49 pages • 1 hour read
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
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Book Brief
439
Novel • Fiction
Panem • Future
2020
YA
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes details the origins of future Panem president Coriolanus Snow, charting his rise amid personal and political turmoil. At 18, Coriolanus mentors Lucy Gray Baird from District 12 during the Tenth Hunger Games. Their complex relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the brutal contest, revealing his gradual descent into manipulation and ruthlessness. Topics include violence, trauma, and systemic oppression.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
940,626 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Suzanne Collins' The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has received mixed reviews. Fans appreciate the deeper exploration of Panem's history and the complex character development of young Snow. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the plot less engaging than the original trilogy. The prequel provides intriguing backstory but may not satisfy all readers.
Who Should Read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
Fans of dystopian novels and intricate character studies will relish Suzanne Collins' The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Similar to The Hunger Games series and Orwell's 1984, this prequel offers a potent mix of political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and psychological depth, making it perfect for readers who appreciate complex, morally ambiguous narratives.
940,626 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lucy Gray Baird
Lucy Gray Baird
A captivating tribute from District 12, possessing intriguing stage presence and musical talent, whose enigmatic background makes her stand out among the other tributes.
Sejanus Plinth
Sejanus Plinth
A moral and principled young man from a wealthy district family, whose ideals often put him at odds with the Capitol's views and practices, serving as a foil to Coriolanus.
Dr. Volumnia Gaul
Dr. Volumnia Gaul
A formidable figure in the Capitol, focused on her experiments and the implementation of the Hunger Games; she influences Coriolanus with her philosophy of control and power.
439
Novel • Fiction
Panem • Future
2020
YA
13-18 years
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