S.K

By Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5/5⭐

This book hardly needs an introduction as it's easily one of the most recognisable pieces of fiction to exist within the dystopian genre or books space in general. I am so annoyed with myself for having not picked this up sooner! This book surpassed all expectations and was easily my favourite read of 2025.

Quick Summary:

In the dystopian country of Panem, Katniss Everdeen is just a regular girl trying to survive in one of its poorest districts. In this harsh world, the wealthy and corrupt citizens of its Capitol, gather every year to watch the Hunger Games. This brutal televised event sees 12 children, or 'tributes' as they're referred to, compete in a fight to the death where there can be only one victor. When her younger sister is chosen to compete, Katniss, eager to take her place, is thrown into a deadly competition. She must rely on her skills and instincts in order to survive whilst the entire nation watches.

Thoughts:

Although this book (and whole trilogy) is primarily aimed at young adults, I believe readers of any age would be able to pick it up and become just as immersed. The prose is easy to read and flows so easily, making it highly engaging.

Katniss as a protagonist feels so real, authentic and complex. This made it easy for me as a reader to relate to her and as a whole, I feel, deepens the readers empathy for her struggles as well as other situations she finds herself in. I related to her as an eldest sibling myself, I felt her frustration when she described the weight of responsibility placed upon her and when she had to act and think well beyond her years. So many book protagonists rely more on telling than showing, however, Katniss Everdeen was described as smart, resourceful and resilient and was shown to embody each of these qualities. You see this in the way she singlehandedly takes care of her family before the games and in the way she carries herself during the games as well as after.

The book deals with topics such as oppression, survival, inequality and the abuse of power within a dystopian society. Through the brutal Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins explores how fear and violence are used to maintain control over the districts, while also highlighting the stark divide between the wealthy citizens of the Capitol and those living in poverty in other districts. I liked how throughout the book, Collins never lets the reader forget that it is those in power, specifically Snow, that is responsible for the suffering of these kids. The tributes themselves are never villainised, merely presented as what they are, children forced into positions far out of their control.

The characters and their relationships are complex and fleshed out. This is seen in Katniss' dynamics with her own mother and with all the so called 'authoritative figures' placed in her life such as Haymitch. Then you have the complicated relationships seen between Katiniss and Peeta or Katniss and Gale. And of course the protective and almost central dynamics Katniss has with those she feels such a need to protect and care for such as Prim and later on Rue.

Speaking of relationship dynamics, don't even get me started on the dynamic between Katniss and Peeta. If there is anything the book has convinced me as someone who watched the movies first, it's that it was ALWAYS going to be Peeta. I was never a fan of love triangles in general so I really disliked that aspect of the movies. I really enjoyed getting to see how interconnected these two have been since the start, the whole 'dandelion in the spring' scene still stays playing in my mind and I still wish they had depicted the scene with the burnt bread better in the movies. It's not just that, Peeta Mellark has got to be one of my favourite characters ever and I would've loved to see more of his flirty/charming moments incorporated into the movies (this has nothing to do with casting but with the script). I still think about that scene where Katniss finds him near the stream and the first thing he says is "You here to finish me off, sweetheart?" !!

By Margaret Rogerson

Rating: 2/5⭐️ (DNF at 70%)

They say it's best not to have high expectations as this could easily lead to disappointment, and though this is a saying most applicable to life, it was the only way I felt could best describe my feelings about this book.

I had heard nothing but praise from other avid readers, one rave review after another, and for that reason, I went in expecting something truly special. Unfortunately, the book ended up being a letdown.

Quick Plot Summary:

The story follows Elisabeth, a young woman raised in a magical library where grimoires are living, dangerous books. When she is accused of a crime she did not commit, she is forced to work alongside a sorcerer and his demon companion to uncover the truth and prevent a greater threat.

The premise itself is intriguing and full of potential, which makes the execution all the more disappointing.

Thoughts:

It all starts with the main character for me. Elisabeth is introduced to us as this strong and principled character, yet I found it difficult to connect with her or feel invested in her journey. I went in with high expectations, drawn by the premise of a magical library filled with living, dangerous grimoires. Unfortunately, despite the promise of adventure and dark magic, the characters and their relationships weren't given enough development in my opinion, especially considering this is a stand alone book.

Her best friend felt like a stereotypical “diverse side character,” appearing mainly to deliver important information before disappearing again, making the character feel under-utilised. The romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel also failed to engage me. The turning points in their relationship, where it shifts toward romance, felt like it lacked sufficient emotional buildup to make the change convincing.

Many readers have compared Sorcery of Thorns to Howl’s Moving Castle, and after watching the film, the similarities are clear. The main love interest and even the magical house feel heavily inspired, which made parts of the story feel predictable rather than fresh. The overall plot was fine, but when paired with all the other areas that I felt were lacking, made for a somewhat boring story.

To be fair, I found the concept of sentient grimoires and dangerous libraries very creative, and the early atmosphere was well established. However, by the 70% mark, the story had not done enough to keep me reading yet alone care about what happens in the end, so I ultimately chose not to finish it.