Chrissy’s Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
written by Suzanne Collins
published by Scholastic Press, 2020

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Target, Walmart, Book Depository, Goodreads

Did I enjoy this book? I did enjoy it, but it took me a while to read it.

I loved the backstory of Coriolanus Snow and the Hunger Games. I was surprised to learn of his childhood during and after the war and how far his social status had fallen. He was determined to climb again. As they say, “Snow lands on top.” It was interesting to learn how the mentors for the tributes started as well as the gifts and betting. Snow’s life after the Games was a surprise as well. I had no idea.

However, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was just a bit too long for me. Some parts really dragged. Those were the times I put the book down and walked away, not needing to pick it up again. Yes, I wanted to know how it ended, but I wasn’t glued to the book. I really wish this book would’ve ended after the Hunger Games. The third part could’ve been the next book. With that said, I would love more prequel books. I have so many questions, and I really want to know what happens next.

Would I recommend it? I would recommend it. It’s a great addition to the story of the Hunger Games.
 

 
About the book – from Goodreads: AMBITION WILL FUEL HIM.
COMPETITION WILL DRIVE HIM.
BUT POWER HAS ITS PRICE.

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

 

 

 

* This post contains affiliate links.

** This post first appeared on Every Free Chance Books (everyfreechance.com) on June 18, 2020.