The Hunger Games trilogy

Level: Older Teen

Genre: Fantasy > Dystopian

Obtained: Borrowed from grandmother

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

About the Trilogy:
The districts had revolted once before, but they were defeated by the Capital. Now, the Capital holds a tight reign on the districts by controlling their airwaves and economy, but the biggest terror is the Hunger Games. Every year, one boy and one girl is forced to play in the Capital's favourite reality show. In this unseemly event, twenty-four children are dropped into an arena where they are forced to kill each other until only one survives. In this trilogy, we follow Katniss as she tries to survive the Games and the Capital's control in what seem a never ending play of lies, secrets, and deceit.

Rating: 9/10
I had been hearing about The Hunger Games for what seems ages now, about how it is absolutely fantastic, and I have to agree for the most part. Yes, it still had its issues, but overall, I did not regret reading it and have even recommended it to a few people already. Even though the quality of the writing is less than top notch, I still couldn't help but get sucked into its gripping tale. The first book was fairly predictable, but Catching Fire and Mockingjay still managed to have their surprises. However, even though I felt book one was predictable, the action within kept me reading and wondering how things would play out. Hell, this could be said for the entire trilogy. 

Collins also manages to project tremendous visions and emotions within the mind's eye. Without even thinking, I can name at least one from each book. What's more is that these visions and emotions stay with you for quite a long time.

The characters is The Hunger Games trilogy also hold quite an impact. Throughout the books, I came to love (and at times hate) the characters, and at other times, I wasn't even sure. For example, I wasn't overly fond of Katniss, but I couldn't help but root for her. Throughout the book, the reader is often struck with questions regarding the characters and their situation. Is Katniss being too cold? Is Peeta too soft? Is Gale too harsh? To rash? Not only does the reader come upon  these sort of scenarios, but Collins also manages to create some heart gripping scenes as you learn more and more about these characters.

Now, there is the overdone love triangle, and I remember being suspicious when it reared its head, but I am glad to say it did not take over this story like an unwanted weed. Yes, it had a presence in each book, but it was not the main focus. Nor did we have an annoying heroine dropping everything so that she can decide what bloke she wants to be with.

The Hunger Games trilogy has a story line that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. It sparks the imagination and creates a world within your mind. It can be disturbing at times, but I love the fact that Collins is not afraid to go there, even though it is geared toward young adults. Honestly, I believe it is because of this that this trilogy is loved by a wide range of people of different ages and genders. It's a wonderful adventure in a not-so-wonderful world, and I would, personally, recommend this to nearly anyone.