While at times it did feel like a story created to fit what already existed (since it was a prequel put out years later), I did find it to be an interesting look into Snow's character and a book I’ve yet to stop thinking about. 

I was skeptical at first, because we all know how President Snow turns out, how could I ever root for him? But while I didn’t end up loving him like I was scared would happen, I did see glimpses into his humanity and how he becomes who he is, and I was very intrigued by his character. 

I appreciated the bits of nostalgia and connection to the rest of the series, even if they felt slightly contrived. 

I enjoyed getting to be in this world again and reading a book that kept me interested, because Collins really does know how to hold my attention and that’s very welcome when I’ve been in such a reading slump era. 

I read along with the audiobook as well, and the narrator’s voice was perfect for Snow, but I didn’t enjoy his narration of other characters’ voices and that he simply read song lyrics with a monotone recitation haha. His voicing of Lucy Gray made her feel too much like a child which is not the way her character felt, so I found that a bit off-putting. 

Watching the movie afterward really rounded out the whole experience out for me, and I thought it was very well done, one I will definitely be watching again and again. 

Overall, this wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it. Especially Part III. The whole ending really got me. The longer I sit with it the more I really loved it.