Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This is the second book of THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy series.

Warning: SPOILER ALERT!!!

"Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. 

'Tic Toc Tic Toc is the clock!'"

*SUMMARY from Goodreads:

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and long time friend, Gale. Yet, nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has returned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. I f they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. 

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

*REVIEW:

Oh, Man! Where to begin?! However, when I finished the first Hunger Games book (e-book), the first thing I did was sit in front of my laptop and browse for the second book. The first book was captivating, action packed with a little spice of romance and a page-turner. I had high hopes for this book, not only because everyone said it was amazing, but because the first book was fantastic. But I was a bit disappointed indeed. Why I said so?? Because in the first few chapters there are dull moments of the story that you want to skip and go to the next chapter. The first half is still slow-even, though a lot of horrid stuffs happens in it - but intensifies goes over the roof once the Quell are announced.

Let's have some little run-through...The first book is about Katniss Everdeen experience at the Hunger Games, and the second is basically based on her Victory Tour, where she visits all the twelve districts with Peeta, whom Katniss was romantically involved with. In the second book, Peeta and Katniss travel through Panem for their Victory Tour, and Katniss didn't mean to uncover some dark secrets. She realizes that they aren't safe in district 12 and neither are the people close to her. So she has to go to extreme measure and know what President Snow fraudulent plants for them. Katniss symbolic act of defiance in the Arena has dramatic, unforseen consequences as she has incurred the wrath of those high in power.

Going back to my feelings about this book, I think I did like "The Hunger Games" better. The Hunger Games was epic, entertaining and page-turningly fun. Whilst, Catching Fire may not has been as epic as The Hunger Games, but it certainly knew how to keep you reading. Unlike the first book, which I wasn't able to put down, there were certain parts of this book where I had to force myself to keep reading, and tell myself that the next chapter would be better. Yet, I loved how everything went along. You got to see a lot more of the other characters, especially Gale.

There are many twists in Catching Fire, and it would be remiss to spoil them, so I won't!! A few of my expectations were met, but largely the plot was constructed that it would be near possible to predict. This book is full of intense. The compassion, threats, betrayals, action, romance, words all of it! This has to be the reason why is it addictive. Some things are hinted out, but the full results of what's going on isn't totally revealed till the very end.

The 1st novel ended tragically in a personal way - with a challenge of small handful of berries that have such a dramatic effect, the 2nd makes you think about a tragedy of a bigger issues - will the districts be able to defeat the Capitol?? I love the wider scope of this second novel. I was once again so impressed with Collins writing - she definitely knows how to keep readers on their toes! The story just got more and more interesting, without too much and over complicating matters. Ms. Collins manages to flesh out not only her main duo, but gives supporting casts and throws in some great surprises in each characters. New characters from other districts also are introduced, whom we will along the way expect see much more in the third and final novel.

Parts were well written and there was a punch of odd joke thrown in here and there, which made me chuckle a few times. I'm eagerly awaiting "Mockingjay" - the third book. I want to see how everything gets resolved. If you haven't read this series yet, give it a shot!! Don't be turned off by the fact that it's just for young adult audiences, or by the subject matter. I think this series is one in which everyone can find something to enjoy. If you have any doubt as to whether or not this series is worthy, you really should read it and find out yourself.