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| Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Published: 2009 Format: Hardcover Source: Borrowed |
Assuming you've read the first book, you have some idea of what's going on and what to expect. I adored the first book and couldn't wait to continue the series. This one slows down a bit at the beginning, compared to the first book, then picks right back up. Many people complain about the characters changing, but I didn't have a problem with it. In fact, I liked the developments between characters and seeing them change over time. Over all, I really enjoyed this book and it made a lovely sequel.
After winning the Hunger Games in the first novel, Katniss returns home to her family and settles into a new life in Victor's Village, next door to both Peeta and Haymitch. Returning home after the games is difficult on Katniss as she contends with possible feelings towards Peeta and working to understand the new relationship she has with her long time friend, Gale. Before she can really work anything out, she and Peeta are taken on their Victory tour around the districts, but it's nothing like Katniss imagined. She and a handful of berries set a spark of rebellion in the districts. Snow warned her a fire's hard to control, even for the Girl on Fire.
As I said, the beginning of this book is rather dull and it takes a while to actually get into it. I would say Collins's strongest point in the first book is the action within the games and the high stress situation. The Victory Tour is neither exciting or high stress. I suppose for Katniss it's high stress knowing a rebellion is brewing at her feet, but it isn't nearly as exciting as the first book. That being said, when the action does pick up it's great, as always. I love Collins's style of writing action scenes. The main action scene (if you've read it you know what I'm talking about ;) ) is amazingly done and I loved the new characters!
Speaking of the characters, I was happy with them. Ever present minded and caring Peeta is there in all his glory.You get to see a lot more of Gale, who is extremely interesting and one of my favorite males. The other Victors you meet are lovely. Beetee, Finnick, just, ah! I love them so much! Now Katniss, everyone says that Katniss's character changes, becomes weaker, but I kind of disagree. I'm planning a whole post on this one after my review of Mockingjay, so I'll talk more about it there.
Over all, I give this book a 4 star review. It was wonderful for a sequel, though the action was missing in the beginning, I understand the necessity of it. The new characters are beautiful and wonderful. The returning characters are as I expected them to be. The writing was very well done and I recommend it highly!
Have you read Catching Fire? What did you think? Was it a good sequel to The Hunger Games?
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