Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Before you start reading this review - DO NOT continue reading if you have not read The Hunger Games. Actually, stop what you’re doing this instant and go get yourself a copy and read it! =D

Catching Fire commences shortly after The Hunger Games ends. Katniss and Peeta are victorious in the Hunger Games and have now returned home. They should feel safe and warm in their post-Hunger Games lives, for now they have new homes, plenty of food, and are popular in all the Divisions - they are living lives that they could never even dream of. But not all is well in paradise. For Katniss’ little act of defiance in the arena has incurred the wrath of the capitol. President Snow believes that the Divisions are taking Katniss’ lead and are ready for an uprising.

Leaving them no other choice, or risk the lives of their family and friends, it is now up to Katniss and Peeta to help dissuade the rebellious districts by making them believe that her actions were not defiant, but that of a lovestruck girl. But as they set out on their victory tour, they immediately start seeing the changes throughout the Divisions of Panem. She also notices that her mockingjay pin has become the symbol of the resistance. With the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games and a rebellion on the brink - the Capitol is angry and will stop at nothing short of revenge.

WOAH! I have never before read a book that I found amazing and then picked up the sequel and been blown away by its awesomeness again! That is what happened to me with Catching Fire.

Katniss and Peeta are back... with even more danger, more fear, more longing, more romance, yes, more everything. This book is a thrill ride - full of twists and turns that had me saying, "Oh, no she didn't!", more than once. Katniss continues being the rebellious, strong girl we have come to know and love. Peeta, as always, is back with his romantic notions and his willingness to give away everything, even his life, for Katniss. (Team Peeta!) In this one Gale, Katniss' BFF, is also back full force - and we do start noticing a love triangle in the works. But Katniss is not looking for a suitor or a husband - she just wants to survive and keep her loved one's safe.

A word of caution, it does start slow, but it quickly picks up and will not let you go 'till you are done with it. And when you are done, you won't be able to believe it, because yes, there is a cliffhanger. But have no fear, third and final book in the trilogy seems to be in the works and is rumored to be released September 2010. So we'll all have to sit tight until then.

The tension is thick - the action is packed - and I guarantee your heart will pound as you are once again thrown into Katniss' world. Highly recommended to young and old alike.