Status
Available
Call number
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Publication
Scholastic Australia (2013). Luxury edition with foiled edges. 3 book boxed set.
Description
Science Fiction & Fantasy. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: The stunning Hunger Games trilogy is complete! The extraordinary, ground breaking New York Times bestsellers The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, along with the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, are available for the first time ever in e-book. Stunning, gripping, and powerful..
Media reviews
I'm sure some of my SF comrades will dismiss these novels as "escapist young adult fiction." Fair enough. Maybe I'm just immature (my wife will vouch for that in a heartbeat ;-). But I'd list two recent "young adult" fiction series among my all-time favorites, and The Hunger Games ranks beside
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Harry Potter in that category for me. Both are simply tremendous examples of the storyteller's art. Both feature protagonists, antagonists, and supporting casts of characters who grab the reader's imagination and refuse to let go. And I'll make a confession: The Hunger Games is the first trilogy I can remember that hooked me so profoundly that I re-read it, start to finish, as soon as I digested the last line of the last book. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member idroskicinia
A few days ago I finished reading Catching Fire and Mockingjay, the last two books of the Hunger Games Series, and I'm still speechless….. Oh my god.
I don't remember exactly when was the first time I saw The Hunger Games cover. I just remember that that time I was a 100%-vampire-girl, so, I
A few months ago in December, I got the first book. When I started reading it, I thought for a moment it was another YA dystopian story, but I continue reading, and I was amazed with story, with the plot, with incredible idea of the Hunger Games, the Capitol, Panem, the Districts… Katniss, Peeta… and all those great characters. It was a great book, and I was happy to read it… finally.
But, I wasn't expecting for what I read in the next two books. I mean… the plot is awesome, the characters continue with their greatness… but the story is cruel, harsh… and heartless… and sad… I felt really bad in some scenes… This book is not a normal YA book… not a normal dystopian story, where the girl falls in love for a nice guy, and they are going to try to solve their problems… (Like Matched, Delirium) this story is not like that… This story is about war, destruction, loss, freedom, madness and death… Not a teen book after all.
After finishing it, I only could think about the story, the end… the way the suffered so much… And now I see it clearly, this is not a fairy tale… this is not a story with a 100%-Happy-Ending. This book will give you a lot to think about… and it's not an easy book to forget.
I don't remember exactly when was the first time I saw The Hunger Games cover. I just remember that that time I was a 100%-vampire-girl, so, I
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didn't care too much about this book. I mean, the main idea was gorgeous, but I don't think I gave it enough attention that time.A few months ago in December, I got the first book. When I started reading it, I thought for a moment it was another YA dystopian story, but I continue reading, and I was amazed with story, with the plot, with incredible idea of the Hunger Games, the Capitol, Panem, the Districts… Katniss, Peeta… and all those great characters. It was a great book, and I was happy to read it… finally.
But, I wasn't expecting for what I read in the next two books. I mean… the plot is awesome, the characters continue with their greatness… but the story is cruel, harsh… and heartless… and sad… I felt really bad in some scenes… This book is not a normal YA book… not a normal dystopian story, where the girl falls in love for a nice guy, and they are going to try to solve their problems… (Like Matched, Delirium) this story is not like that… This story is about war, destruction, loss, freedom, madness and death… Not a teen book after all.
After finishing it, I only could think about the story, the end… the way the suffered so much… And now I see it clearly, this is not a fairy tale… this is not a story with a 100%-Happy-Ending. This book will give you a lot to think about… and it's not an easy book to forget.
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LibraryThing member wenzowsa
I found all three books to be a quick read; however, I wasn't completely engrossed the entire time while reading. The characters didn't really draw me in, I suppose, to capture my interest completely. Quite frankly, Katniss and her kissing bored me.
As a teacher, I do feel these books would be
As a teacher, I do feel these books would be
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popular with a young adult audience (which they obviously are). I would even consider doing a novel study on "The Hunger Games"/ Show Less
LibraryThing member JPodlaski
I purchased the trilogy after watching the first two movies simply to find out how the story ends. It was easy for me to visualize the characters and scenes - thanks to the two movies. Of course, after completing the first two books in the series, I was able to learn more about the individual
I found The Mockingjay didn't read as smooth as the first two books. To me, the first half of the story bogged down while the characters were in District 13, and too much time was spent the love triangle of the main characters. I also found myself confused during this part of the story and felt like the President of District 13 was trying to overthrow the capital and using everyone else as pawns in her complex scheme to become the supreme ruler. When the war actually begins, the pace picks up and moves quickly. As the battles continue, many of the characters die while trying to protect Kitness...sending a clear message that sometimes war is necessary, but the price will always be steep. The book ends abruptly, but thank goodness the epilogue provides answers to the question: What happened after the war?
Overall, I found the trilogy enjoyable and easy to read, hard to put down especially with the cliff hangers that the author uses at the end of the chapters. I can't wait for the last movie installment in 2014 and look forward to how close it will follow the written word. Highly recommended! Great job Suzanne Collins!
John Podlaski, author
[[ASIN:B003R4Z5U6 Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel]]
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characters, their backgrounds and the reasons behind the unrest in the various districts...seems like the movies barely scratched the surface. Kitness, Peeta and Gale are portrayed as fearless victors, ready to lead the revolt. I was anxious to get into the final book to see how it all comes together.I found The Mockingjay didn't read as smooth as the first two books. To me, the first half of the story bogged down while the characters were in District 13, and too much time was spent the love triangle of the main characters. I also found myself confused during this part of the story and felt like the President of District 13 was trying to overthrow the capital and using everyone else as pawns in her complex scheme to become the supreme ruler. When the war actually begins, the pace picks up and moves quickly. As the battles continue, many of the characters die while trying to protect Kitness...sending a clear message that sometimes war is necessary, but the price will always be steep. The book ends abruptly, but thank goodness the epilogue provides answers to the question: What happened after the war?
Overall, I found the trilogy enjoyable and easy to read, hard to put down especially with the cliff hangers that the author uses at the end of the chapters. I can't wait for the last movie installment in 2014 and look forward to how close it will follow the written word. Highly recommended! Great job Suzanne Collins!
John Podlaski, author
[[ASIN:B003R4Z5U6 Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel]]
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LibraryThing member Kaethe
After completing this reading of the trilogy, all together, I'd like to pull up something profound. They are, of course, thrilling stories, full of clever traps and slick evasions. They are also deeply moving stories, about the desperate people on the outside of rich society. As well, it is the
Reading it has left me sad, in a good way.
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story of one girl, deeply wrapped up in her own small community, who is forced to taken a broader view of her society and what it means. It's a story about how to stage a rebellion. Even more, it's a story about the high cost of war, and how none of the survivors ever stop paying. It's a reminder to not just question authority, but to question everything.Reading it has left me sad, in a good way.
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LibraryThing member Kyle_West
Such a great series. It does what most young adult books don't, it makes you think. It's not at all like Twilight, such as what's been said. The characters are well written and are actually believeable, unlike Bella. It's dark and twisted, and most of all startling.
LibraryThing member crimsonsonata
Summary (for 'The Hunger Games' only): Katniss Everdeen is about to face the most dangerous and horrifying trial of her life in The Hunger Games, a battle to the death between 24 teenagers in a very unique and deadly kind of arena. But the danger doesn’t only lie within the arena...
Use and
Use and
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appropriateness in a HS classroom: This book is one of the many examples of YAL that can be used productively and helpfully in a classroom. Since the novel is based on a dystopian society, it can be paired with a novel such as 1984 or stand alone to be used in literature circles. Discussions that can be encouraged by this novel relate to feminist critical theory and the dangers of totalitarian governments. Teachers can also push the novel to be read for pleasure, especially since the whole series is still riding on a huge wave of popularity - and no teen wants to be left behind when something popular is in question! This book is also an easy sell for both girls and boys in middle and high school. Katniss may be a girl, but male readers won’t find much to complain about when they read about how tough she is! Show Less
LibraryThing member kswanteck
A futuristic novel about a society divided into twelve districts. Each year, each district must select two children to participate in the Hunger Games, which is a battle to the death, with only one winner.
I think this book would be great to teach in a high school classroom. Not only is the book
I think this book would be great to teach in a high school classroom. Not only is the book
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very easy to read, but it is also very engaging. I personally could not put it down, and everyone I know who has read it feels the same way. There are so many different themes and ideas that students could easily analyze. It explores issues of governmental control, poverty, hunger, social class separation, and propaganda, among many others. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jenean
I loved this set...even thought is is in the Young Adult section, it is really a great series...think Harry Potter.
LibraryThing member gcilib
I absolutely loved all three books. I never wanted to put them down! Suzanne Collins did a wonderful job ending each chapter in an exciting way, making me want to keep reading. It is a bit gory and violent in some sections, so perhaps not recommended for younger readers, but students at our school
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have loved them. Show Less
LibraryThing member DanielleSt
I suggest buying the entire trilogy because these books are impossible to put down or stop reading! Collins leaves fans wanting more by ending nearly every chapter with a cliffhanger. This Harry Potter-esque fantasy book depicts a despondent state/country in the future that is politically
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oppressed. The heroine, a teenager named Katniss ends up in the hunger games - a battle to the death between two subjects from each of 12 districts. Rules are bent, relationships are made, changed, and shattered, and lives are lost. Very easy to get sucked in! Show Less
LibraryThing member Asata
Excellent addition to any sci fi reader's collection.
LibraryThing member mmpvppl
Loved all 3 books. The last was the best, in my mind. Not the intense, kooky fun of the first 2. It is very serious business. Very dramatic, still intense. Ages 4th/5th and up.
LibraryThing member Sovranty
In the Hunger Games trilogy, the reader watches as innocence is lived, lost, and attempted to be regained in a cloud of coming to age and challenging relationship developments and losses, covered in a totalitarian regime.
The most frequent question the reader will ask is "Why?", and when paralleled
An enthralling, dangerous trilogy that may not meant for all, but should be read by all.
The most frequent question the reader will ask is "Why?", and when paralleled
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with the world's history and present, one can only hope an answer is reached before the future. Maybe that's deeper than Collins had intended to be read. An enthralling, dangerous trilogy that may not meant for all, but should be read by all.
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LibraryThing member -AlyssaE-
I absolutely love this series. I finally gave into reading it after all the recommendations that I had been getting from all of my friends. I would re-read this series again. This was a book that once I had picked it up I did not want to put down. I think that there are a few slow parts in the
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book, but as soon as I hit an action part of the book I would start reading faster. The books have really good cliff hangers that make you want to keep reading. The end of each book makes you want to know what happens in the next. although I would try and predict what would happen in a few parts I was suprised when something completely different happened. I would recommend this book to anyone who like action adventure with a little romance on the side. Show Less
LibraryThing member AndreaByrnes
Heroic tale of Katniss Everdeen who is a reluctant leader in a rebellion.
LibraryThing member lisifer
I decided to read this because I am a teacher and I wanted to be up on the newest popular book series. I literally could not put these books down. They are fantastic! I feel as though if they were made into movies, they wouldn't be able to do the book justice. I don't really like fantasy, but this
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borders on what the world could be like if we continue along our wasteful polluting paths on which we now travel... Show Less
LibraryThing member ErikaLues
I have an extremely difficult time picking a number of stars for this series. One one hand, I want to give it five stars for it's unbelievably creative and intriguing story. On the other hand, I want to give it one or two stars largely based on the fact that I do not believe this is a young adult
There are political threads that are wonderfully woven throughout the series that become even stronger in the final book. This series draws you in and keeps your attention, and for that, I adored it. However, I also felt there were extremely unnecessary aspects of vivid violence that added nothing to the plot or conceptual development.
My final suggestion? A hands down, definite must read. However, if your own "young adult" is reading this series, I suggest reading the books yourself as well and opening up a few discussions with them. The book left me a bit disturbed at times as a grown woman.
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book. Although written in a fairly simply manner, this is an extremely dark and twisted story. Back to the first opinion, it teaches strength, tenacity, and standing up for what is right no matter what the cost. However, it also blurs the line between cruelty and strength. It does it in a masterful way and portrays the true human experience and our own battles of good versus evil, however, it is not exactly a "young adult" theme. There are political threads that are wonderfully woven throughout the series that become even stronger in the final book. This series draws you in and keeps your attention, and for that, I adored it. However, I also felt there were extremely unnecessary aspects of vivid violence that added nothing to the plot or conceptual development.
My final suggestion? A hands down, definite must read. However, if your own "young adult" is reading this series, I suggest reading the books yourself as well and opening up a few discussions with them. The book left me a bit disturbed at times as a grown woman.
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LibraryThing member SimoneA
I was very impressed with this series! I don't read too much books that are meant for young adults, because generally, they can be a bit 'simple', with black and white characters and a clear good versus evil struggle. The Hunger Games series is about the opposite of that. It has cruelty, war,
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passion, mixed interests and so much more. I heartily recommend the whole series to (young) adults who like this genre. Show Less
LibraryThing member abackwardsstory
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member notredameya
Fantastic futuristic series filled with love, adventure and violence
LibraryThing member uganskin
I don't tend to read books more than once, but this trilogy has changed that. I recommend it to anyone who asks and even to people who don't. I'm not even ashamed to say I believe I will be one of the first to be in line for a ticket to the movie when it comes out.
LibraryThing member Johnei
Couldn't put it down. A little too bloody for elementary. Adults should read this before you let your younger ones read this.
LibraryThing member JLricegirl
Possibly the best series I have read besides Harry Potter. Catching Fire was by far the most intense. I was so pleased that Suzanne Collins kept the ending realistic. I also loved the strong female character of Katniss. I wish I could go back and read is over again for the first time.
LibraryThing member KatharineDB
yes, I bought into the hype - but it was so worth it. This is no Oryx and Crake but a total good immersion read that kept me up late until I read all 3 books...
LibraryThing member GenderLiterature
A girl who hunts, a boy who bakes, and a national sport where children fight to the death: The Hunger Games trilogy breaks free of stereotypes and offers a dark twist on the young adult dystopian genre. Riveting and fast-paced, we are thrown into the life of Katniss Everdeen, our badass female
Unputdownable and unforgettable, this is a novel that turns gender stereotypes on their heads - in the best possible way!
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heroine who inadvertently becomes the symbol for rebellion whilst fighting for her life in the hunger games.Unputdownable and unforgettable, this is a novel that turns gender stereotypes on their heads - in the best possible way!
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010-08-24
ISBN
9781742838816
Local notes
Duplicates.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Stunning foiled edges on each of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay in a collectible boxed set. Shame they are just paperbacks!
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Stunning foiled edges on each of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay in a collectible boxed set. Shame they are just paperbacks!