The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Book Review

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 2009 (2008)

Pages: 454

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA / Dystopia

Source: Xmas Gift

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 Primrose, 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (Goodreads Synopsis)


This is a series that has received so much hype that I was a little hesitant when I picked up the first book in case it didn't live up to my expectations. But I needn't have worried. This book was awesome.

I really have no bad thing to say about it. The idea and world building were great, the characters were believable and well portrayed, the dialogue was fresh and the pacing was spot on. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and even made me shed a few tears a couple of times.

This is a fantastic dystopia story with memorable characters and plenty of action. If there is still anyone out there who hasn't read it, I can only say: What are you waiting for?

I am already 60 pages into book two, so expect to see reviews of both Catching Fire and Mockingjay in the coming days! I can't wait for the film in March now and hope it can live up to this great book.