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Written by Tolkien before he went on to write The Lord of The Rings trilogy, which was actually intended to only be a sequel, The Hobbit remains a classic even today. It is a story that many of us are likely to have read whilst growing up, or were at least forced to during education, with the novel and its adaptations now being a part of one of the biggest film franchises to date.
Full of fantasy and imagination, The Hobbit is an epic journey that centres on bravery, friendship and loyalty. It’s one of the most original stories ever crafted, and it’s no wonder that it remains hugely popular even 80 years later.
Filled with exhilarating characters and fantastical monsters, the book is filled to the brim with both action and adventure. But there’s also a lot of laughter along the way, as we follow a host of extravagant and eccentric characters from wizards to dwarves, werewolves to trolls, rock giants to elves, and even a dragon.
And what a fantastic hero Bilbo is. We would all prefer the easy life but, at the same time, everybody has that spark of adventure in them. As Bilbo pushes himself through this tiresome journey, it’s this relatability that ignites with every reader as we laugh along with every twist, riddle, and skilful escape.
Although a seemingly light-hearted story and quite simply written, originally intended to be a story for children, the story is still incredibly complex and there’s so much depth to Tolkien’s creation that he had to go on to write The Lord of The Rings trilogy to bring all of his phenomenal ideas together.
Tolkien’s books are some of the most awe-inspiring of all time, and if you haven’t read this book yet, you need to change that pronto.
Full of fantasy and imagination, The Hobbit is an epic journey that centres on bravery, friendship and loyalty. It’s one of the most original stories ever crafted, and it’s no wonder that it remains hugely popular even 80 years later.
Filled with exhilarating characters and fantastical monsters, the book is filled to the brim with both action and adventure. But there’s also a lot of laughter along the way, as we follow a host of extravagant and eccentric characters from wizards to dwarves, werewolves to trolls, rock giants to elves, and even a dragon.
And what a fantastic hero Bilbo is. We would all prefer the easy life but, at the same time, everybody has that spark of adventure in them. As Bilbo pushes himself through this tiresome journey, it’s this relatability that ignites with every reader as we laugh along with every twist, riddle, and skilful escape.
Although a seemingly light-hearted story and quite simply written, originally intended to be a story for children, the story is still incredibly complex and there’s so much depth to Tolkien’s creation that he had to go on to write The Lord of The Rings trilogy to bring all of his phenomenal ideas together.
Tolkien’s books are some of the most awe-inspiring of all time, and if you haven’t read this book yet, you need to change that pronto.
Catching Fire left us on a massive a cliff-hanger, leaving only one way for the trilogy to conclude, the only way a dystopian story should, with a final act of revolution. The best characteristics of a dystopia are always around the themes of standing up for yourself, fighting against wrong, and making a difference, and it’s what we’ve been waiting for Katniss to do. Now, she must become the iconic Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and courage in the revolution, to unify the districts of Panem, fight to save those she loves, and attempt to shatter the games forever.
It’s this focus on character that a majority of the book focuses on, seeing Katniss build up her strength and prepare for a revolution. This first half of the book works incredibly well to build up the atmosphere. Emotions of fear and desperation in a world nobody wants to live in are strong, and Katniss becomes the heroine she was born to be.
Throughout the trilogy of novels, the love triangle between Katniss, Gale and Peeta has been a constant distraction, and it remains a heavy subject in this final book. But there are a few brilliant hurdles thrown into the plot to confuse things even more, with the team rescuing Peeta only to find that he has been ‘hijacked’ by the Capitol.
With Peeta’s rescue, Finnick being reunited with Annie, and Johanna recovering from the Capitol’s torture, these turn in events picks up the second half of the book, as Katniss attempts to bring Peeta back to reality and the rest of the team begin their training. As the preparation for the revolution begins, and after a lot of build-up to the third act of the book, the epic conclusions that we’ve all been waiting for are well and truly in motion.
Unfortunately, the revolution itself seems somewhat rushed in the book, especially after the lengthy scenes of District 13’s preparations. But there’s a lot that goes on before the attack against the Capitol, and there’s a lot that happens after it, too.
Of course, with such a huge, guns-blazing battle to end it all, there are more than a few deaths at the end of the book. The series hasn’t been shy of killing off its characters so far, unavoidably so with its bleak premise, but the deaths in this final book don’t nearly have the same impact as they have done in previous instalments. With most of them happening in a hurried moment, leaving them to fall insignificantly against the backdrop of everything else, you often find yourself re-reading paragraphs to make sure you hadn’t missed something.
It’s a huge shame that the deaths feel this way in the book, but, nevertheless, relationships are tested and conclusions are met.
For a final book in an impressive trilogy, Mockingjay is certainly the least imaginative and engaging of the series, but it’s still a brilliant end to the best young adult dystopian franchise of the over-crowded bunch.
It’s this focus on character that a majority of the book focuses on, seeing Katniss build up her strength and prepare for a revolution. This first half of the book works incredibly well to build up the atmosphere. Emotions of fear and desperation in a world nobody wants to live in are strong, and Katniss becomes the heroine she was born to be.
Throughout the trilogy of novels, the love triangle between Katniss, Gale and Peeta has been a constant distraction, and it remains a heavy subject in this final book. But there are a few brilliant hurdles thrown into the plot to confuse things even more, with the team rescuing Peeta only to find that he has been ‘hijacked’ by the Capitol.
With Peeta’s rescue, Finnick being reunited with Annie, and Johanna recovering from the Capitol’s torture, these turn in events picks up the second half of the book, as Katniss attempts to bring Peeta back to reality and the rest of the team begin their training. As the preparation for the revolution begins, and after a lot of build-up to the third act of the book, the epic conclusions that we’ve all been waiting for are well and truly in motion.
Unfortunately, the revolution itself seems somewhat rushed in the book, especially after the lengthy scenes of District 13’s preparations. But there’s a lot that goes on before the attack against the Capitol, and there’s a lot that happens after it, too.
Of course, with such a huge, guns-blazing battle to end it all, there are more than a few deaths at the end of the book. The series hasn’t been shy of killing off its characters so far, unavoidably so with its bleak premise, but the deaths in this final book don’t nearly have the same impact as they have done in previous instalments. With most of them happening in a hurried moment, leaving them to fall insignificantly against the backdrop of everything else, you often find yourself re-reading paragraphs to make sure you hadn’t missed something.
It’s a huge shame that the deaths feel this way in the book, but, nevertheless, relationships are tested and conclusions are met.
For a final book in an impressive trilogy, Mockingjay is certainly the least imaginative and engaging of the series, but it’s still a brilliant end to the best young adult dystopian franchise of the over-crowded bunch.
Told in the first person by Hazel herself, the novel’s narrative style allows the story to feel real, as if it were Hazel’s diary as she documents every moment and thought in her life as a cancer patient, knowing that one day soon will be her last. This also makes Hazel a strong female lead, as we know exactly what’s going through her mind. It’s a fantastic technique used to engage its readers, so it’s no wonder the novel remained The New York Times’ No.1 Best Seller for seven weeks.
But not only is The Fault In Our Stars a compelling character driven drama, it’s also a very decent romance; there’s no fantasy here, just pure love between two characters who want to give something their all whilst they still have the chance to fight for it. And that’s what you’ve got to love about this novel; there’s true emotion, all of which you will feel along the way, a yearning for accomplishment, and above all, a passionate desire to simply live and love.
There’s a lot of love for story-telling itself, as well, as Hazel and Gus travel to Amsterdam in search for the author of their favourite book, An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. With these scenes being filmed in Amsterdam for real, this promises some beautiful back drops to their romance in the adaptation and also an exciting sense of adventure.
But not only is The Fault In Our Stars a compelling character driven drama, it’s also a very decent romance; there’s no fantasy here, just pure love between two characters who want to give something their all whilst they still have the chance to fight for it. And that’s what you’ve got to love about this novel; there’s true emotion, all of which you will feel along the way, a yearning for accomplishment, and above all, a passionate desire to simply live and love.
There’s a lot of love for story-telling itself, as well, as Hazel and Gus travel to Amsterdam in search for the author of their favourite book, An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. With these scenes being filmed in Amsterdam for real, this promises some beautiful back drops to their romance in the adaptation and also an exciting sense of adventure.
Couldn't help but think of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory throughout. I loved the lead characters awkwardness but thought the ending was a bit rushed.
Collins does not disappoint with this second instalment in her brilliantly created dystopian trilogy, continuing the momentum of a fast-paced, action-packed adventure. Unlike many second novels, Catching Fire improves on its predecessor, yet again exploring themes of oppression, rebellion, redemption, sacrifice, morality, and survival.
The first half of the book details how the story has progressed since the events of The Hunger Games, emphasising the threat and the power of the government in Panem, as well as the fear of its citizens, this time looking at how a desperate government tries to hold off a revolution. It’s not just about the Games anymore; something much bigger is happening, and Katniss is right at the heart of the action.
Just like the first book, the story is rich in political and social commentary. Even though it is aimed at a teenage audience, it’s still ruthless in its execution, and Collins doesn’t shy away from brutality of her premise. The violence isn’t gory, nor does it disturb the mood of the novel, but it is detailed and constant, with a revolt kicking off outside the Games, as well.
With the setting of this dystopian world being introduced so well in the first book, this second instalment takes the time to focus on its characters. These characters and their relationships are certainly not forgotten about, nor do their developments get overpowered by plot progression. With more time spent developing them and detailing the structure of Panem and the cracks that are beginning to show, we find ourselves even more gripped than we were in the first book.
With The Hunger Games setting Katniss’ character up so phenomenally, as well, we’ve already spent the time getting to know her attributes and relating to her in some way, but now we’re really starting to care. Katniss has worked hard to get to where she is now, to survive in the first place, but also to hone her skills and be ready for the unbelievable circumstances she has been thrown into. She hasn’t need a wand to do so, either. Her strength in character comes from her very personal and human traits of determination and bravery, making her incredibly engaging to follow. She’s becoming more sophisticated in this book; she knows what’s going on, what President Snow’s intentions are, and she wants to do something powerful and meaningful to show them that they can’t control her. Now there’s a character to get behind.
Collins details her story so well that you can picture every moment of these Games, giving us a lot to look forward to for both the release of the second film adaptation and for the final, third book. If you didn’t like The Hunger Games before, you’re sure to start enjoying them now.
The first half of the book details how the story has progressed since the events of The Hunger Games, emphasising the threat and the power of the government in Panem, as well as the fear of its citizens, this time looking at how a desperate government tries to hold off a revolution. It’s not just about the Games anymore; something much bigger is happening, and Katniss is right at the heart of the action.
Just like the first book, the story is rich in political and social commentary. Even though it is aimed at a teenage audience, it’s still ruthless in its execution, and Collins doesn’t shy away from brutality of her premise. The violence isn’t gory, nor does it disturb the mood of the novel, but it is detailed and constant, with a revolt kicking off outside the Games, as well.
With the setting of this dystopian world being introduced so well in the first book, this second instalment takes the time to focus on its characters. These characters and their relationships are certainly not forgotten about, nor do their developments get overpowered by plot progression. With more time spent developing them and detailing the structure of Panem and the cracks that are beginning to show, we find ourselves even more gripped than we were in the first book.
With The Hunger Games setting Katniss’ character up so phenomenally, as well, we’ve already spent the time getting to know her attributes and relating to her in some way, but now we’re really starting to care. Katniss has worked hard to get to where she is now, to survive in the first place, but also to hone her skills and be ready for the unbelievable circumstances she has been thrown into. She hasn’t need a wand to do so, either. Her strength in character comes from her very personal and human traits of determination and bravery, making her incredibly engaging to follow. She’s becoming more sophisticated in this book; she knows what’s going on, what President Snow’s intentions are, and she wants to do something powerful and meaningful to show them that they can’t control her. Now there’s a character to get behind.
Collins details her story so well that you can picture every moment of these Games, giving us a lot to look forward to for both the release of the second film adaptation and for the final, third book. If you didn’t like The Hunger Games before, you’re sure to start enjoying them now.
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Following a modern-day John Hughes’ type high school drama, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower tells an honest story of a troubled boy, and the people he meets who begin to shape his life. Showing that everybody has had some form of trauma in their past, whether it be small or life changing, and whether they wear it on their sleeve or conceal it from all to see, the story explores a number of modern teenage situations, bringing together issues of friendship, love, and the different ways that people deal with their experiences.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower deals with many young adult themes, but also some much maturer material, including an abortion, sexual abuse, and the ups and downs of both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Many of these characters drink, smoke, and use drugs, as well. But it’s not about creating role models or a lesson in what to do – or not to do – during highschool, it’s about being yourself, sending out the message that you should accept everybody for who they are, regardless of their life choices.
Narrated by the protagonist, Charlie, the book is told through a series of letters. As these letters catalogue Charlie’s attempts to “participate” with new friends in a new school, we follow him on an incredibly personal and transformative journey. It is this journey that the premise focuses on, but it is also used a narrative device in Chbosky’s writing to show how Charlie’s character develops.
As Charlie’s teacher and close mentor, Bill, gives Charlie more books to read over the course of the term, Charlie’s letters improve in both grammar and sentence structure. This is a strong quality of the book, as we see Charlie’s character grow. However, this also meant that the first half of the book comes across as quite childish, resulting in a lack of engagement at the beginning. But as Charlie’s writing improves, the book picks up as we find it easier to relate to Charlie’s character, as he talks about his situation in a sophisticated manner. This point of view also means that we get to see all of Charlie’s low moments, as well, which does come across as quite weepy at times, but it’s also a huge quality to have such a close connection to the lead character.
Overall, The Perks of Being A Wallflower is highly relatable; the story is emotional, heartfelt, and has a surprising depth to it, which will leave most audiences effected in one way or another.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower deals with many young adult themes, but also some much maturer material, including an abortion, sexual abuse, and the ups and downs of both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Many of these characters drink, smoke, and use drugs, as well. But it’s not about creating role models or a lesson in what to do – or not to do – during highschool, it’s about being yourself, sending out the message that you should accept everybody for who they are, regardless of their life choices.
Narrated by the protagonist, Charlie, the book is told through a series of letters. As these letters catalogue Charlie’s attempts to “participate” with new friends in a new school, we follow him on an incredibly personal and transformative journey. It is this journey that the premise focuses on, but it is also used a narrative device in Chbosky’s writing to show how Charlie’s character develops.
As Charlie’s teacher and close mentor, Bill, gives Charlie more books to read over the course of the term, Charlie’s letters improve in both grammar and sentence structure. This is a strong quality of the book, as we see Charlie’s character grow. However, this also meant that the first half of the book comes across as quite childish, resulting in a lack of engagement at the beginning. But as Charlie’s writing improves, the book picks up as we find it easier to relate to Charlie’s character, as he talks about his situation in a sophisticated manner. This point of view also means that we get to see all of Charlie’s low moments, as well, which does come across as quite weepy at times, but it’s also a huge quality to have such a close connection to the lead character.
Overall, The Perks of Being A Wallflower is highly relatable; the story is emotional, heartfelt, and has a surprising depth to it, which will leave most audiences effected in one way or another.
Most people will pick up this book because it is written by the author of Twilight. Others will avoid it because of that. But the only thing that this story has in common with Bella and her glittery boyfriend is a love triangle that once again gets in the way. For one thing, The Host is much better written. Well, some of it is, at least.
The Host is a book of two halves. The science fiction aspects are carried through really well, but there is a lot that gets in the way of making this a science fiction story that stands out. When it’s good, it’s good, but some of the story isn’t particularly well handled. It all depends on whether you can forgive it for its flaws so that you can enjoy it for what it is.
For the most part, The Host is an original and cleverly explored science fiction. It follows a character called Wanderer, who is part of an alien race that has recently taken over Earth. The Souls move from planet to planet, inserting themselves into different creatures to explore their world and experience how they live in it. Sure, they ruthlessly colonize these planets to do so, but they are still peaceful creatures at heart. Apparently.
It doesn’t really add up. They may not damage the worlds they visit in any way, but they do end all of humanity in the meantime. However, what this means is that get to learn about these many other worlds. Wanderer has lived on worlds that are made from water, ice, and fire, and worlds that are solely occupied by spiders. They are imaginative and beautifully described, so when Meyer takes her time to detail these worlds and creatures that live there, these chapters take over and really lure you in.
It is these descriptions that make the book feel so original. Unfortunately, much of everything else doesn’t hold up so well. The main premise of the story is that Wanderer hasn’t met anyone like Melanie before. Melanie, the host of the body she has taken over, is fighting back. She fights for herself and the two people she loves most, as supposedly love really can conquer all. But this fight inside Melanie gets somewhat lost. Wanderer easily gives in to the voice in her head as the two unite against their now common enemy without any real valid reasons for doing so.
For a character to so easily turn on her entire race just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Wanderer has lived on many planets before she arrived on Earth, so it’s difficult to believe that she hasn’t ever dealt with emotions before. Maybe it is only humans who are capable of love, but for Wanderer to sacrifice everything that she has ever believed in (and she’s thousands of years old so that’s a lot of experience!) just because she quite likes the thought of smooching with a good-looking guy, the quality of this concept just doesn’t hold up to the rest of the book.
It’s a typical flaw in Meyer’s writing, as she seems incapable of putting her characters in any real danger. This lack of threat and absence of desire for any of these characters to want to make a difference is the book’s biggest flaw. When you’re reading about an alien race taking over the world, you want to see how these humans defend themselves. But because the Souls take over the world so calmly, we don’t get to see any of the fight or the fight back. Instead, we see these revolutionists sat in their hideout. The book may begin with Melanie trying to escape from her captors but, other than that, there aren’t many examples of what the remaining humans are doing to take back control. Not until a final few paragraphs at the end, anyway.
Whilst I did like the book, it was this lack of action against the Souls that meant I couldn’t love it, as nothing extreme happens or is built up to, despite how thick the book is in terms of length. The humans are too compassionate to want to fight back in the end, and what we are left with is a nonsensical romance brewing inside the caves whilst the world is being taken over on the outside.
Because of this, The Host once again gets all too caught up on love to have the impact that a book like this needs, and what we’re left with is a romance that has no substance or credibility. The melodrama has little significance compared to the rest of the book, but it’s what Meyer seems most confident in writing about. Sadly, this is where the book loses its depth, forgetting to scare us about an alien takeover and, instead, trying to make us focus on whether this love triangle can sort itself out.
But whilst the romance in Twilight was the making of the franchise, the romance here makes no sense. We are supposed to believe that Jared is love with Melanie, whose body has been taken over, but that Ian falls in love with Wanderer, the Soul that has taken over her. But Ian doesn’t have the time to fall in love with a Soul, both of the alien kind and the spiritual kind. Especially when he has been happily murdering them before Wanderer’s arrival. Like Wanderer, he is far too easily drawn into the prospect of a happily ever after and throws away everything he has been fighting for in the months beforehand without a second thought. It may work in a fantasy book, but that’s not what people care about in science fiction.
Despite the annoyances of these underdeveloped and insubstantial subplots throughout, it is the detail and descriptions of the other worlds that Wanderer has lived on that you will be left thinking about, not about how the contagion of positivity and love end up being the key to human survival.
There’s a lot that the book could have done better, but there’s also a lot that you will just have to read yourself to believe me about how good [half of] this book is.
The Host is a book of two halves. The science fiction aspects are carried through really well, but there is a lot that gets in the way of making this a science fiction story that stands out. When it’s good, it’s good, but some of the story isn’t particularly well handled. It all depends on whether you can forgive it for its flaws so that you can enjoy it for what it is.
For the most part, The Host is an original and cleverly explored science fiction. It follows a character called Wanderer, who is part of an alien race that has recently taken over Earth. The Souls move from planet to planet, inserting themselves into different creatures to explore their world and experience how they live in it. Sure, they ruthlessly colonize these planets to do so, but they are still peaceful creatures at heart. Apparently.
It doesn’t really add up. They may not damage the worlds they visit in any way, but they do end all of humanity in the meantime. However, what this means is that get to learn about these many other worlds. Wanderer has lived on worlds that are made from water, ice, and fire, and worlds that are solely occupied by spiders. They are imaginative and beautifully described, so when Meyer takes her time to detail these worlds and creatures that live there, these chapters take over and really lure you in.
It is these descriptions that make the book feel so original. Unfortunately, much of everything else doesn’t hold up so well. The main premise of the story is that Wanderer hasn’t met anyone like Melanie before. Melanie, the host of the body she has taken over, is fighting back. She fights for herself and the two people she loves most, as supposedly love really can conquer all. But this fight inside Melanie gets somewhat lost. Wanderer easily gives in to the voice in her head as the two unite against their now common enemy without any real valid reasons for doing so.
For a character to so easily turn on her entire race just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Wanderer has lived on many planets before she arrived on Earth, so it’s difficult to believe that she hasn’t ever dealt with emotions before. Maybe it is only humans who are capable of love, but for Wanderer to sacrifice everything that she has ever believed in (and she’s thousands of years old so that’s a lot of experience!) just because she quite likes the thought of smooching with a good-looking guy, the quality of this concept just doesn’t hold up to the rest of the book.
It’s a typical flaw in Meyer’s writing, as she seems incapable of putting her characters in any real danger. This lack of threat and absence of desire for any of these characters to want to make a difference is the book’s biggest flaw. When you’re reading about an alien race taking over the world, you want to see how these humans defend themselves. But because the Souls take over the world so calmly, we don’t get to see any of the fight or the fight back. Instead, we see these revolutionists sat in their hideout. The book may begin with Melanie trying to escape from her captors but, other than that, there aren’t many examples of what the remaining humans are doing to take back control. Not until a final few paragraphs at the end, anyway.
Whilst I did like the book, it was this lack of action against the Souls that meant I couldn’t love it, as nothing extreme happens or is built up to, despite how thick the book is in terms of length. The humans are too compassionate to want to fight back in the end, and what we are left with is a nonsensical romance brewing inside the caves whilst the world is being taken over on the outside.
Because of this, The Host once again gets all too caught up on love to have the impact that a book like this needs, and what we’re left with is a romance that has no substance or credibility. The melodrama has little significance compared to the rest of the book, but it’s what Meyer seems most confident in writing about. Sadly, this is where the book loses its depth, forgetting to scare us about an alien takeover and, instead, trying to make us focus on whether this love triangle can sort itself out.
But whilst the romance in Twilight was the making of the franchise, the romance here makes no sense. We are supposed to believe that Jared is love with Melanie, whose body has been taken over, but that Ian falls in love with Wanderer, the Soul that has taken over her. But Ian doesn’t have the time to fall in love with a Soul, both of the alien kind and the spiritual kind. Especially when he has been happily murdering them before Wanderer’s arrival. Like Wanderer, he is far too easily drawn into the prospect of a happily ever after and throws away everything he has been fighting for in the months beforehand without a second thought. It may work in a fantasy book, but that’s not what people care about in science fiction.
Despite the annoyances of these underdeveloped and insubstantial subplots throughout, it is the detail and descriptions of the other worlds that Wanderer has lived on that you will be left thinking about, not about how the contagion of positivity and love end up being the key to human survival.
There’s a lot that the book could have done better, but there’s also a lot that you will just have to read yourself to believe me about how good [half of] this book is.
From very early on, The Hunger Games has been compared to the likes of the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises because of its young adult themes and characters, as well as the Japanese action thriller, Battle Royale, because of the dystopian setting it introduces. It’s an odd combination to imagine, since dystopias usually centre on much older characters, and young adult stories don’t tend to be filled with much violence. But what Collins creates with The Hunger Games is incredible.
Whilst it’s impossible to deny any comparisons, The Hunger Games succeeds in differentiating itself from such films and franchises by portraying a dystopian future where there is still hope and something to strive for Battle Royale shows the more sinister and pessimistic side of such a world, killing people for pure entertainment, but Collins has created a world that is believable enough to provoke an emotional response to both the setting and the people within it.
For that reason, we should be comparing it to George Orwell‘s 1984. It’s not a literary classic, let’s not go that far, but in reading Collins’ novel I was able to imagine a dystopian and totalitarian regime in the same way that I did when reading Orwell’s classic.
The Hunger Games has a sense of reality to it and, for that reason, it is easy to relate to, something not completely possible with franchises such as Twilight and Harry Potter, which have found it hard to escape their teenage audiences. The Hunger Games, however, has a maturity to it, centering on socially relevant themes of politics and government. You can really feel the desperation and hatred towards the government for what they are doing. These tributes are fighting for a better life and, because of this, Katniss becomes a heroine.
Told from Katniss’ perspective, the book holds the brilliant message that you can stay human even in the most inhumane conditions. Through her character, we are given a strong female lead to relate to and emphasise with, which is a bonus in itself compared to the likes of the female leads we have on offer at the minute (*cough* I’m looking at you, Bella Swan).
Setting up an incredibly promising franchise, The Hunger Games is an excellent first instalment with so much left to offer. If you haven’t started reading these books already, this is definitely a series you want to be up to date with.
Whilst it’s impossible to deny any comparisons, The Hunger Games succeeds in differentiating itself from such films and franchises by portraying a dystopian future where there is still hope and something to strive for Battle Royale shows the more sinister and pessimistic side of such a world, killing people for pure entertainment, but Collins has created a world that is believable enough to provoke an emotional response to both the setting and the people within it.
For that reason, we should be comparing it to George Orwell‘s 1984. It’s not a literary classic, let’s not go that far, but in reading Collins’ novel I was able to imagine a dystopian and totalitarian regime in the same way that I did when reading Orwell’s classic.
The Hunger Games has a sense of reality to it and, for that reason, it is easy to relate to, something not completely possible with franchises such as Twilight and Harry Potter, which have found it hard to escape their teenage audiences. The Hunger Games, however, has a maturity to it, centering on socially relevant themes of politics and government. You can really feel the desperation and hatred towards the government for what they are doing. These tributes are fighting for a better life and, because of this, Katniss becomes a heroine.
Told from Katniss’ perspective, the book holds the brilliant message that you can stay human even in the most inhumane conditions. Through her character, we are given a strong female lead to relate to and emphasise with, which is a bonus in itself compared to the likes of the female leads we have on offer at the minute (*cough* I’m looking at you, Bella Swan).
Setting up an incredibly promising franchise, The Hunger Games is an excellent first instalment with so much left to offer. If you haven’t started reading these books already, this is definitely a series you want to be up to date with.
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In all honesty, I might as well copy and paste my review from the first book, and even two chapters in I would recommend you not to bother.
If the repetitiveness of the phrases and conversations and talk of Ana’s “inner goddess” were annoying you in the first novel, then I wouldn’t go anywhere near this second instalment. With a lot more repetitiveness, a more ridiculous story line creeping in, and far too much focus on love over sex, it just gets a whole lot worse.
That’s all I have to say.
If the repetitiveness of the phrases and conversations and talk of Ana’s “inner goddess” were annoying you in the first novel, then I wouldn’t go anywhere near this second instalment. With a lot more repetitiveness, a more ridiculous story line creeping in, and far too much focus on love over sex, it just gets a whole lot worse.
That’s all I have to say.
