Catching Fire was a very fun read and a worthy sequel to The Hunger Games.  Frankly, it is my favorite in the trilogy.  The story really begins right where The Hunger Games leaves off and meanders around a bit, taking some time to get going. It was clear from the beginning that events were transpiring to get Katniss back in the game, but I thought the time it took to get there was not always well spent. That is not to say it was written badly, or boring, just that it could have been handled better.

Despite that Catching Fire managed to build on the many strengths that made The Hunger Games such a fun read. From the reaping on Collins absolutely nails it to a point where many scenes packed a more powerful punch than in the original novel. All the scenes between Katniss and Peeta meant so much more this time around and the way Collins handled the common bond between all the tributes was perfect.

Once the games started the action was every bit as good as in the first novel. And though the morality issues Katniss was wrestling with in the games were tweaked slightly they still worked well. I thought the scene involving Katniss, Peeta and a locket really hit at the emotional core of the story. Catching Fire is another very fun read in which the reader’s connection with the characters continues to really stand out. 

(Felan’s Rescue Available in all formats August 19, 2022. E-book Preorders Available now)