The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (#3 of the Hunger Games Trilogy)

Original Title: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Year Published: 2010

Published by: Scholastic Inc

Number of Pages: 438

First Sentence: "I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather."

Goodreads Rating: 5/5

Plot:

Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But she's still not safe. A revolution is unfolding, and everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - everyone except Katniss.

And yet she must play the most vital part in the final battle. Katniss must become their Mockingjay - the symbol of the rebellion - no matter what the personal cost.

My thoughts:

I loved this book so so much. It was hard to get through, not because it's difficult or boring, but because it kept playing with my heartstrings. I literally had to put it down and take a break just to collect myself.

Katniss is traumatised and there is no glamourising it (thank god). We get to see a 17-year-old girl trying to keep her head above water although the current is trying to drag her down. It's amazingly well written and I love the fact that Collins alllowed Katniss to be traumatised. Taking a life, justified or not, is one of the hardest thing a person can do (not that I've ever done it). 

The plot? There is no arena in this one, of course, but instead we find ourselves underground in District 13. The District has not been as abandoned as the other Districs have thought. Instead they have slowly gathered their strength and rallied forces to stage a rebellion against the Capitol. They are led by President Coin, a middle aged woman who is hard as nails. 

Gale and Peeta? Oh they will at times break your heart and then make you want to punch them in their pretty faces. Gale is by Katniss side throughout most of the book, struggling with his feelings for her and his sense of duty. Peeta is in the clutches of the Capitol, and he will break your heart.

The rest of the characters are a mix of people you can't help but love and some that you instantly dislike. It's really difficult to go into more detail without spoiling the book so I won't (I don't care that many have probably already seen the movie). 

The plot is good, but it moves a little bit slower than the first two books. However, that doesn't really matter. Everything is really detailed and worked through without being too much. Instead of following the games we get to take part of a rebellion, which is different but Collins does a great job with this story. 

Do I recommend it?

YES! I recommend the whole trilogy, they are amazing. If you haven't read them yet, go get them and start reading!