At this point, I couldn't tell you if I preferred the first book or not, but I certainly disagree with those who say that Catching Fire was poorly done. The bottom line is that there was no way Suzanne Collins could have ended the series after the first book. Katniss had caused too much damage with her 'Nightlock' stunt for there NOT to be a sequel... or two.
I couldn't put this book down. I would have to credit this to the way, just like in the first book, every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. For example, *SPOILER ALERT* when Peeta and Katniss were doing their victory tour and made their stop in District 11 where they made a more personal speech than they were supposed to for Rue's family and Thresh's family, the old man in the crowd whistled Rue's four-note song and everybody in the crowd gave Katniss the District 12, three-finger salute. I was going to put the book down at the end of this chapter, but then it ended with the man who'd whistled being dragged onto the stage and shot in the head. Of course I had to keep reading! *SPOILER OVER*
I have to say a lot more things happened in Catching Fire than what happened in the first book. This is probably because the first book gives more of a spotlight to the Games themselves, while Catching Fire is supposed to be about the aftermath of Katniss's actions in the Game of the first book. This quick-paced action of new event after new event, shock upon shock, kept me hooked. And sure enough, the ending of Catching Fire consisted of the perfect twist to leave room for the third installment, Mockingjay.
Katniss is growing on me more and more. I think she's a great heroine, and the inner conflict we are exposed to through her rings rather true to life. Peeta, I feel is both helping them in the eyes of the Capitol and digging a hole for them both with some of the stunts he pulls. I cannot believe what happened to Cinna, or at the very least what was implied! I actually really loved Cinna, though I didn't give him much of a mention last review. I no longer know how to feel about Haymitch... I guess I'll let you know when I review the next book, which I have already started reading.
What were everyone else's thoughts on Catching Fire?
- Bonnee.
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CF was my favorite of all three books. I loved the balance between action and introspection, and I think it did a wonderful job of really showing the heart and soul of so many characters. And the twists! They were so cleverly woven in, especially at the end. There were a few heart-wrenching parts for sure (Cinna and Mags), but overall, I thought it was a fantastic book.
ReplyDeleteI liked that CF still had an episode of the Games without making it feel repetitive. I was afraid I'd end up losing interest completely when they announced the Quarter Quell. The characters are getting better and better and I agree about the twists, especially at the end there. I thought the whole tick-tock thing was awesome! Definitely not a disappointment as some people told me it would be.
DeleteHi, Bonnee, blogging the book is working for me - novel - but it is extremely hard work, but as I say the up side is that I get the book finished pretty quickly. I'm sure it would be a great success is used for short stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply Carole. I've considered doing this before, so I might see how it works out :)
DeleteI haven't read it yet. Maybe it's next on my reading list. I do like the sound of it being the aftermath of the first book. What does she come home to? How has her life changed? Yeah, I'll have to read it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the aftermath. Not exactly the immediate changes, but the events that start to occur in the aftermath. Give it a read :)
DeleteI just read it, a quick, one-day read, but I have to say I was disappointed with it. I think it may be a result of looking for something different, though I was surprised that I liked the back half of the book better. Much of the first half, despite its length, felt like summary, a bit rushed and glossed over. SEMI-SPOILER: I feared it might turn into a rehash of the first book, but it didn't END SEMI-SPOILER. The Peeta-Gale thing bugged me a bit; I guess I'm just not one for love triangles, but I can understand it. The kind of experience Kat and Peeta had in the games is the sort of thing that bonds people forever.
DeleteI may need more mental processing time on this one. Anyway, I will read Mockingjay soon.
Huh, I WISH I could read as fast as you! I'll agree that the first half was a bit of a recap thing, and I was also scared the second half would turn into a rehash of the first book. I'm glad that the Quarter Quell allowed them to make it a bit different anyway. I can't say which half I preferred, probably the second half. But there were instances in the first half (Snow's visit, what happened in District 11) that really caught me.
DeleteLet me know when you've gotten around to Mockingjay! :)
My son read them. I probably should.
ReplyDeleteBut he says the last book was disappointing...
I was told that both 'Catching Fire' and 'Mockingjay' would be disappointing. But I'm almost finished 'Mockingjay' and I have to disagree. It's just much different from the first two books. I guess it's each to their own, though.
DeleteI've not read the series yet, but my wife tells me I ought to. Neat post, cool blog:)
ReplyDeleteYou totally should :)
Deletei may even go as far as saying that catching fire is my favourite book in the series. i dont know why, maybe it was because Finnick Odair was introduced cx but guess what? Apparently Annie wont be in the book! D:
ReplyDeleteI prefer Finnick in Mockingjay more, but he's a pretty cool character. I'm going to guess you mean Annie won't be in the movie, because, well, she's already in the book :p But that sucks...
Deletelololololol yes thats what i meant :p and im pretty devastated because i loved the finnick/annie love story...
DeleteIt's interesting that you have several criticisms yet still loved the book.
ReplyDeleteI find it a little scary to share the criticisms I have to be perfectly honest with you, because I know that people who love the book might be upset by it. But really, I'm looking at it in two ways:
Delete1. To help me learn as a writer, so I can tell myself, "I do want to write like this" or "I don't want to write like that."
2. Because I actual enjoy the task of proof-reading, and I want to end up in an editing position or an agent. It's become a natural habit that I take note of anything that bothers me and don't hold back when commenting about it.
Haven't read this book in the series. Thanks for the review, though!
ReplyDeleteGet on it! I believe in finishing series, even if I don't think the continuation after the first book will be any good.
DeleteI'll wait for the movie ..:)
ReplyDeletePft, I know YOU will ;) haha, I've never known a writer to be such a lazy reader.
Delete"Preview Premier Leauge Sat12/9/20>> Red check Hendo, Gunner lack of Luiz"
ReplyDelete