After reading the first book in the triology, I was really not sure how the story would be able to continue since the games were done and Katniss had resturned home safely. However, as I began to read Catching Fire, I was really excited to find out that the plot just picked up from where the first book left and developed at the same fast moving pace as before.
Catching Fire is the sequel to Hunger Games and just as in the first book, it too is narrated by Katniss. She returns home a hero, and she even gets to meet with President Snow. The book itself is presented to us in three sections.
The first section covers Katniss and Peeta's district Victory Tour.
The second section covers their preparations for the next installment of the Annual Hunger Games.
The third section features a mock watered down version of the games. I really enjoyed how Katniss character develops and becomes deeper. Unlike the first book most of the action in this one is outside the games arena. Suzanne Collins does a very good job when it comes to balancing the action, the violence as well as the heroism.
Most of the questions that I had carried over from the first installment in the series were answered in this book, but at the same time evem more questions arose. I felt challenged so that I could begin to feelings of empathy for Katniss and Peeta. You will find a little bit of everything from action, to romance to horror to hope to despair and even humanity.
The presence of science fiction and politics is also well handled. She cleverly closes out each chapter with 'cliffhangers' so this made it very difficult to put the book down. I really feel that Suzzane has a vivid imagination coupled with an amazing sense of adventure. This really brings the book to life. Here focus on the bonds between the characters is another clever way to suck you into the story.
In the end you actually start to feel like you have been part of their lives for many years. Expect to run into a some twists, that will just get you even more excited about the story. The biggest one that totally blind sided me, was the one about midway through the book.
Catching Fire sets up the stage perfectly for the third book in this trilogy. It does have some scenes of violence and light romance, so it may not be suited for teens below the age of thirteen.
After you read this book, I truly believe that like me, you will immediately want to dive head first into the third book. She again cleverly inserts a cliffhanger right at the end, that just leaves you wanting more.
Available in several formats - Start reading Catching Fire Now