The Hunger Games books have become modern classics, and each of them does a stellar job digging into the realities of power, class dynamics, and rebellion — but some installments in Suzanne Collins’ best-selling series prove more compelling than others. The first Hunger Games book debuted back in 2008, resulting in a rise in dystopian fiction in the years that followed. Catching Fire and Mockingjay continued Katniss’ story, giving readers insight into the power dynamics of Panem and how they could be dismantled.

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes stands out from the other Hunger Games books, as it came out a decade after the original trilogy concluded. It told a different story, serving as a prequel about Coriolanus Snow rather than an addition to Katniss Everdeen’s narrative. 2023’s movie adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes got people talking about The Hunger Games franchise again. And with Collins announcing a new Hunger Games prequel for 2025, it’s safe to say the story will remain front of mind. Readers may even revisit the best books in the series.

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The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes (2020)

A Strong Addition To The Franchise (But Not The Hunger Games)

The Hunger Games books are all incredibly close when it comes to quality, but The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is probably the weakest of the franchise. This isn’t all that surprising; the other novels make up a three-book narrative, while The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes pulls readers into a very different story. And the fact that this prequel is centered on a young President Snow is part of the reason it’s not as strong as its predecessors. While Lucy Gray offers a compelling perspective, Snow isn’t a lead that readers want to root for.

Snow being unlikable already puts his story at a disadvantage compared to any of the books chronicling Katniss’ journey. However, it’s not just his personality that makes Ballad rank lower than the other Hunger Games novels. The fact that readers have a pretty good idea of where things will go also lowers the stakes. Lucy Gray’s fate may remain a mystery, but there’s never any doubt that Snow will make it out of the prequel story — or that the Hunger Games will continue.

Even with these downsides, however, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes proves a strong addition to the franchise. Given a few more books, Lucy could easily win over readers in the same way that Katniss did. The prequel’s commentary on good and evil — and what leads people to choose the latter — is thoughtful. And seeing an earlier iteration of the Hunger Games proves a fascinating experience, especially for longtime fans. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes may not compare to The Hunger Games, but it earns its 3.96 average rating on Goodreads.

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Mockingjay (2010)

Suzanne Collins Sticks The Landing, But It Can’t Compare To The First 2 Books

Mockingjay is the third and final book in The Hunger Games trilogy, and it delivers a satisfying ending for Panem and the characters residing there. Not all dystopian series stick the landing, but Mockingjay manages it. Collins’ finale is both thrilling and emotional, and it packs a punch in its final chapters. While there are no official Hunger Games in this installment, watching Katniss and her companions navigate a booby-trapped Capitol is more than enough to keep readers invested. Seeing Katniss step into the role of the Mockingjay is also satisfying.

Prim’s death and Katniss’ decision to kill Coin elevate the ending of Mockingjay, bringing the story full circle in a tragic way. Katniss’ entire reason for entering the Hunger Games is to save Prim. And while she sparks massive change for the people of Panem, The Hunger Games’ heroine ultimately fails to save her sister. Her death is one of the series’ most gut-wrenching, while Coin’s serves another purpose. Katniss killing Coin raises discussions about tyranny and how it arises. Through President Coin, Collins suggests that the response to oppression sometimes threatens to repeat it.

Although Mockingjay provides a great ending to The Hunger Games — it certainly deserves its 4.09 Goodreads rating — it does have a few shortcomings that cause it to rank lower than its predecessors. For one, Mockingjay could have easily been a bit longer. Katniss and Peeta’s endings are well done, but supporting players like Gale sort of fade into the background. The future of Panem is only briefly touched upon, despite how interesting it would be to see the characters rebuilding. Essentially, Mockingjay‘s conclusion could have gone further than it did.

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The Hunger Games (2008)

An Opening Worthy Of Spawning A Franchise

Some series take time to find their footing, but the original Hunger Games book makes an instant impression — then keeps readers hooked from cover to cover. The series’ opening does a great job of establishing its main cast, oppressive world, and deadly tournament without overdoing the exposition. Collins masterfully weaves her story in The Hunger Games, and that’s precisely why the 2008 book spawned an entire franchise. There’s so much to love about the first novel, from its unflinching social commentary to its well-developed characters and setting.

Katniss is easy to root for throughout The Hunger Games, so it’s no wonder she became something of a blueprint for YA heroines after the first book came out. Katniss and Peeta’s love story is compelling, and it does a solid job of engaging readers. Collins cleverly pulls them with the book’s characters and relationship dynamics, then sends poignant messages once she’s grabbed their attention. Scenes like Rue’s death and Katniss’ decision with the berries will no doubt stick with readers long after the 2008 novel ends.

The Hunger Games has the highest average Goodreads rating of the entire series, sitting at 4.34. It’s just above Catching Fire in terms of reader reviews, but it’s arguably a bit weaker than its sequel. Although The Hunger Games starts strong, its world still takes some getting used to. And despite Katniss’ bold actions throughout the first book, there’s a smaller focus on rebellion. The first installment and Catching Fire are nearly equals, but the latter comes out on top for these reasons.

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Catching Fire (2009)

The Hunger Games’ Most Thrilling Installment

The Hunger Games is one series that doesn’t suffer from second-book syndrome; in fact, Catching Fire is the best installment in Collins’ YA dystopian trilogy. Catching Fire benefits from readers knowing who the characters are and how the world works, and it’s able to raise the stakes of the Hunger Games in a way that feels natural. The Quarter Quell makes for a nail-biting journey into the arena, and its enhanced threats and challenges come with some interesting twists. Watching Katniss and Peeta be forced back into the Games is heart-wrenching, especially after getting to know them in book one.

The Capitol increases its cruelty towards the districts, even before the 75th Hunger Games begins. This allows Collins to explore how tyrannical governments control their citizens, and it perfectly sets the stage for what comes later. Catching Fire is the book that pushes Katniss and the people she loves firmly into the rebellion. There are many great moments of defiance against the Capitol, from Katniss’ wedding dress transforming into a Mockingjay costume to the tributes holding hands and standing together on-stage.

Catching Fire also briefly touches on propaganda, with President Snow hoping to control the masses by presenting a certain image of Katniss and Peeta during their Victory Tour. It’s impressive that Collins is able to provide social commentary before, during, and after the Games. Every part of Catching Fire has something important to say.

Catching Fire also has the best ending of The Hunger Games trilogy, slapping readers with multiple twists before coming to a close. The revelation that District 12 is gone is devastating, and it’s only topped by the fact that District 13 actually exists. Even the realization that Haymitch and the other tributes planned to get Katniss out of the arena is surprising, and Peeta’s fate is a punch to the gut. These developments, along with the brutal Quarter Quell itself, make Catching Fire the best Hunger Games book — even if its 4.31 average Goodreads rating falls slightly under the first book’s.

Source: Goodreads