5 comments about Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games).

1. If you've read the preceding two novels in the trilogy, you have to finish it off with Mockingjay. It has that necessary closure to the series that you need. I liked how the story was unpredictable, but it was pretty violent. There were ethical questions raised about killing for war, which I think are important to ponder. Also, I think the way Katniss takes the pain of losing people is realistic and true. It doesn't show her being unaffected or able to jump back quickly, but she's a normal girl that happens to be the heroine, the mockingjay of the war. Many unpredictable revelations come about that help you better understand the characters and the government. It's a must-read. I'm going to have to read it again to make sure I got everything, but it's good to find out how the series ends. My favorite in the trilogy is Catching Fire, but I still liked Mockingjay. The writing in Mockingjay is still acurately Katniss's voice but it isn't as beautifully crafted by way of descriptions, in my opinion. Probably because she had a deadline to finish by. But nevertheless, I'd read this to gain closure and find out what happens to all the characters that you know and love.



2. I don't know how to explain Mockingjay. I read it on Wednesday and I am still thinking about parts of it. It is one of those books that you will either love a lot or hate it. Luckily I adore this book and found it to be realistic for the environment that they were in. I loved that the characters developed and some of them became better people and others failed. I felt more connected to Katniss then the previous books, because her emotions felt more real to me. The first two-thirds of the book were close how I imagined it, there was action, politics, and war. While the last third was a bit rushed, I did like the ending. Collins creates an amazing finale for a stunning series that I am sure many people will like and others will hate.



3. One month after Quarter Quell and Katniss is still healing. Katniss returns to the ashes of her home District 12 to see the devastation with her own eyes. Katniss is still trying to put the pieces and players together to figure out what's true and what's not. She feels guilty for the deaths of District 12 for her actions in the Quarter Quell ~ upsetting the Capitol to make them do this to her home district.
   
   In Katniss's state of mind and distress over what has happened with the games she can't decide if she wants to join up with the Rebels and be the image they need her to be... the Mockingjay, to give hope to the other districts while fighting. Yet the help with clothes, speeches and such all sound just like the position Katniss played before each game.
   
   This book starts off slowly with learning who and how the rescued ones are. You learn there are great worries for the ones who were captured by the Capitol, and you see how devastating it is to the ones who are alive and... well alive. Here in District 13 you start to see there are rumors about the place and you wonder slightly on it while learning interesting details of the place, but the people are safe and accepted here.
   
   I was aware from the previous two books that President Snow and the games really affected these kids' minds, but it really shows in this conclusion as to how badly it really was/is. The clouded view and instability of Katniss from the previous and even current happenings really comes into focus here. This is also what makes this book so heart wrenching for me. Suzanne definitely does NOT take the easy road for her characters. She is very bold in taking this great stand with them, which makes them that much more real to me.
   
   I was wanting to see more of the government and the views of what might have been "wrong," "right," or where they "went from here". But again, these books are from Katniss's view so we are a little short on these explanations. These books are of Katniss as she grows in the role here. You do get your conclusion to the story. But the idea implanted from this world and the reaction of these characters keeps you thinking.
   
   As much as I loved the book and was drawn into these characters once more, I felt left wanting more in the end. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. Maybe the frantic pacing in parts of the book once it got rolling and then slower in others might be why. I'm not sure. Maybe the trauma periods for Katniss, when she is sedated, is what I felt as I'm missing things, I wasn't sure I was getting all the information or even the right information. But I was seeing Katniss's view on everything to understand her even more. It might be that I don't really get my closure with what happens in the government and politics. But the book left a huge impact on me. The thought to do what is right and needed in the bigger picture.
   
   Is this the perfect ending to the trilogy? I don't know. I do know I was drawn right to the characters and the destructive world they live in. Drawn so much I was heart broken in the end. But there is a short ray of hope given after it all. For me this book is about more than how Katniss chooses to be with, it is about what you choose in life to fight for and what you will do for it, but keep your eyes and ears open to not be tricked to do for others.



4. Mockingjay was definitely the hardest book to read because it's so depressing, but I think this was Collin's intention to create this feeling of sadness and loneliness as we read the story because we needed to know how Katniss must be feeling after all that has happened and finally see her for who she really is....a damaged young girl. I also think Collins tried to rewrite what she gave us in the first two novels and show us the reality of the kind of story we are actually fans of, which was a story about murder, death, poverty, cruelty and corruption. In Mockingjay, I tried to find some sort of happiness or light in this dark story world where Peeta is captured, Katniss is a mess and the rebellion everyone risked creating is barely making any progress at all, but there was hardly anything worth being happy about so like Katniss did in those dark times I just kept going forward. Til the end I couldn't even imagine how this trilogy would end and while many readers might have been angry at it's conclusion, I thought it was perfect. It ended how it should have ended.



5. Have to echo the other reviewers' sentiments that the book 1 was the best, book 2 not as good and book 3 is just plodding along, with several nonsensical plot elements. Still, Collins knows how to spin a good story and I've no regrets about reading the book. Beginning is weak, middle is weaker still but it gains strength towards the end and ultimately doesn't disappoint all that much.

5 comments about The Hunger Games.

1. Does this author not know that a story can't be any good without paranormal critters running around trying to mate with gullible tweens? :) I for one am glad she doesn't.
   
   The Hunger Games and it's sequels are 3 of the best books I've read in along time. They truely are addicting and very hard to put down. It's been a long time since I felt the urge to read 3 books in 4 days but this is what happened with this series.
   
   If you're a fan of books like "The Postman" or "Earth Abides", you'll probablly love this trilogy as well.
   
   V^^^^V



2. I finished reading The Hunger Games and immediately reread it. I didn't want it to end. I really enjoyed the author's imaginative series, Gregor the Overlander, but this story is aimed at slightly older readers and is just a step beyond Gregor. The premise is not so new- young people from different areas are set up in a gladiator style sacrifice/fight to the death that is reminiscent of Logan's Run and The Running Man. A poverty stricken sixteen year old girl is sent off to the capital city of the country that arose from the ashes of North America, along with a male counterpart. Katniss doesn't think she stands much of a chance against the "career" competitors who have trained many years for the glory and honor of battle. Her skill at foraging and hunting small prey may keep her from starving, but she has no experience with fighting and cannot allow herself to become attached to other players when only one is permitted to exit the arena alive. The entire event is filmed and all citizens are expected to watch the games.
   
   The writing is superb and the details of the challenges she faces are exquisitely presented. I can hardly wait to read the other books in the trilogy.



3. Very good book, well written. One of those that you just can't put down until your done. My suggestion, go ahead and buy the others in the series. You won't wanna wait to finish it.



4. The book was received in great condition and before the estimated delivery time.
   A breathtaking novel indeed.



5. I'm a big fan of "Survivor" so I hardly had to read any of the back flap of THE HUNGER GAMES before I was hooked. 24 kids in a fight to the death on live TV sounds gruesome, and it was, but it was also intriguing. I was in Katniss Everdeen's head from the beginning; I felt her desperation and I understood the misery of her life in a future North America that requires adolescent participation in these annual games. Yet I enjoyed her clever survivor skills, her strategies and the little self-discoveries she made along the way. This is a YA book that adults will be just as keen for as kids, though some of the shocking and dreadful parts may be too much for some. My only criticism is that the editor dropped the ball on catching typos, poor sentence structure and fragments. I can take a few fragments now and then when they fit the flow of the story, but sometimes the author, Suzanne Collins, pulled me right out of the action and slapped me with grammatical flotsam and jetsam. Still, it was an excellent read.

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

1. This was by far the best book of the Hunger Games Trilogy. You have at least gotten to know the characters and feel for them, and it is before they completely drain the life out of you with Mockingjay. This was a really good read and an excellent complement to the first book.



2. "Catching Fire" is a terrific read, picking up only a short time after Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games victors depart the train in District 12.
   
   "Catching Fire" is more adult than the original in the series. The themes are a little stronger, the imagery a bit more vivid and the emotions run deeper and are more complex. The violence is more intense than "Hunger Games", but not because the language is more descriptive, nor more creative (although "Catching Fire"'s Hunger Games are new and innovative). The story is large in scale. The characters actions have broad impact across all of Panem's districts. Collins sets the stage for a Panem-wide rebellion and, all of a sudden, Katniss' little world of troubles becomes something much more substantive.
   
   We explore Katniss' relationships further...things change between she and Peeta, and while the relationship differs from the first book, the intensity grows. We also explore her changing relationship with Gale. While older teenage girls should be able to relate to Katniss' up, down, and sideways feelings towards the two young men, younger readers will will have a lot to absorb. That being said, I didn't find anything inappropriate for more mature pre-teens and any teenager.
   
   This second book of Collins' trilogy is a real thriller and sets up what should be a terrific conclusion to the series. I couldn't get through the final 150 pages fast enough, and felt throughout that the story was providing a very satisfying continuation from "Hunger Games", and a relatively satisfying conclusion in itself. Granted, I won't have to wait long to read the third and final story in the series since it's already available, but I certainly understand the agonizing anticipation for "Mockingjay".



3. It's a few months after Katniss and Peeta jointly won the Hunger Games, they're back in District 12, and the status quo has been restored. Though her mom and Prim are living in the Victor's Village, Katniss stays in their old shack and spends what time she can with Gale, while she and Peeta aren't speaking to each other. But she and Peeta are going to have to pretend to be madly in love very soon (though Peeta's not pretending), because as victors they must travel from district to district doing guest appearances. President Snow personally tells Katniss that her behavior in the past year's arena has made her the symbol of the rebellion rising in the districts and if she doesn't do exactly as he says, he'll execute everyone she loves.
   
   The romance--or possibly, the lack thereof--ramps up in this sequel, where Katniss needs Gale and Peeta, but still won't confess any sort of romantic love for either of them. This isn't surprising, since Katniss has been the sole breadwinner for her family since childhood. She's an adult in every way until it comes to her feelings and emotions, where it's like she's developmentally frozen at age eleven and is utterly confused and disturbed by any sort of romantic longing. Both guys find her confusion about them depressing. This can't-choose conundrum seems natural and appropriate for Katniss and I'm not annoyed with her character, but it's terribly frustrating as a reader--one with such a deep loyalty to Peeta that I didn't even realize there was a Team Gale until a few months back.
   
   I can't truly admire Gale because when he gets his rare pagetime, the main vibes I get from him are anger and resentment, even toward Katniss whom he loves. Is his attitude simply the natural byproduct of growing up in abject poverty and borderline starvation? Perhaps. But just because his actions can be explained, it doesn't mean that I find them honorable. Also, I feel very strongly that that he should have made his intentions toward Katniss known before she was carted off to be slaughtered, and then brought back after surviving a bloodbath. I don't like that he gets upset that she's paired up with Peeta for the cameras, when he himself never said or indicated to her that he had a romantic interest. I don't hate Gale, nor even dislike him, but neither has he done anything to make me support him.
   
   Peeta, on the other hand... if you thought Peeta was reliable and selfless in THG, he gets even more amazing in CF. More of Peeta's charisma is evident, and though we already knew the magic way he has with words, his spirit shows here. He's moved to anger a couple of times, and it's a sight to see because you know he's not a hothead--if Peeta is visibly angry, it's with good reason. In the first book, he was in desperate straits plenty of times, but he was focused on saving Katniss and he never showed bitterness over his fate. Now, he's in an impossibly difficult situation, and when he lays down the law for Haymitch and Katniss as they're working for their future survival, those two strong-willed victors comply with whatever he says. And the lengths Peeta's willing to go to just to keep Katniss alive...he's unbelievable.
   
   Technical notes: 1. I will admit to the first 150 pages being relatively slow, though there's no wasted space or redundancy. Still, if you're expecting whiz-bang action right off, they might feel plodding. 2. CF takes place over a longer period of time than THG, and as a result it has to do this strange little time-collapse trick more times than I can count. It'll say something like: "And then, we did ___ for the next few weeks" or "we spent a month at ___" which I dislike on principle. If a time-collapse is that big, I expect to see it in a novel only once, twice tops, and I expect that it will be done for dramatic effect. The strategy was a necessary evil for CF, and I can't think of another way the problem could have been handled, but I'm not fond of it. 3. The plot coherence is amazing--Collins rocks so much at dramatic setup that her foreshadows have foreshadows! If CF takes the time to reference a memory, skill, activity, character, object, type of food, etc, you can bet that this same thing will reappear and be significant later on, and you also discover that plenty of these connections were set up way back in THG.



4. When last we left our heroine Katniss Everdeen, she was faced with a life of misery because she had to pretend to be in love with someone she kind of likes. She had angered the Capitol by not only surviving the Hunger Games, but bringing fake-boyfriend Peeta out alive as well. Such blatant disregard for the rules has not gone unnoticed, and now the twelve Districts are beginning to get ideas of rebellion.
   
   And so President Snow orders Katniss and Peeta to tour the districts and pretend to be in love to defuse the situation. The Capitol seems to be a bit undecided as to what to do with the pair, because Katniss and Peeta are also thrown back into the Hunger Games for round two.
   
   Catching Fire is a better, more rounded view of life in Panem, but the same problems from The Hunger Games return to haunt this book. This time around Katniss and Peeta tour the different districts, so we get to see just how put down and dystopian this society really is. We see more interaction between the Capitol and the Districts, making the Good Guys seem more good and the Bad Guys seem more Bad.
   
   Unfortunately, for someone who narrates the entire story, Katniss seems to be completely oblivious to anything that goes on around her. She notices, quite clearly and on multiple occasions, the symbol of the mockingjay in relation to rebel activity. The mockingjay was her symbol in the Hunger Games. She was the one who sparked the rebellion. And yet Katniss fails to put two and two together to figure out that she is the one all the rebels look to as a symbol of hope.
   
   No, instead she spends her time trying to deal with Peeta and Gale. Gale is of course her childhood friend, who hunts in the woods with Katniss. He got maybe a page and a half total in The Hunger Games, and yet is apparently Katniss' true love. We see more of him this time in Catching Fire, but his screentime is once again far overshadowed by Peeta. It 's a poor romance when the heroine spends most of her time mooning over someone we hardly know while snubbing the character the readers have come to know and identify with.
   
   The ending is rather abrupt and has little closure for the story. Much the same as the ending to The Empire Strikes Back, Catching Fire is a blatant setup for the next book. It's mostly exposition to lay the groundwork for part three, with more Hunger Games thrown into the middle to keep us pacified. And through it all, I still have no idea if Katniss likes Peeta or not.



5. Yes, the middle book of a trilogy is usually the weakest and this one is no different. In fact, I deliberately set the book aside until I also had the final book in hand. However, as "the middle," this was stronger than is usually the case and though not as good as the first book, it was a real pager-turner.
   
   Some reviewers have made legitimate points about how this has a lot of summary as Katniss recounts the fallout after the games, and the Victory Tour. However, the tour gives readers (and Katniss) a chance to connect with the other districts making the revolution more than just District 12 vs the Capitol. And, the book does feel a bit like a retread of the first after Katniss learns that she must return to the arena. President Snow uses the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games as an excuse to kill her by decreeing that all the tributes this year will be culled from previous victors. Though this could easily have been "Hunger Games the Remake", I found it was actually a clever way to segue into the upcoming rebellion. I thought the best parts of the first book took place in the arena, and that is the case here. This time her opponents are skilled killers who each won before. Plus, Haymitch begins pushing her to forge an alliance with some of them, who actively protect her and Peeta , so how will she be able to kill them? Throughout the book, Collins lays down breadcrumbs for the development of the revolution - each mention of the Mockingjay carries significance - and the ending is explosive with some surprises.
   
   Catching Fire also develops the love triangle between Gale, Katniss and Peeta better than other series, such as Twilight. I never found Jacob to be a real contender because it was so obvious Bella would end up with Edward. Not so here. Even though readers don't spend much time with Gale, he has a history with Katniss and her memories evoke this. On the other hand is Peeta, who is so obviously in love with her, has fought by her side, and protects her as only he can. Halfway through the final book, and it's still not obvious who she will choose, which keeps the suspense high.
   
   Though a cliffhanger is practically expected here, I never-the-less found the conclusion to be very satisfying. The book ends at a staging point; there is resolution in that all the pieces are in place and readers can move to the next stage - war. Overall, I could not put this book down and have already begun the finale. Highly recommended series!

5 comments about Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga).

1. This book was everything that I expected and more. There were a couple of plot twists that bothered me. This was the only book where I didn't hate Bella as much for the decisions that she made. In this book she became the hero and I really love the love story with Edward. I only wish that they would have casted a better person to portray Edward. Robert Pattinson doesn't do it for me, but I am 39. The Edward in my mind is handsome and warm. I gave it 5 stars despite my dislike of the crazy story line twists. It resolves eventually letting me accept those twists in the end. This series was my favorite romance of all time. I loved it. I usually don't read vampire books or such easy reads or even romance novels, but this one was very different and I'm thankful that my friend recommend this series.



2. I'm an Austin and Shakespear fan. The characters have me hooked!!! The plot of the love story is as good as Austins. But I think they have the mark of a first time author and could have had more editing. But I would still buy more. I see the author maturing in her writing of "The Host". I will follow Stephenie Meyer as long as she publishes. Good read for the young and young at heart.



3. Stephene Myers is great and I can't wait for more books to come out. I wish they would make a tv show out of it. There is nothing wrong with happy endings and I never knew what was going to happen she kept me wanting more. I loved the book and now I am having a hard time wanting to read anything else. Someone always has to ruin something good.



4. This is the worst book I have ever read in my life.
   I couldn't wait to read the 4th Twilight book.
   When I opened this book, my smile turned into a frown.
   This book is pointless,and I think that the book has no purpose.
   Most people just read this book because they want to say that they've read it,but I feel bad for anyone who has read it.
   I don't understand how Stephenie Meyer has a career,and how anyone would even compare her to J.K Rowling.
   FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, DON'T READ ANY OF STEPHENIE MEYER'S BOOKS!



5. I too, have read all the books (twice) and have jumped on the "Twilight" bandwagon late - I read the final book and was totally dissappointed as well....total let down! Let us all pray that the last 2 movies are better then the book... WOW ~ When has anybody hoped for that??

5 comments about The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga).

1. As an adult fan of the Twilight series and an avid reader/collector of books, I had to have this book, if nothing else to have the complete collection of the Twilight series. However, I found Bree Tanner to be of lesser quality compared to the rest of Meyers books. The characters are likable enough, but I found the storyline rather weak, again in comparison to Meyers other books. I did not think the book had much to add to the series. In general, while the book should be read to get the full Twilight experience, fans will lose nothing if they opt out. An ok, though sub par novella from an excellent author.



2. This book is totally awesome! Although it was a little short. I wish Stephenie would finish Midnight Sun.



3. Just seemed like Meyers was trying to squeeze her fans for every last dollar. This book really wasn't worth the money I spent on it. Hurry up with Midnight Sun.



4. If you've read Eclipse, which is Meyer's third installment in the Twilight Saga, then you already know who Bree Tanner is - and you also know what happens to her by the end of the story. What you don't know is how she was created, what happened when she first became a newborn vampire, and the events that led up to the big battle at the end of the book between the newborn vampires (led by Victoria) and the Cullens (aided by the Wolf Pack). Well, for anyone wondering ... this is the book for you.
   
   The Short Second Life is written from Bree's perspective, much like Twilight is narrated by Bella Swan. These stories are similar in that the first-person narrative limits what you see outside of what they see - which can sometimes be a huge handicap. For the most part, Meyer typically wraps up any loose ends and unanswered questions you may have. Unfortunately for me, she missed the part that I truly wanted an inside look into - which was the actual battle itself. We don't see it in Eclipse because Bella is secluded away from the fight, and in this we miss it because Bree kind of lags behind. You see a glimpse, but not as much as I would have liked. You also see the typical humanity that sometimes shows through with most of the paranormal creatures in the story. Even though the newborns don't recall their former lives, they are somehow able to show some humanity, empathy, and huge amounts of curiosity.
   
   On the other hand, Bree's story is quite darker than Bella's perspective. Bree is dealing with becoming a vampire and battling bloodlust, which is something hugely missing from the original novels where it's vampires with many decades (and sometimes centuries) of practice with control, as well as the refusal to give in to their primal instincts - substituting animal blood for human blood. You see more of the inhuman side, with some of the other newborns using their new-found powers to wreak havoc on the human race. And you're introduced to new characters that are never mentioned in Eclipse, as well as seeing behind-the-scenes to Victoria and Riley's plot to destroy the Cullens... and there's a nice little curve ball thrown in there with someone else that is helping her out by turning a blind eye to what she's doing.



5. I really liked this book. Ive read all the other twlight books 3 times so when i heard this was coming out i preordered it.
   Once it was dropped off at my house i ran into my room to read it. Once i started i couldnt put it down.
   
   Only downside was its took short. Was able to read it in like 4 hours. Im hopeing that they bring out more of these books with all the back stories from all the characters. Would make the twlight seriers alot of fun to read the next time because you would know how each vampires life was before they were changed.

5 comments about Beyond the Reflection's Edge.

1. I thought this book was really good. It was full of action and adventure. I think everybody should read this book.



2. Randy (Ottawa, Canada)
   
   I bought this because it was one of the truly free books we Canadians get (usually we ahve to pay a $2 fee). Anyway, I was about 15% along when I asked what it was about the book that I didn,t like. Upon checking I found it was published by Zondervan, a purveyer of Christian pap. They use freebies and stealth to flog the message.
   
   In fairness, this was less gag inducing than previous mistakes I've made since the proseletizing wasn't as in your face as their usual output.
   
   What I didn't like were the shallow, too perfect characters, the trite dialogue, the lame attempts at humour and the too perfect situations.
   
   Unless you are the converted being preached to here, stay away!



3. I think the author had a great idea for the book. I know it is hard to write a book, so I feel kinda sad about giving a low rating, but I must be honest.
   First of all, the characters are not well developed or very interesting. The story is told using a lot of bad dialogue. Perhaps I am out of touch with how teen age people speak. The characters all run around without any real focus, just getting away from bad guys and out of scrapes. I wanted to grab the main character by his pious little neck, give him a shake, and say; "get a plan already, you're running around like a beheaded chicken". After they get away from the same bad guy about 10 times I started to get a little bored.
   Also, I am not opposed to spiritually inclined characters. A skillfully created character however, would reveal spiritual depth, commitment, moral fiber in a much subtler way. This guy was kind of 'preachy', going on about the use of 4 letter words and clothing that is too brief. For instance, this teenage boy (the main character) actually averted his gaze because his companion was exposing some leg and cleavage. Seemed silly, not very believable, and forced.
   Because I found the premise of the story intriguing I read 65 percent of the book. I then got tired of all the chases and close calls, and it got confusing with all the characters multiplying and running around rather pointlessly. Had I been able to limp through to the the end, I would have given it two stars.



4. Good story but it is 1st in a series. I didn't know until I was at the end. I liked the fast pace and different twists. Nathan was a little too naive to be believeable. Very entertaining, but I probably won't read the next one.



5. Not a boring book. I liked the characters. In a few places, I had to stop and think, red, blue, yellow Which place was whice and who was who. Very unique story.

5 comments about Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset.

1. The Hunger Games (Trilogy) is one of the most "unputdownable" books to enter the teen market in a long time. The cliffhangers at the end of each volume are so intense, you can't help but continue on. Knowing this in advance, I decided against reading the series last summer despite the fact that everyone was talking about it. I waited the extra year, and I'm glad I did--even a week was torture when it came to getting my grubby mitts on a copy of Mockingjay.
   
   For the record, this isn't a series for everyone. You will be drained emotionally by its end. The Hunger Games is one of the grimmest dystopian worlds I've encountered in literature. A lot of characters die, and their deaths aren't pleasant. This series may not be for you. Then again, those who know me well would say it's not for me, either. I'm one of the most squeamish people you'll meet, and The Hunger Games more closesly resembles the movie Battle Royale than I thought it would when I started reading. I really enjoyed the series, though. There are scenes so poignant, they'll stick with me. Between this and Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, I've found that even squeamish ole me can still enjoy a disturbing book if it's thought-provoking and well-written.
   
   Now that I've warned you about the contents, let's move on to the meat of this review. It's hard to go in-depth without giving a lot away, so I decided to focus on the trilogy as a whole instead of singling out Mockingjay and reviewing it on its own (though I do have a paragraph dedicated to it further down). A brief synopsis for the uninitiated:
   The trilogy takes place in the future. The USA has been destroyed; in its place is Panem, which consists of thirteen districts and a Capitol city. Before the series begins, the districts revolt against the Capitol and are defeated; the thirteenth is completely obliterated. As retribution for their crimes, each district is now required to send a boy and girl, called tributes, to participate in the annual Hunger Games. The games are centered around survival; there can only be one winner (Luckily, most of the deaths occur off-page, so it makes it easier for the squeamish to read). The characters are very rich and detailed; some of their deaths hit incredibly hard and are forever memorable. In the second book, Catching Fire, there is a lot of unease in the districts, and a lot of anger when the year's Hunger Games take a twisted turn and past winners are forced to battle it out for survival. The final book, Mockingjay, consists of a full out rebellion; the districts are at war with the Capitol and it's do or die in a showdown so explosive, readers never see it coming.
   
   Mockingjay has already received flack for not going in the direction fans anticipated. Most were caught up in a romantic triangle and hoped the final book would have a heavy emphasis on this theme with war as a backdrop and a happily-ever-after on the horizon. At the same time, Suzanne Collins has been setting up the revolution since Day One; the grim nature of the first two books should lead readers to believe that the finale will continue in a similar vein. Yes, people will die and it won't always be fair. That's life. I think the direction of Mockingjay was natural, especially in war-like situations. Characters will not be the same as they were earlier in life; war changes you. I would have been disappointed if Collins sidestepped harsh realities in order to soften the story. The tale she weaves is extreme, but it's also genuine. To me, by sticking to her guns and not copping out for something friendlier, she has created a memorable, haunting series that will stick with you long after you've finished reading it.
   
   I'd also like to bring attention to the amazing book jacket art put together by designer Elizabeth B. Parisi and artist Tim O'Brien. At first glance, they don't mean much, but once you've read the serious, you notice just how ingenious they truly are. Before I read the series, I looked at the preview of the Mockingjay jacket and thought, "Wow, that's bright compared to the first two." Now I know better. Each book features a mockingjay, which is a hybrid mix of mockingbird and jabberjay (a Capitol creation used for spying on enemies during the first rebellion). The first book features the bird as the pin the main character, Katsa's, friend gives to her. The book is black and grim, giving it a desolate air. Every character in the Games feels hopeless, as though he/she won't survive. The second book's mockingbird is trapped inside a clock-like environment, which is the setting of the Hunger Games in this volume. The book is red for fire (both for its title, Catching Fire, and the literal associations with the element in the book), for anger (the fact that previous survivors of the Hunger Games must participate once more), and for bloodshed. Both books feature these circular objects that link to one another representing the way the districts and Capitol are linked. The final book features a mockingjay with its wings spread out. The linked circles are in broken pieces around it. The book is a vivid sky blue, the color of peace and hope. These covers have become favorites of mine; I adore the symbolism.
   
   
   All in all, I'm personally glad I've read this series and wouldn't change a thing. I'm glad I didn't sidestep it due to its violent nature and extreme situations. This trilogy is one I'll read again to delve into the intricate layers I know Collins has laid out for us. Collins is a master at capturing a society at war and showing the horrors that come when a corrupt government is in control.



2. I find this whole topic and its inferences to be an inappropriate topic for young readers because it preaches Apocalypse thinking and negative outcomes, i.e., society is terrible and will fail, and individuality and tolerance and working together can never succeed, so mistrust and violence is the only basis of survival. It also propagandizes way too much and offers little that is redeeming or positive for young people to model their lives on as they join society as adults. The whole concept frankly is a bit creepy.
   Adults generally have more life experience under their belts and can recognize the creepiness and the propaganda in such books and see the writing as simply fantasy. Young people for the most part cannot and will be influenced to develop negative thinking, especially about democracy and the United States and its exceptionalism and support of liberty, individual thinking, and liberal education that can indeed work constructively to solve real problems. The answer is not just to give up and resort to violence and distrust of society and government and eventually murder and terrorism to solve problems. These are not good models for our young people. There are no positive lessons for the future in this trilogy, just darkness and despair and pandering to violence to avoid finding real solutions.



3. I was not impressed with the way Amazon or Scholastic (I'm not sure) packaged it.The box itself could have been sturdier and the copy of Mockingjay that I got was dirty and it had red marks over the book so I was not very impressed. I would like to switch my copy of Mockingjay for another or consult with someone. -_-



4. No doubt if you're looking at this product, you already know The Hungry Games Trilogy are all great books!
   
   In my mind, there's really only a few reasons for a "boxset" to exist: 1) To give as a a better looking gift than three separate books to someone who somehow missed the phenomenon along the way or is missing some of the collection. 2) Because they include something special w/ the set that makes it more meaningful, or 3) Because it's cheaper to buy them as a set.
   
   In this case, this set is only your best choice if you want to give the set as a gift. I wish they'd included something special that made it more worthwhile than a cardboard container to hold them. I don't think it would have hurt to add in a mockingjay pin and an exclusive map or poster - since the set costs more than the individual books combined. (Or did, the day I was writing this.) Who knows? Maybe they will come up with a more special set after the third books been out a bit longer.
   
   Still, there's plenty of avid teen readers that are just now getting to the age to begin enjoying these tales, and a set of the books would definitely make a great gift for them boxed or unboxed.



5. 
   Because I was such a fan of Suzanne Collins' The Underland Chronicles (also known as the Gregor the Overlander series), I picked up The Hunger Games the first week it was out and I feel privileged in a way to not only have read this series as it unfolded, but to have witnessed its climb in popularity over the last 2 years. That popularity is richly deserved.
   
   Collins is both a talented writer and a gifted storyteller, two things that do not always go hand in hand. In The Hunger Games trilogy, she has created characters that will stay with me and has given them a hard and difficult story that will haunt me. She also managed to keep the quality of the series high throughout which is not always the case with a book series.
   
   At the conclusion of book three - Mockingjay - Collins hasn't wrapped everything up in a neat little bow and slapped a happy face sticker on the bow's ribbon ends nor, IMHO, should she have done so. Instead, Collins provides a conclusion that suits the story, that left room for my internal `if-onlys', `what-ifs', `I-wonders' and `but-what-abouts', but that I also found satisfying.
   
   I consider The Hunger Games trilogy to be a great accomplishment for Collins and a true classic for both teen and adult readers of both sexes. I'm very pleased to give it a permanent place on my-favorite-books-of-all-time shelf where, coincidentally, it will sit right alongside The Underland Chronicles.
   
   Very, very highly recommended.
   
   Note: Prices will vary, but you may want to price the books out to see if you'll get a better deal buying them separately. As I write this, you will, so if you're not really committed to the box... :-)

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

1. This seires is wonderful! I purchased this set for my 10 year old son as a birthday gift. I read them with him and wound up liking them myself. This is great reading for anyone who enjoys mythic books.



2. I really like the Percy Jackson set of books!! I enjoyed the Greek mythology, gods, goddesses and monsters with a modern twist. I found that I couldn't put them down, and was constantly wanting to find out what happened next. I know they are supposedly written for young adults/pre teens, but I am 40 and enjoyed them just as much! I also ordered books 4 and 5 and am pleased with those as well. My daughter will be reading them next. I will definitely be looking for more books to read by Rick Riordan!



3. I am an 11-year-old girl who absolutely hated reading. I could never find a book I liked. If I actually found a good book, I would end up getting bored with it and not finishing it. Then, I happened to stumble upon "Percy." I opened up this book, and I never put it down. I read all day long, while eating dinner, while brushing my teeth, and even read it by flashlight in bed. I finished the series in less than two weeks. I cried so hard when I was finished with the last book. I was literally sick to my stomach and had a headache. I was bedstricken, okay???!! Then, I found out Rick Riordan would be writing a new "Percy" series, featuring some of the old characters. I have no reason to live until "The Lost Hero" comes out. (October 12th.) This is coming from a girl who, 2 weeks before "Percy", wouldn't even read a picture book. Rick Riordan, you are amazing. This author knows what his mythology-loving audience wants to read. And I will be reading Rick's work as long as I can possibly stand it!!!!!!!



4. The title is just meant to be sarcastic, I know there's a movie and I saw it, but when reading the book it felt as if the movie wasn't even based on it. The movie hacked up the book and dumbed it down to be a totally kid friendly movie. While the book is full of non-stop action and twisted and scary villains that weren't even included in the movie!
   
   The Madusa scene in the movie is too much like Clash of the Titans, her part is a little longer in the book and I found it funny that she ran her own lunch in where she cooks for people and then turns them into stone. That wasn't in the movie, in the movie she just chases Percy and his friends as soon as they get to her place pretty much. The movie is okay, but it made the book look bad, when it's actually an excellent book that could have made a great movie. Even if you saw the movie, I recommend reading the book. I saw the movie first and I'm glad I read the book because it's an excellent read and blows the movie away!



5. These books are really good reads. They arrived on time and in great condition. I loved reading these books.

5 comments about Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3).

1. Cons: Sometimes you have to read a book for what it is and stop trying to say what you'd do in that situation. But other times it's very difficult to decipher between the two, and this book was one of those times. I honestly just wanted somebody to kill Bella so she'd stop whining. I don't remember her being this pitiful in the movie, but she was pathetic in the book. She was so glued to Edward's side that I wondered why she didn't ask him to wipe her after she used the bathroom, too. I can't tolerate weak female characters, which is probably why I love Alice, Victoria and Jane so much. They're strong characters who don't take any B.S. from anybody and know how to control themselves. Bella spent 75 percent of the book crying, screaming for Edward, begging for him to be wherever she was, running to hug him, trying to bribe him into having sex with her and manipulating Jacob. She had no outside interests and seemed to live suffocatingly on Earth just to be with Edward...and Jacob. I wanted to reach right through the book, punch her in the nose and tell her to "Woman up!"
   
   Meyer has great dialogue and can keep a book moving even when I can't stand the main character, but when I read "Breaking Dawn," I seriously hope I don't read one more line about "pursed lips." Nobody purses their lips that much. Every single character in here was pursing their lips. Not one chapter went by and sometimes not even more than a few pages before someone pursed their lips. If that wasn't happening, Edward was grabbing both sides of Bella's face to kiss her or talk to her. Can the girl not even hold her neck up without his assistance? Sheesh!
   
   I just can't imagine two men (werewolf or vampire or human) being this patient about a woman constantly running to the other's side. I understand Edward felt guilty about leaving and wanted Bella to make her own decision, but Jacob just sounds flat out desperate. I wanted him to give it a rest, too. I could sympathize with him for really being in love with the girl, but I just couldn't convince myself that any man would ever be this pitiful even for someone he's in love with. I found it disturbing that he bribed Alice into kidnapping Bella, but I'm glad he snapped out of it because that was a psychotic move. I honestly think Meyer should've gotten some male feedback about the male characters. This book was one of those novels where you go, "I can tell a woman wrote this because she's creating characters that SHE would like to date, not men in real life." In the movie, the guys had a little more testosterone and didn't seem so weak, but in the book, they almost kissed Bella's feet after she kicked them in the groin. It was disturbing and diluted the book a little for me.
   
   Pros: In "Twilight," I was Team Edward mainly because I didn't know enough about Jacob to form an opinion. In "New Moon," I was Team Jacob. In "Eclipse" the movie, I couldn't pick a side. But in the book, I was so fascinated with Jacob and Edward that I couldn't make myself pick a favorite. While I do think Meyer laid the love of a man on a little too thick and unrealistic, when they were being reasonably realistic, I liked them both. I never lost interest in the book. I enjoyed the conversations. Although I think Bella is incredibly disrespectful to her father (what daughter is going to say her own father would "get into trouble" by saying something to her? That should only happen with Becky from "Roseanne.") I liked her ONLY when she would find out more about the minds of Edward and Jacob.
   
   Did I like the book? It was all right. But I loved the movie. I think the movie gave a more realistic look at the guys and they just seemed less weak. I'm hoping in "Breaking Dawn" that they remember they have a third leg again. "Twilight" and "New Moon" (books and movies) were much better and more realistic, as far as werewolves and vampires can go. I was happy to learn more about Jasper though outside of him wanting to suck the blood out of everybody. His backstory was interesting and so was Rosalie's.



2. Spoilers and a load of Twilight bashing is ahead
   
   
   I've hated Twilight forever now. The books are boring and plotless, with no conflicts or no meaning to it. Bella is selfish, whiny, dull, backstabbing, heartless, and as boring as the books are. Edward is a stalker and an obsessive boyfriend. Jacob is love-sick puppy dog with nothing better to do but whine about his non-connection with Bella. Charlie is as dead as the fish he brings home from his endless fishing trips. Renee is airheaded. Every character`has a large amount of flaws to make Bella seemingly perfect despite her rediculous clumsiness.
   
   Eclipse plot- If there even IS a plot here. Bella is supposadly in love with Edward and Jacob. But it is so obvious who she is going to pick this book isnt even needed. Meanwhile, Victoria is putting together a newborn vampire army in order to kill Bella, to get back at Edward for killing James. That of course means every vampire and werewolf in Forks has to protect Bella. Along the way, Jacob sexually assualts Bella many times, including kissing her. (Bella punches him. He is not hurt at all, but Bella breaks her hand. Charlie hears about this. Instead of being angry at Jacob like any normal father would, he compliments Jacob and is proud of him. What?) While the Cullens and wolves prepare to fight, Edward, Bella, and Jacob escape to a mountain in hopes of hiding. While Edward is off scouting the next morning, Jacob and Bella hang out a bit. Jacob forcably kisses Bella, and Bella, being the backstabbing little ho she is starts to kiss him back. Edward hears and does nothing. The story ends with the newborns and Victoria getting their heads ripped off. Woohoo. What a great entertaining story.
   
   Bella- Bella is so disgusting and plain. She has no hobbies. No goals. No dreams, no aspirations, no wishes but to marry Edward, become a vampire and live with him forever. In life, that girl would have nothing. Boys would not trail after her. Friends wouldnt come to her. But Bella is so amazingly perfect and has everything the way she wants it, of course. I thought she was bad before... but when she kisses Jacob back? A backstabbing cheating little ho like that would be dropped by her boyfriend, but nooo.
   
   Edward & Jacob- Ah, Bella's boytoys. Yes, Edward is a smug, obssessive boyfriend. Jacob is a helpless little puppy, getting kicked around, and led on by Bella.
   
   Charlie, The Cullens- Charlie is a dead fish, only appearing to show his appreciation for Jacob when Jacob sexually assaults his daughter. Yep. You read that right. And out of the Cullens, Rosalie remains my favorite. She constantly is trying to tell Bella to think of her decision to be a vampire, and Bella doesnt listen. Rosalie is down to earth and real while Bella is airheaded and vain. Rosalie learned from her past experiences, Bella sucks in all the attention she gets from her experiences, and then causes drama to get more attention.
   
   Wolf pack- Leah is my favorite out of the entire series. She is bitter and mean but she has her reasons for it. (unlike a for-no-reason- sulky, mopy, and dramatic Bella). The book should be centred round her. Sam is controlling. Quil and the rest of the boys are cool. The pack is the most normal, and they are wolves. It makes no sense whatsoever.
   
   In all, Eclipse is... horrible. Skip it.



3. If you read the first 2 of the Saga, you'll need to read this one. I personally liked the first 2 best but its still a great book.
   
   It's a love Story in-deed. Eduard's love for her is breathtaking, and everything about them is as magical as can be.
   
   It's a easy reading book, and you'll have to fight against finishing it in one night...



4. when i saw the previews for Twilight and New moon i thought vampires and werewolves...retarded well then my friend talked me into reading Twilight u fell in love so then i read New moon and eclipse i love eclipse its better then the 1st and 2nd but not better than the 4th because a lot more happens in it. But no seriously read Twilight and New moon then read eclipse AMAZING



5. Product was well taken care of. Shipped perfectly well. No defects of any kind. Shipped faster than expected. Seller was prompt and very efficent. Would purchase from seller again. More than pleased. :)

5 comments about Wisdom (My Blood Approves series).

1. I really enjoyed this series. I think this author has a great writting future ahead of her. Typos made me cringe but I'm sure that will get better as gains more success and income (to pay for better editing). The books are priced well so it wasn't a big issue for me and didn't interfere with my understanding of the story.



2. Okay, I live in New Jersey and I read this book in the car on the way to Maine for a vacation with my family (10 hour drive). It drove my husband nuts. I guess it would have been nice if I talked to him while he was driving. :-) Anyway, I really loved this book. This was another fabulous installment in the My Blood Approves Series written by the very talented Amanda Hocking. This girl should be published. This series is terrific and her other book Switched is another great one.
   
   That said, in this story, Alice and Jack continue their relationship with some bumps and bruises along the way. They have a few issues to work out. It starts with Mae, Peter and Daisy living in Australia. Alice, Milo and Milo's BF go to visit. Something sad and shocking occurs and they rush back home. Because of this, Alice finally has a purpose which I was happy to read. We finally learn who Leif is which is what I had predicted all along :-) Alice and her family face a new danger. As far as the love triangle, Peter has become a good friend to Alice and Jack and he really grew on me in this story. I am still Team Jack all the way though. Also, Alice finally finds happiness with the choice she made regarding Jack and Peter.
   
   Overall this was pretty great. I can't wait for the next book to see what's in store for them. I would highly recommend this to those who love a good paranormal romance with some action mixed in.



3. OK OK I will not spoil this for anybody but this book was completely totally awesome I am in lovvvveeee with the whole series but this book WISDOM has blown me away I love AMANDA HOCKING to me she is like one of the best authors around and definitely one of my top favorites You have to buy this if you are obsessed with paranormal reads like I am then you have to add this to your collection even if you aren't obsessed still add it you will not regret it..I know I know I sound like a advertisement for Amanda Hocking but I love to read it makes me happy and how could I not love an author that makes me smile :)



4. What struck me most about the latest in the My Blood Approves series is the evolution of Alice. She is at the heart of Wisdom. The title is appropriate - for she is growing in it herself.
   
   Wisdom seemed to me to be a bit deeper than the past three books - more introspective, with more character growth than any other in the series. It is clear that Alice has left her teen years behind and is ready to embark on a young woman's life. Gone is the angsty feeling that defined her at moments in past novels - instead she is developing a better sense of self - seeking out her place in the world. Making sense of things and making tough choices that reflect a surprising maturity.
   
   Alice's reflection on her eternity is an eye opener - for all the teen girls who would love to be a vampire (at least in the romantic vampire type tales) here's one that is and gets confronted with the knowledge that it's pretty much a forever thing - this is really grounding. What are you gonna do when whatever it is will need to sustain you through many lifetimes? Mind boggling - and something I don't think Alice really saw coming too clearly. In fact second thoughts are the flavor of the day for her in Wisdom - on more than one level.
   
   The rest of the gang is here as well - Ezra is still my favorite. I can't say I'm too fond of Jack or he and Alice's ongoing relationship - I am on Team Peter all the way. For as much as Alice grows in Wisdom Jack stays the same - I've a notion that is by design and fate. I can't shake the feeling Alice will outgrow him soon - if the next novel picks up where this one lets off. However it is clear that there is a lot of reflection by her and she makes her choices with full thought and knowledge.
   
   More secondary characters get screen time here and they are very enjoyable. The plot is more personal as it center's around the death of one of the characters - and the aftermath of that. The action scenes were very well written and absorbing. There was even one scene where I let out a little shout I was so SHOCKED--did not see that coming!Fabulous!
   
   Clearly a writer to watch. While the series retains its YA flavor it can be enjoyed by those of any age. I, for one, am so grateful to amazon for introducing the Kindle so we could all get to know some great new authors at prices that don't break the bank. Ms. Hocking is one of them!



5. I've read all 4 books for this series and I don't know if Amanda reads these reviews, but if so...You're a very talented writer. I read a lot. When I say a lot I mean over a 100 books a year if I can. Well, to me that's a lot. Anyway, this series really got better as it went along. I was on the fence after reading the first book because the events were a little too unbelievable even by paranormal standards, but I'm glad I kept going. There were still some pretty predictable things, for example, who Leif is. But I still loved it and I know the author is taking a break from this series but I do, so look forward to reading the final book. I enjoyed the modern pop culture references. Keep up the good work!!