I hate that I’m giving this two stars. Such a strong opening!! Yet it’s bogged down by a horrific bloated middle that just dilutes what impact there is by the end.

There’s stuff here I like. I like that Snow is as horrible as he is from the get-go. I love Lucy Gray and how we know so little about her because we’re locked in that limited 3rd person narrative. I love how you only get glimpses of who she really is through her songs. I love Sejanus and his whole conflict with his tribute. I love the revelations with the ending.

Ugh but hippity hoppity, that villain was lame. And would think! So was the game!

Man. This thing needs the fluff taken out of it to save the great opening/ending.