The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Suzanne Collins

Sci-fi

Calling all Hunger Games fans! I know that you have wondered about how this evil Snow came to be. How could he have come to the very top, besides Finnick’s daunting fact? I certainly have. This prequel of the Hunger Games is placed in Coriolanus’s childhood, somehow featuring Snow as the hero. He grew up always hungry, but fed on the pride of his family’s royal name, determined to live up to it and make the family proud.

Snow was always a great student, and this year the good, or wealthy, students were put to the task of mentoring the new tributes. Snow had the opportunity of mentoring, but because of his poverty, he was put to the task of the district twelve girl. He grew a connection with the girl and began to care deeply about her. Could Snow be able to put his feelings aside when she is thrown into the arena? Would that even be right? What is right in this capitol? You only see this, soon, terrible man realize his future in the end, and the steps he took to take power.

This book makes me see Snow in a new light, but still not a bright light, and I can see the events that shaped him into the evil president. You can really see his values show as he grows as a character. There is also an incredible amount of connections to the series in this book, and I love to just realize them. There are some overlaps in Snow’s and Katniss’s lives, and even more so in Sunrise on the Reaping, the book placed in Haymitch’s perspective. I love these a-ha moments, and they make me love this book even more.

Even more than the connections, I see how Collins slips little pieces of his values and character into even the smallest of actions and thoughts. When Snow thinks of putting his greed above others, he realizes this, but still contemplates the idea. Greed can get the best of people. You will always be wondering if it will get the best of him. Every single page. I love this as well, and this makes you want to read more.

This book, at least for me, is so interesting and an amazing read. Even if you don’t enjoy it as much as I do, Sunrise on the Reaping will be so much better, and it is so worth it. This book is 5 stars.

After reading this novel, please tell me what you think. Does it feel slow to you (like my friend), or just right (like me)? Put it down in the comments.