Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Pub date: September 2009, hardcover, 400 pages

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games, and I must say is its equal in every way. This is one sequel that picked up where the first story left off and truly delivered. I was fortunate enough to be loaned a copy from a friend who attended BEA (but don't worry, Suzanne and Scholastic, I'll still buy my own when it comes out), and read it over one weekend. This is one hell of a "what happens next" novel. It will grab you by the throat and pull you along, full throttle.

Katniss and Peeta are dealing with reassimilating into their life in District 12 after the Games, but they still have to survive the victors' tour, visiting all the districts whose tributes they outlasted or even killed. And Katniss herself must deal with the aftermath of their very public "romance" and how it has affected her relationship with real-life maybe-love Gale. Then comes the visit from the Capitol's president, and a threat that will keep Katniss forever bound to living a lie. Could things get any worse? Yes. And ever more thrilling, dangerous and riveting. You have to read it to see what happens, but, I'll wager my book collection that very few readers will be disappointed. Collins is one hell of a story teller, and these characters are some of the most engaging to ever come along.

Compelling characters? Check. Authentic world-building? Check. Engaging take-no-prisoners plot? Check. Distinct writing voice? Check. Overall superiority? Check. This one has it all. Don't miss it.

--Lincy