Mockingjay is not as impeccably plotted as The Hunger Games, but none­theless retains its fierce, chilly fascination. At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter. The specifics of the dystopian universe, and the fabulous pacing of the complicated plot, give the books their strange, dark charisma.
—The New York Times

Nothing is black or white in this gripping, complex tale, including the angry, self-doubting heroine…This dystopic-fantasy series, which began in 2008, has had such tremendous crossover appeal that teens and parents may discover themselves vying for—and talking about—the family copy of Mockingjay. And there's much to talk about because this powerful novel pierces cheery complacency like a Katniss-launched arrow.
—The Washington Post

This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level. At the end of Catching Fire, Katniss had been dramatically rescued from the Quarter Quell games; her fellow tribute, Peeta, has presumably been taken prisoner by the Capitol. Now the rebels in District 13 want Katniss (who again narrates) to be the face of the revolution, a propaganda role she's reluctant to play. One of Collins's many achievements is skillfully showing how effective such a poster girl can be, with a scene in which Katniss visits the wounded, cameras rolling to capture (and retransmit) her genuine outrage at the way in which war victimizes even the noncombatants. Beyond the sharp social commentary and the nifty world building, there's a plot that doesn't quit: nearly every chapter ends in a reversal-of-fortune cliffhanger. Readers get to know characters better, including Katniss's sister and mother, and Plutarch Heavensbee, former Head Gamemaker, now rebel filmmaker, directing the circus he hopes will bring down the government, a coup possible precisely because the Capitol's residents are too pampered to mount a defense. "In return for full bellies and entertainment," he tells Katniss, explaining the Latin phrase panem et circenses, "people had given up their political responsibilities and therefore their power." Finally, there is the romantic intrigue involving Katniss, Peeta and Gale, which comes to a resolution that, while it will break some hearts, feels right. In short, there's something here for nearly every reader, all of it completely engrossing. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)

Praise for The Hunger Games"A violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense. . . . I couldn't stop reading." —Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly"I was so obsessed with this book. . . . The Hunger Games is amazing."—Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight saga"Brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced."—John Green, The New York Times Book ReviewPraise for Mockingjay*"The highly anticipated conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy does not disappoint." - BOOKLIST"The most compelling science-fiction saga of the past several years." - HORN BOOK"The trilogy balances seriousness with special effects, a fundamental furious darkness with fast-paced storytelling, so that the books manage to be simultaneously disturbing and fun." NYT BOOK REVIEW"Mockingjay is a fitting end to the series . . . and will have the same lasting resonance as William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Stephen King's The Stand." - SLJ

Gr 7 Up—The final installment of Suzanne Collins's trilogy sets Katniss in one more Hunger Game, but this time it is for world control. While it is a clever twist on the original plot, it means that there is less focus on the individual characters and more on political intrigue and large scale destruction. That said, Carolyn McCormick continues to breathe life into a less vibrant Katniss by showing her despair both at those she feels responsible for killing and and at her own motives and choices. This is an older, wiser, sadder, and very reluctant heroine, torn between revenge and compassion. McCormick captures these conflicts by changing the pitch and pacing of Katniss's voice. Katniss is both a pawn of the rebels and the victim of President Snow, who uses Peeta to try to control Katniss. Peeta's struggles are well evidenced in his voice, which goes from rage to puzzlement to an unsure return to sweetness. McCormick also makes the secondary characters—some malevolent, others benevolent, and many confused—very real with distinct voices and agendas/concerns. She acts like an outside chronicler in giving listeners just "the facts" but also respects the individuality and unique challenges of each of the main characters. A successful completion of a monumental series.—Edith Ching, University of Maryland, College Park

Scarlett O'Hara. Jo March. Jane Eyre. These classic fictional heroines embody female strength and courage. Now add Katniss Everdeen to that list. The teenage survivor of the annually televised "Hunger Games" and the even harsher survivors' reunion, the Quarter Quell, has become the poster child for a rebellion exploding across Panem, her dystopian world. Katniss finds herself caught up in the revolution, unsure whom she can trust. Narrator Carolyn McCormick is back for this third installment, and her cool, clear voice is perfect for the hard-edged Katniss. McCormick has a wholly grown-up voice, but then Katniss is forced to act the grown-up, more deadly and capable than most adults. The narrator's voice here is sometimes plaintive, sometimes matter-of-fact, but always compelling, and often thrilling. M.M.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine