Before the new semester began at USU I did my best to finish one more book before most of my reading is consumed with text books, and lecture notes. There was only one obvious choice for me for this last quick read before school, "Catching Fire". I eagerly got this book for both my wife and I after we read "The Hunger Games". Monica read this book within the first day we had it. I lagged behind her super human powers of reading and finished the book within a week. We both loved it.

So what is Catching Fire? It is the next book in the series of The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. The previous story was left at an exciting point and Catching Fire picks up right where it left off. I don't want to give any spoilers for anyone who hasn't read The Hunger Games, but Catching Fire continues the story at an exciting pace involving more of the Capitol, the relationships formed between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, and of course loads of action. Even though it seems that Katniss may have avoided any immediate punishment after the hunger games, but she can't escape the searing gaze of the Capitol . In fact she discovers that her actions have greatly increased the danger to both herself and all those around her. Katniss has unknowingly started a chain of events that she can't control. However she still has to try, because if she doesn't there could possibly be another uprising against the Capitol. The last time that happened the uprising was crushed and the districts have been suffered greatly.

What I loved about this book was that I was surprised at how the story was kept fresh and new. Often times sequels are at a disadvantage because they can no longer wow the readers with the building of the characters, basic story, or world. Usually the first half of a book (especially Sci Fi Novels) is composed of these three things. So when a sequel is made, it has to make up for this missing half with new fresh ideas that still stay true to the original. If the author can't do this the story can feel too mundane, or the world that was previously created feels torn. Catching Fire added new twists that kept me guessing, excited, and entertained without losing the familiar feel of The Hunger Games. Catching Fire has the basic components that made The Hunger Games awesome, but smoothly moves the story down an exciting new path.
9/10