Catching Fire

I'll admit it: Sequels make me very nervous, especially when the first book was amazing. Will the second installment meet my expectations? Will my predictions come true? Will the sequel be too predictable? Or will it feel cheap and rushed, like it was just a half-hearted attempt to capitalize on something that's already popular? I'm happy to report, however, the the (arguably) most highly-anticipated sequel of this year was a complete success!

Picking up only a few months after the conclusion of The Hunger Games, Katniss finds that despite the wealth that comes with being a victor in the Capitol's barbaric games, her life has become more complicated than it ever was. By defying the Capitol during the Hunger Games, she has created a spark that just might ignite the impoverished districts of Panem to revolt. The last thing that Katniss wants is to see her loved ones suffer because of her actions, but on her and Peeta's victory tour of the districts it becomes clear that there is nothing she can do to appease the Capitol or prevent the districts from being inspired by her defiance. Small fires of discontent have begun burning, and soon they will cause an explosion that will rock Panem off its axis. Is there anything Kaniss can do to stop things from spiraling out of control? And does she even want to? Is the threat to herself and to her family worth the risk?

Author Suzanne Collins has taken the world that she created in The Hunger Games and given it even greater depth. Character development is crucial in this book as new characters are introduced and old ones are expanded upon. Much of the book's initial action actually doesn't happen to Katniss - it happens around her and she reacts to it, reminding readers that the impending rebellion in Panem is clearly bigger than any one person. Despite all of the political problems Katniss faces, those who enjoyed the direct action in this trilogy's first installment will not be disappointed either, and those craving romance will find the love triangle between Katniss, fellow Hunger Games victor Peeta, and longtime friend Gale to be perfectly executed.

The only problem - the book's cliffhanger ending will keep readers on the edge of their seats, desperately waiting for the trilogy's final installment to come out in 2010.

Overall Grade: A+