Scan barcode
A review by romanticmelody
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved reading this book.
Suzanne knows how to write a good story.
I liked that we got to see the world of Panem after the Dark Days. To read about the reasons why the games exist and where that deep hatred/dislike that the Capital harbors for the Districts came from.
I especially loved meeting the new characters. I admit I fell in love with Sejanus. He had a good heart and was a kind and good friend. The fate he has was not one I had been expecting. Not only that, but the fate that Lucy Gray meets in the end was also not one I expected, but it is one that leaves you wondering with that ambiguous ending to her story.
And Coriolanus Snow! Oh, if I could just reach into the story and grab a hold of him, I’d smoother him. He’s a brat. A snobby, selfish, ridiculous brat. He’s one to take any opportunity given, but also one to be self conscious of his image and how his character would look like to others. In the beginning his character is a simple boy wanting to uplift his family status from ruin and poverty. Understandable. But as we get more into the novel, things start to change and Coryo’s character develops from a boy and into a man, one that no one would want to cross or trust ever again. This story really makes you think if Coriolanus character was always meant to be that way or if it was nurtured. The classic battle of nature vs nurture.
I really enjoyed this book. And if you starts liking Coryo, that’s fine, but reminder that in the end, there is nothing redeemable about his character. In fact, this story is not a redemption story. Keep in mind, this is a story about a boy who becomes an awful person. Some people might not like stories like that, but for me I enjoy them.
Suzanne knows how to write a good story.
I liked that we got to see the world of Panem after the Dark Days. To read about the reasons why the games exist and where that deep hatred/dislike that the Capital harbors for the Districts came from.
I especially loved meeting the new characters. I admit I fell in love with Sejanus. He had a good heart and was a kind and good friend. The fate he has was not one I had been expecting. Not only that, but the fate that Lucy Gray meets in the end was also not one I expected, but it is one that leaves you wondering with that ambiguous ending to her story.
And Coriolanus Snow! Oh, if I could just reach into the story and grab a hold of him, I’d smoother him. He’s a brat. A snobby, selfish, ridiculous brat. He’s one to take any opportunity given, but also one to be self conscious of his image and how his character would look like to others. In the beginning his character is a simple boy wanting to uplift his family status from ruin and poverty. Understandable. But as we get more into the novel, things start to change and Coryo’s character develops from a boy and into a man, one that no one would want to cross or trust ever again. This story really makes you think if Coriolanus character was always meant to be that way or if it was nurtured. The classic battle of nature vs nurture.
I really enjoyed this book. And if you starts liking Coryo, that’s fine, but reminder that in the end, there is nothing redeemable about his character. In fact, this story is not a redemption story. Keep in mind, this is a story about a boy who becomes an awful person. Some people might not like stories like that, but for me I enjoy them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Child death, Death, Murder, and Child abuse
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism, Death of parent, and War