Title & Author: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young adult. Post-apocalyptic. Horror. Fantasy.
Series: The Hunger Games book #01.
Summary: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. [Source].
Review in 5 words or less: Great concept with some heavy influences by the classics (especially ancient Rome) | the female lead, Katniss, kicks some serious behind | amazing pacing | unrealistic but definitely a page-turner | addictive
Personal Rating: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ of 5.
Link: Beware of spoilers and me turning into a complete nerd, digging up my old school-Latin and making cross-references like crazy ;).
Title & Author: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Genre: Contemporary. Mystery. Thriller. Suspense.
Summary: A misfit at an exclusive New England college, Richard finds kindred spirits in the five eccentric students of his ancient Greek class. But his new friends have a horrific secret. When blackmail and violence threaten to blow their privileged lives apart, they drag Richard into the nightmare that engulfs them. And soon they enter a terrifying heart of darkness from which they may never return. [Source].
Review in 5 words or less: Clever plot | Good characterization | Pretty good for the first 2/3, then abruptly loses its drive |
Personal Rating: ◊ ◊ of 5.
Link: There be spoilers!