This week I read The Ballad Of The Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. This was a very anticipated book for me because I am an avid Hunger Games fan. This novel was particularly interesting because it’s a prequel to the series. I will get started with my likes and dislikes.

My likes for this novel is how well written it is. It is a thought out sequel that has elements that eventually relate to the trilogy. I enjoyed how it made the clear enemy who everyone hates, Coriolanus Snow, a multifaceted character who you almost sympathize with. Yes, I found myself sympathizing with him. Shocking! But Collins does a very good job of making him very dynamic and charming, with an interesting backstory that you can’t help but sigh at.

Now to my dislikes: the plot was slightly dry. A lot of the conflict was internal and had to do with the thoughts and dialogue inside Snow’s mind. Although this was a good view into how his mind worked, it got slightly tiring and dull. I almost craved outside drama to break up the monotony, especially when it’s pages and pages full of his inner dialogue.

I think this is generally quite hard to balance; as you want enough inner dialogue to inform the reader, but not enough to dull and burden them.

In all, though it took me a while, it was a well written and enjoyable read.

MovieFlame provides a good breakdown and review of the novel.