Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)
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32 reviews with 5 stars
43 reviews
Overall rating
4.6
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4.6(43)
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4.4(26)
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4.7(25)
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Blown Away!
Overall rating
5.0
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Catching Fire greatly improves upon The Hunger Games and that in itself is amazing. I love the first book, Katniss is one of the few characters that I really relate to. Her love for her family and those close to her mean more to her than anything and I'm the same way. Her strength isn't her weapon, it's her will.
This book really shows how the fire is spreading and how the people of Panam are ready to be free, to take their lives into their own hands. One of my favorite parts was in District 11 where they all do the hand sign. It just shows how sick they are of suffering and how ready they are to follow a leader.
The love triangle, if you can even call it that, is very tame. I know some people who won't even read a book if it has a love triangle because they say Twilight ruined it all. To me though, it's very down played and easy to get through. Katniss isn't really a lover to me. She is a fighter.
There isn't a character in this book I really hate (President Snow not included), Haymitch Abernathy, Katiness Everdeen, and Johanna Mason are my favorites though. Haymitch is sweet in his sad drunken way and I'm not sure why but Johanna, there is just something about her I love.
I do have a quote from the book that just sends chills through me when I read it or when I hear it in the movie, "Remember who the real enemy is."
?Haymitch
Overall, this book is breathtaking and amazing. I would never get tried of rereading it.
This book really shows how the fire is spreading and how the people of Panam are ready to be free, to take their lives into their own hands. One of my favorite parts was in District 11 where they all do the hand sign. It just shows how sick they are of suffering and how ready they are to follow a leader.
The love triangle, if you can even call it that, is very tame. I know some people who won't even read a book if it has a love triangle because they say Twilight ruined it all. To me though, it's very down played and easy to get through. Katniss isn't really a lover to me. She is a fighter.
There isn't a character in this book I really hate (President Snow not included), Haymitch Abernathy, Katiness Everdeen, and Johanna Mason are my favorites though. Haymitch is sweet in his sad drunken way and I'm not sure why but Johanna, there is just something about her I love.
I do have a quote from the book that just sends chills through me when I read it or when I hear it in the movie, "Remember who the real enemy is."
?Haymitch
Overall, this book is breathtaking and amazing. I would never get tried of rereading it.
Book Review: Catching Fire
Overall rating
5.0
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Good Points
(Warning: Review may contain spoilers!)
I guess I can safely say that anyone who has ever read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the second installment in The Hunger Games trilogy, will agree to this statement by the The New York Times when they reviewed the book: "Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book."
Because I do. I one-hundred percent agree.
Catching Fire follows the story of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's life after winning the 74th Hunger Games. They have everything they could ever ask for: food, money, a house in the Victor's Village, and the relieving known fact that they can never be reaped for the Games again. But a surprise visit from President Snow shakes Katniss's world once again, creating more damage than there already is. Uprisings are transpiring, the simple action of Katniss holding out the berries at the last year's Games is taken as a sign of going against the Gamemakers, against the Capitol. And suddenly, the mockingjay that is once nothing but a district token has embodied Katniss in a completely different way—it has abruptly become a symbol of rebellion.
The plot of the second book is utterly well-organized and more than scrupulously thought out. I like that it is more invigorating than The Hunger Games. I also like that it contains a lot of gasp-worthy surprises, which promises an even rousing and thrilling read than the first book. You don't know what you're in for suddenly, just when you think you have a hunch or a prognosis as to what could be happening next. You'll just find yourself saying the same exact words Katniss Everdeen herself stated in the beginning of chapter 13: "I have to admit I didn't see it coming."
As for the new characters, I really like how Collins exceptionally characterized and strategically woven each new character introduced into Katniss's life. Johanna Mason (who, hands down, is my most favorite character so far), Finnick Odair, Wiress and Beetee, Plutarch Heavensbee, even all the other reaped victors—every single one of them have different personalities, different way of life and thinking, of beliefs, in comparison to Katniss's, and yet, they merged perfectly well together into this one unbelievable dream team. They form this powerful alliance that has the vigorous potential to become more potent than their cruel regime.
Referring back to my The Hunger Games book review, I like how Catching Fire further enhances the Yin and Yang element of Katniss and Peeta. The way they balance each other is what makes them a remarkable pair. While Katniss is not good with her words, Peeta is more than willing to shoulder all the public speaking. When Katniss wants to add her own knowledge in her family's book, but has not done so due to her lack of artistry, Peeta, having been raised in a family of bakers and thus having the necessary finesse, steps in to illustrate whatever it is Katniss wants to add to the book. It is very clear that they need each other more than anyone or anything.
Catching Fire definitely is worth the read. It is more dynamic and jarring than the first book, so I really, really recommend it. Even if you somehow satisfactorily savored The Hunger Games, pick up Catching Fire and it may just have enough discerning and intoxicating content (not to mention that terrible, terrible cliffhanger) to change your mind and make you pick up the last installment.
I guess I can safely say that anyone who has ever read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the second installment in The Hunger Games trilogy, will agree to this statement by the The New York Times when they reviewed the book: "Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book."
Because I do. I one-hundred percent agree.
Catching Fire follows the story of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's life after winning the 74th Hunger Games. They have everything they could ever ask for: food, money, a house in the Victor's Village, and the relieving known fact that they can never be reaped for the Games again. But a surprise visit from President Snow shakes Katniss's world once again, creating more damage than there already is. Uprisings are transpiring, the simple action of Katniss holding out the berries at the last year's Games is taken as a sign of going against the Gamemakers, against the Capitol. And suddenly, the mockingjay that is once nothing but a district token has embodied Katniss in a completely different way—it has abruptly become a symbol of rebellion.
The plot of the second book is utterly well-organized and more than scrupulously thought out. I like that it is more invigorating than The Hunger Games. I also like that it contains a lot of gasp-worthy surprises, which promises an even rousing and thrilling read than the first book. You don't know what you're in for suddenly, just when you think you have a hunch or a prognosis as to what could be happening next. You'll just find yourself saying the same exact words Katniss Everdeen herself stated in the beginning of chapter 13: "I have to admit I didn't see it coming."
As for the new characters, I really like how Collins exceptionally characterized and strategically woven each new character introduced into Katniss's life. Johanna Mason (who, hands down, is my most favorite character so far), Finnick Odair, Wiress and Beetee, Plutarch Heavensbee, even all the other reaped victors—every single one of them have different personalities, different way of life and thinking, of beliefs, in comparison to Katniss's, and yet, they merged perfectly well together into this one unbelievable dream team. They form this powerful alliance that has the vigorous potential to become more potent than their cruel regime.
Referring back to my The Hunger Games book review, I like how Catching Fire further enhances the Yin and Yang element of Katniss and Peeta. The way they balance each other is what makes them a remarkable pair. While Katniss is not good with her words, Peeta is more than willing to shoulder all the public speaking. When Katniss wants to add her own knowledge in her family's book, but has not done so due to her lack of artistry, Peeta, having been raised in a family of bakers and thus having the necessary finesse, steps in to illustrate whatever it is Katniss wants to add to the book. It is very clear that they need each other more than anyone or anything.
Catching Fire definitely is worth the read. It is more dynamic and jarring than the first book, so I really, really recommend it. Even if you somehow satisfactorily savored The Hunger Games, pick up Catching Fire and it may just have enough discerning and intoxicating content (not to mention that terrible, terrible cliffhanger) to change your mind and make you pick up the last installment.
Brilliant YA
Overall rating
4.7
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The review I wrote for book one is true for this book as well. It consumed me and was incredible. I couldn't put it down. I love how the political is entertwined in the series.
Loved it!!
Overall rating
5.0
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Enjoyed all the new characters. It keeps me wanting more.
Slow to start but ends with a bang!
Overall rating
4.7
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Oh, what's this then? the long lost art of plot? hmm.. it's been so long the signs were almost non distinguishable
Suzanne Collins has managed to capture the true inner workings of plotting for a revolution. Take it from somebody who's seen one first hand fairly recently.
Collins's story arch rings completely sincere as the second installment of the series explains the fascist regime of the capitol in further detail.
[Katinss Everdeen has survived a Games by challenging the authority figures of Panem who refuse to let her get away with undermining them and toss her right back into the arena to meet what is certain to be a gory death as the tributes this times are no set of trembling children. But previous victors of The Games themselves.
Meanwhile, small outbursts of discontent coalesce into a full scale rebellion and a new hope for escape from the cold clutches of The Capitol arises. will this be the salvation Katniss seeks? ]
However, from the very first chapter of the first book you can tell that Katniss is a total Mary Sue.
It's a sad fact that most YA literature is based on fantastical characters with deep rooted angst and an adoring fan club that follows them wherever they go. One they are honestly baffled by and therefore have no interest in(or can't make up their minds about).
The Gale/Katniss/Peeta triangle is too much of a reminder of Edward/Bella/Jacob for my liking.
Some people have complained that the book was drawn out at the beginning, I agree that the events lingered a bit at the start but what do you expect after your protagonist has only just survived a fight to the death?
In my opinion, the lag was natural for Katniss to catch her breath and prepare us for what comes next.
The Mary Sue-ness of Katniss might have dropped my rating for this book to 3 stars if it wasn't made up for by the end events, which had me thoroughly on the edge of my seat :)
Amazing
Overall rating
5.0
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Just as good as the first, maybe better.
oh Katniss
Overall rating
4.7
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My fave in the series.
Good Points
Action packed from beginning to end. We find out more about the Capitol.
Worth the read, but my least favorite of the trilogy
Overall rating
4.7
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This second book of the Hunger Games series was an important and creative segue from the 1st to 3rd book. It has great momentum, a definite page turner, but I found it not as exciting as the other two books, and parts were a little redundant of the Hunger Games.
Don't get me wrong, still an awesome read!
Don't get me wrong, still an awesome read!
MH
Matt Howard
Top 500 Reviewer
LOVE IT!!!!!!
Overall rating
5.0
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I LOVE this series and this book!!! An amazing sequel to the first book “the hunger games” (written by Suzanne Collins). In Catching Fire there is never a dull moment. Its a fast paced book for people who can take a sad part (or in this book multiple).
In the hunger games Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark (the star-crossed lovers from district 12) have made it out of the 74th Annual Hunger Games a fight to the death (only one is supposed to win) but Katniss and Peeta found a way to make it out of there together and alive. Now Katniss and Peeta are to go back into the arena to fight to the death again in the third “Quarter-Quell” in this any victor who has won the hunger games in the past is reaped and put back into the arena. Will Katniss and Peeta make it out alive for the second time? Or will it be the end of the star-crossed lovers form district 12?
Katniss is the main character. She must fight for her family but hunting out of the woods and survive a fight to the death not once but twice! Peeta has had a crush on Katniss for as long as he can remember. A backers son, he cares so much about Katniss. The main story takes place in the arena, which can change from a frozen wasteland to a barren dessert.
Katniss and Peeta have to face the arena again knowing that there is probably no chance that they will make it out alive considering that there are bigger and stronger people in the arena this time.
The whole book is interesting the entire time. Because of the twist on the seres it keeps you asking for more...
Good Points
~It has amazing characters that you love from the start but also some characters who you can hate but Suzanne Collins does a great job of making their personality's perfect.
~The story line is amazing! It keeps the entire book interesting
~One of the most well written book I have ever read. Everything makes perfect sense and is easy to understand
~The story line is amazing! It keeps the entire book interesting
~One of the most well written book I have ever read. Everything makes perfect sense and is easy to understand
100 out of 100
Overall rating
5.0
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Damn. Damn. Damn. Why didn’t I read Catching Fire sooner? I did. Two years ago. But then I stopped after reading the first 5 chapters (I think) because the pacing was just slow for me. I’m glad that I picked it up again though. I. LOVE. IT. There’s way more suspense, actions, and Katniss-Peeta moments. I love it more than the first book which is good because it would suck if the first book is better than the second. It means the story is improving! Also, I love the love triangle in this trilogy. It just flows so well.
Catching Fire is divided up into three parts. You know what’s cool? Every time you turn the page, it got better and better. The first part was kind of slow for me. Maybe because there wasn’t that much action taking place. But man! When you get to the next two parts, there’s a bunch of twist that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Literally. There’s also a lot of creepy parts especially in the third part. I was reading this before I slept and it just totally freaked me out. I really hope the movie turns out really well.
I don’t know what else to say. This book left me speechless, sad, scared, happy, and I even highlighted my book because there were a lot of good quotes! I hate writing/highlighting in my books by the way. I read it in 3 days, stayed up till one in the morning. I swear you’ll get obsessed with it, and BEFORE you read it, make sure you get a copy of Mockingjay because after you read this book, you’ll want to jump on that one right away.
Catching Fire is divided up into three parts. You know what’s cool? Every time you turn the page, it got better and better. The first part was kind of slow for me. Maybe because there wasn’t that much action taking place. But man! When you get to the next two parts, there’s a bunch of twist that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Literally. There’s also a lot of creepy parts especially in the third part. I was reading this before I slept and it just totally freaked me out. I really hope the movie turns out really well.
I don’t know what else to say. This book left me speechless, sad, scared, happy, and I even highlighted my book because there were a lot of good quotes! I hate writing/highlighting in my books by the way. I read it in 3 days, stayed up till one in the morning. I swear you’ll get obsessed with it, and BEFORE you read it, make sure you get a copy of Mockingjay because after you read this book, you’ll want to jump on that one right away.
Good Points
EVERYTHING
L
Leigh
Top 500 Reviewer
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