J.U. Scribe's Reviews > Sunrise on the Reaping

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

Suzanne Collins does it again with her latest novel in the Hunger Games universe, Sunrise on the Reaping. I've been a fan of the Hunger Games movies and books, so naturally, I was excited to read the prequel "Sunrise on the Reaping," which takes place 24 years before the first book in the Hunger Games series, and this latest book delivered!

Readers are transported back to the Quarter Quell. To make the 50th anniversary of the Games unforgettable, the Capital doubled the number of tributes from each of the 12 districts, sending a total of 48 tributes into an arena that is as beautiful as it is deadly.

On the very first page, readers learn that Haymitch’s 16th birthday falls on reaping day, which is not only depressing but ironic considering it falls on July 4th, a holiday that once celebrated U.S. independence.

And while Haymitch doesn't try fighting his unfair 'reaping', which was never supposed to happen, we're reminded of the quiet yet powerful acts of rebellion, such as the quote by Haymitch at the onset of my review. Even though the Capital has taken almost everything from him and his family, they refuse to play up their grief to the cameras despite Plutarch and his camera crew's efforts to exploit their raw emotions to get a "good shot."

Yet, there were many other quotable moments from the book that reminded the reader how Haymitch is more than just a drunk mentor in later books, but clever, resourceful, selfless, and a bit of a rebel.

What I also liked: I love the character development of Haymitch and the other tributes, particularly Maysilee, who is introduced as being stuck-up and rude, to becoming someone likable.

It was not just another rehash of the first Hunger Games. Yes, same plot points were followed: reaping, train ride, training, meeting the mentors, training, the interviews, etc. But if you read the first books in the series, you would appreciate the easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book that helped tie in plot points from both Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and even Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, where readers are left wondering about the fate of Lucy Gray.

What I didn’t like: Don’t get me wrong, I loved the lyrical prose, but at times, especially towards the very end, it was a bit overdone, which is why I didn’t give this 5 stars. But I would give this book 4 ½ stars if I could.

Outside of that minor qualm, the lessons of control and the theme of real vs. not real were not lost on me. This was a very gripping, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking read that will linger with you long after the last page.