Quick-take: Enjoyable, though the weakest entry.

Dan's Review

This book takes place between Songbirds and Snakes with Coriolanus Snow of the 10th games and the original triology with Katniss Everdeen of the 74th games. This book covers Haymitch Abernathy's story with the 50th games.

I like books that move fast, and this was not it. It took half the book before Haymitch entered the arena. It was all prep work and forging of alliances. If it wasn't for the shocking start, I probably would have given up early.

It doesn't help much that I already know the ending having read the original trilogy. Haymitch is Katniss's mentor. I know he is not going to die in the arena. I also know he is going to fail in his goal to end the games.

Those points basicaly only leaves 1 need for this book: How did Haymitch win the games? For that, around 20% of the book is allocated. The rest is Haymitch emoting.

So how was that sliver of content? It was actually entertaining. I can get past Haymitch being whiny. I was hoping he had a bit more cleverness, but it was mostly his allies that did the hard thinking for him. He had a handful of skilled thoughts and manaeuvers, but his surviving seemed to be more luck than anything else. That could just be the way of the games.

I hated the ending. I don't mind partially spoilng this. Haymitch's love, which he never shuts up about, is Lenore Dove. Lenore is referenced in the famous Edgar Allan Poe poem "The Raven". The poem is referenced throughout the book, and for the ending, author Collins goes all-in on The Raven. I enjoy Poe's poem, but after so many frequent references throughout the book, I really did not need the complete retelling.

Score: 4/5: Living up to Songbirds and Snakes was a big ask, and this book failed to do so. However, it is still enjoyable. I'll continue to pick up Hunger Games books as they come out.