Being 517 pages, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a pretty long book. Despite this, it’s become one of my all-time favorites to pick up off the bookshelf.
Let’s talk about why. (No spoilers!)
SUMMARY –
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy. If you haven’t already read that, it’s amazing, go do it. It will help make the prequel make far more sense, as well.
The book features Coriolanus Snow as the protagonist, reliving the events of his life after the Dark Days war.
Part One- Positives
The book draws from a lot of the philosophical questions in the original trilogy. Good and bad, black and white.,
The characters are phenomenal, with believable development throughout. It was hard to imagine how Suzanne Collins was going to be able to write such a downright coldhearted individual to be a believable protagonist, but it totally worked.
The book makes it clear that Snow isn’t in the right by any means – but it still makes sense why he does it.
Part Two: Negatives
Admittedly, this book features a bit of repetition, especially in the beginning. Snow goes through the same routine, over and over. Additionally, the plot can get a bit twisty and confusing, and can give you a bit of whiplash.
Part 3: Conclusion
Let’s sum up.
• Fast-paced/Action-packed
•Builds on the original trilogy
• Confusing at times
I’d say that’s a net positive!
This book is beautiful for those who have already read the original trilogy. If you have, definitely check this out!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 