I did not know where this was going to go at all. At times, it seemed like not much was happening, which is a huge difference from the action in the first book. I don't need all that action, though, and especially the violence, and the tension surrounding the aftermath of Katniss's actions in the games was enough to keep me going. In case we forgot how much control the Capitol has, we're reminded in the way Katniss is controlled through threats to her loved ones.

This series so far has a different kind of a take on a love triangle. Katniss doesn't even really have much in the way of control over her own love life, and it brings home the reasons she had for not ever wanting to have a family. Even that decision will be out of her hands, if President Snow has anything to say about it. He's not happy, but I did not expect the way he would take it out on her. When the story takes its sudden turn, I worried it would be too reminiscent of the first book, but I found it pretty darn fresh.

For someone who never, ever planned to read this series, it's amazing how much I've enjoyed it. This book took turns I never expected and left me really wanting to know what's going to happen! Now it's all the more important to me to avoid spoilers for a book & movie series that's been around for long enough for people to not care about spoilers. ( )

As a sixty five year old grumpy Yorkshireman I am sure I am not the target audience for this book. However having thoroughly enjoyed the films when I saw all three books at a bargain price in my favourite Barnardos charity shop I couldn't resist. I was not disappointed engaging from first to last page with the ending setting up book three. Clever descriptive imaginative with superb characters who leap of the page, and plenty of action.
Completely and utterly recommended. ( )

8.5/10 ( )

Again, excellent. ( )

It's always a pleasure to discover well-written, engaging books that stand on their own as adventure stories, yet interwoven with sophisticated and provocative commentary. And I especially love it when authors create works that can be enjoyed by readers across the age spectrum...it makes "talking books" all the more fun and rewarding. (I don't so much enjoy having to face the fact that my aversion to All Things Trendy almost cost me this enjoyable experience.)

Now, on to Mockingjay....

PS Rebekah - I think finishing at 11:51 on New Year's Eve should make this count towards the 2014 Challenge, but I will play by the rules! ( )