Happy 2016 one and all! I’m pleased that this year has begun with the early completion of my first book for the 2016 Reading Challenge.
Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Released: 2010
Pages: 390
Favourite character: Katniss Everdeen
Category: #30 A book with a blue cover
Rating: 8/10
Review:
“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is the concluding volume in the highly addictive ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy. The finale follows newly elected face of the rebellion, Katniss Everdeen, and her role in the plot to overthrow the oppressive President Snow and the Capitol.
Despite the majority of the novel being set during a war, it feels the least thrilling of the three books. The main characters are largely kept away from the front line, and as a result the buildup and climax feels both rushed and forced. Despite this, there is still a large amount of character development, particularly surrounding Peeta and Finnick, both of whom add depth and meaning to the plot. The main plot twist was the saving grace of the novel; I absolutely did not see it coming.
Although this is undoubtedly the weakest of the three, it is still an emotional, thought-provoking novel, featuring an eclectic cast of characters in the most desperate of situations. The series as a whole is undeniably one of my favourites of all time, but in some respects I feel the conflict was resolved a little too easily considering the gravity of the uprising.
I could talk all day solely about the Epilogue (why must everything be wrapped up nicely with a big red bow?) but simply put, even allowing for its faults, I adore this trilogy! I love Katniss’s determination and drive, Peeta’s courage and protectiveness, Finnick’s resilience, even Gale’s stubbornness. I love the terrifying nature of the games, Snow’s insane creepiness and the political change desired and fought for by the rebels. It’s pure YA dystopian excellence.
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When I reread Mockingjay just before the movie came out, I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed reading the last instalment again, it wasn’t as dull as I remembered, but I can see why people may call it less thrilling. Nice review!
I would be inclined to agree. The first time I read it I was unimpressed (compared to the first two) but this time I connected more with the motivations of the characters, probably because I knew how it was all going to play out.
I really liked this book when I read it a few years ago, but I feel like I need to pick up this series again! I miss the characters haha.
The characters are amongst few in literature that I truly adore!
First off, I love your pop figures! 😀 And second I liked your review, I also agree with you about the epilogue, I never cared for how this series ended. It felt very forced, and unnatural. Like we knew the characters would end up together, we don’t need that extra bit of dialogue to tell us that. But overall, yes this series is one of my favourites! 🙂
I couldn’t agree with you more, though epilogues usually set my teeth on edge in general.
I agree, most epilogues aren’t done well, so I think they shouldn’t even be included. But what can I do… I’m just the reader lol