“Sunrise on the Reaping” is the most recently published novel in the “Hunger Games” series – and if you haven’t read it yet . . . I’d recommend starting with “The Hunger Games” and its sequels and then moving back to the 1st two books that are prequels. These novels are set in a future world where The Capitol is the enemy and controls its 12 districts through threats, harsh punishments and the annual ‘reaping.’ In each reaping, teenage tributes are chosen to represent their districts and must fight until only one of them survives in the Capitol’s arena, which is televised throughout the districts.
If you read the novels in order, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” has 18 year old Coriolanus Snow assigned as a mentor to one of the tributes in the 10th games. The twists and heartbreaks of the story form the basis for the future books in which Snow is the President of the Capitol and the annual reapings continue, but with new characters and conflicts. “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes place at the 50th games and tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, and effect that the reaping has on him and his loved ones. “The Hunger Games” brings the wonderful character of Katniss Everdeen and her friend, Peeta. “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” continue with more about Katniss and the rebellion against the Capitol.
Suzanne Collins has written a masterful series with these five novels. The books bring out many thought-provoking questions about humanity’s quest for power, the abuse of privilege, personal responsibility and more. After reading the 2 prequels, I want to go back and reread “Hunger Games/Catching Fire/Mockingjay” because the characters were so well developed and complex. These books might be a change of genre for many, but give them a try if you haven’t yet!
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