and Snow’s psyche. While the plot didn’t surprise me as much as I hoped, it still felt unique and worth the journey. I appreciated how the narrative tied together key elements of Snow’s personality and the origins of the Games.
Intrigue: 8.5/10
I often found myself eager to return to the book, especially during the early sections involving the Games. The tension and stakes were consistently high, keeping me intrigued to see how the story would evolve. Although the pacing dipped during more introspective moments, the overarching themes of power and morality sustained my interest. Watching Snow’s progression and the dynamics between him and Lucy Gray made the story feel compelling, even when the ultimate outcome was inevitable.
Logic/Relationships: 8.5/10
The characters’ motives and actions felt believable, particularly Snow’s gradual transformation as he grappled with power, loyalty, and survival. His relationship with Lucy Gray was layered and often tense, making it one of the story’s most intriguing aspects. The world-building was strong, with clear rules for the early Hunger Games that added depth without feeling overwhelming. I never felt lost in the logic of the story, and everything fit together in a way that enhanced the narrative. The connections between characters, world, and plot felt cohesive and purposeful.
Enjoyment: 8.5/10
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it a rewarding addition to the Hunger Games series. The story’s darker, introspective tone made it a different experience from the original trilogy, but it was equally engaging. While the pacing wasn’t entirely consistent, the themes, characters, and world-building kept me invested from start to finish. The book left me with much to think about and a strong appreciation for the intricacies of Snow’s origin story.