Reviewed by Jane Blissett
Even though this book is a prequel, and we can expect how the story will sort of end, there was something unpredictable and pot-stirring about Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Diving back into The Hunger Games universe, there is just as much spectacle, heartbreak, and characters fighting to change the status quo of Panem – just as there was in the original series. While four books already exist within this world, there was so much that readers get to explore and uncover about old and new characters and their backgrounds.
At the center of it all is Haymitch Abernathy – a familiar face to fans of the series. Haymitch is a 16-year-old liquor distiller and a hopeless romantic about his lady, Lenore Dove. He’s witty, serious, daring, and protective. He is strong in his ways and doesn’t want pity from anyone, especially those in the Capitol. Throughout the book, you’re able to see how his personality grows into the Haymitch we love and know today. The story centers around Haymitch’s reaping into the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Quarter Quell. In this case, double the tributes, double the loss, violence, and heartlessness. Haymitch must navigate the games, with a difficult hand dealt to him.
This isn’t just another book in the series – it’s an eye opener. The themes of creating your own ending as well as the exploitation of emotions for media carries throughout the book and these ideals are so relatable to readers. Taking a trip back 40 years into this world allows readers to feel an intense wave of nostalgia and connection to the characters we were introduced to years ago. Collins continues to expand moral bending themes and the depth of truly everything The Hunger Games related.
Sunrise on the Reaping is a dystopian science fiction book. However, the commentary is very current to our political and social climate today. As the fifth book in The Hunger Games series and the second prequel (following The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), it’s very clear that Collins knows this world inside and out and carefully placed details that were hinted at in the very first book. She writes confidently and allows the reader to understand the characters on a much deeper level. This isn’t like her other novels in the series – it challenges readers to forget what they once knew and to wrap their mind around the twists and turns the games create.
Though the book keeps one on their toes, it’s easy to find comfort in meeting characters that have connections to previous plot fines. As the plot reveals itself to be the 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch is forced into close proximity with his three other District 12 tributes – an innocent neighbor of his, the mean schoolgirl, and a gambling and betting addict. The juxtaposition of young and undeserving of harm children navigating such harsh circumstances, with little to no guidance is heart crushing but leaves the reader feeling empowered at their efforts and goals. Collins perfectly encapsulates the tone of a headstrong 16-year-old through Haymitch. District 12 seems like the same place readers have known, with the Seam market operating and the Covey still living in the meadows. This story is set up to make the reader feel comfortable and then twist in ways that weren’t thought to be possible.
The internal battle readers face to find whether someone is a hero or villain, or the moral defying dilemma of survival of yourself versus your peers is thought provoking and chilling. Haymitch’s journey of trying to juggle impressing his family, defying odds, saving his peers, and trying to stay alive is all encompassing of why The Hunger Games series is a complex and twisted world. Collins has created a reflection of her surroundings, just changed to a perspective of children with the government.
Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping contains so many components that all book lovers can appreciate. Whether it’s the dissection of systems and morals or the revival of beloved characters, this book made me feel many different emotions as a reader. Reading Sunrise on the Reaping confirmed that Suzanne Collins is still one of the most bold and prominent young adult authors who knows how to speak her mind and comment on the world around us. I believe Collins has more up her sleeve to develop other characters and districts. I’m sure our world is not finished with Panem and the games.