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.