Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025)
Story: 9 of 10 Stars
If you’ve been eagerly waiting to dive back into Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games universe, Sunrise on the Reaping does not disappoint. This prequel, set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, brings us into the brutal world of the 50th Hunger Games, a pivotal moment in Panem’s history. For me, this book felt like revisiting the essence of the original Hunger Games novel, but with a twist. It’s almost as if we’re seeing what would have happened if Katniss hadn’t succeeded in rebelling during her own Hunger Games story. The story really tugged at my nostalgia, and the book’s pacing helped amplify that feeling, keeping me engaged from start to finish.
One of the things I really appreciated was how this book provides a chilling look at what it might have been like for the younger, weaker tributes. Unlike the more seasoned contestants, these kids were forced to face the full brutality of the Capitol’s spectacle, with no chance of survival except for their wits. The book gives a vivid, horrifying glimpse into what it would’ve been like to run and hide from the stronger tributes, which really humanizes the story. You can’t help but feel deeply for these kids, who were picked to be pawns in a sadistic game, as their vulnerabilities are laid bare.
What really struck me was how Sunrise on the Reaping tied up some of the loose ends from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It felt like everything was wrapped up neatly in a way that was both satisfying and tragic. The connections between Haymitch’s past, his experiences, and the Capitol’s cruelty become clearer, and they help us understand why he’s the broken character we meet in the original series.
The ending? Heartbreaking. I won’t spoil too much, but seeing how far Snow’s evil has deepened since Songbirds and Snakes is absolutely chilling. And Haymitch’s tragic arc hits you right in the gut, showing exactly why he’s become the wreck we know him as in The Hunger Games. His pain is raw, and it left me reflecting on the long-lasting scars left by the Capitol’s cruelty.
Overall, I’d give Sunrise on the Reaping a solid 9 out of 10 stars. It was a refreshingly dark and insightful way to re-enter the world of Panem. For fans of the series, it’s a must read (or must-listen). The audiobook brings the intense emotion and suspense to life in a way that makes it all the more immersive as well. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world, this book offers a fresh yet familiar glimpse into the past, and it’s worth every moment.
I’m Rae Serbeck, I Read and Review all Books Large and Small!
