REVIEWED by Louise for Between the Covers blog:

The Hunger Games is the first of three books which tell the story of Panam, the country that was formed in what was once North America. The series' main characters are Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl, and Peeta Mellark, both from District 12. We are introduced to Katniss immediately as the books are told from her point of view, and I admit I found her hard to like at first. She comes across as distant and cold, almost harsh. But I got over this quickly. The world in which Katniss lives is one that is very different from anything I had ever imagined. In truth, the premise of these books still blows my mind.

The 'Hunger Games' are just that... an annual event. An annual history lesson. Each year the twelve districts that comprise Panam must select two tributes, a boy and a girl, to participate in the Hunger Games. Children ages twelve to eighteen make up the tribute pool, and the twenty-four children selected must battle each other in the games. The winner will live a life of ease back home, and their district will receive additional food for the next year. The losers... die. The children are forced to fight to the death, serving as an annual reminder of what happens when you defy the Capitol.

But all games have rules, and rules are meant to be broken. Katniss and Peeta band together and plan a course through the Hunger Games which rocks the Capitol... and reverberates throughout all of Panam.

BtCers, you know my thoughts on character development, so I will spare you that line this time. As I said, my initial reaction to Katniss was that she was emotionless. In reality, she feels and cares very deeply, but the world she lives in is harsh and softness is for the weak... and the weak die. Katniss is the ultimate pragmatist. She is strong and smart and loyal. And she would do anything for her family. As I read I came to realize that the dispassionate tone I felt Katniss had was actually a very effective way to tell the story. From the main characters to the secondary ones... especially Effie, Haymitch and Cinna... Collins gave her characters depth and made them real. Every person you are introduced to in the book is relevant, their time on the page has meaning. Collins' writing is clear and concise, allowing you to take in the extensive history as well as the descriptions of the various locations and events easily.

Peeta took me a little longer to figure out. He seems so much softer and kinder than Katniss that it is almost disquieting. I worried he would not be her equal. I was wrong. My apologies to any #TeamGale followers, but I am firmly #TeamPeeta. I think he is truly Katniss' perfect compliment, each encouraging the other, challenging the other, and bringing out the best in the other. Peeta is also clever, loyal and self-sacrificing, and seeing Katniss through his eyes is like putting on kaleidoscope glasses... he sees her in a way no one else does.

The Hunger Games was my first dystopian novel and it set such a high standard for all that followed. This young adult novel is very intelligently written and would be enjoyed by older teens and adults, alike. The premise, while horrifying, captures your attention immediately. The characters hold your interest and make you feel compassion for them, the story flows quickly, the action pulling you in and forcing you to hold your breath until the end.

In case you missed it in reading this review, I loved this book... love the entire series. I have passed it on to my two oldest minions, and they are diehard HG fans, as well. Due to the graphic nature of the Games, I do not recommend this book for children under 14, but each parent must make that assessment for themselves.

Rating: 5 stars