I remember when I first heard of The Hunger Games. I read a review in Entertainment Weekly by Stephen King. As most of you know, he is one of my very favorite authors, and his column in EW is always a must read for me. When Uncle Steve says a book is worth reading, then it probably is. I was blown away by it, as a matter of fact. It was so readable and so full of action, I could hardly put it down.
So by now, we all know that Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (400 pgs, Scholastic Press, Sept. 1st 2009 release) is one of the most anticipated books in the blogosphere. I am so excited that I got the chance to read it early. Many, many thanks to Chris from Stuff as Dreams are Made On for passing this one my way!!
SPOILER FREE:
To be honest, this review is actually going to be kind of a non-review. Since the book hasn't been released yet, I don't want to give ANYTHING away. What I will say is Catching Fire starts very soon after The Hunger Games end: Katniss and Peeta are back in District 12 as the winners of the Hunger Games. President Snow is VERY unhappy because Katniss made the Capitol look like fools. And it seems that she might possibly be the new face of a rebellion that is starting.
Did I think Catching Fire was as good as The Hunger Games? Damn skippy, I did! I was amazed at how quickly I got sucked right back into the story. I wasn't sure where Collins was going to go with this book, and I was actually shocked at the direction she took. Heartbreaking at times, and heart stopping at others, Catching Fire is another whirlwind of a book. I was so caught up in reading it, I even considered calling off work just to finish it! (For the record, I was good, and put the book down to go to work!)
There are a few new characters that are introduced in this book, most notably Finnick Odair, another previous winner of The Games. Collins has expanded the dystopian world she created and it is actually more frightening that the first book! And while Katniss and Peeta are still the main focus, some of the more secondary characters really come to life, especially Haymitch, Gale, and President Snow.
I really can't say any more without giving something away. Just know that Catching Fire is one fantastic read!! The only bad thing I have to say is now that I've read it (almost 6 weeks before it's actually released), I don't know if I can wait to read the conclusion to the trilogy! 5/5
18 comments:
Thanks for the spoiler-free review! I can't wait to get my hands on this book!
So excited to get a copy! After last night's conversation, I even decided to read The Hunger Games over again tonight.
Can't wait to read this one. Glad to hear it's just as good as the first installment.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I agree and actually thought it was better! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
I have it preordered and I'm glad to know it's worth it. This is the first time I've been so excited about a book.
I still haven't read the first one yet. I will soon though.
Wasn't this book AMAZING?!
My husband and I are driving a moving van across the country in a few weeks and I'm planning to read him The Hunger Games since he hasn't read it yet. I can't wait to experience it all again.
Note to self...go buy Hunger Games so you can read Catching Fire....
Great review! Thanks!
I'm so glad you loved it Steph :D I knew you would...I had actually given the Hunger Games 4.75 stars, but Catching Fire got the full 5. I thought it was better than the first.
I cannot wait for my copy of this book to arrive. I've pre-ordered it after the book club selected it and enjoyed it!
Amanda - It is SO worth the wait!
Michelle - I'm seriously glad I am able to send this one to you next. You are going to LOVE It!!
Anna - It is so good. In fact, I'd have to say it's better than The Hunger Games!
Amy - Yes, I did love it. And I have to thank you so much for starting this book on it's "blog tour"!! Without you, I'd still be waiting!
Paula - I know! I was so excited for this one. Now, I'm so excited to finish the trilogy. I don't know how I'm going to wait!
Marg - You HAVE to read The Hunger Games. It is SO Good!! You'll love it!
Janssen - Amazing doesn't even cover it!! How cool to read it aloud with your hubby.
Kelly - Most definitely read The Hunger Games. It is fantastic!!
Chris - Again, I can't thank you enough for passing this on to me. I know Michelle will thank you too, since she's going to have it next. And you are right. I think this one is actually better. I didn't think it was possible, but it was SO good!!
Serena - I can't wait to see your thoughts on it. I'm sure you will love it too!!
Believe it or not, I still haven't read The Hunger Games, so I didn't read the full review. I'm glad to know that Catching Fire is just as good though.
I can't wait to read this!!
I loved this book. I was fortunate enough that a very generous blogger friend lent me her copy and I was just beside myself with excitement.
I don't want to spoil for anyone either so won't really comment until the book is out but I liked Finnick and found his dynamic with everyone else to be interesting for various reasons.
Just came back to say that I am 15 pages from the end of The Hunger Games and it just about killed me to get off the train and come to work! Loved it. Now I need to wait for Catching Fire to come out here.
I'm so jealous of those of you who've read this! I don't know why I think that I want to wait in line at the library, I may have to go out and buy it in hardback...and then I'll have to find the hardback of THG too! I think that this is going to be like Harry Potter, where I need to reread the previous books when new ones come out.
I'm so addicted to this series! This is the book that turned me from Team Gale to Team Peeta - awesome badge, btw, where did you get it?
I listened on audiobook on my commute to work and although the reader's voices are annoying, the book is page -er, file-turner.
(I thought Steven King's review wasn't altogether positive?)
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