Catching Fire

This is the second book in a 3-part series by Suzanne Collins. What is the best way to ensure really good, lasting sales? Write a phenomenal first book, and then spread the love to additional follow ups. This formula is proven to work (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Twilight), and I have once again fallen into the “trap”.

I reviewed the first in the series, The Hunger Games, and honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to read the next ones. I thought that it ended in a neat and tidy way, and I didn’t want anything to mess with that. Luckily, I succumbed and got the second book, because it is just as good, if not better! It was gripping from the first paragraph and I had to force myself to put it down at night. When I finished it (three days later) I had that sad/happy feeling that comes with ending something great. In my opinion, that is the mark of a truly good book. Unfortunately, the third book doesn’t come out for a few months…

Picking up where The Hunger Games left off, Petra and Katniss are back in their district, but they no longer live in the “slums”. As Hunger Games victors, they live in the fancy part of town and have more money than they know what to do with. Since the end of the last Hunger Games, there have been rumors of people rising up against the Capitol in the other 11 districts. Katniss has high hopes for the rebellion, but is conflicted about whether the save her family or join in the rebellion that some say she helped ignite.

Just as she is beginning to make up her mind, the ever present Capitol flexes it control. The president comes to visit Katniss in person, outright threatening the lives of her family if she decides to do anything that would be considered “a problem”. The 75th Hunger Games, a special games with a completely new set of rules, is to start in a few months, and the new rules shock every single person in every single district.