This is the second in the Hunger Games trilogy and it is as great as the first! For those late to the scene, the Hunger Games are a set of colosseum-like challenges set in an arena for the benefit of wealthy spectators in the Capitol of this dystopian world. Katniss and Peeta, the heroes from the first, have begun their life as Victors, but little do they know that the ruling bodies have plans for them…
Is it science-fiction, then? Certainly. Is it full of techno-babble? No. Is it accessible for young adult readers? They are the main target audience but every adult who has read it has also enjoyed it. It is not as “romantic” as Twilight, has a wide range of themes which would be able to be talked about in class and has enough action to satisfy both male and female readers who might be easily bored. The characters are interesting and complex. Their relationships with each other move from reluctant tolerance to love to hatred and cannot be summarised easily. This is especially true when they move into the arena itself and have to forge alliances to survive the new tortures thrown at themĀ by the Gamemasters. It has a very Big Brother-ish feel to it, with a touch of Gladiators thrown in for good measure. People do die, so it is not the kind of book that I would suggest for young readers. This is not a world where characters get knocked unconscious and carried away by the police in a polite fashion. Life is harsh. Whole cities are destroyed. This adds to the power of the book(s).
Highly recommended and I am eagerly waiting for the next installment. More info can be found here…