OVERVIEW
Wow! This audiobook was not what I was expecting at all! Listen to this as an audioBOOK - it is exceptional!
This is the fifth book and the second prequel in The Hunger Games series. It is my favorite of the entire series because I liked the character Haymitch Abernathy more than Katniss Everdeen. Heresy, I know!
This book answered many questions in the series and fit in as the fifth book like a puzzle piece. Hopefully, Suzanne Collins will end the series with this book. It ended well and doesn't need more. IMNSHO!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was perfect for a young adult novel. No, it is not Shakespeare, nor should it be. Young adult books are for young adults and to encourage the love of reading, but there is some Edgar Allen Poe sprinkled.
This is not a book with a perfect main character - it is told from a 16-year-old's perspective. It hit the young adult's mindset and thought process well by writing TO young adults.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Jefferson White (Yellowstone and Chicago P.D. actor) was the perfect choice for the narration. He captured the nuances, emotions, and thoughts of a teenage boy stuck in a horrible and untenable situation.
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
The audiobook is chronological and aligns perfectly as it is book #0.5 (second prequel). We already "know" what happens to Haymitch, but we get the backstory.
The book opens in District 12 on Haymitch Abernathy's 16th birthday and reaping day for the 50th Hunger Games and the second quarter quell. Each district must provide two boys and two girls as tributes.
The Hunger Games itself has evolved from book #0 with more pomp and circumstance, but not yet to the level of book #1. There are many characters including some from book #0 and characters that appear in book #1.
This book is primarily from Haymitch's perspective and includes his thoughts, feelings, and fears. Perfectly age-appropriate musings including his interactions with the other District 12 tributes, the tribute group, and "the powers that be" in the Capital.
Memorable: 3.5 stars
Honestly, I didn't find it exceedingly memorable. But it was violent and horrific at times. However, there is little cursing and no sex. Oddly, violence is okay for young adult novels, but not sex or cursing.
Entertaining: 3.5 stars
Morbidly and violently, this book is entertaining. But, it is not a series or book I would want to read again - once was enough.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Aligned with the series.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent choice.
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audioBOOK
Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5) by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Audiobooks
12 hours, 48 minutes
Release date of 3/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Death, death of child, violence, blood, gore, medical content, classicism, war
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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