Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games) Hardcover – March 18, 2025

A Triumphant Return to Panem – Suzanne Collins Does It Again!As a longtime fan of The Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping exceeded all my expectations and pulled me right back into the world of Panem with the same intensity, heart, and thought-provoking depth that made the original books unforgettable. Suzanne Collins has crafted another masterpiece, blending gripping action, layered characters, and rich storytelling into a novel that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.The story dives into the dark complexities behind the 50th Hunger Games, offering a powerful look at survival, rebellion, and the human spirit. Collins’ writing is as sharp and evocative as ever, delivering a narrative that’s impossible to put down. Fans of the original trilogy will appreciate the clever connections and emotional beats that deepen our understanding of the world and its characters.Sunrise on the Reaping is not just a worthy addition to the Hunger Games universe—it’s a must-read for anyone who has ever been captivated by the power, pain, and resilience woven throughout Panem’s history. I absolutely loved it!

# Sunrise on the Reaping - Review"Sunrise on the Reaping" opens on the morning of the reaping ceremony where Haymitch becomes the tribute from District 12. What stands out most in this novel is the thoughtful character development of Haymitch, allowing readers to understand the man who later mentors Katniss and Peeta.The narrative structure follows a familiar path similar to the first Hunger Games book—progressing from the Reaping ceremony to training, then to the arena, and finally to the aftermath of the Second Quarter Quell (the 50th Hunger Games). As a follow-up to "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," this book effectively demonstrates President Snow's increasing brutality and offers insight into how he maintains his iron grip on power.What's particularly noteworthy is how Collins reveals the origins of events that later unfold in "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay." The author subtly illustrates how the seeds of a dictator's defeat are planted long before they bear fruit—a compelling theme throughout the series.This entry stands as one of the most compelling in the series, largely due to the deeper understanding it provides of Haymitch's character. Collins once again excels at demonstrating the substantial human cost of war, a consistent and powerful theme across her work.

As the 2nd Quarter Quell is upon the districts we learn about Haymitch Abernathy and how he was “chosen” for the Hunger Games. Being a “Quarter Quell” means a special twist to the Games and as the “Treaty of Treason” dictates the Disticts pay with the special circumstances.It is familiar territory, District 12, Panem, the Hunger Games arena and a new cast of participants, but, some characters we know from the first Hunger Games book show up (younger) and we get a little more of their stories as well.I enjoyed “Sunrise” a little more than “Songbirds and Snakes” but both were very good additions to the Hunger Games saga. As you know Haymitch from the first three movies we now know how he got to be that “Haymitch”. This one is a real tear jerker…

As a forever reader of the Hunger Games novels, to say I was excited for "Sunrise On The Reaping", would be a massive understatement. These are books that are just too hard to put down. Suzanne Collins just has a way in her story telling that locks you in. You can actually FEEL what the characters are feeling (or maybe that's just me lol).Now as far as this particular book. It answered SOOO many questions about why Haymich is the way he is in the original books. You get introduced to so many new characters, as well as some old ones from the original books (not just President Snow, obviously). You get to find out how several old characters get their starts. Not only was it informative, but it was so gripping, and kept you on the edge of your seat. The Arena and the things within it, is what threw me for the biggest loop.My only negative for the book, is I wish it was longer. I'm typically a Dark Romance girly, and I'm used to books being well over 400+ pages long. I felt the ending was a little....rushed. I personally would've LOVED to have a couple more chapters sprinkled in on the years leading up to Katniss and Peeta's reaping, as well as a little more time. Granted, Haymich spent most of his time, post 50th Hunger Games, consistently in a drunken stuper, I still would've loved more.All in all, I loved the book. Would definitely love some more like it, except directed more for other victors like Johanna Mason and Finnick O'dair, and their games.Hopefully if/when they make this into a movie, they do the book justice.