Tag Archives: Suzanne Collins

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, Public Library, Children's, Goodreads

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

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This entry is part [part not set] of 5 in the series The Underland Chronicles

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
The First Book in The Underland Chronicles
Publisher: Listening Library (January 1, 2005), Audio CD (paperback 320 pages,) ISBN-10: 9780307282699, ISBN-13: 978-0307282699

A young boy, Gregor and his baby sister get drawn into a creepy world under the earth, where there are huge rats, cockroaches, bats and humans who all talk and communicate with each other. Once there, Gregor finds
clues that his missing father of two years has also fallen down into the Underland. Put into the mix a prophecy and you have an exciting adventure.

This is the first of five books in The Underland Chronicles. It is a fantasy book aimed at 9 to 12 year olds, but can also be classified as Young Adult. The story primarily takes place on earth in the Underland, far below New York City. The story is told in the third person narrative from the point of view of the main protagonist, Gregor. Suzanne Collins has also written The Hunger Games plus a couple of other books written for youths.

This is a good, interesting story which grabs your attention from the first page and keeps you engaged right up to the end.  I liked the characters and I was really cheering for Gregor throughout.  The denizens of the Underland talk in a unique manner, which I found charming.  I thought the mystery of the prophecy really added to the overall excitement of the story. Although Gregor the Overlander is part of a series, it is still a standalone book with a good conclusion.

Although it is aimed towards children 9 – 12 years old, I thought that some of the action scenes were a bit scary and there is a fair deal of violence, but none of it was too graphic. If you enjoy a good, young adult fantasy involving a quest with plenty of action then you should read Gregor the Overlander.
To purchase “Gregor The Overlander” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Book Review, 2 Treasure Boxes, Public Library, Goodreads

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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This entry is part [part not set] of 3 in the series The Hunger Games

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
The Final Book of The Hunger Games
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1 edition (Aug 24 2010,) Hardcover: 400 pages, ISBN-10: 0439023513, ISBN-13: 978-0439023511


The districts and The Capital are at war with each and Katniss was the catalyst. This story centres on Katniss as the rebels prepare to fight. The only problem is The Capital has Peeta and they are torturing him. This is a story of how the slaves try to correct the unfair balance of power and the resulting consequences, which include both revenge and redemption.

Mockingjay is the final book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. It is a young adult, dystopian science fiction that takes place on Panem, which was once the continent of North America, at an unknown futuristic date. The story is told in a first person narrative from the point of view of the main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. Suzanne Collins has also written The Underland Series plus a couple of other books written for youths.

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two, but it still held my interest right up to the last page. Even in the last chapter I was not sure where the story was going. Once Katniss was brought into district 13 and introduced to President Coin, I began to question how different are the rebels to the Capital? Yes, The Capital is filled with privileged people whose comforts and entertainments are all at the expense of the districts, but District 13’s treatment of its prisoners, shows that they really are no different. I was surprised at the ending, but felt that Katniss’ decisions perhaps addressed some of my questions.

Mockinjay is a good ending to a good series. If you enjoy reading dystopian science fiction books that are aimed at young adults, then you should give this series a try. Just be sure to read the books in order.

Questions to ponder:

As the story unfolded, I began to wonder just what kind of world will it be if The Capital is defeated?

Will the slaves in the districts really become free, or will they just become new slaves to the new president and district 13? (I know this was answered somewhat by the book, but still something to think about.)
To purchase: “Mockingjay” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

 

Book Review, 3 Treasure Boxes, Public Library, Goodreads, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

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This entry is part [part not set] of 3 in the series The Hunger Games

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
The Hunger Games Trilogy: Book 2
Publisher: Scholastic Press; Reprint edition (July 1 2010), Paperback: 384 pages, ISBN-10: 0439023521, ISBN-13: 978-0439023528


For the first time in 74 years there are two survivors in the annual hunger games. Katniss and Peeta have just beat the system and came out as victors, just to face the games once again but this time with shocking results.

Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. It is a young adult, dystopian science fiction that takes place on Panem, which was once the continent of North America, at an unknown futuristic date. The story is told in a first person narrative from the point of view of the main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. Suzanne Collins has also written The Underland Series plus a couple of other books written for youths.

The story started out a bit slow, but quickly built up steam and the pressure kept building and building to an exciting, shocking and unexpected ending.  I enjoyed the writing, especially the detailed pictures describing the arena and the events that occurred within.  This is an original series with an interesting look at what happens when a small group of elitists suppress the masses into slavery.

I enjoyed this book, I am curious to see where the story is going so I will read the next book in the series. If you enjoy reading dystopian science fiction books that are aimed at young adults, then you should give this series a try. Just be sure to read the books in order.
To purchase: “Catching Fire” from Amazon, click here or on picture above