My reread of the The Hunger Games trilogy brought back so many great memories, not to mention a second look at a series that is incredibly well-written, compelling, and knows just how to drum up tension and fear. But when I read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which I didn’t review for this blog, I felt a little unsure about the direction the story world was trying to go in. Sunrise on the Reaping has corrected that for me, and I can wholeheartedly say that Suzanne Collins still has the much-needed punch to write dystopian novels.

I have done my best to omit spoilers, but if you haven’t read Sunrise on the Reaping yet I encourage you to click off this review. There may be spoilers ahead still, and I want you to enjoy the read to the fullest extent.

When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for? As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honour of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight…and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

The way in which events unfold from the very beginning of the novel reinforces that severe oppression felt in the The Hunger Games with Katniss’ reaping. There’s a sharpness that’s even more vicious here though as the perspectives of Capitol citizens are well and truly horrific. In a way, it showcases the real horror of it all – how easily you can manipulate and control how people feel about others. It really sticks with you, more so than the impression given in The Hunger Games.

When I say I teary-eyed several times during this book, it wasn’t because of the games portion but rather the people Haymitch meets along the journey. My heart swelled and I was so glad to see familiar faces have their chance to voice who they are. I won’t spoil it any further, but if you loved Catching Fire then you need to read Sunrise on the Reaping.

Which brings us the the action of this novel, not just in the arena but in the lead-up. So many things happen that are wild and terrifying, not to mention callous and dismissive. It really exemplifies the intense carelessness and selfishness the Capitol citizens exhibit and contrasts spectacularly to how District Twelve’s mentors treat them. What Sunrise on the Reaping also does is showcase the power of the other districts in a way that supports their actions in Catching Fire and Mockingjay. It makes sense given this is taking place during the Second Quarter Quell and there would be something going on, so I am pleasantly surprised to see the other districts play just as important a role in the preparation and impact of events as Haymitch and District Twelve do.

If you’re waiting to see people’s reaction to Sunrise on the Reaping, fearing it will be another strange ending that didn’t seem to make sense like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, then fear not. Sunrise on the Reaping is worth the read and you will love it. It should be on everyone’s – and I do mean everyone’s – tbr if not already on your shelves to read or ready to pick up from the library or a friend. It is the dystopian science fiction novel we need right now and you will be so glad you did read it.