Book Review: The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

An Intriguing Prequel to a Beloved Trilogy

Suzanne Collins’ "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to the renowned "Hunger Games" trilogy. Released in May 2020, this novel takes readers back to the early days of Panem and explores the origins of the notorious Hunger Games. The protagonist, a young Coriolanus Snow, is a stark contrast to the formidable antagonist we know from the original series. This book promises to bring new insights into the character's evolution and the socio-political landscape of Panem.

The narrative begins in the wake of the Dark Days, a devastating civil war between the Capitol and the districts. The Capitol’s victory is marked by the creation of the Hunger Games, a brutal reminder of their dominance. The story is set during the 10th annual Hunger Games, where a young Snow is assigned as a mentor to a female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its deep dive into Snow's character. As a teenager, he is far from the tyrant he becomes. Instead, we see a young man grappling with his family's fall from grace, struggling to reclaim their status in a society that is still recovering from the war. Collins does a masterful job of depicting his internal conflict, ambition, and the influence of his environment on his moral compass.

I truly think that everyone will enjoy reading this book, especially those who follow The Hunger Games. It is much better and more detailed than the movie.

"The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a compelling addition to the series. It offers a fresh perspective on a familiar world and deepens our understanding of one of its most complex characters.