This is the hunger games round 2.
Katniss is still a whinny clueless teenager, Peeta is still madly in love, and everyone is keeping a secret agenda.
If you liked the first book this one is mostly a repeat.
If you didn't, well why would you be reading the second one? ( )

The main character acts just like a self centered teen would. I wanted to yell at her on may occasions, but it was realistic. ( )

Katniss is living the life of a Hunger Games victor, preparing for the Quarter Quell, a 75th anniversary "special" version of the games. But what makes it special is terrifying.
This is a wonderful, short follow up to the Hunger Games and a great read. ( )

While not quite as good as "The Hunger Games", this was an (overall) enjoyable follow up.

It does set up an interesting situation for the next book ("Mocking Jay"), and I look forward to seeing how the story ends up.

One think that I especially didn't like was Katniss' constant and seemingly never-ending whining and self-doubt. She always assumes the worst possible thing has happened and the reader has to spend a LOT of time in her head as she waxes about how terrible things are. It gets very old very quickly.

All that said, if you liked "The Hunger Games" or other YA adventure books, I expect you will enjoy this, and I recommend this. ( )

My first impressions (Writing down my first impressions of the book. NOT an in-depth review)
RANK: Astonishing

Likes:
1. The arena is well designed. It's creative
2. The foreshadowing is subtle but not out of the blue
3. Peeta getting the capital people on his side was smart. I love the lie he told.
4. Characters are entertaining and I cared about most of them.

Cons
1. While I like this book, I felt it had middle book syndrome. Not a lot happens.
2. It repeats the same plot structure expect the end. Katniss going on with her day, Something shakes up, She's pick in the arena, almost dies.

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Ah, the second book in a trilogy, notorious for the potential lull. But for me, this was the Empire Strikes Back of the series,* the episode I've watched more than all other episodes added together, the one that questions everything the heroes hold dear and keeps me on edge with the threat of failure, both emotional and physical.

The first book was the hero's tale, classic hero monomyth of an ordinary youth surmounting incredible challenges (hello, Luke), and winning power which is used to benefit the ones they love. It was a satisfying if somewhat surface fairy-tale triumphant. But after a quick recap, Collins takes off the gloves and shows the layers of dirt and grime under the myth, the consequences of winning, by tossing our poor hero into the thick of politics and a conflict based on issues she doesn't even understand.

Plot summary: I won't. Wait, I will, because if I don't, I'm going to get this and the next confused, because I'm that old. And because I borrowed these books from Elizabeth's niece, and presumably I have to give them back. (And because, quite honestly, they don't hit quite hit that "I-must-own" sweet spot). Katniss is back in District 12, biding time until the victory tour starts, hunting for Gale's family, avoiding Peeta and trying to pretend the games didn't exist. President Snow pays a visit to her home for tea and threats, and is there anything creepier than old plastic-surgerified white guys who smell like roses and blood? Unfortunately, the tour stops in Rue's district, and Katniss' memorial triggers an event that will reverberate through the city. The tour returns to home and Katniss considers her options, spurred on by a change in the local Peacekeepers, several discussions with Gale and a pair of women fleeing their district. Uprisings are continuing, and when her team arrives for prep, Katniss learns of various food and supply shortages. The announcement of the Quarter Quell traps her, leading her to focus on keeping Peeta alive.

Characterization starts to gain subtlety. Gale and his family are used for opening background, recreating the setting of District 12 and giving readers more insight into Katniss' upbringing. Haymitch and Buttercup continue to intrigue with the irascible, scratchy exteriors that you just know hide melty, gooey centers. Katniss? Like Luke, she's a bit of a self-centered twit who needs to build the emotional and political savvy to deal with the elevation in status. In an effort to assume adult roles, they take emotional responsibility for the people around them, believing martyrdom will result in the greatest good. While it's a little tiresome, eventually there is enough action to move the story out of navel-gazing and into the dual games of the Capitol, the psychological and the physical ones. Katniss begins the story by weighing the value of protecting family and loved ones against identity and Peeta's emotions in a (futile) effort of appeasement. She quickly learns she will not be successful no matter what action she takes. Her political awakening feels real to me, moving from the selfish to the realization that most people are only pawns in the larger game. I loved Peeta's comment at the banquet: "'You go along, thinking you can deal with it, thinking maybe they're not so bad, and then you--" He cuts himself off."

In many ways, this book echoed the path of [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)|Suzanne Collins|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334s/2767052.jpg|2792775]; the opening scenes in the district, the trip to the city, physical transformations, the Games. Collins avoids plot repetition by delving into the darker, emotional and manipulative actions that accompany change and revolution. I can understand why so many fans felt the series peaked with the first book, as it is an uncomfortable ride, both because the narrator is struggling with what it means to be 'responsible,' and because there is very little joy for contrast. I found that I liked it better than the first book, although I'm not sure I would read it again. (Peeta isn't Han, after all).

* Dan's review provided my launching point.

Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/catching-fire-by-suzanne-collins-or-em... ( )

Catching Fire is a suspenseful and emotional book, that, while not quite as successful as The Hunger Games, develops many of its most important themes and delivers a story of sacrifice and survival that is intriguing and captivating. The elaborate plan conceived by the rebels adds another dimension to this book and leaves the reader questioning and curious throughout. The characters introduced in the novel are all genuine and believable; I found myself deeply invested in their fates while reading in the same way that characters like Rue attracted me in the first book. Catching Fire is a magnificent follow-up to the first book and is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed The Hunger Games. ( )

another fun book to follow the series of the Katniss and her strange adventures. I like that, although it's young adult, it's not too angsty or too emotionally charged. she struggles, but not OVERLY struggles about boys and life and her role in the world. But, her world is also not our own ~ so her emtions being a little out of wack...well, I give her more room for error in her strange world.

Good fun light read. I can't wait for the 3rd one! ( )

This was the second time I read this book and found that I liked it more the second time. ( )

I liked this book better than the first one for the additional details on the other districts and the more developed characters in the arena.

It bugged me, though, that there even was an arena. When the Capitol revealed the nature of the Quarter Quell, I thought for sure that the previous victors chosen as tributes would refuse to play, or find a way to escape, or incite rebellion deliberately from the start. It didn't ring true to me that they would allow themselves to be put back into the games, or participate in killing one another. When some of them were rescued from the arena and Haymitch's plan was revealed to Katniss, I thought "FINALLY"... but that was almost at the end of the book.

Katniss' agency as a strong female character is somewhat undermined by the fact that she's not very aware of the rebellion for which she's unwittingly becoming the symbol, taking quite a while to accept her role. I'm assuming the author will finally guide Katniss into her own in the third book.

It also bugs me that Katniss uses Peeta, who loves her so selflessly, even if she is forced into it to some extent and conflicted about it in other ways. I feel like I'm not given enough of Gale as a reader that I care about him or think that he's anyone to be interested in. I'm not sure how the author could have shown more about Gale to the reader, but by the end of book two I am really clueless as to why Katniss is torn between her two friends at all--Peeta is clearly meant to snag at least the reader's affection, and at this point it seems like Katniss is heading that way.

All in all, though, the book was a fun read and I'll definitely be reading the conclusion after that cliffhanger ending. ( )

The second book in the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins continues the story first begun in The Hunger Games, in which Katniss Everdeen must fight for her life against 23 others in the 74th Hunger Games. Does Catching Fire maintain the same level of intensity and interest that held readers rapt in The Hunger Games? Can Katniss reconcile her feelings with her actions taken in the arena? Will Peeta or Gale capture her heart at last?

Synopsis for Catching Fire:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Collins not only continues the excellent series begun with the first novel, but takes it to a whole new level in Catching Fire. Katniss is still the torn, ever-questioning character first introduced in The Hunger Games, but is now no longer hungry, or wondering where her next meal will come from. Her actions in the arena, however, after defying the Capitol have put not only her, but her family and friends at risk as well. Collins spins a web of intrigue so well-developed, it's impossible to put the book down. More than just a page-turner, this book is addictive to the highest degree.

Most of the familiar characters return, and each play their part in a remarkable turn of events that readers will likely not see coming. Peeta and Katniss continue their tumultuous relationship, and Haymitch is still the belligerent, crotchety figure readers met in the first book. Effie at last shows a little humanity, and Cinna continues to amaze and delight with his costumes. Still, the star of the show is Katniss, and the horrible events she's forced to endure in order to protect not just herself, but her family. As always, the dialogue is not only believable, but feels real, to the extent that it's impossible to think of the characters as pieces of fiction, but rather as if they were actual people. The conversations lend such an air of authenticity, it's easy to believe that the government of Panem is spying on us right now, listening to every word we speak.

The story in Catching Fire not only continues the events started in The Hunger Games, but returns to many of the places visited before. The Capitol in all its marvelous glory, District 12 and the countryside Katniss and Gale enjoy so much. Readers are also at last introduced to the other Districts, where it's clear things are much more strict that in District 12. A return to the arena is inevitable, and this arena is far different than the one from the first novel. It's immediately clear that things will be different this time, from the tributes' very first glimpse of the arena.

As the middle part of a trilogy, Catching Fire does an excellent job of moving the story along, expounding on the events from the first novel, and luring readers in for another chapter. There is much in Catching Fire to be amazed by, from the ingenious design of the arena, to the intrigue and sub-plots occurring--seemingly behind the scenes--all the way up to the final words of the novel. Readers will be left salivating, unable to wait to read the final book in the trilogy. ( )

I think this book is a little better-written than its predecessor. I still don't find the main character, Katniss, very likeable, but Peeta's charm helps to make up for that. I found certain events in the plot to be somewhat forced (but not overly so), and about half-way through, it becomes clear that the early events in this book merely set up the next round of Hunger Games. Once these games begin, the writing is gripping, well-edited, and fun to read. I think that the second half of this book might contain the best writing of the trilogy and the most compelling plot.

When I read The Hunger Games, I thought that the book would have been better if it were told either in third person or from someone else's point of view: that is even more so the case here. Some events are difficult to piece together, to understand, or even to follow, simply because Katniss does not understand. This opens the book up to some minor plot holes, and it makes it difficult to enjoy some of the secondary characters, since their actions and intentions (which affect almost everything Katniss sees or does) are never fully revealed. ( )

“I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and live in it forever.”

“You know, you could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him.” ( )

This book starts off really slow and doesn't seem to have any sort of direction for the first half or so of the novel. The last half redeems it and it is still a very enjoyable book. It wasn't as good as the first but still a worthy follow-up and I will definitely be reading the third. ( )

The second book in the series started to drag on in my opinion. Katniss went from a fierce
Competitor to a whiny emotional wreck. ( )

Very satisfying. She really did well with unexpected curve balls. I love that she didn't write the same book three times. Each book in the series is different. Some hard deaths in this one as well. ( )

Good, but not as good as Book 1. ( )

See Hunger Games review

I enjoyed 'Catching Fire' just as much as the first in the trilogy. It has an equally breakneck pace and thrillingly written action sequences. Katniss continues to take no nonsense, the Hunger Games continue to be creatively cruel, and the dystopian world-building continues to be powerfully intriguing. Now I must wait impatiently for 'Mockingjay' to be available at the library. ( )

Catching Fire was fascinating, not too much focus on the would-be love triangle, thank god, as this series was never about that! We return to the world of the reaping; the senseless murder of children for no apparent reason other than to control the public and cause fear of rebellion. But of course, they take it too far and their cushy capital system begins to unravel... ( )

First sentence: I clasp the flask between my hands even though the warmth from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air.

This is THE year I am rereading all the Hunger Games books. It has been over a decade since I've read the original trilogy. I do watch the movies every few years. I was SHOCKED (though I shouldn't be) how much doesn't make it into the movies. I was reminded again that the books are so much better than the movies. I think because I do enjoy the movies so much, I forget how different the experiences are from one another. Hence why I didn't reread the series for so long. But the books offer SO much more depth and substance.

Premise/plot: Peeta and Katniss should be safe now that the seventy-fourth hunger games are over. But they are far from safe since their controversial win in the arena. President Snow has MANY thoughts and opinions. His mind is made up--despite his offering Katniss an out, essentially. Katniss and Peeta's mere existence is an ongoing threat to "peace" in Panem. But he and his cohorts have a plan for the seventy-fifth game....

My thoughts: Catching Fire IS my favorite of the trilogy. I love and adore this book so much. I like the other books in the series. I do. But this one has EVERYTHING. I love, love, love, love FINNICK. I do love Peeta and Katniss. (Not such a big fan of Gale, though I'm not sure if that's legit because of the first two books or because I can never forget book three). Reading the book for the first time in such a long time--over a decade--was like reading it with fresh eyes. ( )

Interesting! Engrossing! Hooked me ALMOST as much as the first one. For some time, I thought things were going predictably, but that ending! Those who read this when the book was newly released... How on earth did you patiently wait for the third installment?!?
The only complaints: Katniss seems to miss out on or misunderstand some pretty basic clues. And yet again, because of the first person perspective, there's a whole load of musing and thinking aloud from Katniss's character.
Still, not bad, not bad at all.
4.25 stars.

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idc what anyone says, this is the best book ( )

Better than the first. Makes me want to read the finale. ( )

What a sequel eh?

Its an odd thing...I put off reading this series for reasons beyond me really...and now that I've finished the series I cant imagine myself before it..

Yes. It's that intense at times.

Out of the 3 books I enjoyed this one the most. Call it the old "Empire Strikes Back Issue" but I always love the second in a series...

I love the intoduction of the other victors..Finnick especially. I didnt like any victors in book one, but Ms Collins hot the nail on the head with this bunch.

Katniss is put through so much in this one that I believe her loss of sanity...Characters die and I feel myself losing it too...a few tears were shed.

Peeta, Peeta Peeta..

where are you..marry me..
ha

And most of all the most excellant cliff hanger at the end..wow..I'm VERY glad I read this after publication of all 3! ( )