Monday, July 6, 2020

YA Review: The BALLAD of SONGBIRDS and SNAKES


This week, Stephanie and Jess are reviewing the prequel to the Hunger Games books by Suzanne Collins, because, frankly, it's brilliant. These stories are written for young adult readers who have a mature reading level. Stephanie and Jess have both read and loved the Hunger Games trilogy, and here are their thoughts on the prequel...

Jess: I was excited to read this book when it came out, and I was not disappointed. The prequel to the epic Hunger Games trilogy took the story to a whole new level. Seeing the games play out from the perspective of a teenage Coriolanus Snow was fascinating. He was such a compelling character to follow along with, and it was interesting to experience the situations he goes through knowing his true feelings. Coriolanus conjured up mixed feelings in me throughout the story, and there were times when it was hard to accept his actions. He had to tackle concepts of control vs. chaos by participating in games that tested the limits of civilized behavior, making him question human nature. The characters in the story are complex, and there's tons of symbolism woven in, plus plenty of references to the other books, which, of course,  now I have to reread. I'm hoping Suzanne Collins writes more books to follow this telling prequel. The story wrapped up in the end, but as any good book should do, it left me anticipating what happens next. Bravo, Suzanne Collins!


Stephanie:
I received the prequel as a birthday present, which made the book even more special. I had been anticipating the story for a year, and it did not disappoint. While the Hunger Games trilogy is told from Katniss Everdeen's point of view, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is from President Coriolanus Snow's perspective, but long before he becomes president. Seeing the Capitol and the districts through his teenage eyes definitely explained a lot about who he becomes and why.  I have to applaud Suzanne Collins for making such a compelling story. It is an amazing thing to want to read a book when the main character has traits you do not like. There are characters in the prequel who come up in later books, and it was interesting to learn what they were like so long ago (and yes, I will be rereading the trilogy now). I also liked how different the Hunger Games themselves were from the ones readers are familiar with when Katniss is in them. I hadn't really ever thought about how the games had evolved and what it was like for the tributes back when the games were newer. There are some evil characters who repulsed me, but there are characters with so much heart fighting for a better world who I was cheering on. This is a book that made me think about relationships, decisions people make and why, and what survival looks like for different people. A captivating read, and I would love there to be more books filling in the time until we meet Katniss. If you are a fan of the Hunger Games trilogy- then you won't want to miss this one. 

25 comments:

  1. This sounds very interesting. I had heard there was going to be a prequel to the Hunger Games but wasn't familiar with the story line. Will have to read it! I did like the Hunger Game movies; I admit I didn't read the books but might have to do it now!

    betty

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    1. Betty- If you enjoyed the movies then we think you will really love the books. The series is also available on audio. Happy reading! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  2. This sounds like another book for my wish list! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie Jael- We hope you enjoy it if you get to read it. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  3. Thank you for your reviews, ladies. Now I definitely have to read it.

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    1. Beverly- It was eye-opening for sure! Enjoy! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  4. So glad you both liked it so much. I have it on reserve at the library but have had mixed feelings about reading it. I didn't love the third book in the Hunger Games series. I'll check it out.

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    1. Natalie- It is a really interesting story. Even with mixed feelings about book 3 we think you will like finding out about President Snow when he was a teen. We will definitely be curious to hear your thoughts.
      :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  5. Thank you both. I am with Natalie about the third book in the series, but the prequel (and a very different perspective) sounds great.

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    1. EC- The third book was our least favorite in the series, but the prequel is such a different perspective that it was fascinating. If you read it, we hope you enjoy it. Snow is not a wonderful person, but seeing the Capital and the Hunger Games through his eye really made us think. :)
      ~Stephanie and Jess

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  6. Glad to hear that you both enjoyed it. I've been curious about the prequel and will look and see if it's at the library. Have a lovely week.

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    1. Brenda- If you see it and read it, we hope you like it. We thought it was very thought-provoking. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  7. Is this a new book? How interesting to have a prequel to learn more about Snow. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Sherry- It is pretty new- it just came out in the middle of May. It was fascinating to read the prequel. Enjoy! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  8. That I'm not a big fan of prequels is one thing, that I have yet to actually read any of The Hunger Games books another. Perhaps I should read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes first and then it isn't so much a prequel.

    Glad you both enjoyed the book, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. Felicity- That would definitely make the story interesting! We would be very curious to hear your thoughts because you would be getting introduced to the world of Panem through a villain's eyes. If you decide to read it- we hope you enjoy it. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  9. well written review....nice book, I will find it.
    Have a great day

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    1. Tanza- Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  10. Many thanks for the review and sharing your thoughts …

    All the best Jan

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    1. You are welcome, Jan! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  11. That looks like a great spot to read.

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    1. Mary- It really is a delight to read there. :) ~Jess

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  12. Oh my gosh. I didn't even realize she'd written this. Thanks for the heads up.

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    1. Sandra- You are welcome! :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  13. I love prequels and I'm sure this one won't disappoint. Thanks for the reviews, you two.

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