Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay
Series: The Hunger Games Series
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publication Date: August 24, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Rating: * * * *

Summary

District 12 has been destroyed. District 13 does, indeed, exist. Katniss has survived her second visit to the Hunger Games. A revolution is on the horizon.

After Katniss was “rescued” from the Quarter Quell Hunger games, her role in the rebellion is thrust upon her. It seems that the detailed plans have been in place for some time and that everyone was kept in the loop except for one person – Katniss. It is by design that Katniss is the face of the rebels and she must put aside all of her feelings to stand up and represent hope for the future.

As Katniss trains and begins to overthrow the Districts to fulfill her role, many obstacles are thrown in her way. Her relationship with Gale becomes strained due to their conflicting views on their approach to overthrow the Capitol. Peeta has been brainwashed to view Katniss as the enemy and the close relationship they once shared is in jeopardy of being shattered. Katniss wages an internal battle between carrying out her role as a pawn or forging her own path to overthrow the Capitol.

What will happen when the rebels reach the Capitol? Will Katniss finally get the chance to enact revenge on President Snow? Or will President Coin have a different endgame in mind?

Review

I think that Mockingjay was a fitting conclusion for The Hunger Games series. Collins stayed true to her writing style and tone throughout all three books. Another element I was impressed with is that the overarching plot of the books took precedence over the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. Romance was never a priority for Katiniss – justice and the safety of her family and loved ones always transcended her own personal wants and needs. The war within Panem was always bigger than the love story.

I admire Katniss and her strength. She is able to place the needs of others above her own and every time she gets knocked down she gets back up again. I was a little disappointed at the lack of character development in this finale and was hoping that Katniss would ultimately take her fate into her own hands.

The battle between the Capitol and District 13 was very intriguing. The characters of President Snow and President Coin were very complex. It was difficult for me to understand the motivation behind their actions and as more was revealed about each character, it seemed as though neither were good nor evil. It is unclear which side the characters are on and where their true loyalties lay.

The entire book was filled with action, including some gruesome scenes. It was an exciting read and very fast paced. There were several plot terms that I did not see coming and Collins is constantly keeping you wondering how everything will conclude up until the very last page!

Get your copy of Mockingjay (The Hunger Game Series) by Suzanne Collins, on Amazon.