Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (5 stars)

Engaging from Beginning to End

THE HUNGER GAMES is one of those books that is impossible to resist and you do not want to put down. The premise is irresistible, one of those guilty pleasures, and reminiscent of BATTLE ROYALE. There can be many comparisons drawn between these two books; but, most would fall staggeringly short as the only thing these books really have in common is young children placed in an area where they will kill each other.

What makes THE HUNGER GAMES a force to be read is the beauty in which the "fantasy world" is built. There is a lot of history in this near post-apocalyptic world, and it is revealed in small doses in perfect increments. The story is woven between the history of the children, the history of the government and ruling class, and the history of the games. Strung throughout the book are engaging characters, intriguing situations, with the common denominator being the wonderfully paced prose.

This was not a book that I could not put down; but, it was a book that I did not want to put down. Finding a book with good pacing is difficult these days. The entire book is not just a buildup to an unexpected and unstoppable climax, but rather chapter after chapter of climax.

Back on the comparison of BATTLE ROYALE, this book does not get bogged down with irrelevant details and countless flashbacks that break up the story. I loved BATTLE ROYLE and I loved THE HUNGER GAMES. As I said, they really cannot be compared other than the fundamental premise. However, if you liked one, I recommend the other.

Good reading,

Plants and Books