Title- Sunrise on the Reaping 

Author- Suzanne Collins

Genre- Science fiction, Dystopian

Pages- 400

Age Range- 12+

Published- March 18, 2025

For all the Hunger Games fans out there, you'll be pleased to discover there's a new book, Sunrise on the Reaping! If you haven't read The Hunger Games books yet, I’m sure this review will pique your interest. 

Short Synopsis- Set 24 years before the original trilogy, this novel captures the life of sixteen year old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games. After a tragic happenstance forces him into the arena with double the amount of tributes, Haymitch must learn how to survive using his brain and his build. But, most importantly, he must navigate through the Capital’s manipulation and tricks.  As alliances and enemies are torn apart, Haymitch's choices won't just determine his fate in the arena- they will define the person he becomes. This story explores his past of hardship, tragedy, and defiance. 

Themes - The themes developed in this novel include the corrupting force of power, trauma, public image, isolation, and many other coming-of-age themes set in a dystopian time period. 

Strengths and Weaknesses 

 

Strengths-

Suzanne Collins does a spectacular job of developing each character she has created in this series, carefully deciding on a unique viewpoint from each one of them. She never seems to write in a “filler character”, which helps develop strong characters nicely. A reader has a higher chance to relate or empathize with a character. This book was done in a way to change your perspective on the main character by going through their past. This helps provide a sense of empathy for young readers, which is an important skill to comprehend. 

Weaknesses-

I don't have many critiques on this book, but one I have come to realize is the author's pacing in the final act of the book. Most of the action is in the middle of the book, which makes sense, but the ending comes to an abrupt halt. While the ending is emotionally powerful and evokes many feelings, many key moments feel rushed, as if there wasn't enough space for a fuller resolution. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending of this book, but a more measured pace could have enhanced it's emotional depth.

Stars- 

8.6/10 stars

Favorite Quotes- 

“Fire is catching, she’d say, but if it burns down the arena, I say good riddance.”

“They will not use my tears for their entertainment.”

“The snow may fall, but the sun also rises.”

If you thought this book may have your interest, here are some others I recommend-

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Divergent by  Veronica Roth

Legend by Marie Lu

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