The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games cover
Good Books rating 4.72
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £8.99
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 591
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9780545229937
  • Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
  • Published: 2009-09-01
  • Formats: 35
  • Reviews: 4

Set in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem is ruled by a Capitol that keeps its twelve outlying districts in line through the annual Hunger Games. This chilling event forces each district to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games, regarding it as a death sentence. However, survival is second nature to her, and she must make choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. This Special Edition of The Hunger Games includes an extensive interview with Suzanne Collins, providing insight into the creation of this era-defining work. It also features a behind-the-scenes look at the series and an archival conversation between Collins and YA legend Walter Dean Myers on writing about war.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-01-02
entertaining 4.40

The book is highly entertaining with astounding world-building and character development. It's not a profound read but is one of the most entertaining ever.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book might not be a literary masterpiece, but they highly praise its entertainment value. They highlight the world-building and character development as standout features. The reviewer appreciates the book for its ability to keep readers engaged and entertained throughout. The high rating reflects their enjoyment and the book's ability to captivate readers.

Quick quotes

    A literature masterpiece? Hardly.

    One of the most entertaining ever? Quite possibly!

    Astounding world building and character development.

What's Good to Read · 2025-12-16
fantastic 5.00

The book is a thrilling and riveting read, packed with action and suspense. It is highly recommended for its exciting narrative.

This reviewer found the book to be an exhilarating and suspenseful read, filled with action that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The story's intensity and the way it builds suspense make it a must-read for fans of the genre. The reviewer gives it a perfect rating, highlighting its ability to entertain and engage from beginning to end.

Quick quotes

    A thrilling, riveting and exciting read, packed with action and suspense.

    Rating: 5/5.

    For more reviews and recommendations, visit our site.

What's Hot Blog · 2025-08-04
brilliant 5.00

The book is considered one of the best ever read by the reviewer, with an immediate and lasting hook. It remains relevant and impactful.

This reviewer considers The Hunger Games to be one of the best books they have ever read, and this opinion has not wavered over time. From the very first page, the story had them hooked, and its relevance and impact have only grown stronger. They appreciate the book's ability to remain timely and thought-provoking, making it a standout in their reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The Hunger Games is genuinely one of the best books I have ever read – and that remains true today.

    From the first page, I was hooked by the...

    It remains relevant and impactful.

Books Tea Cup Reviews · 2025-08-01
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its sharp, smart, and adventurous narrative, with layers that reveal themselves upon rereading. The dystopian world is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer found the book to be a brilliant example of YA dystopia, noting how rereading it unveiled new depths and layers they hadn't noticed before. They appreciated the sharp and smart storytelling, which makes the dystopian setting both engaging and thought-provoking. The adventure and the exploration of themes like survival and societal critique make it a standout read. The reviewer also highlighted how the book's themes of trauma and systemic dehumanization resonate strongly, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    The Hunger Games is sharp, smart and adventurous YA Dystopia.

    Rereading this was like peeling back layers I didn't know were there.

    The world-building is both engaging and thought-provoking.

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