Suzanne Collins' The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Hello Dear Readers! 

I just finished reading the new Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes! I was so nervous when I started it that I would start understanding Coriolanus Snow and it might lead me to like or love him. After reading the original Hunger Games trilogy, it felt like, should that happen, it would be a betrayal! Rest assured though, I am beyond satisfied 
with this entire book but no therapy will be needed.

Suzanne Collins did an AMAZING job walking the tightrope of feelings with the reader and characters in the book. I stayed up late last night finishing the book and wow. I was surprised, I was taken on storylines I never expected, I was educated with the Hunger Games history and how it morphed into the complex games we were introduced to with Katniss and Peta. I can also say, I did not have to have any talks with myself about my feelings towards Snow. I am happy to have learned his history and what quarks and personal things we were introduced to in the Hunger Games, where they came from and why somethings were so important to him. An example- his love of roses and what they represent both in their physical sense and sense of smell. The novel was also beautifully balanced with Snow and Lucy Gray’s (check spelling) relationship and how that transcended time to Snow’s odd, almost affectionate relationship, with Katniss. I can see now how Snow struggled with what to do with Katniss and why. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I can’t say much more, but read the book- it’s SO interesting watching Snow and Lucy Gray’s relationship!

Overall, it was a fantastic addition to the Hunger Games series and something I didn’t even know I wanted until I was reading it and devouring the story. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sheds a whole new level of feeling and meaning to the Hunger Games trilogy with the story I just read of Snow’s origin. Thank you Ms. Collins! Snow lands on top.