Hello there and welcome to The Turndog Review: the books I read, reviewed.

I aren’t a professional critic, instead all I offer is my honest opinion into everything I read. However, I do this with a difference, as I don’t only offer my personal views on the Writing, Plot, and Story, but also the Book Cover, Book Marketing, and Author Website.

We live in a modern world where being a writer is different to years gone by, and I feel the whole experience of the book matters. This covers everything from the initial find, the actual read, and everything that follows. Therefore I hope this review not only offers a great insight into the book and author, but also into my own mind and what makes me tick.

So without further ado let’s begin, and today I focus on  Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

 

Published: 2010

Read: May 2012

Discovered: After reading The Hunger Games

 

 

Overview:

As soon as I finished Catching Fire I was eager to complete the trilogy. So I bought Mockinjay (as well as The Hunger Games so I had a matching set of the same cover types. I know, I’m sad) and went to work.

It took me a weekend to finish, but once again provided a read that was quick and easy. I think we all need books like this, just as we need easy going TV. It helps refresh you and allows your mind to recharge and wonder.

This time Katniss doesn’t have to be in a Hunger Games, per say, but instead fight the big bad government. I don’t want to give much away, because I’d hate to spoil it for those who have yet to read it.

What I will say, is how it takes a completely different style. Where the first two books look at action, Mockingjay is more political and deep meaning. There’s still action, but it’s not the same. I found it more mature, and it makes me think Suzanne purposely did this so a certain generation could grow up with it (much like Harry Potter).

 

The Good:

This book is nowhere near as fast paced, but nevertheless great. The action is replaced with deep meaning politics, and the characters really grow up. I feel that Katniss is a ‘take-me or leave-me’ sort of character, where many will love her, and many won’t.

She grows in this book, though, and the results are very strong.

I also love the ending. You could tell what was happening, and the undertone messages that came throughout the book were clear, but the way the author brought it all together was good. I walked away happy with the ending, which is good after investing all those hours into it.

 

The Bad:

My biggest issue was the hopeless feeling you get at times. This is by no means bad writing, but a one-finger salute to the world. The idea of change seems impossible, and it’s hard not to relate it to the real world we live in.

It makes for some depressing moments that’s for sure.

I feel the biggest issue with all these books will be the style of writing. It’s simplistic, but I don’t have an issue with this. It will, however, be loathed by many.

 

Book Cover:

All I can say is look at my comments for The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. I have nothing to add I’m afraid.

 

Book Marketing:

Again, the comments from The Hunger Games and Catching Fire say it all. This is a successful book, so it’s hard to criticise, and seen as I only read the paperback versions, the amount of in-book marketing is limited.

There are no shocks and nothing crazy attempted. Traditional marketing wins hands down here, and showcases the strong hold big publishers still have on readers.

 

Author Website & Engagement:

Again, not much to add, so please see The Hunger Games and Catching Fire reviews. I think it’s a shame Suzanne doesn’t engage more online, as that’s where her main audience will reside.

With the success of the movie, the series will forever see good times. This doesn’t mean she has to sit back and relax, though. I’d love to see her embrace her audience and engage with them in places they love to go. Aka, the online world. I might be wrong, but I just don’t see her doing this.

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Overall, I love this book. In ways it’s the worst of the three, but then again, in other ways it’s by far the best. I really found myself immersed in the philosophies and undertones of the story, and feel Suzanna has created a thought-provoking read. Perfect for the Millennials of the world.

It deserves the success it has, and as such I will give this…

                   5 Turndogs out of 5

 

Thanks for reading this version of The Turndog Review. I review every book I read, not only for the writing, but the marketing, website, and general communication from the author.

Turndog Millionaire – @turndog_million