Response to Catching Fire

           No worse than the first, Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. This is to say, it was as good as the first, to rephrase. Many sequels are disappointing, but this book did not fail my expectations...at least in writing technique. To be honest, it was slow. Really slow. It got started action-wise on page 270. And I'm not saying the pages and chapters before that were dull. They were leading up to the action. But a lot of it was just unnecessary. If you ask me, this whole book was captivating but unnecessary. SPOILER ALERT: Did Katniss really have to enter the Games again? That was a little pointless. She entered only to be rescued. It would have been a lot more efficient just to have the tributes on the train to the arena and then have Katniss rescued and Peeta captured. That would've chopped about 200 pages off the book and it could've been so much more worth it. That would've been a much better lead up to the third book. Honestly. But make no mistake, I recommend the book. Just don't expect wonders.

Response to Ever

           You got me, readers. After the Two Princesses of Bamarre, I should have been on the lookout for young books. But this book surprised me, in a good way. This book was preferrable to the tale of Bamarre, with a plot focused solely on love and sacrifice. Yes, it was no more realistic than the tale of Bamarre, with a visit to the land of the dead and a god of the winds. But it was a lot less...pleasing? The ending was sad, which made it less fairytale-ish, which was satisfying.
          I'd recommend this book to maybe a sixth grader, because it's sweet and captivating yet fantastical and grim. Not to mention creepy. Sixth graders are just figuring out who they are, which makes them able to relate to Kezi, main character who must decide if she wishes to choose love and immortality, or sacrifice and honor.

Response to The Two Princesses of Bamarre

          First off, as with most books I read, I liked it. Did I love it? No. But I still appreciated Levine's traditional technique; a quest, danger, destiny, character change, finding true love. Although it's getting a little predictable. But  I followed main character Addie not reluctantly but willingly through dangerous forests where dark creatures dwell, into the cave of a hungry dragon and out into a fight with ogres and grffins, to a fairy castle where Addie discovers her bravery and her truly beloved.
          On second thought, this book was a little young. Although I can relate to the sisterly bond that forms the plot. Readers, particularly those readers tween and up, I would let this book alone unless you're reading it to a younger person. If I were in, say, fifth grade, I'd be awed. But there are so many more age-appropriate books out there for me, and honestly, it was kind of a waste of time. Maybe I'm sending mixed signals here. In the beginning, I was ready and willing. As time went on, I was growing slightly bored. I am glad I read it because now I know what to stay away from and I can add it to my list of finished books. But did I really enjoy myself? Negative.