Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Book: Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release: September 2009 (hardcover)

Source: previously bought

My Summary (SPOILER FOR 1st BOOK!):

After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta both try to live their lives as normally as they can. Only problem is that everyone is supposed to believe they're in love, some Districts are starting to unsettle and rebel, and it all just might be Katniss's fault.

Katniss struggles with her feelings before she's off for the victory tour, unable to truly love Peeta, but things with Gale aren't going well either. Yet she has more important things to worry about, like just what does President Snow plan to do if she fails to help smother the unrest in the districts?

Review: More shocking than a bolt of lightning, Catching Fire lives up to it's predecessor.

With a slow-moving beginning, we find Katniss and Peeta both living in ease after surviving the Hunger Games. Yet, Katniss isn't happy. She's got a lot to deal with in this story. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is expecting something from her, and she just doesn't know if she has what they want and what it takes. The stakes, the risks, and consequences are so much higher in Catching Fire.

What I noticed the most was how Collins managed to make me really care about each character. I was on the edge of my seat, literally worrying about some of them, and whether or not they would be okay. I could connect better with them this time around. 

The pacing does pick up, and once it does, it's a non-stop thrill to read. I still cannot believe where this story went, I'm still stunned even months after reading it. I dare you to read Catching Fire, and to put it down halfway through (because it really just isn't possible without curiosity getting the better of you).

Highlights: The twists! The turns! The "Oh my gosh, did that really just happen" moments! Collins far exceeded my expectations of this story, and it's very obvious that she really does think about everything and plots it smartly. I can't wait to see where Mockingjay goes when I get it! :)

Lowlights: The beginning fails to really get going, as I said earlier. It was slow to spark my attention. Yet, I think the halfway point through the ending really made up for it. 

Rating:   

Reviews of other books in this trilogy:

The Hunger Games

And I'm back...Decode This Tuesdays

Wow, I cannot believe I've let this blog sit. I'm back now, and I am determined to get it working.
So, my hopes and plans for this blog are simple. Review amazing books, try to link as many contests to my page as I can so it's easy for my followers to find them, and to just have some fun!

So lets get started with Decode This Tuesdays! Yes, I know, what does that even mean? Well, I lost a bet, that's all I shall say...But here are some novels I'm dying to get my hands on for this summer/fall season. And because I believe 7 is my lucky number, 7 books there shall be.



Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman: The cover of this novel is gorgeous, and it's a retelling of the goddess Persephone. How awesome is that? I took a peek when I saw it on amazon, and it sounds amazing.

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott: I've never read any of Elizabeth Scott's books, but I always hear how amazing they are, and this one is no exception.

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman: Wait. Is the guy a mermaid? Nooo...I must get my hands on this.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: Do I even need to talk about how amazing this book is going to be? This book sounds like it will be pure gold. I'm entering so many contests for this (well, like two) and I want it so bad!

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough: A girl that's "supposed" to be the most powerful witch in a line of witches turns out not to be anything? Then someone mistakes her for her sister, wanting her "witchy" help? I'm hooked. I love mystical stuff like this.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray: Alright. Who's excited for this one? I am! Libba Bray, writing a book from a guys perspective? And it's not in a historical setting, that she does so well in? And what is up with the cow???? This one captures my curiousity, big time.

Fire by Kristin Cashore: Yet again, just like Catching Fire, this one eludes many of us as we try our best to win a copy.

Any books that you cannot wait for? Leave a comment and tell me a few to keep an eye out for!

And be sure to keep checking my sidebars, I'm going to start fishing around the Blogosphere and linking contests!

-YABQ