This is a guest post from my thirteen year old daughter who is an avid reader probably averaging two books a week during term time.
Having read the book myself I agree with her review. Do not be fooled by the teenage genre.

The Hunger Games is a science- fiction, adventure, action, and post- apocalyptic teen book series, written by Suzanne Collins, which is now being made into a film saga.

In a post-apocalyptic world, in the ruins of what was once North America, the country of Panem rose, ruled by a city called The Capitol, surrounded by thirteen districts. When the districts rebelled against The Capitol, a raging war began. Eventually The Capitol won, obliterating the thirteenth district in the process.

As punishment to the remaining twelve districts, part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, every year the Hunger Games take place; a nationally televised event. One boy and girl from each district, between the ages of twelve and eighteen, are put together into an “arena” and forced to fight to the death, until one “Tribute” remains.

When 16 year old Katniss Everdeen’s younger sister, Primrose, is chosen at the “reaping” in District 12 for the 74th annual Hunger Games, she volunteers to take her place. Put up against others that have trained for the games for their entire lives, Katniss has to use her sharp hunting instincts and skills to do the one thing she does best… survive.

I first heard about the Hunger Games just before Christmas when I saw the trailer for the film online. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to see the film but I not until I had read the book, so that I could build my own image of the characters and situation.

And what do you know? On Christmas Day when I opened my presents, the Hunger Games books were there, just daring me to read them.

I finished the entire series within two days. When people say that they can’t put a book down they normally put it down anyway. When I started reading the first book in the Hunger Games series, I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!! I read, not stopping until I had finished the book. It was past 3:00am by the time I went to sleep.

The Hunger Games is a ridiculous book. It’s ridiculous because I’ve never read a book that paints such a complete image in my head without gaps. The details used to describe the lamb stew made the picture so clear that my mouth watered and I had no idea it was possible to put so many genres into one story and still make it the most epic book ever.

The Hunger Games is tense, exciting and adventurous; but it’s also so moving, with all the emotional as well as physical journeys. It contains a heart-breaking romance, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear here and there.

Suzanne Collins really did a fantastic job, I got to see all the different sides to all the characters, and I feel that I have been part of Katniss’ journey.

I have always been a very dedicated Harry Potter fan but after reading the Hunger Games, which you can read and interpret in soooooo many different ways, I’m not so sure that Harry Potter is going to stay the best-selling book for much longer; and that’s saying something.

Now that I’ve finished the books, I’ve decided that I am going to see the films. No matter what. Even if I have to drag my mum along on the way to the cinema. Ticket sales for the Hunger Games film begin on Thursday 23rd February 2012, and the film is to be released on Friday 23rd March 2012. I’m sure you all know where  I will be on that Friday evening.

I feel as if I have been part of Katniss’ journey since day one, that means since reading the “T” in ‘The Hunger Games’, on the front cover when I first picked up the book. I know every single Hunger Games fan will have said this, but I honestly don’t know how to say what I feel about the book. Although, I think every single person in the world, and I’m not exaggerating when I say this; every single person in the world, can relate themselves to someone; something, maybe just a habit one of the characters have, in the Hunger Games… in at least 74 ways. 😉

Written by CG