Book Review: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

Publisher's Synopsis:
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.


My Review:
I'm not usually a big fan of young adult fiction but I fancied a change from my usual reading fare and decided to see what all the fuss was about The Hunger Games. Well, I most certainly was not disappointed! The Hunger Games is a young adult, science fiction novel by Suzanne Collins and is the first book of the trilogy. It is set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, totalitarian state where children are chosen to fight to the death for their lives. The premise of the book is barbaric to say the least; a televised fight to the death for survival. I loved the originality of the plot and how compelling it was to read. I was lost in Katniss' world from the very beginning.

The characters were mesmerising and the world which the author created was absolutely addictive. I enjoyed being able to escape into a fantasy land and lose myself there completely for a few hours.
I liked Katniss, the main character and admired her constant bravery and courage in her fight for her family's survival and in the face of so much adversity. It was a refreshing change to have such a brave female lead.

There are elements of light romance and some humour throughout the book. It is quite gory and graphic in parts, so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under twelve or thirteen years of age.
The Hunger Games was a gripping read that was full of suspense and drama and I very much look forward to reading the sequel.