The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes 🐍

By Suzanne Collins.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“It's not over until the Mockingjay sings.”

Name me a book that low-key screams red flags from the beginning and the result is The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes 🚩🐍

Whilst on honeymoon, I thought it would be a good idea to get this read before heading to the cinema to see the film adaptation.

Coriolanus Snow hails from a prestigious Capitol lineage, with a father celebrated as a war hero and a grandmother who serenades the Capitol anthem daily. He and his cousin, Tigris, have been orphaned, and their family fortunes dwindled.

As the 10th Hunger Games approaches, students are presented with the opportunity to serve as mentors to the tributes. However, Coriolanus finds himself assigned to mentor the female tribute from District 12. Little does he realise that his association with Lucy Gray Baird will profoundly transform him.

The "relationship" between Coriolanus and Lucy Gray bears an unsettling nature. It lacks love, despite his claims to the contrary. His intentions revolve around possession and manipulation, exploiting her for personal gain.

Occasionally, the narrative did appear to slow down, leaving me in anticipation of events that never quite materialised. Nevertheless, I persevered, and to my surprise, the conclusion took an unforeseen turn, leading me to believe that Suzanne Collins had something entirely different in mind. It's as if the story was tailor-made for a cinematic adaptation, and I'm hopeful that the film will deliver the excitement we were seeking in this book.

I’ve no regrets in giving this a read and It’ll remain on my bookshelf to be added with my other favourites and favourite series.

Let me know what you think and if you will head to the cinema next month!

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