windchime reviewed Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Review of 'Hunger Games' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I was a bit wary of this trilogy because of all the hype. Last time I read a book that had this much hype around it before I read it, it was The Da Vinci Code...
But anyway, I needn't have worried, because this book was GOOD. More than that, it grabbed me and refused to let go until I'd finished reading it - which I did in record time. I hadn't really noticed, but I guess it's been a while since I really had that 'can't put it down' feeling with a new book, even books I've enjoyed. Well, I had it in spades with this.
The setting is interesting and feels original, despite having familiar elements (yes, the concept has elements reminiscent of Battle Royale, but Suzanne Collins takes that concept and runs with it in whole new directions). You get a real sense of a fully-formed world here. The characters all feel like real people, flaws and all, and the plot takes twists and turns that I didn't see coming, even when I thought I was sure I had it all pegged. There's drama, trauma, and heartbreak galore, but also moments of unexpected (especially given the circumstances) sweetness. The writing is straightforward but engrossing and the pacing is brilliant, continually driving the plot, and the reader, forward. It is, as they say, a real page-turner.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone.