Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins

Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn. 

What I thought about the book?

Suzanne Collins

      Definitely, a fitting sequel to  'The Hunger Games'. After the terrific success of the first book. most authors tend to relax a little in the second book and then catch up in the third one. But in this case, the second book is even better than the first one and manages to keep the readers glued to their seats in anticipation of what is to come. In my personal experience, this is the first trilogy where I felt the second book had outdone the first one!

      The first book ends with Katniss and Peeta winning the Hunger Games against the Capitol's rule that only one person can win. The second book narrates the aftermath of Katniss's bold move against the Capitol. Without her own knowledge, Katniss has started something that becomes far out of control for even her. She desperately tries to put an end to the uprising, but only manages to add fuel to the already fast-spreading fire.

      The evolution of Katniss - the girl to Katniss - the woman is brought out beautifully in the initial chapters.  Her inner turmoil on sensing that her family and closed ones are at danger due to her actions make her confused. She has two options: either to run from the Capitol or fight against the Capitol. The initial scenes at her village are a treat to read as Katniss slowly understands the magnitude of her actions and lets the revelations sink in. The love triange between Katniss, Gale and Peeta might get frustrating at times with Katniss acting unsure with both, but more exciting events tend to overshadow the temporary slump.

      The Quarter Quell is a twist no one would have expected and I can clearly understand the sheer terror Katniss must have felt on learning that she had to go back to the arena - the place of all her haunting nightmares. How Katniss fares at the Quarter Quell with the other tributes forms the second half of the book. That's not it! The turn of events during the final pages swept me off my feet and I was crying in joy!

The cliffhanger at the end will leave you more than hanging! You'll desperately want the third book as soon as possible.

      Overall, a grandslam of a sequel for an epic trilogy. You just can't wait to get hold of the third book once you finish this one! For information about the first book in the trilogy - 'The Hunger Games', click here .

Rating: 4.2/5

Buy 'The Catching Fire' from Amazon

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins - Goodreads

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - The Movie

For information about the first book in the trilogy - 'The Hunger Games', click here .

About the author:

      Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.

      While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.

      Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles. Suzanne also has a rhyming picture book illustrated by Mike Lester entitled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.

      She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

      The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards, including the GA Peach Award.

The Racketeer - John Grisham

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.
Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.

On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied.

What was in the safe? The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price—especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett’s death. And the Racketeer wasn’t born yesterday . . .

Nothing is as it seems and everything’s fair game in this wickedly clever new novel from John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller.

Review:

John Grisham

A very ordinary read. The story is very very unrealistic and though Grisham claims at the end that all works are fiction, I felt it was very over-stretched. The FBI dances to the tunes of Malcolm Bannister, the characters can just walk around with bars of gold without getting caught and most important, if you need to smuggle something out of USA, all you to do is hire a yacht. Thats almost close to fantasy.

The characters are very shallow and I never got a clear picture of the lead character even after I finished the book. It was as if Grisham was in a hurry to publish something with his name on it. The plot also gets a little confising at times with the character switching between two identities - Malcolm Bannister and Max Reed Baldwin. Suddenly Nathan appears out of the blue and every Tome, Dick and Harry would have guessed why he was brought in. I found the plot right from the beginning, given that the book title reveals almost the entire plot. I will never understand how a single man can make the FBI do whatever he wants. Two men plan together in jail, fool the FBI, then reveal to them that they were fooled. The FBI even knew that Bannister is in possession of gold bars but they don't do anything about it.

His so-called ' revenge' on the US government, was not much of a revenge as the Feds's reputation remained undamaged and in fact they were handed the case on a platter by him . In addition,Nathan Cooley's character just got dumped on us without any background tease to give us a chance to guess his involvement n this. 

The authors note at the end that says: "Almost nothing ... was based on reality. Research, hardly a priority, was rarely called upon. Accuracy was not deemed crucial. Long paragraphs of fiction were used to avoid looking up facts." sums it all up. This one is not for serious readers. A very ordinary plot with lots of holes. I expected a lot more from Grisham.

Rating:
2.3/5

A Prisoner of Birth - Jeffrey Archer

International bestseller and master storyteller Jeffrey Archer is at the very top of his game in this story of fate and fortune, redemption and revenge.

If Danny Cartwright had proposed to Beth Wilson the day before, or the day after, he would not have been arrested and charged with the murder of his best friend. But when the four prosecution witnesses are a barrister, a popular actor, an aristocrat, and the youngest partner in an established firm's history, who is going to believe his side of the story?

Danny is sentenced to twenty-two years and sent to Belmarsh prison, the highest-security jail in the land, from where no inmate has ever escaped.

However, Spencer Craig, Lawrence Davenport, Gerald Payne, and Toby Mortimer all underestimate Danny's determination to seek revenge, and Beth's relentless quest to pursue justice, which ends up with all four fighting for their lives.

Thus begins Jeffrey Archer's most powerful novel since Kane and Abel,with a cast of characters that will remain with you long after you've turned the last page.

And if that is not enough, prepare for an ending that will shock even the most ardent of Archer's fans.

Review:

Jeffrey Archer

Wow! I had high hopes for Jeffrey Archer after reading Kane and Abel, and he did not disappoint me. This book is a scorcher that just swept me off my feet. The story takes off at a swift pace right from the initial courtroom scenes. The arguments from both the prosecution and defense are fantastically brought about and I found it difficult to put this book down. Apart from a few glitches here and there, this one is a real entertainer from cover to cover.

The characters are portrayed in depth and every reader is able to put himself in the shoes of Daniel Cartwright. Unlike other novels, the reader knows right from the start who was the criminal but the way the author builds up the story without having much suspense in his hand is great. The jail scenes are neatly written and I could almost feel myself surrounded by walls. Danny's thirst for freedom and vengeance, and a bit of luck, somehow frees him from prison. His slow and methodical tackling of Hugo Moncrieff with the help of Fraser Munro, his constant suspicions about his cover being blown, and his friendship with Big Al are all refreshing and deserves a praise. But I was a little disappointed with the revenge part as I expected much more, but all Danny could manage was inflicting a financial breakdown on his adversaries.

The final courtroom scenes were the Redmaynes support Danny are epic! I've read many such courtroom arguments, but this one stands out as the best. I especially liked the part where Fraser Munro appears as witness and also the part where Sir Redmayne questions Spencer Craig. I loved the scenes and have read those pages nearly 3 times.

Overall a must read for everyone! Don't miss this one. Its simply irresistible.

Rating:

4.5/5

Bloodline - Sidney Sheldon

Sheldon's sweeping saga of greed and betrayal, sabotage and danger, and the ties that can kill...

Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. At its head was one of the wealthiest men in the world, a man who has just died in a mysterious accident and left his only daughter, Elizabeth, in control of the company. Now as this intelligent, tough, and beautiful young woman dares to save -- not sell -- Roffe and Sons, she will have to outwit those who secretly want her power, and the unknown assassin who wants her life.

Sidney Sheldon

Review:

Certainly a good book to read. May not be Sheldon's best, and there may also be claims that the book draws heavily from Sheldon's previous releases but still this book is certainly worth a read. The typical twists are missing but the extraordinary narration makes up for the slow pace. The reader is made to believe from the onset that Rhys is the criminal. Though the climax reveals a different story, it was expected from Sheldon and the familiar mind-blowing twist at the end is missing. I personally liked the characterization of Detective Max Honurang, as a short plumpy bald man, yet very intelligent and efficient. The character certainly gives a different face to a detective. The part where Samuel Roffe's life is narrated is fantastic and is probably the best part of the book. I loved Samuel Roffe's determination and courage. Elizabeth Roffe, young and lonely seeks power from her great great grandfather and the way Sheldon bridged a century gap was amazing.

    The other characters like Ivo, Alec, Walther Gassner and Chris Martel were all well developed. But I felt the author left a few loose threads dangling like the rendezvous between Rhys and Helene. he also failed to explain Alec killing innocent girls. But stiil, the book is complete with all the elements for a weekend read.

Rating: 3.4/5

The Sky Is Falling - Sidney Sheldon

The Winthrops are America's royal family, and its Prince Charming is the sexy, charismatic Gary Winthrop. Now the man on his way to becoming the Senate's brightest new star is found murdered in his home-the latest in a series of incidents that have killed five members of the family in a single year. One of the last people to see Gary Winthrop alive is Washington anchorwoman Dana Evans. She makes it her mission to investigate these seemingly random tragedies, little realizing that her search will sweep her across several continents, place her and her young son in grave danger, and lead her to a truth that will astound the world.

Sidney Sheldon

Review:

A fantastic read.In a normal book,the suspense is about who the killer is.But in this Sidney's masterpiece,the suspense builds right from the start on whether the consecutive deaths are murders are just a co-incidence.The character Dana Evans is portrayed with a surgeon's precision and I would love to meet such a character in real life.The cute love between Dana and Jeff, Jeff's concern for his ex-wife Rachel while she is in trouble are all simple things that make up this master-piece.The secret Plutonium manufacturing city which is claimed to be 'real' by the author gives the readers creeps.Dana is being followed by strangers without her knowledge and that adds to the tension.There is no way one could find the real criminal till Sasha is murdered.

I feel the end was a bit rushed through and the climax is far-fetched.However the first parts of the book make up for the quick ending.The five murders and the way Dana goes about her investigation,her actions being monitored by some unknown agents are all typical Sheldon stuff.

A must - read novel for everyone.Please don't miss it.

Rating: 4.1/5

Morning Noon and Night - Sidney Sheldon

A power revered by presidents and kings, a fortune unsurpassed by few people on earth: all that ended for Harry Stanford the day he mysteriously-and fatally-plunged from his luxury yacht into the Mediterranean Sea. Then, back home in Boston, as the family gathers to grieve for his memory and to war over his legacy, a stunningly beautiful young woman appears. She claims to be Stanford's long-lost daughter and entitled to her share of his estate. Now, flaming with intrigue and passion through the glamorous preserves of the world's super rich, the ultimate game of wits begins, for stakes too dazzling and deadly to imagine.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

Wow!! One of the best Sidney Sheldon I have read.The book is a classic.You never know what to expect as you keep turning pages.The plot is a good old one - a wealthy father cruel to his children and the children trying to get hold of their father's wealth.But Sidney has made it a refreshing tale filled with twists and turns that make you feel if riding in a roller coaster is better.The witty and cold - blooded Judge Tyler Stanford, the soft Kendall Stanford, the drug addict Woodrow Stanford make a great combination and add to it Julia Stanford! now thats what I call a family.

The dreary life of Woodrow and Peggy Stanford and the blackmail letters received by Kendall add spice to the central plot.The character of Julia Stanford is a thing of beauty.She could have been portrayed a little more deeply.The various crimes committed by Tyler Stanford eventually dig his grave.

A perfect entertainer that keeps you glued to the pages.A must - read for all ages.The master story - teller has stood up to my expectations again.This time in an even better way.

Rating: 4.1/5

Tell Me Your Dreams - Sidney Sheldon

Ashley Patterson is a beautiful, shy, lonely computer whiz, and is convinced she is being stalked. Coworker Toni Prescott is a gorgeous Brit with a penchant for internet dating and little time for anyone else. And Alette Peters prefers her weekends quiet and in the arms of a beefcake artist. They know virtually nothing about each other -- until the three women are linked by a murder investigation that will lead to one of the most bizarre trials of the century.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

Lovely young ladies who work for Global Computer Graphics in Silicon Valley are charged  in the brutal murder and mutilation of five more or less nice men. Although confusing, the evidence against them seems perfect and by the time the case goes to trial we know who done it, but not until the story is nearly finished will we understand why.

Considered to be one of the first books to touch on 'MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER' and the way the author has gone about with an entirely new concept deserves an applause. A must - read book for everyone.

Rating : 4.4/5