The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Hunger Games is possibly one of my favorite franchises/series to exist. I remember when I was in the seventh grade (nearly a decade ago!) beginning the trilogy. I remember watching Catching Fire in the movies with my best friend and watching Mocking Jay part 1 with my dad. Good times :)

This prequel has me slightly over the fence. The beginning felt slow, the romance towards the end felt unnecessary and stretched out. The middle, once the Games start, is what I found to be the most influential part. Actual commentary as the Hunger Games should be. I shed tears over most of the tributes and also for best boy Sejanus when he was hanged. Cory on the other hand can choke. But I already felt that way when I finished Mockingjay when I was in 8th grade and this prequel supports those feelings.

Lucy Gray was meh and so was the Dean. Dr. Gaul was kinda cool in a mad scientist way and side character Festus is also best boy along with Sejanus. Cory having his own little Hunger Games moment towards the end with his love was exhilarating and provided a parallel to Katniss and Peeta. I also enjoyed the little “Easter eggs” that hint towards the trilogy, they made me happy.


For my last remark I have to say that the book was too long and certain scenes and moments could've been left out or shortened and reading the last 100 pages was difficult as I felt the romance drag out the book, but nevertheless I enjoyed the book.


Also: would've preferred a book on the first rebellion, life before Panem, how Panem came to be, or even a book on Haymitch's Quarter Quell! Way more interesting than Snow >:(