#2 Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2)

by Suzanne Collins

[Leigha]

Katniss Everdeen ends back up in the arena in this heart pounding young adult dystopian sequel to The Hunger Games.

Catching Fire is my favorite of the entire series. It’s quick paced and character driven story propels the plot forward without too much need for exposition or world development. I’m not going to lie, part of the appeal is the growing alliance (and friendship and romance) between Peeta and Katniss. They may start off uneasy with each other, but their time in the arena makes up for it. Peeta loves Katniss, and you see her coming to terms with his feelings along with the developing feelings of her own. I’m not a fan of the triangle – it was an unnecessary side plot to an otherwise engaging story. 

Collins excels at creating memorable characters, and this book did not disappoint. Who else could give us the iconic Johanna Mason, the charismatic Finnick Odair, and the genius Beetee Latier? All of them bring something unique to the story – you’re rooting for them all to survive to the end. Katniss may be the heart of the story, but these characters are just as vital. I’d read entire books or series based on any of them (although, I will admit, Johanna is my absolute fav).

tl;dr A memorable cast of characters mixed with a quick pace makes this an excellent sequel.