Monday 26 May 2014

Book Review - The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian | Young Adult
Release Date: 1st December 2011
Publishers: Scholistic
No. Pages: 454
Source: Gifted
Rating: 
Buy From: Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble | Waterstones
Winning will make you famous.
Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

I would very much like to put a disclaimer right here, right now. I didn't not enjoy this book, I actually thought it was pretty good, and I don't write this review to be cruel, nor to upset people who are huge fans of the series, so if you can't handle a review that is a little less than complimentary, I advise you leave now; it shall not be very attractive and I don't want to justify myself in the comments for not being 'madly in love' with this book.

God knows how many people encouraged me to read The Hunger Games, told me 'it was amazing', 'you're going to love it' and 'it'll become a favourite', and god how I wished this was true. I wish I had loved this book, thought about it in my sleep, jumped forward and launched myself towards my copy of Catching Fire because that's what I wanted; I wanted to feel what everyone else had felt and I just, didn't. The biggest and main reason for all of this is the reason everyone loves this series, the tributes, especially Katniss. I don't know what it was about her that irritated me, angered me and made me what to kill her in that damn arena but I felt absolutely nothing for her character whatsoever; I completely understand that in their circumstances they couldn't let their emotions show, nor could they be allowed to feel anything in case they were murdered, but really, I would have preferred much more background on the other characters, even a few chapters from the perspective of those other characters because they were more of less just there and the only pieces of information I learnt about them at all was from Katniss' perspective, which in itself I didn't enjoy. Almost all her scenes were what Katniss was thinking, what she was eating, what she was hunting, what she dreaming; where was this action I was sorely promised? Where was the none stop thrill of the ride I was told I would get? The only characters I felt remotely anything towards were Haymitch and Peeta, and I somehow don't think they were characters I was meant to root for. Peeta had the character development I wanted Katniss to have, he really became something more than he was to start with, and Haymitch, well, I feel you hun, I'd be driven to drink if I was in your shoes too. Other than the characters and the watered down value of action, this book was actually pretty good.

One thing I expect from a dystopian book is a good level of background history, and good outline of the world and The Hunger Games delivered on that ten fold. From the beginning, I was made to feel at home in the Seam and in District 12, viewing the struggles the whole district when through and finding out more about The Hunger Games, what they were, why they were created and so on. I felt this was a strong back-story, both believable and achievable and I was impressed, as was I impressed with the ability to create a world I could see in my mind so easily; granted, this may be down to little snippets of the film I've seen in passing in the trailer almost a year ago and a half ago, but hey, does it really matter, I expected a good world and I got one. Complimentary to that was the plot, yes, it was a little dry, okay a lot dry, and a lot slow too, but generally, the whole idea, the whole execution was does superbly; it really hits home about how reality TV isn't always has fun and humourous as some people like to think, and how it's pretty obvious, even in our societies, what type of place your from and what life you live too. I especially loved some of the little extra features like the Mutts, the Mockingjays and the huge wasp-like creatures I've forgotten the name of; they really brought an extra something to the story and the world, and they were hugely believable because of the scientific advancements we have already, so points to Collins for that.

Sorry, what's that, I haven't mentioned the romance? To you I say what romance? There wasn't an ounce of romance involved at all. Katniss' didn't have any romantic attachment to either Peeta or Gale, she barely had a personality for crying out loud, the only person she showed love and affection for was Prim and damn, I would hope so after almost dying for her. Her 'romance' with Peeta was all for show, that's reality TV for you, and her 'romance' with Gale was more of a partnership than a relationship; a few kisses and a dream or two mean nothing to me, if you're going to try and convince me that a few weeks in an arena trying not to die is enough time to go from 'you gave me bread', through 'I'm seriously warming to you' to 'damn I might like you' than at least give me something to work with.

When I finished the book, I knew I would carry on with the series; I want to see what consequences her actions would have, and I want to see if Collins can actually make me believe that Katniss remotely cares even a little bit for bread boy, and whether she can actually make me like Katniss full stop. All of my rating goes towards the world building and back story, it was wonderful and really immersed me into itself, but without characters I could really take an interest in or relate to, it was never going to be better.

18 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review, Amanda! I loved hearing your thoughts on this book. I read this before the hype began, so I think that's why I like the book more than you. However, I much prefer Catching Fire over The Hunger Games and Mockingjay was my least favourite of the three...it took me about a week to get through it whereas the other two were finished within two days. I can't wait to see what you think of the rest of the trilogy. :)

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    1. I'm glad I didn't upset too much my review Ebony, it's hard to convey the feelings hype gave and the feelings I had myself,, but I'm glad I managed it. My Catching Fire review goes out in about a month I think and I haven't yet read Mockingjay, but I'm working on getting it. I also have my Hunger Games film review to go out by Catching Fire, so stay tuned! :)

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  2. We've already discussed your dislike for Katniss, and how that stems from everything being from her POV. I can understand that - it wasn't my reaction, but I get it. I disagree that we aren't supposed to root for Peeta & Haymitch. They are part of Katniss' team - so I think we ARE supposed to root for them. I agree that the romance was non-existent in the first book, and I think that was Collins' intention. I'm glad you enjoyed the world building as that is one of my favorite things about the trilogy. I'm a little surprised that you didn't feel anything for Rue. She was the most developed tribute.

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    1. I think my problem with not developing anything for Rue is that, to me, she didn't get much attention. I felt more towards to her in the film than I did in the book, but I think that could be because it was easier to visualise her emotions and such, and Katniss was much more emotional during the film which I appreciated. I loved Haymitch though, he's definitely a favourite character of mine :)

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  3. I can't believe I read this almost four years ago! Seems like it wasn't that long. You make some good points - a lot of people say Katniss is unlikeable, but that doesn't bother me. I don't mind unlikeable narrators, whereas I know a lot of people hate it. This is my favourite of the series - in my opinion, at least, they go downhill from here. But I'm interested to see what you think - you might be different!

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    1. It feels like ages when you put the date doesn't it? I'm so behind with this series! I think I have to agree and disagree with the series going downhill, in fact, I've rated Catching Fire the same as The Hunger Games, but because what was bad was really baaaaad and what was good was great, so it balanced out again, but I'm going to watch Catching Fire soon, so it'd be interesting to compare the two :)

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  4. I was totally prepared for you to smash the book after your warning at the start, but I'm glad you didn't too much. I think Katniss was a character that a few people felt disconnected with, she seems to be kind of bland or something at the start (even portrayed in the films, she doesn't seem to have much "personality" if that's the right word for it). I'm glad you enjoyed the games and everything though. I was actually expecting a bit more killing and action too but most of the time she spends hiding and sleeping in a tree lol! Lovely honest review Amanda <3

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    1. I really don't think there's too much to smash with the book though, granted, I really disliked Katniss and thought the lack of information on the tributes was a little annoying, but other than that, it was really enjoyable and I read it in two nights, so I can't complain too much about it ;) I'm glad you liked it anyway Jeann, and I can't wait to post my Catching Fire review and Hunger Games film review soon :)

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  5. Wow. It's been a long time since I've seen a new review for The Hunger Games. I can understand where you're coming from though, and I don't mind that you didn't love it like I did. I'm not offended, I promise. :) I feel like sometimes when people really push you to read a book, telling you you're going to love it, it makes your expectations so high that there's no way you will really enjoy it to that level at that point. Great honest review, Amanda!

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    1. I was definitely behind on the bandwagon, that's for sure! I do think the hype affected my enjoyment though, but thank you! :)

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  6. Oh Amanda, I adore this review! Seriously, it's such a brilliant review and you have mentioned some of my biggest issues with the series. When I first read it I hadn't seen any reviews, it was before the movie was announced and before their was a huge hype surrounding it. I went it knowing barely anything and with no expectations and I think that really helped. The whole concept blew me away and I ended up loving the book, but had I gone into it with all those amazing recommendations then I honestly feel I would have felt disappointed with it.

    My main reason for saying this is that I have since reread the series and realised how much Katniss annoys me as a character. She literally has NO emotions most of the time and she really got to me as a character. I definitely didn't feel like their was a romance in the first book, but I don't think we are really supposed to feel like that yet as far as Katniss and her feelings are concerned. I was surprised that I didn't love it so much the second time round, but then ended up loving Catching Fire the second time I read it whereas the first time I wasn't keen on it. Strange :S

    I enjoyed the movie but wasn't blown away with it. Catching Fire was an absolutely amazing movie though, not just a good adaptation, but a truly brilliant film.

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    1. Thank god you don't hate me for it, I know you liked this series as a whole. I have to agree though, the concept was brilliant, it was just all about Katniss, her internal monologue made me want to kill her myself which really shouldn't happen.. Sometimes fresh perspectives can effect your feelings? Maybe you've enjoyed more about Catching Fire with time, I much preferred how much President Snow was involved in Catching Fire than The Hunger Games, and the teamwork involved in the Games, so who knows eh? I'm getting onto Catching Fire this week though, so I'll have to let you know what I think of it soon! Thank you again :)

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  7. I have to admit that I LOVED the second book. The first one is a good build up.

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    1. I do agree, the first one is a stepping stone, especially when it comes to President Snow's input on things, he features much more Catching Fire which is better :)

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  8. I really liked this book and can't wait to read Catching Fire! I have heard from so many people that the second book is the best of them all.

    Katrina @ Chased By My Imagination

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    1. I felt that Catching Fire was the better on the two so far, but I did have issues with it too, so good luck! :)

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  9. Peeta and Haymitch, that is all <3 haha.

    Honestly you should feel bad about offending the 'hard core fans'. As I'm sure you've seen since reading it and talking to people, the majority of other people didn't think she was that could of a character in the first book. However I will say that I think she gets a lot better as the series goes on, the story does in general.

    I don't think though that Peeta was as naive as to not know that she was playing him, he's too smart for that. Never really liked Gale so I'm not that bothered about him ahah.

    Finish the series, its hard when its been so hyped up for you and you feel let down but its a good one. I think the problem is too much time went into building up Panem and not enough into given her a proper likeable character from the off.

    Great review as always hun :)

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    1. Thank you Stacie! I am planning on finishing it, I just need to get hold of Mockingjay from the library and then I shall, I intend to see it through and want to see just how I feel about the ending. I'm glad you liked the review though :)

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