5 comments about Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3).

1. This was an exciting read, the characters were great (I ADORED Grover, the klutzy but earnest satyr) and my seven-year-old loved it to pieces. BUT I found myself rolling my eyes a lot as I was caught up short by the holes in the fabric of the story and Riordan's manipulation of his characters.
   
   Specifically, Mr. Riordan makes it clear that these kids are smart. They're smart enough to figure out that there's a spy in the demigod summer camp, for example, and Our Hero, Percy Jackson, spends the length of the book wondering who that spy is. But though he's fed increasingly clear clues as to the identity of that spy, he never stops to figure it out--he just continues to wonder. Moreover, when he and his companions have completed their mission and returned to camp, the question of the spy's identity and role in Grover almost meeting an untimely end are completely forgotten. Time drags by and no one so much as mentions the spy or is the least concerned that they might still be a threat--which, of course, they are. Since I'd figured it out long, long before (because of the numerous unsubtle hints), this was more than a little frustrating. Most frustrating of all was the way Riordan literarily forces the reader to look away by simply not addressing the subject.
   
   The nature and powers of gods and other supernaturals are also vague and inconsistent. Sometimes characters knew things in detail that they had no reason to know and other times things took place right out in front of mortals and gods alike that the gods seemed to take no notice of despite the fact that Percy's movements were supposedly of dire import. I was continually wondering, "Well, if they know THIS how can they possibly NOT know THAT?" The characters seemed to know what the writer needed them to know, and not know what he needed them NOT to know regardless of the situation. It made me doubt that Riordan had a clear picture of the powers and nature of his supernatural characters.
   
   I also found the end of the book disappointing emotionally. Percy's mom, who is married to this nasty piece of work for reasons that become clear, finally has every reason to leave the buffoon. Riordan makes a big point of the idea that though Percy could take care of this for his mom through supernatural means, she shows courage by electing to do it herself. But in the end, she offs the guy (off-stage at that), employing the same supernatural device that Percy was going to use, thus sidestepping the issue of personal courage entirely. And I have to ask if the punishment fit the crime.
   
   Without divulging too much, there's also a logistical problem in Riordan's solution with regard to Percy's step-father. The mom does him in using a device that would have had the same deadly effect on everyone in the room. We know he was playing poker when he, er, folded, and poker is not a solitary pursuit. But there's no mention of the other guys at the poker table.
   
   I will buy the rest of the books for my daughter, 'cause like I said, they're fun to read with lots of cliff-hangers, and I love the kid characters. I've also heard from several readers that the series improves with regard to Puppet Master Syndrome. I hope those readers are right and Mr. Riordan has come up with plots that don't require so much manipulation of the characters AND the reader.



2. I loved these books I read everything I give to my grandchildern first so known if there anything I
   need to explain to them.



3. I'm 18 years old and I must say this is a great book. I, like most other older people who read this book, are big Harry Potter fans, hoping to fill that void. This book will do the trick. (Also, on another note, this review will be comparing the two books, as Harry Potter is the main reason I bought this book).
   
   It's an easy read. I'd say about 7th grade reading level at the most. And it doesn't take that long to finish. I just read books 1-3 today and I jut got it about 8 hours ago. I'm not waiting on the 4th and 5th in the mail (what a long 2 days it will be!!!).
   
   The book is definitely a more modern Harry Potter, even though Harry Potter was set around the same times. I think the modern twist gives it a true spark. It's fun because you can relate more the the characters.
   
   The characters are also well developed. Perhaps not as much as Harry was by the 3rd book, but I think it's because we're only with Percy for short periods of times. It's cool though because you're not missing too much in between those times, and Percy doesn't drastically change in between books.
   
   The other characters are kind of lacking as far as character development. I'd say, for as much as we see Grover in the 1st book and you get attached, he's barely their in the 2nd. The same for Tyson in the 2nd who was only mentioned in the 3rd book.
   
   Besides those flaws, this is a great adventure book for those who liked Harry Potter. However, unlike Harry Potter which was developed for adults initially, this book is clearly for kids. However, I think if you're a younger adult (16-29) you should enjoy this book! I'm literally jittery for the next 2 books.



4. These books are not what one would call literary masterpieces. However, they are engaging stories that keep you involved and are quite entertaining. I highly recommend them.



5. I bought the 3-book set because the first two books in the series were being passed around by my students so much, they were getting pretty dog-eared--and (verbal) fights were breaking out about who got what book next. (These are high school kids.) As a teacher whose heart goes out to learning-challenged kids, I have to appreciate the fact that Percy Jackson, the protagonist, has ADHD and dyslexia--issues that only enhance his heroics, not detract from them. The books are easy and engrossing, with plenty of sword brandishing and sarcasm, so they keep teens reading. There are, of course, mini lessons on Greek mythology throughout the books (often as the ever-valiant heroes are being attached once again by another fury or hydra or what-have-you), so I appreciate that, too.
   
   I stop just short of a five-star rating here as I have read as far as Book Four and I would have liked to see Riordan be a bit more creative with his plot devices. The fourth book opens with Percy beginning school at yet another new school and this time it's the cheerleaders who are not what they seem to be, but that's only slightly different from how the other books open. Some situations have been used so repeatedly that I've begun to predict how our heroes will be backed into a corner with no way out this time--and who will save them.
   
   Overall, though, I think this is a great series for young folks.

5 comments about Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4).

1. The Twilight Saga (all 4 books) are the best books I ever read. I have never had books keep me attention so fully. I ended up reading the whole series in a matter of 3 weeks. I read every chance I got. I would highly recommend these books to any female.



2. Loved the books. Kids had me start them and I could not put them down. Recommend them to anyone



3. The entire series is all a big fantasy and every single book in it has enormous flaws but that aside, if you take it as it is meant to be taken, it's fun. This book ties everything up and many of those ties end up feeling forced, especially with Jacob.
   
   Aspects of the story are troubling, particularly the near pedophile werewolves which Stephanie Meyer tries very hard to justify with a term called "Imprinting" which, strangely enough reads a great deal like the justifications NAMBLA gives (i.e. genetic predisposition). As they never actually have sex with children, just "protect" them, I can't be any more critical than I am on this point. It is very disturbing and really wasn't at all needed in the storyline. I find myself wondering why it was included at all.
   
   Besides that, there is an irony at the end with Bella becoming the protector instead of the protectee. The dialog is as corny in this one as the others, some people enjoy that I suppose, I simply found it repetitive and rather dull.
   
   One thing I ended up liking, which I didn't think I would, was how the book has an entire section from Jacobs point of view, which I thought was rather well done. Unfortunately, it makes this book read more like three books instead of two and like most of the books, the plot doesn't really unfold until you're about 70% of the way through it.
   
   When all is said and done, I did read all 4 books in 3 days because they were fun. Flaws and all. All escapist literature is flawed by it's nature. These books are certainly no exception. If you can take them at face value, be forgiving to the author and open up to a fun, romantic and somewhat silly ride at times, then you will enjoy them.



4. I bought this as a gift and they loved the book and I love how easy it was to get.



5. I just want to say that I love this book. Contrary to some other people's opinions I like the fact the Bella and Edward has a baby together. Some people think that Meyer contradicted the story because vampires are not supposed to be able to have babies; however, Bella is not yet a vampire when she conceives. In the previous books it only talks about two vampires not being able to conceive not a vampire and a human.
   
   I don't want to spoil the story just incase someone is reading this review that has not read this book yet; therefore, all I am going to say is that I love the Happily Ever After of the book. I wouldn't change a thing.
   
   On another note: I hope the Meyer writes another book about the werewolves and the Cullen's bringing down the Volturi.
   
   I can't wait to see the movie!!!!!!!

5 comments about The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2).

1. Sea of Monsters
   
   This is the sequel to the first book in the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Percy Jackson goes on another adventure to save the Golden Fleece and his friend Grover who has been taken away by Cyclopes. The Fleece was taken away from a boy in the Titan army. The Golden Fleece is made of sheep skin and without this, Thalia's tree remains poisoned. The Fleece has the power of enchantment. Camp's borders are not working because Thalia's tree has been poisoned. Thalia, who is the daughter of Zeus will not live if the tree dies. This leads to a great adventure.
   I thought this book was just okay. I have read many better books in my life time. This is the worst book in the series. I didn't care for this book, because I feel that is unimportant. Reading the book was very tedious. I didn't see any use reading this book.
   MW



2. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan.
   This is the second book of the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In the second book, Percy goes on another quest. In this quest Percy must go save his friend Grover from a Cyclopes and recover the Golden Fleece. The Golden Fleece is a heavy square of sheep's skin that beautifies a land if it is placed on it. The Golden Fleece is required because it will save Camp Half-Blood. The camp's magical border (that prevents monsters from entering camp) has failed because Thalia's pine tree (a daughter of Zeus who died in battle) has been poisoned by someone in the Titan army for an invasion.
   I loved this book because it's very suspenseful, but mainly because I like Greek mythology. I'd have to admit that this book was better than the first book, The Lightning Thief. The Sea of Monsters is a very good book. It may even be the best of the series.



3. This was actually my favorite from the series because of one character. Tyson! He's my second favorite character in the series. In the beginning I was thouroughly angered at the lack of Grover, but I got over it after Tyson. This was just as funny as the first, but it probably had a lot less action.
   
   Really, this book was mainly just a way to introduce Tyson. Without Tyson being a character they might have just scraped this book and made it only 4 in the series.
   
   I'm not saying this is a bad book though! By all means, it's entertaining and had the same spark as the first. It's just that it wasn't really that needed in the series besides introducing Tyson.
   
   So, in my above rating it should say 5 stars because I just loved Tyson that much (like the little brother I never had). But I guess in retrospect it's more like a 4 out of 5 because it's not as much action (all I remember is talking for the most part, talking and dreams)...
   
   Oh and the ending had me crying, mostly because I was listening to a sad tune as I read it.



4. I'm slowly making my way through this series. The Sea of Monsters was another fun action/adventure story that kept your attention all the way through.
   
   Percy has to deal with a lot more complex issues, such as self-identity, and dealing with his own prejudices. But it didn't devolve into some introspective angst-y type of novel. He managed through his issues with his own Percy-like spunk, so it didn't drag down the story at all. I think this helped him become a more well-rounded character.
   
   I absolutely loved how the author incorporated Greek tales and myths into this story but giving them a more modern twist. I just loved the spin he put on them and it makes me want to see what he does with the other books.
   
   The beginning wasn't as engaging or as quickly paced as the first one, where we'd already be in some quick action stuff already. Sure there was some battles and stuff but to me they lacked punch, not that it was bad though. It was still fun to read.
   
   Great stuff!



5. I started reading these books as a result of seeing the trailer for the movie. I love, love, love these books. Book Two, The Sea of Monsters did not fail in keeping me reading. The detail that Rick Riordan puts into his writing manages to keep your imagination working throughout the entire book. Just as the first, this book keeps equal action right from the get go. It's great.

5 comments about The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3).

1. Whatever the previous book lacked, The Sea of Monsters, this book more than made up for it. As soon as start the book we are headed right into the action, and lots more epic battles, cool monsters, and the bonds of friendship.
   
   I loved meeting the new gods and goddesses and seeing how unique everyone's personalities. The quest was filled with excitement and moments of danger. Now that Percy's getting older, his feelings are getting a bit more "complex" as they say. He's reached his teenage years and is starting to take notice of girls, well, Annabeth in particular.
   
   Two new characters were introduced and they are mysterious, feisty, and full of character. You can't help but go through the up and downs as they travel across the United States to stop a new ancient foe, and to rescue an old enemy.
   
   The lead-up to the battle at the end was not a let down and you're left wanting more. Man, I love this series!



2. This is the third book in the series of five. I love how the writer continues to keep the reader enthralled from the moment you open the book. I have learned so much about greek mythology just by reading these books. I couldn't wait to get this and begin reading. So far three for three and I can't wait to read four. I would recommend these books to all young and old. I am 40+ and I can't get enought of them. Thanks Rick Riordan.



3. I liked this book dont get me wrong.But I loved the others .This book was missing 1 thing . ANNABETH.I loved Apollo and Artemis. i was very glad with Apollo.Finally happy fun loving god.Buy this who knows you might like it better than sea of monsters



4. I read the book called "The Titans Curse". It's about a boy called Percy Jackson Who is half human half god who goes on an adventure with his friends. They go to San Francisco to free the goddess Artemis and find his friend Annabeth. Luke a college aged boy, son of Hermes, who betrayed them, fought against them with the general, a so called titan named Atlas. Percy's friend Annabeth got tricked into holding the sky and then Artimes was forced to hold the sky. In the end Percy held the sky and Artimes, while fighting, tricked Atlas back into his old burden.
   
   I liked the book because I like fantasy and mythology books. I also liked it because the author Rick Riordan wrote the book like a real 14 year old was writing it. I recommend this book to kids or adults who like action-packed fantasy / mythology books. The author Rick Riordan has written other Percy Jackson Books like "The Lightning Thief" , "The Sea of Monsters" , "The Battle of the Labyrinth" ,and "The Last Olympian".



5. Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, goes on a quest to save his friend Annabeth. New friends are made. Monsters attack. Lots of Greek characters wander in and out. I listened to this audiobook during a recent business trip. It was fun: not exceptional, but a good time. I have enjoyed getting to know the Greek characters and have wanted to go back to my copy of D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths to read more. I will definitely listen to the last two books in the series.
   
   Jesse Bernstein's accents in the audiobook drive me crazy, but I'll survive.

5 comments about Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 (The Twilight Saga).

1. i totally love the story of twilight and i had not read it in a while. this version brought back all the wonderful memories from the first time i read it. the artwork is beautifully done and creates a very dreamy and haunting atmosphere for the story. i could almost say this is like a cliff notes version of twilight. yet it doesnt leave out the important parts like the film did.
   
   i love anime and the look of all the characters was definately spot on. ok so maybe charlie looked a little wierd in some pictures and i dont quite get why bella is always sweating but i can let that slide. the book itself is very beautiful combining the hardcover and thick glossy pages. i cant wait for the next part and this is definately a nice addition to my book collecion.
   
   A++++++++



2. When I read that the illustrations of Young Kim was close to how Stephenie Meyer imagined her characters I just had to pick it up to see how her images compared to the images I got when I read her books. I completed fell in love with this Graphic Novel even though I found it strange that Bella seem to be sweating all the time. I have to say I like Charlie much better without the facial hair in this book over his appearance in the movies as does Jacob Black look much cooler in the book that in the film. Same with Billy and Bella's human friends at school. This comic is a quick read the focus on the most important aspect of the real book but you don't feel like anything is missing for it in this condense version. Seeing Edward glitter like diamonds were petty good though I think X-men comics does a better job of Emma Frost diamond form in daylight. Makes me hope that not only that volume 2 get publish soon but the rest of the the twilight books are done in this same fantastic comic style.



3. Volume 1 of the new graphic novel series has breathed new life into the already successful Twilight franchise - now the fans have more to look forward to, and oh, am I ever looking forward to more!
   
   The art is beautiful. Stunning. I could only wish for more color, as most of the illustrations are black-and-white, but the little touches of gold in Edward's eyes, or the green in the meadow, are more lovely for it. I just wish it wasn't such a quick read ... and now we must wait for Volume 2.
   
   Steph Meyer, good choice - for those fans who disdain the movies, here is our beloved story right out of our own imaginations, with text that is so true to the books. The characters are perfect, just fantastic representations of Stephanie's descriptions (particularly Rosalie, Alice, Jessica ... Jacob ... Bella, Edward, Carlisle ... OK, all of them!!)
   
   I Cannot Wait for Volume 2.



4. For the record: I don't like "Twilight." At all. But I decided to give "Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1" a fair shot at impressing me, especially since it's rendered into manhwa/manga-style artwork and a pared-down narrative. The artwork is sumptuous, elegant and all-around lovely, but the story is dragged down by the rather stuffy internal monologue.
   
   Everybody knows the drill -- a girl from Phoenix named Bella Swan "exiles" herself to the rainy overcast town of Forks, so she can live with her dad. When she isn't moping, she attends the local school and is struck by the beautiful, aloof Cullen family (and particularly with the standoffish Edward, who seems to be bipolar). He also has superhuman speed and strength, as Bella discovers when he saves her from a runaway van.
   
   In case anybody needs to be told, Eddiekins is a vampire, albeit one who doesn't adhere to any of the traditional vampirey rules... except sucking blood. And despite the danger to her person, Bella develops a Phoenix-sized crush on him despite him constantly insisting that he's ohsoverydangerous.
   
   It's a given that any rabid fans of "Twilight" will gobble down the graphic novel adaptation of the first book's first half. As for everyone else? Well, there are still spurts of rather pompous, un-teen-girlish narrative ("I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him") and Bella still whines way too much about mundane stuff ("You could have saved yourself all this regret for not just letting that stupid van squish me!").
   
   Fortunately, Young Kim did a pretty decent job translating the novel into comic book form, and I ended up enjoying her streamlined, sped-up version of the story. It's heavy on atmosphere and light on fluff (such as "Bella being randomly clumsy" or "Bella being chased by every boy in school"), with especial emphasis on the dreamlike landscapes, Indian legends and secretive conversations.
   
   And Kim's artwork is simply gorgeous. Her style is a semi-realistic manga/manhwa style, full of delicate strokes, light shadows and smooth lines. Lots of flowing hair, vivid eyes and even some lightly colored scenes when the story demands it (such as when Bella faints at the smell of blood). Additionally, she does succeed in making the Cullens look very lovely and ethereal, yet also very sinister.
   
   There are, however, some scenes that just don't work. The infamous "sparkling in the sun" scene ends up looking ridiculous -- Edward looks like he's covered in fish scales, not diamond sparkleskin.
   
   "Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1" is a decent graphic novel in its own right, and Young Kim's elegant artwork distracts from some of the story's flaws. Worth reading if you're enamored with the book, or really like beautifully-drawn manhwa/manga.



5. Awesome if you can appreciate the comic book/anime style artwork! I myself am not into either, but I'm definitely a "Twihard" so really it's just another venue for my obsession. Definitely worth the $10.

5 comments about Eclipse (The Twilight Saga).

1. The Twilight Saga (all 4 books) are the best books I ever read. I have never had books keep me attention so fully. I ended up reading the whole series in a matter of 3 weeks. I read every chance I got. I would highly recommend these books to any female.



2. I will say that it was better than the second book. Still no action. Too much talk about Jacob's history that was irrelevant. Jacob became a real bore. I mean the whole story started out with Bella and Edward. They could have been separated and she not bore us with Jacob's history. Very very lacking in content. AND lacking in action. I mean this is a series about vampires and werewolves and absolutely NO action. Boring and very amateur writing.



3. I thought it was a good book better, i read it in one day and that never happens with me. I recommend this book to anyone who like love stories with a little danger to them.



4. If you love or like Twilight you have to read this book. Even if you just like love books you must read this. A lot happens and its all really well tolled.



5. I don't really understand why these books are so popular. Twilight was great but the series seems to get worse after each book. Her writing, especially in Eclipse, goes on and on and on without much action. She probably could have cut the book in half if not more, and gotten to the point. The fight scenes are weak and it took forever to go from scene to scene. Bella's entire life revolves around Edward. She's willing to give up being human, her family, her friends, Jacod--for one man? I don't think I'll read Breaking Dawn. It got bad reveiws and I can't imagine reading that many pages of nothing.

5 comments about The Twilight Saga Collection.

1. Fantastic series of books! The purchasing experience was also excellent, from ordering to delivery.



2. The books are amazing. You can really get into them. I finished reading all four in about a week and a half. Now I'm just waiting to see all the movies.



3. I love these books. Stephanie Meyers did an excellent job. She is very detailed and extremely imaginative. I could not put the books done. I read Twilight in 1 day and New Moon in 2. My books were new as stated and still in the plastic wrapping. The delivery time was super. I received it prior to the expected delivery date (-:. This was my first purchase from amazon. I was and still am very satisfied with my purchase.
   
   Thank you.



4. I am very satisfied with the purchse of the Twilight Saga which was a birthday gift for my daughter. The books arrived in excellent condition. The price is unmatchable. I love buying from Amazon.



5. Thank you for the good service, i was looking forward to buy it, and is so exciting havint it now, everything was very good, the books are in very good condition and they came at the time i was told i would receive it. Thank you so much!!!!!

5 comments about Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel.

1. I thought it was very good, better than Final Warning of course and Max. Quite a lot happened to move the characters stories forward, so good and some bad. We met some new guys and old characters too. Overall a lot of fun to read and pretty darn vital if you're a fan of the series and going to keep reading them. I think the epilogues were my favorite parts and I could happily slap Angel :)



2. If you are a fan of the series than BUY THIS! The book was amazing and I can't wait for the next one. If your just starting out read The Angel Experiment and than so on.



3. As soon as i picked this book up i knew it was going to be a good one. humor. action. and heart pounding suspensefull moments. not as good as the first three but it was still awesome. WARNING! SPOILER! im gonna miss fang and hope this dr gutentag-inhiemer nvr returns



4. I have seen some people's reviews for this book, and it still surprises me when they say that "Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel" was OOC (Out of Character). Technically, it can never be OOC, because James Patterson created the series, and if he wants the characters to grow another head, or hate each other, it's well within his ability!
   I haven't read this book yet, but even if the characters seem a little different, I'll never say that they are OOC. So, if you don't like this book, remember that it's just fiction, and find another book series. Or write your own.



5. This book is great if you're into the maximum ride series, but for me it was sorta random bits of action and romance. I think that James Patterson could've sorted it though better. It's not the best book in the series but it's awesome if you're into the whole emotion thing. For me, the book focused more on the characters, rather than the whole apocalypse spiel. It was just missing the factor that the other books in the series had.

5 comments about The Hunger Games.

1. I've enjoyed listening to these books as I go about my daily chores. It's fun to listen to this wonderful story being read to me. I love her voices. It makes me laugh and cry! I love it!



2. I remember the moment when I realized that 'The Hunger Games' was not just a good book, but a great one. It was the moment after the main character, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers as a "tribute" for her district in this year's Hunger Games. She volunteers because her younger sister, Prim, was originally selected. She volunteers because Prim is just 12 years old. She volunteers because the Hunger Games is a competition to the death.
   
   "I stand there unmoving while they take part in the boldest form of dissent they can manage," Katniss says. "Silence. Which says we do not agree. We do not condone. All of this is wrong."
   
   This sums up what I love about 'The Hunger Games' nicely - As a book it is challenging and complicated and so well done from start to finish. There are moments of almost lyrical beauty and moments of shocking brutality, all paced steadily to a satisfying conclusion.
   
   'The Hunger Games' is set in a future where there has been some sort of cataclysm (war or environmental disaster seems likely), and what we know as North America today has been divided into twelve Districts. Each year, every district must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18 to the annual Hunger Games, where they will fight to do the death in a closed arena. All but one of the 24 tributes each year will die, with the survivor winning a life of luxury.
   
   The premise of the book, and the focus on adolescent relations in an extreme life-threatening setting, reminded me in all the right ways of Orson Scott Card's 'Ender's Game.' In both books, children are portrayed as being as being capable of great calculation, great humanity, and even great brutality when placed in extreme situations. The honesty and the keen observation of the book is one of its strong points.
   
   'The Hunger Games' tells a compelling story with a believable and interesting cast of characters. It draws you in from the first page and keeps you reading, despite the fact that much of it is difficult to face. It's not easy reading about children killing other children, but it is the complexity and the challenging nature of the story that makes it so worth reading. There are not clear lines of good and evil, but only survival, while keeping some shred of humanity intact.
   
   Expect to be drawn into this story. You may not agree with it. You may not condone it. You may feel that all of it is wrong. But you will want to read it anyway, because it's just that good.



3. I was completely and utterly wrapped up in the world of the hunger games. A fabulous book, not just for teens, but for adults too. Amazingly well written, and intricate plot, I couldn't put it down.



4. From the ruins of what was once North America, emerges the nation of Panem, a cruel, domineering nation who's rule reaches from its rich, lush Capitol to the twelve downtrodden, emaciated districts it controls. Once the districts had the vitality and drive to rebel against the nation, and they were defeated. As a reminder of who holds the power, the capitol rations the amount of food that the general population can receive, keeping the people broken and starving. In addition, so that they never forget, it is mandated that once a year each of the twelve districts will conduct a reaping day, in which a lottery chooses the name of one boy and one girl. The chosen pair will journey to the capitol and take part in an event that captures the attention of the entire nation, the Hunger Games. Within an arena, a small world created just for the Games, the players from each district must compete against each other to become the winner of the Hunger Games, an accomplishment that means honor, recognition, fame and most importantly, food and comfort for the rest of their lives. Only one player can win, and to win, all the other players must die. From the moment the games begin they are in danger, everything can be a weapon, and not just the players, but the arena itself, is thirsty for death.
   
   You don't just read this book, you take part in it. I was amazed, once I finished the book, to discover where I fit into the story. All this time she is speaking of the viewers- they are caught up in the production, the way the Gamemasters want them to be. People who would never cheer for a death find themselves hoping for the death of a child who is made to seem like the "bad guy". They are rooting for a child to defeat and murder her opponents. You want Katniss to do more than survive, you want her to best the other players in anyway necessary and you watch with a sick fascination as she does so.
   
   And as I read this book, I wanted these things, just as the Gamemasters meant me to. I feel the emotions that I'm set up to feel and I want the story they are feeding me to go just as it is. I am the viewer. I can try to console myself by saying "Well we all want what's best for Katniss, what will keep her alive" but that's a lie, I want all this to happen to Katniss.
   
   The author has remarkable insight into the darker parts of human nature and how we all respond to the train-wreck phenomenon and can't help but stare at what we're not suppose to. We can all be easily drawn in and subdued with the promise of a story of star-crossed love. As the little guys we feel the hunger and injustice of the districts but we all want the life of excess that exists within the Capitol. I kept looking for holes in this logic, for plot dips and changes that would sway the writer from the focus of her story. A rather pessimistic view to take while reading a book that I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF but usually when something is too good to be true someone drops the ball, and the story. Not even a hiccup. It was seamless.
   
   Well played Ms. Collins.



5. Got it fast, wrapped great. Appreciate the good deal. And loved loved loved the book. Wow.

5 comments about Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games).

1. I love the books and love the audio book. I love her voice and think she puts humor in it as she reads it. I can't wait for the next book!!



2. Once again I am amazed and in awe of the depth and magnitude of Collin's imagination. It's nothing to create a fantasy world that takes us away and makes us wish for a bit of the miraculous in our everyday lives but it's quite another to conjure up a vivid, vibrant world so detailed that it becomes almost tangible and then make sure you never ever want to go there.
   
   In this sequel to The Hunger Games we are once again the spectators- the downtrodden hopeless plebs of the Districts and the spoiled, sadistic privileged people of the Capitol. Only this time, instead of being sold on a victor by means of carefully timed and planned marketing and strategizing, we our watching Katniss and Peeta, our victors- the ones we chose, the ones we wanted to win. When a tribute is victorious in the Hunger Games, and survives the grueling ordeal of a televised, free-for-all murderous battle in which children from each District slaughter each other in an effort to stay alive he or she is sent home to live in comfort and luxury for the rest of his or her life. Until last year, the 74th annual hunger games, there has traditionally been only one victor. But when Katniss and Peeta, the seemingly star-crossed lovers from District 12, in an act of defiance against the very game they're forced to play, threaten a double suicide, the nation of Panem demands a last minute rule change that allows both tributes from a District to win. Now Katniss and Peeta reign as the nations sweethearts, the boy and girl who survived the game due only to their love for each other. To the brats in the Capitol they are the latest fad, and to the withered people of the Districts, their manipulation of the Games is the stuff that can spark rebellion.
   
   The system of government in place in the nation of Panem and the Hunger Games themselves, are all meant to be reminders to the people of the District that they are at the mercy of their government, and at any moment they can crush them. In a place where such a constant show of force and brutality is needed to dim the people's rebellious spark, would Katniss really be left alone to live out her life in the comfort her new title brings? Or will the nation of Panem place new demands on their hero? The government demands that the people's hero help quell the threat of rebellion. The citizens demand that their hero, the girl on fire, set the nation ablaze.
   
   Oh wow. I just loved it. Best cliff hanger in a book, hands down. I love that Collins is letting her character explore various different types of love. I know a lot of people are unhappy with the Peeta/Gale struggle but I think what the author is showing is very valuable. Katniss is a teenage girl who is learning that one love is totally different from another. That she can love Peeta the way she does and yet feel a romantic love for another. I don't feel that she's written a love triangle at all. And oh I love Peeta! All of the big surprises in this story came from him!
   
   You must read this and then join me in pining for the third book.



3. I'm not going to argue that this is great literature or even the most original book I've ever read. But its a quick, engaging and fun read even if its pure bubblegum. I also think I enjoyed this book more than The Hunger Games.



4. *** DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU'VE ALREADY READ The Hunger Games. ***
   
   How could things get any worse or any more tense after Katniss and Peeta won the Hunger games? Both of them are alive, and they made it home. But Kat has to deal with Gale, her (male) best friend and hunting partner who is confused about their relationship. The whole nation saw the televised kiss that Kat gave Peeta, and their love (even if it was staged for the cameras) kept Kat alive. If that were the only problem, we'd have a slight Edward Cullen/Jacob Black situation on our hands, and the book would be a disappointment. Good, but not great. (Yet, who would be Edward and who would be Jacob?)
   
   But the bland and menacing President visits Kat and with blood on his breath (yes, actual blood, ugh...) he commands her to quell any possible uprisings in other districts and show allegiance to the Capitol. Apparently, by threatening to eat the berries, Kat was defying the Capitol and giving people hope and defiance for the first time in years. Kat's mockingjay pin, her standard, has become an underground symbol of the resistance. If, by her words and deeds, she cannot manage to crush any uprisings, her family, and Peeta's and Gale's, will be killed.
   
   Fatal ultimatum for both parties. Kat immediately plans to run away, taking everybody with her. But she can't take the whole village, and she owes almost everybody in the village for sending packages to keep her alive during the Hunger Games. She realizes the futility of running away and instead just plans to be a sweet, girlish airhead during the required Victory Tour, as she and Peeta tour all the districts. Only in Rue's district does she see a few minor signs of rebellion and the brutal way the detractors are punished. And then rumors that a demolished District 13 might still be functioning add only more adrenaline and worry to the story.
   
   But then the Capitol plans something more sinister - two winners from each district must compete in the Quarter Quell, with only one ultimate winner, again. Having another Hunger Game, only with more contestants seemed like an author cop-out, but at the same time, Collins wrote about them so well, I knew that I would enjoy them with shock and horror. Kat and Peeta each compete against 2 competitors from 11 other districts, again with only one surviving winner. But this time, Kat has one mission - Keep Peeta Alive.
   
   Kat's so curmudgeonly and so grumpy, with a fierce love that barely shines through her rough and practical ways. As she's about to enter the arena for what she believes is the last time, "My prep team. My foolish, shallow, affectionate pets, with their obsessions with feathers and parties, nearly break my heart with their goodbye. It's certain from Venia's last words that we all know I won't be returning. Does the whole world know it? I wonder. I look at Cinna. He knows, certainly. But as he promised, there's no danger of tears from him."
   
   Satisfying, stomach-turning, surprising, Catching Fire does not disappoint. And I can't wait for Book Three - Mockingjay.



5. A well-written follow-up to The Hunger Games. Just as exciting, if a little slower to get into. We find that, despite our hope from the ending of The Hunger Games, very little has changed for Katniss. She has new scenery, but the same problems. She no longer has the things she enjoyed, such as hunting in the woods with Gale, who has not quite forgiven her affection for Peeta. And she learns that all she feared is true: the Capital is angry with her and she must do the impossible and make it right.
   
   These books really are very good. They are engaging, exciting, and horrifying. The characters continue to be developed in manner consistent with the first book. I found myself physically reacting to deaths and unexpected funny events. I felt involved and I cannot wait until book 3 in August.