The Hunger Games

First off, I'll say that I read this at a feverish pace, trying hard not to put the book down. The scenarios filled my mind when I was not reading. The same minute I finished this book, I picked up the next in the series. In fact, I continued in this fashion until I had read all three. Perhaps the only positive thing I really can say about this book is that I was drawn into the story in a way that overcame all of the book's faults.

As for the book's faults, there are many, which I won't list because that may spoil a good yarn. The premise that districts pay a tribute of children for death matches is ridiculous and completely unbelievable. This just would not happen, and nor would a poulace accept or buy into this continual outrage, especially for so long. Aside from this, there are other ways in which the world envisioned for this novel is inconsistent. Many times I wondered why people had more advanced technologies, but lacked more primitive technologies. There were many instances in which I thought something was implausible based on something else I had learned about the world earlier.

That being said, the reason I read so much fantasy and science fiction is so that I can experience the incredible, the fantastic and the implausible. Expect no hidden morals, or cautionary tales, though. Do expect this book to have good characters, lots of surprises, excelent pacing, and a writing style that will hold your attention throughout.