Sunrise on the Reaping (a Hunger Games Novel)

’The moment out hearts shattered? It belongs to us.’ Brutal, harrowing and highly disturbing at times ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ doesn’t simply pack a handful of emotional gut punches and flinch inducing moments into its pages; its jam packed with them throughout. Yet, despite its heavy nature, it’s a highly compelling read that is pretty much impossible to put down. Not a combination that is always easy to come by but Suzanne Collins always nails it somehow. Needless to say I was hooked. Truthfully I can’t fully decide if this is the most brutal of The Hunger Games books yet. There were certainly occasions when it felt that way to me with scenes and manoeuvring that felt particularly barbaric. But it must have been over a decade now since I read the original series so maybe time is a factor in me feeling that way; I’ll never forget the hollowed out, bleak feeling that fell over me upon finishing ’Mockingjay’ all those years ago after all. This definitely had more than its fair share of macabre moments though and I have to say that these particular games may just be the most savage yet. Obviously, given the twisted nature of the games they’re always unthinkably horrific but between its misleadingly idyllic setting, its vast array of mutts and the higher than ever number of Tributes the barbarity of this particular set of ‘games’ really stands out. ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ is more than just an account of Haymitch’s time within the arena though. Technically that’s what is covered but there’s another storyline interwoven throughout which will mean a lot to fans of the series. Here you learn just how long certain things have been brewing. This is also a chilling insight into the propaganda of Collin’s world. Its more than simply disturbing to see just how expertly the Capitol can put a spin on any moment. Character wise there’s a mixture of old and new faces involved in this instalment. Some of the individuals from the other books that featured caught me completely off guard. It gave me additional insight into several characters who appear within the other books and also left me oddly curious to discover more of Plutarch’s story. Within the previous books I don’t think I gave him as much thought as I should of; now though...well I have to confess I’m kind of craving an instalment centred around him. Just how insightful an account of propaganda would you get by following in the footsteps of one of the people whose job it is to sell the Hunger Games story? Besides which I desperately crave more insight into his motivations now. Besides these old characters there were a few new faces that particularly stood out to me. I won’t name anyone again – as I think it’s best uncovering what people are like for yourself – but there was definitely one new face that I loathed instantly (trust me, you will too) and another that I ended up coming to root for immensely over the course of the book. Character journeys certainly seem to be something that the author excels at. There’s more that I could say about this novel but truthfully I think this is a review that’s best kept vague. Although I will quickly highlight the beauty of the epilogue too because I can’t share my feelings and not give that segment a shout out. Other than that I’ll simply say that this is a magnificent, brutal and fascinating new venture into Collins’ world that is sure to delight – and devastate – fans of the series. Altogether I definitely recommend ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ ; it’s another glorious book by Suzanne Collins that has left me longing to dive back into the dystopian genre (and re-read her original trilogy too). Its sure to strike a chord with the series many fans but if you haven’t yet read any of the books this could still work as a starting point into exploring the series. Its harrowing, brutal, chillingly disturbing and yet utterly impossible to put down. Needless to say I was utterly hooked and can’t wait to see what others think of it too. Please tell me I’m not alone in wanting a Plutarch book now.

'Sunrise on the Reaping' is one of those rare prequels that deepens the original story rather than simply leaning on nostalgia. I genuinely loved this book. It’s Haymitch’s story, yes, but it’s also a powerful exploration of resistance, trauma, and the quiet beginnings of rebellion. With THAT President Snow-like guy back in charge of the free world, this could not be more timely. Collins is at her best here. I loved - as always - how she sets characters up to be *one* thing, then flips our expectations entirely. Maysilee, in particular, shines. She’s a standout reminder that a young girl who enjoys fashion can also be brilliant, brave, and morally resolute. She’s written with such nuance, and her presence is one of the emotional cores of the novel. The arena - a deceptively peaceful rural landscape - brings another layer of meaning. It serves as a stark metaphor for how beauty can mask danger, and how even the most idyllic-seeming environments can harbour brutality. Collins excels at those contrasts. The book is also masterful in the way it builds tension and dread. Beetee’s tragedy (no spoilers!) is especially haunting - not only for what it is, but for how it foreshadows the horror Haymitch experiences later. You feel the echoes ripple forward, setting up a final act that’s all the more devastating because you *know* what it costs him. The emotional layering is subtle, but deeply effective. That said, there were a few things that didn’t fully land for me. The songs, while atmospheric in small doses, started to feel a little overdone. Similarly, the abundance of Easter eggs - though fun to spot - felt like a bit of an overload by the end. Not every thread needs tying off so neatly. That said, as an author myself, I understand how publishers can push for this kind of fan service. Despite those minor qualms, the emotional impact of Haymitch’s story really hit me. We know how he ends up, and that knowledge adds a layer of ache to every page. Even the epilogue can’t fully soften the blow of what we know is coming for him. But that heartbreak is part of what makes the story so powerful. Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a prequel; it’s a bold, necessary chapter in the Hunger Games universe. I may not revisit it for comfort, but I’ll absolutely revisit it for its insight, its craftsmanship, and the way it lingers. As I always say: if Suzanne Collins wrote for any other audience than teen girls, she'd already be hailed as a genius. But society, sadly, is still catching up on that one.

Sunrise on the Reaping is Haymitch's story of how Katniss' rebellion first began to brew. It's a necessary story of even if we can't win against oppression and media control today, there will come a day when we will - and that's a vital one in the current state of the world. It's a difficult book because we already know how the story ends and where Haymitch ends up, and despite that, we are invited to love characters. Maysilee, in particular, won a special place in my heart. However, we do have easter eggs to other hunger games books, which are all lovely tie-ins and fun to try and spot. However, despite that, I would say I'm hard pressed to love this book. Haymitch's story is a sad one, and even an epilogue can't quite heal the bitter ending of how he gets to where he is at the beginning of Katniss' story. We know from the original trilogy that he's an alcoholic and the events that lead him to it are heartbreaking and far from an easy read. My final feelings are that this is a necessary addition to the universe. Yet not one that leaves me wanting to pick it up again and again, either for analysis or enjoyment, the way other books in the series have done.

Sunrise on the Reaping is easily one of the most emotionally powerful books in the entire Hunger Games series. I purchased this as a gift for my child, who’s a huge fan of the original trilogy, and they were completely engrossed from the first page. They finished it incredibly quickly and were left deeply moved by the story—almost to the point of tears. What truly stands out in this prequel is the emotional depth of Haymitch’s character. From the beginning, Suzanne Collins paints a raw, humanizing portrait of him that makes it nearly impossible not to connect with his journey. You’re not just reading about Haymitch—you’re feeling what he feels, experiencing his hope, fear, anger, and heartbreak right alongside him. Collins has always had a talent for creating layered characters, but this book takes it to another level. The writing is sharp, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded. There are so many subtle references and clever connections to the original trilogy that fans will instantly recognize and appreciate. It feels like the missing puzzle piece in the larger Hunger Games story—enhancing the world we already know while offering fresh insights and perspectives. Emotionally, the book is a rollercoaster. One moment, you're feeling proud of Haymitch for finding a moment of happiness or victory, and the next, you're devastated by a sudden loss or betrayal. There are scenes that are genuinely heartbreaking, especially when characters you've come to love suffer or are lost. But those moments are balanced with hope, resilience, and the kind of emotional complexity that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. If you’ve ever been curious about Haymitch’s past, or wanted to better understand the world before Katniss’s time, this book delivers in every possible way. It’s beautifully written, emotionally rich, and brilliantly tied into the overarching story of Panem. My child and I both agree—it’s one of the strongest entries in the franchise, and a must-read for any Hunger Games fan. Highly, highly recommended.

4.5 stars Of course, having just finished reading this book, I am crying. Suzanne Collins has done it again. She has given us a book where we know the ending and still somehow made it heart-wrenching, gripping and full of tension. I have loved Haymitch ever since the first Hunger Games book, and getting his full backstory just makes me love him even more. We thought we knew what drove him to become the man we meet in the first instalment of the series, but there’s so much more. Not only do we (finally!) get the details of Haymitch’s games, but we get even more layers of world-building, some phenomenal appearances of characters we know and love from the main series, and even more reasons to hate President Snow. I loved seeing Haymitch’s games play out, and it was fascinating getting the real story and not only the one shown by the Capitol, and I loved so many of the tributes we got to meet, especially Maysilee. I will say that the events in the arena lulled a little which slowed down the pace of the book in places, but each emotional moment still hit you like a punch in the gut. Another cracker in the Hunger Games series. Now I need to go sob into a pillow for a while.

Sunrise on the Reaping is everything I hoped for in a Hunger Games prequel — and more. Suzanne Collins dives deep into the twisted roots of the Games, set 24 years before Katniss volunteers, and the result is equal parts chilling and fascinating. The world-building is sharp, and the political commentary hits hard (as expected). Collins has a talent for making dystopia feel all too real — and this time, we see the mechanics of propaganda, power, and rebellion from a brand-new angle. Without spoiling anything, the protagonist is layered and morally complex in all the best ways. If The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes made you uneasy in the best way, this one will have you absolutely gripped. It’s not just a story about survival — it’s about complicity, courage, and the grey areas in between. Whether you're a long-time fan of Panem or just love a tightly written, thought-provoking dystopian novel, Sunrise on the Reaping deserves a spot on your shelf. Collins hasn’t lost her fire — if anything, it’s burning brighter than ever.

This book gave me my favourite view of Panem in the entire series. The world feels more vivid and textured than ever before, especially the arena. It's shimmering, deceptive beauty and haunting stillness makes it unforgettable. I cannot wait to see it brought to life in the upcoming movie. The book and story itself, is brutal, unflinching and deeply compelling. President Snow as always, cultivates his agenda in a way that's portrayed laterally to his own story previously. Suzanne Collins masterfully brings Haymitch's story to life, and seeing the beginning of the rebellion through his eyes adds a chilling, emotional depth that hits hard. One thing I truly love, is that you pick up on Haymitch's southern accent, it comes through beautifully, grounding his perspective and giving him a distinct district aligning voice, that's a joy to read. For fans of the series, it's a must read. And if you're anything like me, you'll finish it desperately craving a plutarch Heavensbee book next.

I enjoyed this book greatly apart from the last chapter, where the repeat mention of Lenore Dove’s poem felt unnecessary.