Catching Fire

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games, book 2
Genre: YA Fiction
Published: 2009

Recommendation: If you liked The Hunger Games, you will want to read this.
Rating: 8/10

Summary: Katniss and Peeta return to District 12 and to their new lives as the game victors. While Katniss tries to figure out her relationship with Peeta and Gale, a discontent is brewing among the districts. Katniss and Peeta witness the life in other districts on their victory tour and District 12 may be the next to follow into the rebellion.

Reactions: Following closely on the heels of the first book, I enjoyed Catching Fire almost as much as the first book. All the characters (who didn't die in the first book) are in this book again, so there's a lot of familiarity with them. It was also interesting to see the progression of Katniss's relationship with Gale and Peeta.

On the other hand, I had a few issues with the plot of the book. There are some rather unrealistic political moves that I felt didn't make too much sense. And the author's choice of mirroring in some ways the plot of the first book was somewhat disappointing. On the other hand, Suzanne Collins managed to one up the plot and I certainly spent most of the book in suspense of what was going to happen or applauding the characters. There are also some new colorful additions to the gang whom I liked.

Finally, the ending of the book seemed a bit rushed and not nearly as well tied off as the ending of The Hunger Games. Despite that, definitely an enjoyable read and I am certainly planning to finish the series shortly.