PositiveThe Spectator (UK)The narrative is an accumulation of episodes that often create a spark of feeling – of hope, or fear, or wonder – before moving on to another confusingly discrete incident. This is a book to read slowly, possibly making notes to keep track, and holding your nerve that the episodes will link together meaningfully.
Suzanne Collins
PositiveThe Sunday Times (UK)When the first chapter of this prequel to superselling The Hunger Games, was released, fans objected to the trilogy’s villain, the president Coriolanus Snow, being the hero. But even after 540 pages, Snow needs another episode to explain him ... There is no Katniss, of course; Snow’s mentee is Lucy, a scrawny, brave singer of Covey heritage (like gypsies) who steals his heart and the show. There’s also a psychopathic doctor, a righteous friend, the threat of poverty, and Snow’s own ambition in the melange of his motives. Asking big questions, this is fantasy for those who like their violent horror breezily tempered by philosophy.
