The Hunger Games Book Review
Friday, July 13, 2012
Despite being categorised as Young Adult (YA) book, The Hunger Games is being enjoyed by adults and teens alike. In recent months, it has become a phenomenon, but what is all the fuss about?
Set in a dystopian future, The Hunger Games follows the story of sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen. She lives in what was once North America, but has since been destroyed and is now known as Panem. Run by The Capitol, the country is spilt into twelve districts. Katniss herself inhabits district 12. As a punishment for the rebellion that lead to the thirteenth district being wiped out, every year, each district must provide one boy and one girl, aged between twelve and eighteen, to fight to the death in The Hunger Games. The battle continues until only one of the tributes is left standing.
The teenagers are chosen in a lottery, with random names being drawn and as twelve year old Prim's name is called, Katniss volunteers in her sister's place and finds herself as tribute for the 74th annual Hunger Games, alongside Peeta Mellark, the bakers son.
It is an interesting concept and the world in which Suzanne Collins has created is highly believable. The characters are well developed and likable and I found myself being drawn in quite quickly, with a constant need to know what happened next.
Throughout the death and violence sparks a love story. Now as with many YA books, the romance cannot be simple. Enter the dreaded triangle. But unlike most other YA books, I actually took a liking to both of the males in question. The characters are very well defined, each with their own very different, yet very engaging personalities and every person who reads it will have their own idea as to who Katniss should ultimately end up with.
And there is so much more. With a plethora of memorable and charismatic characters, there is always a reason to continue into the world that has been created. Whether romance, action or comedy is your thing, in The Hunger Games, there's something for everyone.
Collins writes in a fluid and no nonsense style, interspersing humour with the tragedy and managing to end each and every chapter with a suspense that forces you to turn the next page.
As you reach the end of the book, it is impossible not to want to pick up the next straight away, which to me, is definitely the sign of a well written book that deserves it's best selling title.
So, may the odds be ever in your favour, it's time for Catching Fire.
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