A review by justreads93
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Normally with sequels and prequels of major franchises I get nervous that they will be hastily produced cash grabs. But this is so well thought out and fleshes out the world of Panem through a lens we never really saw in the original trilogy. Snow was an interesting choice for the main character and narrator of the novel but through his perspective we see the Capital, the Games, and the Districts in a unique way. This book is more of a character study of how entitlement and prejudice and paranoia can become even more corrupt especially in the presence of an influence like Dr. Gaul. Snow has so many chances to change for the better but the way he justifies his actions to himself and the audience is an excellent example of an unreliable narrator. 
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