[leebase]

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. Although this is a young adult series, there is nothing keeping it from being enjoyed by adults. This is another page turner, can't-put-it-down book. It ends on a cliff hanger (but not in a bad way) -- so I'm thrilled that the third book is coming out on the 24th of this month (I've already pre-ordered the kindle edition, only $8.45).

The action of the books revolve around a contest called the hunger games. It's a future society, kind post apocalyptic America called Panem that has a capital city surrounded by 13 districts, one of which was destroyed in an uprising of the districts against the capital. The contest is a fight to the death among children chosen by lot, a boy and a girl, from each district.

I don't want to speak more on the plotting as it would spoil some important elements for those who haven't read the first book. But I can say it's a book filled with interesting characters, great drama and wonderful plot twists.

Kind of take mad max, combine it with George Orwell's 1984, recast it as a kids book with the main characters being kids....through in a good dash of hollywood pagentry, and you have a good idea of the book. It's not particularly original, though it's certainly not tired and overdone. It's not particularly hard to guess where the plot will go. But it is wonderfully executed. You will care about the characters. You will feel heart ache and hope. And, for the youngsters, they will be given something to think about the nature of power and authority and the role of rebellion.

Highly recommended,

Lee