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Review: #298
Title: The Hunger Games
Series: The Hunger Games - 1st book
Author: Suzanne Collins
Read Before: no
My Comments: One thing I can recommend, don’t spoil the story for yourself by watching the movie or reading a plot summarising. A huge part of the addictiveness is due to the unexpected twists and turns of the story. As a premise, the book is about a survival test between twenty four people between the ages of 12 to 18 (yes… children/teenagers…), they are pitted together to kill until there is only one left, who is declared the winner. It’s brutal, it’s violent, and it can be disturbing that it is done as entertainment for a certain group of people. Yet it brings up a multitude of questions, it makes you think of how that world got into the state that it is in, why the games were created, and what effects it would have. You would think, if it was you, and you were thrown into something like this, with the odds most likely not in your favour, that you were probably destined for a painful death in a matter of days, what would you do. This setting is very unique and the execution is brilliant. To be honest, the book is a bit hyped up, but still very good nevertheless. A part of it deals with the setting up of the games, and you can tell it’s a well thought-out process. It’s thorough and organised as each stage of the story progresses. It presents a strong beginning. Once the games actually start, wow, the events that take place would not leave you disappointed. The truth about how twisted and sick it feels hits you in the face, no mercy is found (well, almost none). I wouldn't call it politics, but a lot of strategy comes into play in order to just survive, let alone win. Clearly, you would expect the main character (and narrator) to win, but there were a lot of times where you just convinced yourself, how? There was tension underlying in every action. I won’t spoil it, but when there is a crucial announcement that sparks of hope, which is very relevant during the ending. It was unexpected yet fitting, and the games resolved very satisfyingly. I loved how just when you thought it was over, it wasn't, and the effects of the characters’ actions were brought into play. I like how the author didn't pad it out *too much* with description. There were some sad and sympathetic moments. Oh, and the reason why it’s called the Hunger Games is revealed here (for anyone who watched the movie that was confused). This is a great book that leaves the most impact if you go into it blindly.
Rating: 8/10