Sunrise on the Reaping

by Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Hardback • £16.99
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Format • £18.99
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Technical
  • ID: 509
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9781546171478
  • Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
  • Published: 2025-03-18
  • Formats: 58
  • Reviews: 4

As the fiftieth annual Hunger Games approaches, the districts of Panem are gripped by fear. This year's Quarter Quell doubles the number of tributes, and Haymitch Abernathy, a former victor from District 12, finds himself once again thrust into the brutal competition. Torn from his family and the girl he loves, Haymitch is determined to fight not just for his own survival but to inspire a greater rebellion against the Capitol's tyranny. Alongside his fellow tributes, he enters the arena, where the stakes are higher than ever and the fight for freedom begins./n/nHaymitch's journey is one of resilience and defiance. As the Games unfold, he discovers a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the desire to protect those he loves and challenge the oppressive system that has controlled Panem for so long. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the power of resistance, making it a thrilling addition to the Hunger Games series.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-06
powerful 4.75

The book is a powerful exploration of resistance, trauma, and the beginnings of rebellion. It's a must-read for fans of the series.

The Amazon reviewer genuinely loved Sunrise on the Reaping, praising it as a powerful exploration of resistance and trauma. They highlighted how the story delves into the quiet beginnings of rebellion, making it a must-read for fans of the series. The reviewer appreciated the depth of character development and the way the story seamlessly integrates into the existing Hunger Games universe. They found the book to be both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, making it a standout addition to the series.

Quick quotes

    I genuinely loved this book.

    It's Haymitch's story, yes, but it's also a powerful exploration of resistance, trauma, and the quiet beginnings of rebellion.

    The storytelling and characterisation create a compelling narrative.

jackiewatsonwrites.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
engaging 4.00

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is a dark, dystopian prequel to The Hunger Games series, set 24 years before the original trilogy. The book club found the writing descriptive and engaging, though opinions were divided on the genre and pacing.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is the fifth installment in The Hunger Games series, serving as a prequel set 24 years before the original trilogy. The book club found the writing to be extremely descriptive and engaging, with some members comparing it to J.R.R. Tolkien's style. The story follows Haymitch Abernathy and is set during the 50th Hunger Games, which is particularly brutal with twice the number of tributes. The group was split on the genre, finding it dark and dystopian, but ultimately enjoyed the story despite some initial reservations. Some members felt the ending was rushed, while others were hooked from the start. Overall, the book received positive feedback, with some members going on to read the Hunger Games Trilogy.

Quick quotes

    The author has an extremely descriptive writing style and it is easy to visualise the fully developed characters and the settings.

    One member likened the writing to J.R.R. Tolkien, in that it drew you in and kept you hooked until the end.

    Although one person did feel that towards the end, the story was rather rushed and too neatly wrapped up.

dearauthor.com · Unknown · 2025-07-15
engaging 3.50

Sunrise on the Reaping explores Haymitch Abernathy's backstory as a 16-year-old tribute in the Hunger Games, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar world. The novel delves into Haymitch's struggles and alliances, providing a compelling narrative that fans of the original series will appreciate.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins offers a deep dive into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a character who was never a favorite but gains new depth in this prequel. The story follows Haymitch as a 16-year-old tribute in the Hunger Games, highlighting his responsibilities to his family and his experiences in the arena. The novel introduces intriguing dynamics with other tributes and early appearances of characters like Plutarch Heavensbee. While the narrative is engaging, some elements, such as the character of Lenore Dove, may feel irritating or underdeveloped. Overall, the book provides a compelling exploration of Haymitch's journey, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    They had undoubtedly earned his anger and despair.

    Haymitch is different as a 16-year-old, of course, before his harrowing time in the arena, and in some ways he felt like an entirely different character, at least until the end.

    I thought for the longest time that Lenore was her first name and Dove her surname, and found it so irritating that she was constantly referred to by her full name “Lenore Dove.

Takes Two To Book Review · 2025-04-30
powerful 4.75

They praised the book for its powerful messaging and emotional impact, highlighting the parallels and Easter eggs that enrich the story.

The reviewer was deeply moved by the book's strong thematic elements, particularly its exploration of resistance and trauma. The connections to the broader Hunger Games series are masterfully woven in, adding layers of depth and emotional resonance. The book's ability to convey its messages in a devastating yet impactful way is particularly noteworthy, making it a memorable addition to the series.

Quick quotes

    Collins really hammers in her messaging in this book

    The parallels and Easter eggs between this and the rest of the series are beautifully done

    The book's ability to convey its messages in a devastating yet impactful way

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