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Rate: 4.5/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (No Spoilers):

Despite enjoying the last Hunger Games prequel, I hesitated to pick up Sunrise on the Reaping due to knowing how broken future Haymitch is. That said, after seeing all the rave reviews my curiosity won out. 

Based on where Collins last left us in this literary world, Sunrise on the Reaping jumps ahead to the 50th Hunger Games, which has the added twist that doubles the pain and misery. President Snow’s prequel showed how the games evolved initially. In Sunrise on the Reaping, President Snow is well ensconced in his power and the blood spectacle is on full display, resembling more the games that we are familiar with in Katniss’ trilogy. 

Haymitch, a boy of 16, is on the cusp of manhood and distracted almost to a fault by his love, Lenore Dove. This utter devotion leads his name to be called as a tribute unconventionally through a series of terrible events. Caught up in the whirlwind of events, Haymitch is on his way to the Capitol with three other tributes to the 50th Hunger Games. 

As we already know the outcome of this specific game, it is interesting though dreadfilled to see how the gaps would get filled in. Also knowing the predetermined fates made me reluctant to connect with any of the tributes. It is heartbreaking coming to like Wyatt Callow, Louella McCoy, Ampert, and especially Maysilee. Developing these characters is slow, though I found Collin’s plan deliberate as we learn about the tributes alongside the Capitol crowds, layering the depth. 

One of my favorite parts of this read are the Easter eggs scattered throughout and meeting familiar faces for the first time. I literally squealed out loud when Effie Trinkett unexpectedly whirled into the room to save the day. We also meet other characters that pull on the nostalgia strings from Wiress, Mags, and Beetee.  

Sunrise on the Reaping’s ending is so painful. Honestly, one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve read in a while. That said, the complexity that defines the broken man we meet in the Hunger Games is given its time in the games and I’m wanting to reread Katniss’ first book again to see Haymitch through new eyes. 

Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping is a tragic but wonderful addition to the backstory of the Hunger Games. It adds significant depth to so many of the characters that show up in the original trilogy. Most importantly, we understand the crushing consequences Haymitch pays for his defiance of President Snow. 

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Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):

• What did his family think of Haymitch’s victory prior to their deaths?
• I had to laugh when Drusilla was married to the designer guy who was licking toads.
• How was Plutarch Heavensbee not impacted by the plotting?
• Lenore Dove was so similar to President Snow’s former love. 
• Who was Lou Lou? Did Louella’s family know?
• Ampert was so sweet. While we knew his death was coming, it was so difficult to read. 
• Beetee knew the consequences of defiance, but he manipulated a 16 year old boy from District 12 to do the dirty work. I would like to reread about him in the original story to see if this new insight would change how I felt about him.
• How naive of Haymitch to have no concern for family at home when focused on breaking the game. 

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