If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you need to check out Suzanne Collins’ latest masterpiece, Sunrise on the Reaping. This prequel is an absolute gem that fits so seamlessly into the timeline of the original series, it’s like finding a missing puzzle piece you didnt know had rolled under the sofa.
Set in the early days of Panem, Sunrise on the Reaping dives deep into the origins of the Reaping and the dark history that led to the creation of the Hunger Games. Collins’ storytelling is as gripping as ever, and the way she weaves this new narrative into the existing lore is nothing short of genius. It leaves enough gaps to be realistic, relying on the limited knowledge the cast had of the past due to their social status whilst giving you clues and asking questions.
In all honesty I didnt want to read the book initially. Its feel like rather than create a new world authors readily dive back into successful ones a little too easily these days. It feels like a bit of a cheat and puts me off – Stephanie Meyer and JK Rowling are the biggests examples of this. However, in this case I take it all back. Whilst reading this book made me want to revisit Katniss, Peeta, and the entire world of Panem all over again. The connections and backstories revealed in Sunrise on the Reaping add so much depth to the characters and events we thought we knew. It’s like seeing the Hunger Games through a whole new lens and Im totally on board for it.
Although we follow Hamish on his journey we get to meet some more familiar faces early on in their careers. We understand that not all of the capital agrees with snow and most importantly demonstrate how alliances can grow and develop into something to be cherished. The Horrors of the arena feel a little less vibrant with the main plot taking centre stage – which sounds like an obvious statement but could so easily have been lost in the action. Its great to see a side to Hamish that we never understood in the earlier (later in the timeline) books; to know why he drinks, where his passion is and how he survived.
So, if you’re looking for a read that will reignite your love for the series and make you appreciate the original books even more, Sunrise on the Reaping is a must-read. ️
One More Chapter 