Synopsis
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love.
Thoughts
I just read this novel for the first time! I know, I know. Also… WOW! The Hunger Games has now joined the ranks of my favorite books of all time.
I had watched The Hunger Games movies as they were released, but I was not in my reading era back then. So, I tucked away the idea of reading the books someday. Luckily, I set some awesome reading goals this year, which included starting some series I had been meaning to read. And shame on me for not moving this one to the top of the list.
This book deserves all of the stars. The story draws on elements of dystopian classics, such as Nineteen Eighty-Four, Fahrenheit 451, and Lord of the Flies. However, it is an innovative and exquisitely crafted work of fiction. The range of emotion, depth of character, and world-building in this book are all brilliant.
I was immediately pulled into this world and felt so much love, horror, worry, heartbreak, and hope for its many characters. I look forward to continuing the series. And that is an understatement!
Question
Have you read this series?