Sunrise on the Reaping (the Hunger Games)

Spoilers ahead! I finished Sunrise on the Reaping completely emotionally destroyed. Five stars, absolutely, but I need to have a serious conversation with Suzanne Collins about what she put me through. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jefferson White, and I was hooked. I laughed, got angry, shouted at my headphones and sobbed. I became so attached to these characters that I desperately wanted to reach into the story and protect them. Haymitch Abernathy was the heart of this book for me. Seeing him as a teenager, before the Games took so much from him, completely changed how I understand his character in the original trilogy. He's clever, sarcastic, compassionate and willing to fight back, even when the Capitol tries to destroy him. Watching the Gamemakers manipulate his story and make him look selfish when he was trying to help others made me furious. Maysilee Donner broke my heart. Her courage, her friendship with Haymitch and the way the Capitol punished her for fighting back were devastating. And Lenore Dove? I loved their relationship. Haymitch deserved a future with the girl he loved, and the scenes involving the blood-red gumdrops had me sobbing. Snow's cruelty throughout this book is genuinely horrifying. He doesn't just kill people. He manipulates, threatens and rewrites their stories to maintain control. The connections to Lucy Gray Baird and The Hanging Tree were especially powerful, and I now understand Haymitch on a completely different level. The arena explosion also gave me an entirely new appreciation for Katniss destroying the force field in Catching Fire. Haymitch understood that act of rebellion because he'd tried to fight the Capitol himself. Jefferson White's narration kept me immersed from beginning to end. This is a story that stays with you, particularly if you've loved the original Hunger Games trilogy. I finished it after midnight and was left furious, heartbroken and desperate to talk about everything I'd just experienced. Five stars. A devastating addition to the Hunger Games series, and a book that makes the original trilogy even more meaningful. Haymitch Abernathy deserved better. ❤️‍🩹

This is a really good (and somewhat emotional!) addition to the Hunger Games series. Even though it’s a prequel, I do find it actually works really well being read after the main books. Small spoilers ahead, but not really if you’re already familiar with the other books! As a reader of the series I obviously went into this book knowing how it was going to end. I felt that I was reading with a sense of foreboding the entire time, but not in a bad way. It was of course always a when and not if things were going to happen. Knowing the outcome just seemed to work with this book, because there were still so many questions. I love the insight into Haymitches character more and finding out why he is the way he is. I also really loved to see the evolution of the games from a ballad of songbirds and snakes, to this point, to how it ends up. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into it.

'Sunrise on the Reaping' is one of those rare prequels that deepens the original story rather than simply leaning on nostalgia. I genuinely loved this book. It’s Haymitch’s story, yes, but it’s also a powerful exploration of resistance, trauma, and the quiet beginnings of rebellion. With THAT President Snow-like guy back in charge of the free world, this could not be more timely. Collins is at her best here. I loved - as always - how she sets characters up to be *one* thing, then flips our expectations entirely. Maysilee, in particular, shines. She’s a standout reminder that a young girl who enjoys fashion can also be brilliant, brave, and morally resolute. She’s written with such nuance, and her presence is one of the emotional cores of the novel. The arena - a deceptively peaceful rural landscape - brings another layer of meaning. It serves as a stark metaphor for how beauty can mask danger, and how even the most idyllic-seeming environments can harbour brutality. Collins excels at those contrasts. The book is also masterful in the way it builds tension and dread. Beetee’s tragedy (no spoilers!) is especially haunting - not only for what it is, but for how it foreshadows the horror Haymitch experiences later. You feel the echoes ripple forward, setting up a final act that’s all the more devastating because you *know* what it costs him. The emotional layering is subtle, but deeply effective. That said, there were a few things that didn’t fully land for me. The songs, while atmospheric in small doses, started to feel a little overdone. Similarly, the abundance of Easter eggs - though fun to spot - felt like a bit of an overload by the end. Not every thread needs tying off so neatly. That said, as an author myself, I understand how publishers can push for this kind of fan service. Despite those minor qualms, the emotional impact of Haymitch’s story really hit me. We know how he ends up, and that knowledge adds a layer of ache to every page. Even the epilogue can’t fully soften the blow of what we know is coming for him. But that heartbreak is part of what makes the story so powerful. Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a prequel; it’s a bold, necessary chapter in the Hunger Games universe. I may not revisit it for comfort, but I’ll absolutely revisit it for its insight, its craftsmanship, and the way it lingers. As I always say: if Suzanne Collins wrote for any other audience than teen girls, she'd already be hailed as a genius. But society, sadly, is still catching up on that one.

Sunrise on the Reaping is a stunning, emotionally charged addition to The Hunger Games universe—Suzanne Collins once again proves her mastery of dystopian storytelling with a prequel that feels both harrowing and hauntingly relevant. Centered on a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, the book dives deep into his psyche, peeling back the layers of the bitter, broken man we met in the original trilogy and revealing the scared, sharp, and stubborn boy beneath. The pacing is relentless and tense, as the horror of the Quarter Quell looms over every chapter. The world-building expands on the Panem we thought we knew, giving rich context to the politics, propaganda, and cruelty of the Capitol’s grip. Collins does what she does best—lays bare the systems of power and exploitation, and then shows us how ordinary people resist in extraordinary ways. Haymitch’s journey is brutal, and yet deeply human. The relationships he forges—especially with his fellow tributes—are moving, complex, and devastating in the best way. My only minor critique is that the love interest being a Covey felt somewhat repetitive after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. While the parallels are thematically intentional and cleverly done, the connection may feel slightly familiar for readers hoping for something new. Still, the emotional resonance of this story is undeniable. Sunrise on the Reaping captures the spirit of resistance, sacrifice, and humanity that made the original trilogy unforgettable. It deepens the legacy of the series without ever feeling like a rehash. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a powerful return to Panem that will stay with you long after the final page.

Sunrise on the Reaping is easily one of the most emotionally powerful books in the entire Hunger Games series. I purchased this as a gift for my child, who’s a huge fan of the original trilogy, and they were completely engrossed from the first page. They finished it incredibly quickly and were left deeply moved by the story—almost to the point of tears. What truly stands out in this prequel is the emotional depth of Haymitch’s character. From the beginning, Suzanne Collins paints a raw, humanizing portrait of him that makes it nearly impossible not to connect with his journey. You’re not just reading about Haymitch—you’re feeling what he feels, experiencing his hope, fear, anger, and heartbreak right alongside him. Collins has always had a talent for creating layered characters, but this book takes it to another level. The writing is sharp, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded. There are so many subtle references and clever connections to the original trilogy that fans will instantly recognize and appreciate. It feels like the missing puzzle piece in the larger Hunger Games story—enhancing the world we already know while offering fresh insights and perspectives. Emotionally, the book is a rollercoaster. One moment, you're feeling proud of Haymitch for finding a moment of happiness or victory, and the next, you're devastated by a sudden loss or betrayal. There are scenes that are genuinely heartbreaking, especially when characters you've come to love suffer or are lost. But those moments are balanced with hope, resilience, and the kind of emotional complexity that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. If you’ve ever been curious about Haymitch’s past, or wanted to better understand the world before Katniss’s time, this book delivers in every possible way. It’s beautifully written, emotionally rich, and brilliantly tied into the overarching story of Panem. My child and I both agree—it’s one of the strongest entries in the franchise, and a must-read for any Hunger Games fan. Highly, highly recommended.

’The moment out hearts shattered? It belongs to us.’ Brutal, harrowing and highly disturbing at times ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ doesn’t simply pack a handful of emotional gut punches and flinch inducing moments into its pages; its jam packed with them throughout. Yet, despite its heavy nature, it’s a highly compelling read that is pretty much impossible to put down. Not a combination that is always easy to come by but Suzanne Collins always nails it somehow. Needless to say I was hooked. Truthfully I can’t fully decide if this is the most brutal of The Hunger Games books yet. There were certainly occasions when it felt that way to me with scenes and manoeuvring that felt particularly barbaric. But it must have been over a decade now since I read the original series so maybe time is a factor in me feeling that way; I’ll never forget the hollowed out, bleak feeling that fell over me upon finishing ’Mockingjay’ all those years ago after all. This definitely had more than its fair share of macabre moments though and I have to say that these particular games may just be the most savage yet. Obviously, given the twisted nature of the games they’re always unthinkably horrific but between its misleadingly idyllic setting, its vast array of mutts and the higher than ever number of Tributes the barbarity of this particular set of ‘games’ really stands out. ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ is more than just an account of Haymitch’s time within the arena though. Technically that’s what is covered but there’s another storyline interwoven throughout which will mean a lot to fans of the series. Here you learn just how long certain things have been brewing. This is also a chilling insight into the propaganda of Collin’s world. Its more than simply disturbing to see just how expertly the Capitol can put a spin on any moment. Character wise there’s a mixture of old and new faces involved in this instalment. Some of the individuals from the other books that featured caught me completely off guard. It gave me additional insight into several characters who appear within the other books and also left me oddly curious to discover more of Plutarch’s story. Within the previous books I don’t think I gave him as much thought as I should of; now though...well I have to confess I’m kind of craving an instalment centred around him. Just how insightful an account of propaganda would you get by following in the footsteps of one of the people whose job it is to sell the Hunger Games story? Besides which I desperately crave more insight into his motivations now. Besides these old characters there were a few new faces that particularly stood out to me. I won’t name anyone again – as I think it’s best uncovering what people are like for yourself – but there was definitely one new face that I loathed instantly (trust me, you will too) and another that I ended up coming to root for immensely over the course of the book. Character journeys certainly seem to be something that the author excels at. There’s more that I could say about this novel but truthfully I think this is a review that’s best kept vague. Although I will quickly highlight the beauty of the epilogue too because I can’t share my feelings and not give that segment a shout out. Other than that I’ll simply say that this is a magnificent, brutal and fascinating new venture into Collins’ world that is sure to delight – and devastate – fans of the series. Altogether I definitely recommend ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ ; it’s another glorious book by Suzanne Collins that has left me longing to dive back into the dystopian genre (and re-read her original trilogy too). Its sure to strike a chord with the series many fans but if you haven’t yet read any of the books this could still work as a starting point into exploring the series. Its harrowing, brutal, chillingly disturbing and yet utterly impossible to put down. Needless to say I was utterly hooked and can’t wait to see what others think of it too. Please tell me I’m not alone in wanting a Plutarch book now.

My daughter absolutely loved this book! She’s a big Hunger Games fan and really enjoyed this story. Definitely a great read for fans of the series!

4.5 stars Of course, having just finished reading this book, I am crying. Suzanne Collins has done it again. She has given us a book where we know the ending and still somehow made it heart-wrenching, gripping and full of tension. I have loved Haymitch ever since the first Hunger Games book, and getting his full backstory just makes me love him even more. We thought we knew what drove him to become the man we meet in the first instalment of the series, but there’s so much more. Not only do we (finally!) get the details of Haymitch’s games, but we get even more layers of world-building, some phenomenal appearances of characters we know and love from the main series, and even more reasons to hate President Snow. I loved seeing Haymitch’s games play out, and it was fascinating getting the real story and not only the one shown by the Capitol, and I loved so many of the tributes we got to meet, especially Maysilee. I will say that the events in the arena lulled a little which slowed down the pace of the book in places, but each emotional moment still hit you like a punch in the gut. Another cracker in the Hunger Games series. Now I need to go sob into a pillow for a while.

È arrivato in perfette condizioni e l'edizione, soprattutto la copertina sotto la sovracoperta, è ben curata. Per quanto riguarda il libro, la cosa che ho apprezzato di più è il modo in cui Suzanne Collins riesce a costruire nuovamente quella particolare atmosfera fatta di tensione, inquietudine e senso di impotenza che caratterizza la saga. Anche quando non succede qualcosa di eclatante la storia tiene il lettore incollato alle pagine. La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è ben riuscita. Non sono semplicemente strumenti per portare avanti la trama, hanno motivazioni, paure e conflitti e questo rende alcuni momenti della storia molto più coinvolgenti. Come negli altri libri della saga, la violenza e la competizione non sono fini a se stesse, ma vengono utilizzate per mostrare le conseguenze del controllo e della manipolazione. Il tema della propaganda è particolarmente interessante, così come il modo in cui il potere può influenzare la percezione della realtà e persino i rapporti tra le persone. Dal punto di vista dello stile, il libro si legge abbastanza velocemente, la scrittura è semplice ma efficace, senza appesantire inutilmente la narrazione, anche se il ritmo non è sempre identico, ci sono parti più lente e riflessive e altre decisamente più movimentate. Il libro aggiunge elementi interessanti alla mondo di Panem senza limitarsi a riproporre esattamente ciò che abbiamo già visto. Per chi ha seguito la saga, alcuni collegamenti e alcune situazioni acquistano quindi un significato particolare. Consiglio però di leggerlo conoscendo già le dinamiche del mondo di Hunger Games perché così si colgono meglio le sfumature e i riferimenti.

Ma meilleure lecture de 2025, étant une grande fane des Hunger games il était impossible pour moi de passer à côté, je recommande cette lecture, le livre est venu sans aucun défaut, la livraison était impeccable

Fav read of all time, arrived in very good condition as well

Arrived in pretty good condition, slightly rigid edges and was a little dusty, but other wise pretty good. The book it self was amazing and would recommend reading it to anyone!!

Great book. Arrived as promised. Hard back copy. Well worth it.