The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Release Date: July 6th 2010 (paperback)
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc
Pages: 374
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


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 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love. goodreads

This was one of the first dystopian books I have ever read and boy, was it amazing. For the past couple of years I've been reading very realistic fiction, from the likes of Sarah Dessen. I read such amazing reviews online and I couldn't any longer. I then found it in the school library and it was like fate, and most definitely love at first read.

The portrayal of the Capitol and the break down of society I found to be very powerful. The whole concept of the Hunger Games is purely psychotic and disturbing. It reminded me of the  coliseum in Rome, and how death and murder was a form of entertainment. The contestants were merely puppets being used by the Capitol.

I loved Katniss. I thought she was a very likeable character, headstrong and passionate. She has a very big heart, taking her sister's place. It was something that wasn't done by people, and it showed a lot of courage. Peeta was wonderful too. I automatically warmed to him, and the way he reacted when in the games was, to me at least, perfect. The characterisation in general I felt was truly remarkable!

There was lots of murder, with teenagers killing each other to keep themselves alive. It was hard at times but there were some very touching moments that humanised the characters, not only portraying them as killers.

Overall the book was fast paced, energetic and extremely enjoyable. It was so hard to put down. I'm very excited to be reading the next instalment!

5 out of 5 stars