Sunrise on the Reaping
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes cover art

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

A Hunger Games Novel

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Written by: Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Santino Fontana
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About this listen

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute...and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

©2020 Suzanne Collins (P)2020 Scholastic Inc.
Action & Adventure Dystopian Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Survival Game Adventure Destiny

Editorial Review

Suzanne Collins breathtaking prequel to the bestselling Hunger Games series, the young adult science fiction series that took the world by storm, starts with an immediate bang. Suzanne Collins prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy follows young Coriolanus Snow, soon known as President Snow.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes begins on the morning of the reaping, an event that will decide with tributes from each district will compete in and fight, and will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Hunger Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, and the once-thriving family now lives in a home they cannot afford. Future President of Panem Coriolanus Snow — not the ruthless evil man he soon becomes — lives with his grandmother and cousin Tigris.

Coriolanus hopes for “the odds to ever be in his favour” as he has been given the awful task of mentoring the female tribute from the impoverished District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. Coriolanus and Lucy are now intertwined; every step they take could lead to disaster or death. With Head Gamemaker Volumnia Gaul at the helm and a plot to take the capital of Panem down, there is no shortage of drama.

Francis Lawrence, who helmed the original Hunger Games book to film adaptation on the big screen, directs the major motion picture The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The Hunger Games prequel movie stars Tom Blyth as Coriolanus, Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, Hunter Schafer as Tigris, Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage in supporting roles. Before the film hits the big screen, explore the world of Panem and the origin story of Coriolanus Snow before he was the ruthless adversary to hero Katniss Everdeen.

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When I heard about this book and I honestly didn’t think we needed it. Then I listened to it on here and my god it was needed. Go listen to it!

Was this needed? Yes it was.

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I enjoyed listening first and can’t wait to see the movie as I did with the other three books!
Although I felt the ending was a bit abrupt or lacklustre. It just felt like the jump from the last chapter to the epilogue was finished in a rush just to end it.

Interesting backstory, ending could be better

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First off, I will preface this by saying that I was a large fan of the character of President Snow from the original novels and was optimistic about what this novel could bring in terms of further developing the character. Some of the best parts of this book include the post-war world building of Panem, the additional insight into the citizens of the capital, and history of the creation/development of the Hunger Games.

As you can see in other comments the voice acting is controversial throughout this portrayal. While I believe the voice actor did a quality job and bringing specific personalities through for both the male and female characters, I will agree that the performance of musical numbers left something to be desired. This was particularly the case when it came to songs that have a familiar tune which the audience is able to distinguish alterations in such as “The Hanging Tree” or “Oh My My Darling Clementine”.

Finally, some of the more distasteful parts of the book would likely be dependant upon personal preference. My biggest issue comes from what I describe as a forceful connection between events of the first series and President Snows backstory. I am someone who prefers well explained and justified purpose when it comes to connecting pre-existing material in a prequel such as this, but at the same time, if you enjoy more simplistic dramatized universes then you’d likely appreciate the inclusions of certain events that I felt were unnecessary. And let me be clear, by simplistic dramatization I do not mean basic, I am only referring to how aspects of the plot are more plot conveniences than well justified in my opinion.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any Hunger Games fan who wishes to gain more appreciation for the larger world building of Panem and the character of President Snow. If you can overlook the more forced aspects of the story, you are left with a great tale of strategy, passion, shifting loyalties, and betrayal as you follow the life of a young Coriolanus Snow.

Great world building with a few critiques

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I wasn't sure how I would like this book as the original three books and their concept enraged me with what the capital did to the districts. But I found within a few chapters completely drawn into the story. Definitely worth the listen/read.

Now I want to go back and re-read the first three books again.

Much better than I expected.

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I wasn’t sure what to expect from this prequel, but I really enjoyed it! She did a great job letting us know the life of President Snow as a young man and how the games evolved. Narrator was fine as well.

Great prequel!

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