Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games and 
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction 
My Rating: 10/10 (for both books)

With all the hype about this series, I was reluctant to pick it up, but I finally did a few days ago and I can now say that it has made it into my top 5 favorites for the year. I've always been a fan of dystopian society stories, and this series made sure to add a contemporary twist to this backwards future. For those lucky enough to live in the Capitol, life is all about entertainment... and what could possibly be better than a reality show where the government pits children against one another in a bloody battle to the death?! In an effort to squash any thoughts of uprisings in the 12 districts of Panem, the government holds yearly Hunger Games where 2 children from each district fight to stay alive in a fabricated arena. The main character, Katniss, finds herself volunteering to become a Tribute from her district when her younger sister's name is drawn in the annual Reaping of Names. Little does she know, that the boy selected to represent her district will cause her unforseen confusion and perhaps a way to get out of the arena alive.

Katniss's voice is clear and strong, and readers will have a hard time not falling in love with both her and Peeta before they even reach the arena. The first book ends with a massive cliffhanger, but fortunately, the 2nd book is already out ~ Catching Fire. I was pleased with the continued flow of the plot in the sequel and found that I enjoyed the slower start that allowed me to really get to know the other characters in the story. The Hunger Games focuses more on the actual game in the arena, while Catching Fire delves more into the rebellion that has been sparked in the first book by the "starcrossed lovers", Katniss and Peeta. I'm anxious to see how the series ends, but will have to wait until 2010 for the 3rd book to come out.

Order these books from Inkwood Books HERE