Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication Date: August 2010

One Word Review: Unexpected

Author Website: www.suzannecollinsbooks.com

First Line: “I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

Kathy’s Review ****SPOILER WARNING****: Well I’m not really sure where to begin with this one. I read it yesterday and knew I had to sleep on it before I wrote my review. First, it must be hard being an author and writing a final book in a trilogy. You’d want to write a book that lives up to the first two, and that ends in a way that would make fans want to re-read the series. For me, I will definitely re-read the series. I loved the first book and I admit, I think I loved the first so much it has influenced what I’ve thought of books two and three.

Anyway, on to the review…I enjoyed this one, like the first two I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. If you liked the first two books then you will of course want to read this one and will probably end up liking this one, despite some of the drawbacks. I think what drew me in to the first two books; besides the original story and action was the love-triangle. As much as love-triangles frustrate me, it really was a big part in the story, especially the relationship between Peeta and Katniss (in my opinion). This installment focused more on the revolution and way less on the love-triangle. For me, an important element was left out and it made me like the story a little less. Peeta and Katniss had always had great chemistry, they balanced each other out and were so loyal to each other. Gale and Katniss also had a little something, for me it felt less romantic, but there was always enough there to make me a little torn. In this last installment I almost didn’t care who she ended up with, at times thinking it might be better if Katniss were to choose neither. There were some good opportunities for some romantic tension, but they were overshadowed by the revolution and drama going on. For me, that was a big miss.

As for Katniss, she didn’t seem like herself (actually, neither did Peeta or Gale, they all seemed really out of character). She spent a lot of time in the hospital or recovering from some ailment, and most people around her thought she was mentally ill. There would be a great scene and then BAM, she wakes up in the hospital and we miss out on what happened. At one point Katniss finally realizes the power she has, how the Rebels really look up to her. I was hoping from that point on she would step into the leadership roll, but she doesn’t. I know war is awful and she had experienced some horrible things, BUT I was hoping she would rise above and show courage, strength and be more aggressive. Instead it felt like she was still a puppet.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, it was wrapped up rather quickly and Katniss played a really small role in how everything turns out. I again was hoping that with all the experiences she’s had she would want to play a more influential role in the building up of the new country, or at least played a bigger role in deciding what happens with her life, instead of having it chosen for her and becoming kind of a recluse. And even when one of the guys shows up at the end, it felt rushed and unsatisfactory. The romance part had been left out so much, that I just didn’t feel that much by the end. I was also disappointed in how things ended with the other guy, it just didn’t feel right and I didn’t get the closure I was hoping for.

Having said that, I was not mad at how the book ended, in fact I was pleased with everything. It wasn’t perfect, or exactly what I wanted, but it was still a good read (a little slow in parts), and definitely one of my favorite series!

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:
Book One: Hunger Games
Book Two: Catching Fire (Jess's review)
Book Three: Mockingjay

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins

“Book Two left off with Gregor reading the Prophecy of Blood: a prophecy that calls for Gregor and Boots to return to the Underland to help ward off a deadly plague. But this time, Gergor’s mother refuses to let him return to the Underland…until the rat Ripred assures the family that Gregor and Boots are just needed for a short meeting, which the crawlers will attend only if their “princess” Boots is present. Gregor’s mom finally relents, on the condition that she go with them. The Underland plague is spreading, and when on e of Gregor’s family is stricken, he begins to understand his role in the Prophecy of Blood, and must summon all his power to end the biological warfare that threatens the warmblooded creatures of the Underland.”

This was another great book in the Underland Chronicles. It was fun reconnecting with favorite characters and meeting some fun new ones as well. We learn a little more history of the Underland and I couldn’t help thinking “can’t we all just get along”. It’s sad to read about all the pointless wars and hatred between the different races in Underland. Hopefully as the series continues they will find a way to live together in peace.

I only gave this one four stars because the format of the story is kind of the same in all the books, at least so far. It starts out in New York where Gregor is brought down to the Underland. At which point he is then sent on a mission to save the “world”. A journey ensues with lots of travel and danger and then they return to the Underland and eventually back to New York. We learn new things and meet new characters, and of course they travel to different places in the Underland, but the format is the same. Still a great, entertaining read and I definitely recommend it to all fantasy lovers. Suzanne Collins is an amazing author. Can’t wait to read part four!

Book One: Gregor the Overlander
Book Two: Prophecy of Bane
Book Three: Curse of the Warmbloods
Book Four: Marks of Secret
Book Five: Code of Claw

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins

“In the months since Gregor first encountered the strange Underland beneath New York City, he’s sworn he won’t ever go back. But when another prophecy, this time about an ominous white rat known as the Bane, calls for Gregor’s help, the Underlanders know the one way they can get his attention is through his little sister, Boots. Now Gregor’s quest reunites him with his bat, Ares, the rebellious princess Luxa, and new allies and sends them through the dangerous and deadly Waterway in search of the Bane. Then Gregor must face the possibility of his greatest loss yet, and make life and death choices that will determine the future of the Underland.”

This was the second book in the Underland Chronicles, and it was just as amazing as the first. Suzanne Collins has a wonderful way of sucking you into a story and making you fall in love with her characters. This book was full of adventure with a lot of the old characters that we loved from the first book and also introduces some new friends. The book has a satisfying ending and yet also kind of leaves you on a cliffhanger. I want to find out the mystery behind Mrs. Cormaci and also what happens to some of his friends. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Book One: Gregor the Overlander
Book Two: Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Book Three: Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Book Four: Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Book Five: Gregor and the Code of Claw

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

“When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats -- but the fragile peace is about to fall apart. Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home.. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland’s uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.”

After reading and loving the Hunger Games I decided to see what other books Suzanne Collins had written, which is how I came to read Gregor the Overlander. I really enjoyed the story, even though I hate bugs, it was a great read. It reminded me of “The Hollow Kingdom” or “City of Ember” and probably a few others, where it consists of people who live underground. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not see the Sun or the Moon. Gregor is a great character, very believable and I loved his little sister “boots”. I wasn’t sure how a two-year-old would work in an adventure story, but she was very cute and lovable. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

Book One: Gregor the Overlander
Book Two: Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Book Three: Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Book Four: Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Book Five: Gregor and the Code of Claw

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlaying 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 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sexteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger siseter, 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 beafore--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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

Wow! I loved this book. The story was great and I loved the main characters. I thought the main idea of the book was a bit distrubing, but it was writing extremly well. You really end up rooting for Katniss and Peeta. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down, I HAD to keep reading to see what would happen. At the beginging I thought I knew about how it would end, but I was actually surprised. The love story is fun, I totally fell for Peeta, but also am curious about Gale. There will be a very interesting love-triangle for the second book. The second book comes out in September, I can't wait! This is a great read and I recommend it to everyone!

Book One: Hunger Games

Book Two: Catching Fire