THE RISE OF NINE by Pittacus Lore

“Until I met John Smith, Number Four, I’d been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive. Together we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others… I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we’re looking for the others – including John. But so are they. I am Number Six. To finish what they started, they’ll have to fight us first.”

What is the book about?

After traveling together for so long, Six, John and Sam had to go their separate ways to try and find the others. John went to the Mogadorian cave with Sam to try and get back their Chests. Though John was separated from Sam and had to leave him in the hands of the Mogadorians, he found another member of the guard – Nine – and teamed up with him. While this was happening Six found Seven in Spain, and the mysterious Number 10 who she didn’t even know existed. After this, Six headed to India to try and find Eight who they thought was hiding out in the mountains. Now they are searching for all the other numbers, trying to make their group as strong as possible. Everything has lead up to this. All the running, all the hiding, all the suffering, all of it will be worthless if they don’t all join forces. The Mogadorians started this war, and now the Loric Garde will finish it.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The Power of Six was an incredible book but, unfortunately, it ended in a cliff-hanger. This made me really desperate to read the next book in the series so I was very happy to finally get my hands on The Rise of Nine. As usual, I read the blurb before beginning the book and found that it didn’t really have much about the events in the book and what might happen later on. It was very frustrating as the blurb was mainly just saying a bit about what had happened in the previous books in the series and the similar foreshadowing of a huge battle that will happen once all the Garde that are still alive have gathered together. The book didn’t start exactly where it had ended in the previous book, but it did start right away with the start of a new adventure. Once I began to read, I was already attached to the book and enjoyed every word, but I still had many questions and was very irritated. The book was written from 3 perspectives: Marina (Number Seven), Six and John (Number Four). This was incredibly annoying as I had to wait ages to hear from the other characters, and wanted to know more to answer some questions that were left unanswered in The Power of Six.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Marina or maybe Six. I liked both girls because of how brave and powerful they were. Marina was kind and cared about everyone, she always wanted to make sure everyone was safe and I think that her healing Legacy suited her personality perfectly. She was also strong, although she didn’t believe it herself, and would defend herself and others against anybody. I liked Six because of how brave and selfless she was. She chose to protect others if she had to pick between them or herself and tried to use her Legacies for good. She was really strong and was always ready for anything, prepared for Mogadorians at any moment. Other than Marina and Six, I also really liked Eight. He was very charming and was always full of life and energy. I felt like he could always show the bright side of a situation and if anything bad happened he would be the light and happiness to brighten up whoever was feeling down.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was probably most likely when all of the Garde – except Five – finally find each other. I like that part because practically half the book is just John and Nine trying to find Six while Six, Marina, Eight and Ella are trying to make their way back to the United States to find John. All their lives they have been training for the time when all of the remaining Garde have developed their Legacies and are strong enough so that they can work together to finish what was started when Lorien was destroyed. Although when they all get together they believe the final battle will go down, I knew that wasn’t the case as there are still multiple books left. However I was hoping that it would be as it is their mission and their sole purpose. I really liked this part because I knew that they would all get to bond and make connections that would be of great use when the right time comes. I am glad that they are (almost) all together because it will give them a chance to learn how to work as a team so that when they are finally faced with the opportunity to kill Setrákus Ra (the Mogadorian leader) they will be strong enough. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I absolutely loved The Rise of Nine. It was an amazing book and I don’t think that there is much that I would change though some parts I think weren’t as good as the rest of the book. I really loved then ending, when most of the Garde were finally all together because of how they would all have the opportunity to bond and learn how to fight as a team. The book was really good but there were a few things that I would have done differently. For one, the book was written from 3 different perspectives, and though 2 of them were together for a little while – so they were part of the same section of the story – they then got separated which really annoyed me. I love hearing from other people to be able to compare opinions, thoughts and anything else, and it is a really effective way at hooking the reader as you have to keep reading in order to find out more from one of the characters. However I think that 3 characters were way too much as it too much too long to return to the characters and hear what happened after that. I was really irritated when it would be 3 chapters later that I would hear from one of the people and hated having to be patient (I am very impatient). Another thing that frustrated me a little was how much of the book was spent with most of Garde looking for the others. I know that it was very important for them to get together to be able to form a stronger group, but I think that it took way too long and slightly ruined the book. But, I still think that the book was incredible and I really liked reading it. 

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

I am Number Four, The Power of Six and The Rise of Nine were all really good and, of course, very similar. They all ended in cliff-hanger and were incredibly thrilling books, but I don’t think that The Rise of Nine changed my opinion on The Power of Six. I still think, in my opinion, that The Power of Six is the best book in the series so far. This is because of how interesting it all is and how it includes a bit of everything. Most of I am Number Four was just informing the reader about Lorien and the Mogadorians as it was the first book, and most of The Rise of Nine was just trying to get all the Garde in the same room together. This is why I think that The Power of Six is the better book, as it includes some of the more informative parts, it has action-packed battles, and it has the Six trying to find Marina in Spain. To top it all off, The Power of Six is also written from 2 perspectives, which is 1 more that I am Number Four and 1 less than The Rise of Nine, which I think is the perfect amount and makes the book stand out. 

Would you recommend this book?  

This is a very good book and I recommend it for readers specifically over 13, but if you have read books that are similar then I am sure you will also love this one. However before reading The Rise of Nine, I recommend reading the 2 previous books – I am Number Four and The Power of Six – so that you understand everything (you can also find them on my blog). 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An unforgettable read full of energy and new discoveries.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE POWER OF SIX by Pittacus Lore

“I am Number Seven. And I am ready. Six of us are left. We hide, blend in, avoid one another, but our Legacies are developing. And one day soon we’ll be ready to fight back. Is the appearance of Number Four the sign we’ve been waiting for? And what about Numbers Five and Six? Is the raven-haired girl from my dreams one of them? A girl with powers beyond anything I have ever imagined. A girl strong enough to bring the six of us together… I am Number Seven. And I am ready to fight.”

What is the book about?

John Smith has managed to escape the Mogadorians and travel far from Paradise, where the battle took place. Although he has fled and made it away from those who seek to kill him, now he is being hunted for by almost everyone in America. Thought to be terrorists, John, Sam and Six search for the others, trying to form a stronger group able to finish the war against the Mogadorians. Meanwhile, in Spain, Number Seven – Marina – waits. She believes that she is ready to fight and join the others in the final battle. Her Cêpan has lost all hope that they will return to Lorien and complete their mission. Feeling lost and alone Marina has to keep her spirits high. She waits for the moment she turn 18 and is able to flee the prison she has lived in for 11 years. Sorting through the internet and seeking new information that may lead her to other like her, she find news on John Smith and his father who are thought to be terrorists. Marina knows that John is one of the nine. Now she must wait. She must wait until she can leave to find him. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I am Number Four had left me anxious to discover more about Lorien and the six Garde left on Earth. Without any hesitation, I began to read The Power of Six. I had no doubts that I wouldn’t love the book and desperate to know more. After reading the blurb, I was even more impatient to get to the more thrilling action parts of the book. I was really interested in learning about Number Seven and knowing more about the other numbers. I really wanted them to join forces and work together to defeat the Mogadorians. From the very beginning of the book I was already transported back to John Smith and just picked up from where they left off. I was also really mesmerised by the thought of meeting another number and as soon as I read the first sentence about Marina, I already felt like I had known her my whole life. Every single word just made me drift further into the book, each sentence more amazing than the last. Even after reading only a couple pages I was already curious to reach the end. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Six. I loved how powerful she was and how she depended on no one except herself. She was free and able to do as she pleased. Six was a really brave character and I loved learning more about her past. She was always full of ideas and able to get past any situation. It was very interesting to hear about how she and her Cêpan were captured and learn about her situation. I was shocked to hear about how long she had been left in a cell, awaiting her death. I think that this made her an even more extraordinary character because she had suffered so much but still kept full of faith and hope. Six persevered and was able to look past all the pain and suffering she had lived through to be able to find John. I thought it was extremely sad that she had been alone for 3 years with no Cêpan to help her. She had to travel on her own at age 13 without anyone else for company. Six was a very inspirational character who was powerful enough to carry on with her life even after all that she had been through.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

It was very hard for me to choose a favourite part because there are many thrilling and interesting parts that I absolutely loved. However, I think that my favourite part would have to be the end. This is because of all the action and the huge battles that take place during this part of the book. I also like it because of the new information that is uncovered and all the discoveries they make. I really loved the action because it kept me on the edge of my seat following every blast of a gun, every roar of a beast, and every death of a Mogadorian. The battles always keep me worried for the characters because anything could happen but I also like being concerned because it connects me further to the characters and make ma like them even more. I really loved the ending of The Power of Six and all the events that led up to it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Power of Six and loved every part of it. One reason why I loved the book was because we got to meet quite a few of the other numbers (including a mysterious new member). This gave me hope that they would be able to succeed when it came to the final battle because they would all be together soon. Another thing that I really liked about the book was the fact that we got to hear from 2 people, what their perspectives were and what was happening to them. This was something new and different that did not happen in I am Number Four. It was very interesting to have 2 different stories going on at the same time and it was also a very effective way to keep the reader hooked and curious to find out more. This is because the chapter would sometimes end in cliff-hangers and they switch to the other person leaving you desperate to get back to what the other was doing. I also really liked learning the truth about the ship that followed and understand what happened to whoever – or whatever – was on the ship, or even if they had actually made it to Earth. The Power of Six also ended in a cliff-hanger like the previous book, but I was glad because it made me more intrigued to read the next book.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Even though both I am Number Four and The Power of Six were amazing books, I think that I prefer the latter. The Power of Six was, in my opinion, a much better book because of all the new discoveries and information. Both the first and second books in this series are quite similar: they are both written in the same style, they are both very captivating and they both end in cliff-hangers. However, though they are both incredibly similar in more ways than one, I think that The Power of Six was more interesting and had me curious to find out further information, much more curious than in I am Number Four. In The Power of Six I was able to meet more of the Garde and learn a bit about Number Seven and what she had been up to in the time the Nine had been living on Earth. I also had the chance to uncover the truth about the mysterious ship that John had seen following them on the night they fled the gruesome battle on Lorien. Though the book was amazing, it still generated even more questions and made me intrigued to meet the rest of the numbers – I cannot wait to read The Rise of Nine!

Would you recommend this book?  

I think that any reader over 13 who has read I am Number Four should read The Power of Six. If you have not yet read the first book in the series then I strongly recommend it and I believe that any action or thriller lover will enjoy reading The Power of Six.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A mystical continuation of John’s adventure full of even more mystery and action.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore

“John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving, those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can’t run for ever. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about – and who care about him. Never in John’s short life has there been space for friendship, or even love. But it’s just a matter of time before John’s secret is revealed. He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next…”

What is the book about?

John Smith is not a normal teenager. All his life he has moved from small town to small town, changing his name and his identity to hide who he really is. He never settles down and never puts down roots. If he ever stops moving around, if he doesn’t keep to himself, if he shows too much of what he really is, those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can’t run forever, and at some point there will be no escape. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to settle down properly, to try and fit in. And for the first time ever he makes some real friends. There had never been room for friendship or love in John’s short life, but now he has found people he cares about – and who care about him. But there was a reason for all the running, all the moving. In order to stay in Paradise, John ignores the small mistakes he makes and it is just a matter of time before his secret is revealed and everything goes downhill. He was once one of nine. The first three are dead. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I first heard about the series from a friend who said that she really enjoyed reading. As I never ignore recommendations from her I decided to purchase the series and as soon as they arrived I was intrigued. I am Number Four is not very well known but with those who have read it, there have been little negative comments and almost everyone has loved it. The book at first started with information on John’s previous lives with different names and identities explaining how the first three died and how John came to be next in line for death. I really like learning new things and getting answers to question so it was really nice to get them from the very beginning. I also loved how it was concise and very quick and simple to explain so the real story started almost immediately. From the very start I was already absorbed into the book and every single word just made me drift further into John’s world. I loved the book even from the start page and could wait to reach the end.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that, although the main character is usually my favourite character as the book is from their perspective; my favourite character was probably Henri – John’s Keeper (guardian). Although John was a likable character, I think that Henri was much better because of how he dedicated his life for John. Henri was a Cêpan whose soul purpose is to train and help a member of the Garde (the Loric with Legacies, e.g. John) and in order to do so he had to put his life on the line. I thought that this was very brave and showed how selfless Henri was as he valued John’s life more than his own and always cared for him no matter what. Another reason why I liked Henri was because of how inspirational he was. The part where I really began to see all the good in Henri was when he made a short speech to John about hope. He said that “there is always hope” and “it is the last thing to go”. I really liked it because it showed how hopeful Henri was and how he would persevere and never give up. He said that “when you have lost hope, you have lost everything” which really shows that he is an inspirational character that always tried to do what is right no matter what. He never gave up and persevered even when he thought that all was over he never stopped fighting.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was when all the action really began. It was really interesting and thrilling to read about the Mogadorians and see how they fought and what they were like. I liked when they were discovered because it meant that the fight began and the more intriguing part of the book started. I also liked it because a mysterious guest arrived which I was very curious about. I really liked meeting this person and understanding what it meant and that the real war was finally starting and they were ready to retaliate and fight back. I also liked this part because I got to see John in action using his Legacies in a real fight and he discovered another power during the battle. This section of the book was full of suspense, John and the others lost hope and believed that it was the end at one point, but despite that they carried on fighting and didn’t give up. Although the very end of the book was also interesting, all the suffering and pain during that small part of the book was enough to make me no longer enjoy it as much so my favourite part doesn’t extend until the cliff-hanger finish. However the whole book was amazing and I really enjoyed reading it.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I am Number Four was an incredible book and I absolutely loved it. This book series isn’t that well known and many people have no clue that it even exists. I am really glad that I found out about it because the first book has exceeded my expectations. From the very beginning I was already a part of John’s world. One of the reasons why I really enjoyed the book was when I was transported to Lorien. I loved seeing what it was like before all the destruction, death and suffering the Mogadorians caused and thought it was absolutely beautiful. Another thing that I loved about the book was all the questions that I was curious to answer. I love finding answers to things when I am reading books and although I am Number Four didn’t really answer that many of them, I can’t wait to read the next book, The Power of Six, and find out more. One other reason why I really enjoyed reading the book was because I got to discover more about the Garde and the Cêpan and understand why the 9 children were chosen to come to Earth in the first place. I am really intrigued to meet the other numbers and see what they are like. I am Number Four was a completely outstanding book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series!

Would you recommend this book?  

This is a book that I absolutely loved and would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrilling science fiction novels. I think that it is most suitable for readers over 13 however I think that anyone who reads it will enjoy it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A mesmerising book that will transport you to another magical version of our world.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins

“May the odds be ever in your favour. ‘If we burn you burn with us.’ Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But she’s still not safe. A revolution is unfolding, and everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans – everyone except Katniss. And yet she must play the most vital part in the final battle. Katniss must become their Mockingjay – the symbol of rebellion – no matter what the personal cost.”

What is the book about?

Katniss was able to win the first Hunger Games to get back to her sister Prim, and although it was not her main aim, she escaped the Quarter Quell – the 75th annual Hunger Games. She managed to survive but at what cost… District 12 is gone – burnt – just like 13 was, or so she had been told. Now Katniss is learning that Thirteen is not the crumbled, lifeless place she thought it was, but home to new society plotting against the Capitol. Katniss feels lost and empty, alone without Peeta; not knowing what is happening to him or even if he is dead. Despite her unwillingness to be the face of the rebellion, Katniss must push down her feelings and become the symbol of the rebellion, the inspiration to face the Capitol, the reason to fight, the Mockingjay. She must play the most important role in a plan she had no involvement in and knows only what she is told. Katniss must fight and stop President Snow, no matter what happens.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The book before Mockingjay, Catching Fire, ended in a major cliff-hanger so, without a doubt, I wanted to start reading the next part of Katniss’s story. The cliff-hanger had left me with many worries and questions and I was desperate to get back into the books to get answers. I was really interested to learn more about District 12 and learn what happened to it and all the people living there. Before starting to read, I looked at the blurb and it encouraged me even further making me question things about the rebellion and what could happen as a result of it. Mockingjay started with Katniss in the ashes of her home and I was immediately transported back into her world feeling her pain and all the things that she was going through. The start already got me attached and answered a lot of questions even at the very beginning. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Like in the other 2 books, Katniss was one of my favourite characters. She was brave and strong, able to face enemies and contribute to the rebellion. Although it took her a long time to agree, I knew that Katniss would become the Mockingjay even before she had decided. She was also selfless and even when she was the one who needed protection she would never turn her back on someone in need and would fight, risking her life in the process. I really liked Katniss and following her story through the first and second Hunger Games, and finally with the rebellion. Other than Katniss, I also really liked her little sister Primrose. In the first and second books of the series, Prim didn’t really make that big of an impression mainly because she wasn’t a part of the adventure that much, we only knew that she was the only person that Katniss was sure she loved. However, in Mockingjay we get to see Prim a little bit more and see her personality more clearly. She is brave, kind and would do anything for her sister even though she rarely gets an opportunity. Prim, even from a young age, could do what Katniss had always struggled with – be a healer. Prim was so much like her mother caring for many sick patients without a second thought. She was ready to step up and become a doctor whenever she could and try and help as many people as possible. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

It is really difficult for me to narrow down to my favourite part or even my favourite chapter so I would say that my favourite parts are probably from when Katniss goes to the Capitol and onwards to the very end of the book – including the epilogue. I really liked those parts because it is when the true rebellion really started and when Katniss was close enough to President Snow to be able to achieve her main goal. This made the parts more interesting as the further to the end I got the more intense and interesting the book was. Those chapters rally showed Katniss’s bravery and true potential. During those parts there were many deaths, which was a downside as they were very upsetting but I think that it was also effective in connecting you even further into the book. Finally the end came and it was very shocking but I also really liked it and thought that it was perfect (though very sad too).

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Mockingjay was a wonderful book and an almost perfect ending to the Hunger Games series. One reason I really liked the book, was the build up to the final battle at the end. The last chapters when Katniss is making her way deeper and deeper into the Capitol, trying to get closer and closer to President Snow’s mansion were really interesting and a little sad. However, without looking at the sad bits, I really think that it was really well put and that even the deaths were really well placed as it showed how people would sacrifice themselves in order to help the rebellion. Another reason why I really loved Mockingjay was how all the events from the first 2 books connected to help Katniss in her pursuit for the destruction of the Capitol. It allowed her to succeed especially when she went into the source of it all – the Capitol. I also really liked how Katniss became the Mockingjay and that the bird that had been significant for her in the first book and a bit in the second ended up being the symbol of the entire rebellion. One other thing that doesn’t really relate to the book but still contributed to what I thought of it was that the books I read before the Hunger Games series was the Divergent series. The ending of the last book was probably the most traumatic and upsetting finish that I have ever experienced so the conclusion of Mockingjay was definitely a giant leap from that.

Which is your favourite book in the Hunger Games series? (1, 2, or 3)

All 3 books, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, were incredible and I think that it is almost impossible to decide between them. In fact, I think that my favourite book is probably a tie between The Hunger Games – first book – and Mockingjay – last book. I really loved The Hunger Games because it is action-packed and is the first start to the fire of the rebellion. The end was the act that sparked up the rebellion and gave people hope that there was a way to defy the Capitol and to try and stop the games that steal their children from them. The first book was the start of an amazing series and without it nothing would have happened. Mockingjay was also my favourite book because of how all the suffering, all the pain, and all the death was finally ended with one big explosion. I really liked Mockingjay because of how it allowed Katniss the chance to achieve what she had been wanting since the very first moment when she felt like a part of a game for President Snow. So, overall, I really liked The Hunger Games because it gave me questions and a spark, and I really liked Mockingjay because it gave me answers and a fire.

Would you recommend this book?  

After reading The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, this is the book to read. If you have read the two previous books you won’t need any encouragement to begin this book but nevertheless I think that everyone will love this book, especially 14+ readers with a passion for adventures and thrillers.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A fiery finish to an astonishing adventure.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins

“May the odds be ever in your favour. Katniss Everdeen survived the Hunger Games. Now the Capitol wants revenge. Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are still alive. Katniss should be relieved, but now there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol – a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. As the nation watches Katniss and Peeta, the stakes are higher than ever. One false move and the consequences will be unimaginable.”

What is the book about?

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark both survived the Hunger Games. Katniss’s small act to save both herself and Peeta is seen as an act of rebellion – a spark that many Districts are using to fuel their anger and start their fires. Many Districts have had uprisings and many have been killed trying to go against the Capitol. The authority figures in the Capitol blame Katniss and believe that she was the one who started it all. Katniss tries her hardest to convince the nation that she only did it out of love, not as an act against the Capitol. Now there are whispers of a rebellion, a rebellion that is using the spark as their way to face the Capitol and stop everything. The nation is keeping a close eye on Katniss and Peeta, every step and every work carefully watched. The stakes are higher than ever and one small mistake, one false move, could mean complete destruction with unthinkable consequences.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Once I read the first book – The Hunger Games – it was clearly obvious that I would absolutely have to read the next book. I didn’t doubt for a second that I wouldn’t enjoy reading the second book because of how much I loved the previous book. I also knew that I would love reading Catching Fire because of how many questions had been left unanswered by the first book and the cliff-hanger ending that I was desperate to resolve. The book started really quickly but not from the same place that The Hunger Games had ended so I was slightly upset that I missed it. However it was quick to get back into the action and thrilling parts so I soon dismissed my initial feelings and was brought back into the dystopian world of The Hunger Games. Soon the book had ended and I felt that I had sped through faster than the last time, seeking for answers but only creating more questions. I am very glad that there is another book because I am very anxious to find out more.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Like in the previous book, The Hunger Games, my favourite character in this book was Katniss. This is because of her bravery and kindness and how she was always willing to help others. As a result of winning The Hunger Games, Katniss received a lot of money – way more than she and her family would ever need. So, when she saw someone in need she gave them food and money and tried her best to keep them healthy. Katniss was also willing to sacrifice herself for her friends and family and would do anything for them. She put her own needs aside and when she saw a friend that she could save she didn’t even need to think about it – she acted before thinking about how it could hurt her and made sure that her friend was safe. Katniss also valued her own life less than others and even though during The Hunger Games in the first book she had wanted to survive, it was only to honour her promise to her sister. She was willing to help someone else survive even if it meant she would die and tried her hardest to live for those she loved, not for herself.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of Catching Fire was when Katniss found the two District 8 runaways and discussed finding District 13. This was my favourite part because it was when Katniss first saw hope and realised that there might be a chance to take down the Capitol. At this point Katniss saw a way to be free and survive without having to run away from everything and abandon everyone like a coward. She saw an escape from the torture all Districts have faced for years and saw how she could help. Katniss knew that she could make a difference and help everyone using her new position as a Hunger Games victor and help with the rebellion. This was the part where she saw the first glimpse of hope and retaliation against the Capitol. This part helped Katniss and helped her see that she was powerful and would be able to help if she only tried. I liked it because it gave Katniss the courage to face the Capitol and try and change everything. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall the book was amazing!! It was just as perfect as the first book and there isn’t much I would want to change about it. Catching Fire ended in a cliff-hanger just like The Hunger Games but it was perfect and without that ending I think that the effect of wanting to read the next book would have not been as good and less people would have wanted to read it. Every part of the book was full of crazy and exciting events that left me with more and more questions and this left me with a huge urge to read more about Katniss and Peeta. One small thing that I didn’t really like was that Catching Fire didn’t start exactly where The Hunger Games had ended. I understand that if it had the book wold have been even longer but I would have really liked to read about the welcome Katniss and Peeta received when their arrived in District 12. There was a small flashback and little bits of information so it wasn’t completely missed out, however I would have liked to see it all and I think that I would have enjoyed the book a bit more. Other than that, everything was impeccable and I adored every second I spent reading. I was really sad that the book needed but also glad that I can finally be able to read the next book and get someone needed explanations that I have wanted for a very long time.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire were both great books that I absolutely loved. Choosing between the two was a very tough decision to make but I think that The Hunger Games was the book I enjoyed the most. I don't really think that there was a better book because both were equally well written and had amazing plots, every part was amazing but I think that I liked The Hunger Games more. This is because it was a new story and everything was fresh and mesmerising so I was hypnotised by reading such an incredible book. One other thing that made me like The Hunger Games a bit more than Catching Fire was all the new ideas and questions that the book created. Catching Fire also created questions but also mainly developed the ones from the previous book. I really liked having the need to receive answers and loved reading another amazing series. The Hunger Games book was a start to an extraordinary series that I am really glad to read.

Would you recommend this book?  

If you have read The Hunger Games and enjoy thrilling dystopian fiction then I 100% recommend this book. It is perfect for readers who are 14 or older but if you are younger and have read books similar to this then I think that it is the perfect book that you are sure to love.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An incredible, intense thriller with every word more perfect than the last.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego