Pint-Sized 'Pinions: Dystopian Edition or A Hunger Games Love-fest + One Other Book

Pint-Sized 'Pinions are mini-reviews that I post often (usually weekly). The books reviewed have either been reviewed a lot or I don't have much to say for them, whether negative or positive, to justify an extended review.

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I bet you saw this coming.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press (Sept 14, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0439023481
384 pages

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Seriously one of the best novels I've ever read. It's not lacking in anything. Characters, plot, action, dialog - you name it, it's spot on. Katniss is lovable in spite of her hard personality. It's rare to find a character like that done well, but Collins manages to do it. I love the way that she's reimagined the US as Panem, as well. And don't get me started on the amazing secondary characters (Haymitch! Peeta!) and the constant suspense.

Grade: A+

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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press (Sept 1, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0439023498
400 pages

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Much the same as The Hunger Games (meaning it's great for all of the same reasons!). The only thing that hurts it is the somewhat repetitive occurrences and slow feel in the middle. Still, it's a great follow up and the last third is on par with the first novel.

Grade: A-

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Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
Harlequin Teen (April 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0373210060
384 pages

Keep Your Head Down.

Don't Get Noticed.

Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

I really enjoyed Snyder's Study series and was looking forward to her YA debut (because, despite common belief, the Study and Glass series are considered adult novels). Unlike Yelena, the Study series's heroine, Trella takes a while to warm up to. However, her story was unique and riveting and her voice did it justice. Also, Trella softened during the course of the novel and I found my feelings about her softening as well. My one complaint (and it's kind of a big one) - the story felt like a Disney version of a dystopic society. While the issues were serious, the characters were caricatured. Despite this, there are plenty of twists to be found in this book and I can't wait to see what the sequel, Outside In, has in store.

Grade: C+

For more reviews of YA dystopian book, see the list up at Lenore's site that other bloggers have contributed to. While you're there, check out Lenore's Dystopian August content.

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Each book was a review copy was provided by the publisher for an honest (and uncompensated) review.

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