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Book Review of The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Bk 1)

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Bk 1)
annapi avatar reviewed on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


I had long put off reading this, because all the hype made me wary. But review after review kept singing its praises so I finally became interested enough to put it on my TBR. I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

In Collins's post-apocalyptic world, the nation of Panem has risen from the ashes of North America. The central Capitol controls 12 surrounding Districts, where life is hand-to-mouth harsh with the ever-present threat of starvation. One of the Capitol's ways of controlling the Districts is the annual Hunger Games, the ultimate reality show where a boy and girl from each district is chosen by lottery to compete in a fight to the death, the winner guaranteed a life of luxury. This year one unfortunate name chosen for District 12 is 12-year-old Primrose Everdeen. Horrified for her beloved younger sister, 16-year-old Katniss, on whose scavenging and hunting skills her mother and sister depend for survival, volunteers to take her place. Now if she wants to stay alive, she must not only fight but kill while the whole world watches.

From the opening, the book captured and held my attention. Collins's writing style is smooth and compelling, the pace perfectly maintained, the suspense riveting, the world very believable, the characters easy for the reader to get emotionally invested in, the ending a climax that does not disappoint after an intense buildup. The book truly deserves the accolades heaped on it. And yet - my actual rating is 4.75 stars. Rounded up to 5, yes, but while I thoroughly enjoyed this, it fell short of a sledgehammer effect on me. Still, I definitely recommend it!