The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)

Suzanne Collins returns to the dystopian world of Panem in this origin story for the villain of her original 'Hunger Games' trilogy; President Coriolanus Snow. The novel sees Snow aged about 18, living in genteel poverty with his grandmother and cousin in a Capitol still recovering from the civil war which ended ten years before. In a new idea to increase public interest in the brutal Hunger Games, he and his classmates from the prestigious Academy are called on to mentor the Tributes in the Games. He is assigned Lucy Gray, from impoverished District 12, who seems more of a singer than a fighter, and throws his considerable abilities into helping her succeed. But the stakes are extremely high, for Snow as well as Lucy Gray, not least as old grudges against his family keep working against him. Collins is always a compelling and very readable author and she creates a world that is immersive and believable in all its brutality. Her use of Roman names and the gladiatorial parallels of the Games are the perfect way to reflect a society that is both incredibly sophisticated and unbelievably cruel. Snow is very well drawn - Collins manages to make him sympathetic and likeable, despite readers knowing how he turns out, and yet also avoids making him too nice or saintly in a way that would be inconsistent with his characterisation as an older adult. Lucy Gray is also an interesting and very likeable character and as the reader doesn't know what becomes of her worrying about her fate is sufficient to keep you hooked. There's also a very chilling villain (more sinister than even the adult Snow was). The plot is eventful, packed with both action and psychological tension. It zips along and is difficult to put down. Underpinning that are real questions about human nature and how to run an effective society. Whilst it is ostensibly a young adult book (more for teenagers than younger, due to its darkness) I read it as an adult and other than the youth of the characters didn't see anything to distinguish it from good adult fiction. The novel does undergo something of a slump in the second half, after the Games themselves end but the story carries on for some time. Whilst the second part is still good and compelling, it never quite regains the tension that had been building as the Tributes fought it out in the arena. I'd have been tempted to split it into two novels had I been Collins (people would certainly have bought a second!). I don't know if she plans any sequels featuring Snow during his rise to power - there is certainly scope for more, although it would mean following an older character which I guess might affect her YA credentials. Overall this is a very well written, gripping and thought provoking book. It is dark and cruel, but still feels very escapist. It will appeal to teenagers, but equally to adult readers of fantasy and futuristic fiction. I'd definitely read any other books Collins chooses to write set in this world. In terms of reading order for those who haven't read the original trilogy, I think you could read this one before or after. The evolution of the Games from this novel to the later three is interesting, but could be appreciated in either order. There's only one real spoiler in the later trilogy which is the ultimate fate of Snow himself. So readers with the option could enjoy in either order.

Why I Like This Book “Well, as they said, it’s not over until the mockingjay sings.” I was filled with nervous excitement to start reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I love The Hunger Games trilogy, but throughout the reader is persuaded to hate President Snow, which I do. So, why would I want to read a prequel all about him? The curiosity to find out what happened during the war and uprisings in Panem, and how it affected Snow made me actually pick this book up and start reading it. I wanted to know what happened for him to carry the games on for 75 years and predominately turn evil. The nostalgia of The Hunger Games is probably what I enjoy most, rather than reading about Snow’s life. So, if you were a fan of The Hunger Games, I would recommend reading this as the whole story revolving around the 10th Hunger Games is very interesting and captivating. The Story “The strain of being a full-fledged adult every day had grown tiresome.” The build-up to the 10th anniversary of the Hunger Games is quite fast-paced. Almost immediately in Collins’ fourth instalment, we are introduced to new information, tributes and fresh ideas to make the games more fun for the viewers. In the book, a new perspective on the games is revealed. We get to sit back and join the voyeurs in the Capital, as opposed to seeing the hunger games we already know. We follow Snow on his journey through District 12. What seems to be a story about romance and love quickly takes a turn. Murder, destruction and the inner battles Snow struggles with, take up a huge part of the book towards the end. We see the conflict of him wanting to be a good person and wanting to change the failure that his life has become. The Characters “Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.” Who likes Snow? I’ll admit he is a very good villain throughout The Hunger Games trilogy and I’m sure a lot of people are curious about him and how he ended up being so corrupt. Collins’ intention wasn’t to make you feel sorry for Snow, and if it was, I really didn’t. His actions and intentions frustrated me and I almost didn’t want to read on, because I knew he would only make bad decisions. However, I’m glad his character is so consistent and carried on making these bad decisions. Collins wasn’t trying to make him a new person, or coax us into liking him. I really started appreciating his character and understood what made him be the man that he was in The Hunger Games trilogy. Lucy Gray Baird has to be my favourite character, maybe a lot of you will agree once you’ve read it? She has numerous similarities to Katniss Everdeen and not just the fact that she is the tribute from District 12, extremely clever, and family motivated. The romance that commences during the book is cute but necessary to show us Snow’s true character and abilities. I got a little spark of joy whenever I read a name I recognised from the original books. Again, it was the nostalgia of seeing some of these characters or their relatives again that made me love reading this book. The Design “We’ll get new dreams out there…” I always take the paper cover off of my hardback books. It looks neater and they always end up falling off for me anyway. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is one of the nicest designs I have seen. The cover is so simple and bright, it is the first book your eyes get drawn to, especially on my bookcase. As well as the cover, the artwork continues throughout the book with the beautiful illustrations of snakes. Original photo to show page artwork of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Page Artwork Overall Thoughts “Snow lands on top” There are a lot of different views on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I didn’t know how I to feel while reading it or after I finished. Even writing this now I am still debating which rating to give. I have always said I’d love to read/watch more Hunger Games from previous years, and I was so excited to think this is what Collins’ was giving us. Although this was not the case. Overall, I loved reading this book, although it did start to drag a bit towards the end. This book is not written in the same story structure as The Hunger Games. I wouldn’t recommend if that is what you’re looking for. However, if you are interested and curious to see Snow back in his prime, how the uprising in Panem truly affected The Capitol and the Districts and how the games were early on, I would highly recommend you read this book. Rating: 4/5

Bough this book just out of curiosity with no expectation - well, I literally couldn’t stop reading it! The writing is simply amazing, sending the reader into the story. 100% recommended!!! Book quality is ok and delivery was on time, as expected.

Toujours dans la même veine que les premiers hunger games, encore un roman qui fait la part belle aux subtilités psychologiques humaines plutôt que de se satisfaire de personnages caricaturaux. S’intégre très bien à la série : j’adore !

Ótimo

Inga skav eller liknande när boken kom hem. Är så taggad på att läsa den, Hunger Games fick mig att komma in i läsandet så ska bli spännande! Jag såg filmen förra året så har höga förväntningar på boken nu🫣

Love this book, great condition as well.