Review of 'A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'
Suzanne Collins takes readers back to the beginning of Snow's reign with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a compelling prequel to the critically acclaimed Hunger Games series.
Ambition will fuel him.
Competition will drive him.
But power has its price.
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
Review
A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes another incredible Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins.
Great Characterization
Like many readers, President Snow was not my favorite character. However, despite that, I loved this novel. Collins has done a fantastic job recreating this character for fans of the franchise.
Collins takes readers back to the 10th Annual Hunger Games, which is so different than what readers are familiar with. Instead of previous winners being mentors, a group of Capitol college students are the mentors. This includes Snow, whose family has become destitute since the war. He still lives in the high class, but most of it is a cover, selling what they can and living off broth and leftovers Tigress brings home from her job as an apprentice designer.
This level of detail gives some depth and understanding of the character. It does not excuse Snow’s actions, but it highlights why he became the man he did in the series.
Collins did an incredible job giving layers to this character. This is how he became the villain, how evil is shaped and formed, how monsters are created. It is an excellent way to evaluate the human psyche, to see the depth in the characterization. Honestly, Collins did an incredible job of breathing life into this story.
Crafty Storytelling
However, this is not a story just about Snow; it is also about Lucy Gray, the tribute from District 12.
No, she is not Katniss. Lucy Gray is a performer by trade and uses it to advantage, to make the audience love her and vouch for her. She dresses in colorful clothing and balances out Snow perfectly. Lucy is the reason for many of the changes made to the hunger games.
Her effect on Snow is instantaneous and if gives an understanding of Snow’s hatred in the series.
Collin’s ability to reference her previous novels was thoughtful and well-constructed. All her easter eggs give the story depth and stable structure. However, they also make the novel fun for the reader. The reader has these moments of nostalgia and it fills the heart with joy to remember such an excellent series.
Final Thoughts
A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an incredible prequel novel that sets up the perfect stage for the Hunger Games series, giving readers a new outlook on the villainous President Snow and a bit more history of Panem.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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About the Author
Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.
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