97) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Blurb :

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12.

My Thoughts :

I was impressed by the first book in this trilogy, The Hunger Games but the second book, Catching Fire, seemed a little too extreme. However with only one book left in the trilogy I felt I needed to finish things off and see if Katniss got a happy ending or not. Oh and to see which guy she chooses in the end.

Well it was extremely hard going listening to this last installment. It took me about two months in all. I actually started walking around without listening to my ipod because I just wasn't very interested in the story. Yes there was a plot but the author seemed to be dragging things out. Just when I thought things were going to move towards the end, something else happened to keep Katniss away from the home run. I have to say the end was a let down. A little surprising but boring.

A very disappointing finale. I expected something better and not so war filled. I also found Katniss to be be annoying in this part of the trilogy and overly depressing. A definite must read if you have read the other books, just to see what happens and how things end. However I wish I had just read book one and left it at that. Even if the audible versions were well read.

66) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Blurb :

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

My Thoughts :

Somewhere in the middle of listening to Hunger Games I already downloaded the next book. There was no question about it. This author had come up with something unusual, unique and inspiring. So it was no wonder that when Hunger Games was over that I had to start Catching Fire. I had to stay with Katniss and find out what happened next. What could possibly happen in the next book?

Things started off a little slow and I wondered if the author had lost her touch. Maybe Hunger Games was a one off wonder. Then the story started to get interesting and move along a bit more and I have to admit I wasn't sure which direction things were going to end up going. Whichever way they went I was with Katniss all the way.

Sadly I thought most of the story then turned out to be a bit predictable. I really didn't like having to go through the games again and I was scared at how this round would end. Knowing there is a third and last book helped satisfy my fear that Katniss was going to lose but I really didn't want anyone else to lose either! How was the story going to save her this time? I had no idea but it would have to be believable and good.

The end was fast and furious. I may even have to go back and listen to the last 30 mins again because I am sure I missed some details. There was a great cliffhanger ending and I am pretty sure that I will actually just start book three now and get things over and done with. I really need to know what happens next!

A brilliant second book in the trilogy but definitely not as awe inspiring and breathtaking as the first. What comes in books three is a mystery to me but I am pretty sure I am going to enjoy it.

As with the first book, this was a well read audio and I am really happy I am listening to them all. The narrator really does a super job and I can highly recommend checking these out if you like audios. On a side note...when I read Hunger Games I did think 'This would make a cool film'. Well it seems it is already in production. I can't wait to see how they do the 'girl on fire'.

58) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Blurb -

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts -

This is a book and trilogy that I have seen others rave about but for some reason never picked up myself. When I came across The Hunger Games in an Audible sale I decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss was about. Now I wish I had read this book sooner rather than later.

It was action packed, unique and inspiring! Everything that happens in this book makes you think 'What would I do in this situation?'. Despite the fact that The Hunger Games are unfair and cruel you can only hope that Katniss survives and wins. All the time you wonder what will happen next to help or hinder the progress of the amazing young woman.

I don't think I can express how good this book is. All I can tell you is that I downloaded the other two books in the series when I was about halfway through The Hunger Games. I had to have the next books ready in my library and I will start listening to Catching Fire, book #2, as soon as possible. I have to know what happens next!

If you are a fan of The Crow books by Jeri Smith-Ready or Maria V. Snyder's Study series then you will love this book. Set in a fantasy world that is so much like our own but also so different, this book shows what could be the future for us. While this may be Young Adult based this book is perfect for adults as well. I can also recommend listening to the audiobook as the narrator did a great job.