Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Spoiler Free)

Title: Mockingjay (Book 3 in the Hunger Games Trilogy)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA, Post-apocalyptic, romance, action
Perfect for: those who have read the series, starting with 'Hunger Games'.

NOTE: This review is spoiler-free. Comments on this should be spoiler-free, as well!

Katniss has been thrown into the Hunger Games twice now and each time has survived, mocking the governing power called The Capital. On the brink of war with the districts, the Capital doesn't like that one bit. No one is safe as the rebellion that was only just beginning in 'The Hunger Games' is now at full force in 'Mockingjay'.

Without going into spoiler-ville, let me just say that I loved this conclusion to the Hunger Games Trilogy. The whole series has been pretty dark and this book definitely followed suit. That being said, Collins ended this series perfectly. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, gasp making, and pretty much a whirlwind of a read.

'Mockingjay' starts off a bit slower than the other two novels, but rest assured, picks up quickly once it reaches part 2 of the story. Because the focus of 'Mockingjay' isn't just another Hunger Game, 'Mockingjay' has a lot of surprising turns and allows for plenty of character development, specifically in the case of past Hunger Games contestants and best friend Gale.

One of the best things about 'Mockingjay' is that Collins keeps everything real. Nothing is sugar-coated, all the way down to the hunger games impact on the psyche of the heroes we've grown to love. This is truly a story that people will remember.

'Mockingjay' is available online and in stores now!

Fantasy Cast: The Hunger Games

Back in 2009, movie production company Lionsgate bought the rights to a book called 'The Hunger Games' vowing to make a movie trilogy once the three book series was released. Now that all three books are out, they can get to making it.

Here's my fantasy cast for 'The Hunger Games'!!!

Paul Wesley (credits: Fallen, Vampire Diaries) as Gale:

I adore Paul Wesley.  He fell on my radar when he starred in the ABC Family mini-series 'Fallen'.  If you haven't seen it, check it out!!!  Anyway, he seems like a pretty perfect Gale.  Strong, manly, and hot.

Elle Fanning (credits: Because of Winn-Dixie, Astro Boy) as Prim:

Dekota Fanning is too old to play Prim, so the role has to go to her sister, Elle.  If she has even half the talent of her famous sister, she should be able to pull at our heartstrings in the role of Prim!!!

Alex Pettyfer (credits: Alex Rider, Beastly) as Peeta:

I'll be honest here... I haven't seen this kid act yet.  He just really looks like Peeta and I think he'd match up pretty well to my Gale.

Robert Downey Jr.  (credits: Iron Man) as Haymitch:

The actor who plays Haymitch needs to have the ability to make us love him, even with his addiction to the bottle.  Robert Downey Jr. could totally do that.

James McAvoy (credits: Shameless, Penelope) as Cinna:

Oh, James McAvoy, how I love thee.  Really, he's talented and pretty.  Those are two things an actor playing Cinna needs to be!

And playing the title role of Katniss?  In my opinion, it should go to an unknown or at least relatively unknown actress.  Bring in someone we viewers won't associate with any other major roles; someone who the audience will really see as Katniss.  (Not in the crazy way Twilight fanatics see Kristin and Rob as Bella and Edward, but in a less obsessive sort of way!!  Sorry, Twi-hards, you have to admit, asking someone to 'bite' you or 'growl' at you at a signing is weird!) 

So there you have it-- my 'Hunger Games' movie cast.  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know!  Remember, keep comments spoiler free!!!

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Format: ARC
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Perfect for: Teens/Adults

The Hunger Games was one of those `can't eat, can't sleep, must finish' kind of books for me, so like many other fans, I could hardly wait to get my hands on Catching Fire, the sequel. I had high expectations and was a little worried about this `middle' book not living up to them. Boy, was I wrong to worry.

Catching Fire surpasses The Hunger Games by a mile. We are brought back to our heroes, Katniss and Peeta, a few months after they won their Hunger Games. If their win had been as past wins were, all they'd need to worry about is getting through the Victory Tour, but unfortunately for them, their journey is not destined to be easy. Before the tour, Katniss learns that the government is mad about the duos actions during the last few minutes of their Hunger Games and is warned that any wrong move will cost not only her, but everyone around her.

What transcends is a novel that truly will surprise you. Collins takes turns that you won't see coming and, trust me, those turns are perfectly executed. Peeta and Katniss are once again joined by a unique group of characters, old and new, in this most recent adventure. Relationships are tested further to the point where, as a reader, you will choose a side. And, again, Collins writes this gruesome reality in a very clean, non-gruesome way.

If you loved The Hunger Games, then I know you don't care if I recommend it or not. You already know to read it, as well you should. This novel is better than is predecessor and highly recommended.