Name: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Rating: 3.807747688243065 (1514 reviews)
ISBN: 9780702300172

Suzanne Collins

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakeswill revisit the world of Panem sixty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Tenth Hunger Games.

A Hunger Games Novel)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Izaac Richards

Coriolanus felt sure he'd spotted his first mockingjay, and he disliked the thing on sight.

Ashlyn Barrett

yaya

Jup I still hate you I thought this would maybe make me understand you but it only shows you really are cruel and manipulated 

Pia 

Alyssa Weaver

Mrs. Plinth shook her head. "No. No. Your cousin's his only friend." 

How sad, thought Coriolanus. To have no friends. 

Valle Fernandez

The truth is, we were all so busy killing each other tagt we forgot how to have fun. She knows, though. Your girl.

Jasper

'It's just the kind of story that catches fire.'

'Well, you know what they say. The show's not over until the mockingjay sings,' she said.

*Maui voice* I see what's happening, yeah.

Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.

"What young brains lack in experience they sometimes make up for in idealism. Nothing seems impossible to them."

"You've no right to starve people, to punish them for no reason. No right to take away their life and freedom. Those are things everyone is born with, and they're not yours for the taking. Winning a war doesn't give you that right."

"The Covey believe you're put on earth to reduce the misery, not add to it."

Before need, before love, came trust. The thing she valued most.

cait

This reaping day, like most, was shaping up to be a scorcher. But what else could you expect on July 4th?

This is so not okay you can’t just treat humans like animals tf

This is just sad how some get the chance to have a better life while other dont

“You saw my tribute? He was my classmate. You know before I came here. Back home. His name is Marcus”

Jordan

“Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.” -Lucy Gray

The audience rewarded those who would perform with applause and more food.

Well she played with them like they are animals so

In one movement, the tribute yanked Arachne forward and slit her throat.

You matter to me, Lucy Gray," he repeated. His words drew her eyes back to him, but she still seemed distant. 

Yeah I expected something like this to happen

Hunger Games Prequel

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

all in all the book is good and snow’s development really is interesting. sometimes the little metaphors about katniss and mockingjays are a little too on the nose for my personal taste, though. 

Ana Belén

Steph

Suzanne Collins is back, and this time, she’s shredded my heart into pieces. I don’t even know how to recover from this book. The Hunger Games series has always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve longed to read about Haymitch’s story during the Second Quarter Quell. Well, my wish came true—BUT AT WHAT COST? His story is just as tragic as he told Katniss and Peeta. Maybe even worse. This is one of those books where you know disaster is coming, but you’re powerless to stop it. It’s a fucking trainwreck. And the mutts. The fucking mutts. How are they even more horrifying than the ones in Katniss and Peeta’s games? This Quarter Quell truly cements just how evil President Snow is, and the way he messes with Haymitch is beyond cruel. There were so many moments I had to put the book down because it was just too much. Honestly, I applaud Haymitch for surviving because I would’ve kms 10 minutes into the arena. The ending? Gut-wrenching. And that epilogue? Devastating. Seeing how Haymitch went from a hopeful teenager to the broken man we know in The Hunger Games is pure tragedy. On a positive note, I loved all the little Easter eggs Collins sprinkled throughout the book, along with the cameos—always a treat to see familiar faces.

Elda Mengisto

"Yes, the lack of law, that was at the heart of it. So people needed to agree on laws to follow. Was that what Dr. Gaul had meant by 'social contract'? The agreement not to rob, abuse, or kill another? It had to be. And the law required enforcement, and this was where control came in." The theme of control really plays out in "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", a look at the tenth Hunger Games. Instead of focusing on the districts, we hear the story through Coriolanus Snow before he became President of Panem. To regain Snow's lost status after the war, he becomes a mentor for the Hunger Games, where he mentors Lucy Gray, the girl from District 12. As he develops a closer bond with her and prepares her to face the arena, he still faces the questions of chaos vs control, which still shakes the Capitol after the war. I've been meaning to re-read the original trilogy in the last while, but I'd figured I would pick this up. It was quite nice to re-enter the world of Panem, even though it's still just as gritty as it was when Snow was president. Here, we enter the world of the Capitol after the conflict with the rebels, along with the early versions of the Hunger Games. I'm really surprised with the amount of mutations that sprung within the Capitol's research labs, particularly with Dr. Volumina Gaul's hand. The use of Avoxes also scared me quite a bit, even though they appeared in the original trilogy. There were some things Collins told more than showed, though I understood due to the age of the average reader. "As it was, they barely eked out a living on Tigris' pittance, the tiny military pension his grandmother received for her husband's service to Panem, and his own dependent benefits as the child of a slain war hero, which would cease on graduation. If they couldn't pay the taxes, would they lose the apartment?" (18) From the outset, we know the roots of Coriolanus' ambition: stripped of all honor and status, he uses his academics and the Hunger Games to get a higher standing within Panem. And throughout the book, that sense of entitlement remains in Coriolanus, despite his developing feelings with Lucy Gray. After the initial shock of having to mentor the District 12 girl, Coriolanus grows to develop an appreciation for her talents. "If having Marcus as a tribute made Sejanus squirm, then good. Let him squirm. Lucy Gray was one thing belonging to Coriolanus that he would never, ever get" (75). I was actually surprised in this particular scene, as only then he fully committed himself towards Lucy's success. As a character herself, Lucy is a sweetheart with a bit of a mischievous streak, such as with placing a snake behind Mayfair's back. Combined with the songs she sings in the beginning, she shows a subversive edge against society. And it gives her a little bit of depth. Coriolanus and Lucy Gray develop a sweet relationship, but their backgrounds indicate a push and pull between freedom and control. Coming from the Covey, Lucy really represents personal freedom, and uses her songs to convey such. It feels shoehorned in at times, particularly with "The Hanging Tree", but sometimes I would hum them when reading. This climaxes when they plan to run away together, just like with the song. Even though I knew that Snow would eventually grow to become the tyrannical president of Panem, a part of me wanted to see what would happen had he escaped with Lucy Gray. The fact that he was offered an officer opportunity at District 2 also adds a wrinkle to the whole thing. I'm also curious about what Collins intends to do with Lucy Gray disappearing. Is it a mystery to be solved, or reflective of her titular legend? Anyways, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" does a good job with dealing with this conflict between power and freedom, and tells quite an interesting love story which goes astray. The writing adds to the lore, and I appreciate it!

M. Sosotris

I was worried this book would seek to humanize Snow too much. Does it give him greater interiority and depth? Absolutely, but you still come out of the book clawing your fingers in the air at an invisible throat snarling, “I hate that guy!” so I’d say Suzanne Collins succeeds brilliantly.

The twists and turns were fantastic, and even if a few were predictable, they all made internal sense to the characters. And the looming spectre of dread that permeates the final third of the book is phenomenal. You just KNOW the other shoe is going to drop, eventually. 

And, of course, the political commentary is deft and incisive. Snow very much feels like a look at the middle class of America who all see themselves as temporarily disadvantaged millionaires, and regardless of how progressive they act, they would much rather further their own advancement then spend TOO much time worrying about the lower classes. 

I loved this one. My only criticism would be that I wanted more insight into Lucy Gray. I know, since this is told from Coriolanus’ perspective, we’d see her through his eyes only, but I wanted a bit more of her talking about her needs and wants. I know the story hinges on there being a bit of ambiguity about her character, but she was really compelling! Maybe I’m just being greedy…

Overall, this was a brutal, chilling, complex read that adds a great deal to the worldbuilding of the series as a whole.

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes

This is the most dramatic change in rating I’ve ever given a book on a reread. I gave TBOSAS a 2 when it was first released. However, I have a greater appreciation for it this time around. 

The pacing remains a problem for me, with the ending being extremely rushed. Honestly, it feels like two different stories fused into one, which was jarring on first read. Because I expected it this time, I was prepared for the shift. The themes are a little heavy-handed, but it’s YA, so that doesn’t bother me as much. 

I can appreciate this more now as a psychological story as opposed to a more action driven story like the original trilogy. When I initially read this, I was not expecting it to be so tonally different, but going into it aware of it definitely aided my increased enjoyment. I still liked our glimpse into how the Hunger Games evolved in pageantry and spectacle and Snow’s hand in that. 

Overall, my opinions have changed for the better, and I’m able to understand why Collins felt the need to write this outside of monetary desires. 

Nik ✨

This is the most dramatic change in rating I’ve ever given a book on a reread. I gave TBOSAS a 2 when it was first released. However, I have a greater appreciation for it this time around. 

The pacing remains a problem for me, with the ending being extremely rushed. Honestly, it feels like two different stories fused into one, which was jarring on first read. Because I expected it this time, I was prepared for the shift. The themes are a little heavy-handed, but it’s YA, so that doesn’t bother me as much. 

I can appreciate this more now as a psychological story as opposed to a more action driven story like the original trilogy. When I initially read this, I was not expecting it to be so tonally different, but going into it aware of it definitely aided my increased enjoyment. I still liked our glimpse into how the Hunger Games evolved in pageantry and spectacle and Snow’s hand in that. 

Overall, my opinions have changed for the better, and I’m able to understand why Collins felt the need to write this outside of monetary desires. 

Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its price.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)

I both read and heard this. Conclusion: f*uck snow, I hate that b*stard. I have no sympathy whatsoever and getting to see where he came from to what he became is astounding.

Tsu 💙

honestly my least favorite so far. i love it, dont get me wrong, but was a bit dragged on and a bit long. love suzanne down though and she cant do much wrong in my eyes

Alexa

Well, what to say? She did it again. This was a masterclass in unreliable narrator and it's haunting how disturbing this set up is. I don't even know what to say. It was obviously perfect. I only have emotional reactions and no ability to analyse anything right now.

Autumn 

Katie Avila

This book was much better than the movies. The description was phenomenal and the way it subtly hints at snow’s insanity throughout it all is just gold. I love how Lucy Gray’s poem foretells at her fate, and how we never really find out what happens to her. 

Liv 🤍

I love you Susanne Collins and your little hunger games universe. 

I hated Snow so much, truly a psycho, but classic instance of nature or nurture? 

The way his character is written is amazing, and the connections you can make between this book and the original saga are mind blowing.

I love you Lucy Gray, and I hope you’re living your best forest life pookie.

Denisse Garcia Ramírez 

I love you Susanne Collins and your little hunger games universe. 

I hated Snow so much, truly a psycho, but classic instance of nature or nurture? 

The way his character is written is amazing, and the connections you can make between this book and the original saga are mind blowing.

I love you Lucy Gray, and I hope you’re living your best forest life pookie.

mallorie 🦌

Absolutely fascinating work of YA. It took me a while think about what I wanted to write for this review, since I ended up liking the book a lot more after I finished and sat simmering with it. It lags, but I think it’s important to have all that dead time so it hits harder every time Snow makes a “wrong” decision. I understand why Suzanne Collins didn’t put this in first person, especially since at the end of the day it’s still YA, but, boy, if there was a first-person-POV, adult-audience version of this book …….. 

Jacque

took me over a year to finish this. the third act is the best part for me. snow is a psycho and i hate him a lot.

beep beep

fantastic writing through the perspective of the most deplorable narrator imaginable. i cannot STAND this fucking dude

james cao

While I enjoyed the original trilogy of Hunger Games, this was somehow less exciting for me. Reasons unknown, maybe I was forcing it or I wasn’t reading consistently enough. The book was great, but I found it hard to read at parts. The ending has such a good plot point, and I am still glad I read it. I’d like to watch the film and read the next book, to see what happens next! 

Olanda

I think I may be convinced that Coriolanus Snow might be Suzanna Collin’s most well-written character

A story that shows what pride and entitlement does to a human. 

Jessie!

I think I may be convinced that Coriolanus Snow might be Suzanna Collin’s most well-written character

A story that shows what pride and entitlement does to a human. 

snow lands on top is a line that goes so hard… 

dann

Nala

Welcome to a captivating and thrilling read that delves into the themes of power, corruption, loyalty, love, and betrayal. Collins masterfully creates realistic and relatable characters that have flaws, strengths, motivations, and emotions. Coriolanus Snow is not just a villainous antagonist; he is also a human being who struggles with his identity, his ambitions, his relationships, and his values. Lucy Gray Baird is not just a passive victim; she is also a strong-willed heroine who fights tooth and nail for her life, her freedom, and her future.

After really enjoying The Hunger Read, I had to run out and pick this one up from a bookshop just so I could continue my adventure. This one was just as brutal and through provoking. Reading about how the people in the Capitol experienced the Hunger Games was fresh and interesting. Also seeing how the mentors viewed their tributes as someone who could just make them famous was both intriguing and terrible. I truly don't understand how they can be so cold-hearted.

However, this book does have some flaws. This one is rather lengthy which does in places make the pace rather slow and makes things condensed. Also, Lucy Gray's character arc. She starts as a promising and relatable character, who is confident, smart, cunning, and brave. She challenges Snow's worldview and values and makes him question his loyalty to the Capitol. However, as the story progresses, she becomes less developed and more dependent on Snow. She loses her agency and her personality and becomes a mere object of Snow's obsession.

Overall, I think that this was a little slow at times - the third section especially - but I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into Panem's past and remained interested throughout. My only other issue is that the ending is a bit open-ended and I feel the need to know exactly what happened.

Ian Brakspear

Welcome to a captivating and thrilling read that delves into the themes of power, corruption, loyalty, love, and betrayal. Collins masterfully creates realistic and relatable characters that have flaws, strengths, motivations, and emotions. Coriolanus Snow is not just a villainous antagonist; he is also a human being who struggles with his identity, his ambitions, his relationships, and his values. Lucy Gray Baird is not just a passive victim; she is also a strong-willed heroine who fights tooth and nail for her life, her freedom, and her future.

 

After really enjoying The Hunger Read, I had to run out and pick this one up from a bookshop just so I could continue my adventure. This one was just as brutal and through provoking. Reading about how the people in the Capitol experienced the Hunger Games was fresh and interesting. Also seeing how the mentors viewed their tributes as someone who could just make them famous was both intriguing and terrible. I truly don't understand how they can be so cold-hearted.

 

However, this book does have some flaws. This one is rather lengthy which does in places make the pace rather slow and makes things condensed. Also, Lucy Gray's character arc. She starts as a promising and relatable character, who is confident, smart, cunning, and brave. She challenges Snow's worldview and values and makes him question his loyalty to the Capitol. However, as the story progresses, she becomes less developed and more dependent on Snow. She loses her agency and her personality and becomes a mere object of Snow's obsession.

 

Overall, I think that this was a little slow at times - the third section especially - but I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into Panem's past and remained interested throughout. My only other issue is that the ending is a bit open-ended and I feel the need to know exactly what happened.

julia

I really enjoyed all the tie-ins with the original trilogy and that we get to see Coriolanus' villain origin story--particularly that he wasn't all bad, just a sociopath and traumatized, which was capitalized on by the truth psychopath: Dr. Gall. It seems Snow wouldn't be who he is in the trilogy if it weren't for her special attention and patronage.

Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for the first half of the book, but the second half kind of dragged. It was incredibly long and it felt like there were too many unnecessary details. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to watching the film now.

Bethany

I really enjoyed all the tie-ins with the original trilogy and that we get to see Coriolanus' villain origin story--particularly that he wasn't all bad, just a sociopath and traumatized, which was capitalized on by the truth psychopath: Dr. Gall. It seems Snow wouldn't be who he is in the trilogy if it weren't for her special attention and patronage.

Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for the first half of the book, but the second half kind of dragged. It was incredibly long and it felt like there were too many unnecessary details. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to watching the film now.

Took me so long to finish because I didn’t know it was in Snow’s pov 

This man is actually out of this world insane and manipulative, there were things he would say that I had to stop and stare at the wall for a second 

Sílvia

Took me so long to finish because I didn’t know it was in Snow’s pov 

This man is actually out of this world insane and manipulative, there were things he would say that I had to stop and stare at the wall for a second 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes A Hunger Games Novel)

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