Kyra

This is a hard book to rate, I really loved the hunger games as teen, and remember them fondly, this one wasn't as good. I really like the idea of learning the history of Panem and how the hunger games came to be and what not but I think following the guy who would become president Snow is a confusing choice, we all know who he is so it not really a surprise the things he does. Plus some of the stuff that I was excited to learn about ended up just feeling like fan service instead of thoughtful plot. Gets a 3.75 from me.

So much fatphobia it stupid, it is a big problem in the horror genre especially. Always talking about how “fat and disgusting” a character is, making fatness some time of character flaw. It's horrible and I hate reading it. On top of that the only female characters is incredibly sexualized, and was also a stereotype on “angry” feminists it was painful to read.

And finally holy cow was it slow 50% through and like nothing is happening. Had to DNF it ,very disappointing read.

Overall I would say this was a good book, though the details are sometimes graphic they are written very well. It starts out super interesting pulling you in, unsure what is real and what is possibly the characters mind cracking. However once it gets to the end a lot of that great build up feels a bit anticlimactic, and over all disappointing. Really like his writing but this one just wasn't what I was expecting.

Though some of things that happen in this book are quite terrible it is an amazing read. and even though it is fictional the story tells from a perspective that I haven't read before and it was enjoyable. The use of Ibo words throughout the story really helped to bring the world alive. And the description of tribal life, culture and belief was probably my favourite part. I also think that this story shares a piece of the history of colonization that is hunting and makes you reflective. Definitely will be reading more of his work.

I think that this book is almost a perfect example of what short stories should be. They had just enough detail to keep you interested and to make sure you understand the world while not getting too bogged down in unnecessary details. They were a great length as well none felt like they over stayed their welcome and at the same time managed to have enough breathing room to feel like like a full story.

Very enjoyable set of stories that all feel like they shared a general theme and feeling. Can’t wait to read more of his work.