The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Review

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While the concept of this book was fine, it could have easily been explained in an interview or something. The main parts like the rules of Hunger Games, some parts of Snow's backstory, and stuff like that.

All the reasons why I hate this book:

1) Snow
Yep. First of all, his name. Corio-what? It makes no sense.

Secondly, Snow. When I think of him *gags* *pukes* *glares at the camera** scowls* *bares teeth* *takes a deep breath to get ready*

HE IS SO ANNOYING! He keeps whining about his condition and poverty and rubbish. Says that he is gonna be successful.
(He's not because he is dumb and ew).

AND, he keeps contradicting himself! One second he pities the districts and hates the Hunger Games and the next he refuses to support anyone from the district.
Take a side, Snow.

And how do I continue?

He acts so possessive! Lucy, oh she's mine and stuff.

'Should he say hello first? Or just kiss her?'

'It confirmed that Lucy Gray belonged to him.'

Just shut up.

Next comes... Sejanus.

Oh, how Snow treats him. Sejanus thinks you're like his brother. And you! You just out him. YOU kill him.
And then you take advantage of and use HIS PARENTS' money! UGH. That's so demonly, even for a corrupt president.



2) The romance
Okay, what?

Lucy and Snow?

Look, I don't have a problem with Lucy. I love her even. But their pairing makes no sense. She is an innocent songbird hardened by times but Snow is a monster. And I hate him. A lot.

So: Hate x Love = Hate because hate is stronger (sadly). So I hate this pairing.

Also, I wonder why both of them couldn't see that it won't work out.

Oh, how I love these eye-roll gifs!

3) The ending
Alright. I didn't understand it.

So apparently, when the proof of Snow's dirty work is hidden he tries to go back and betray Lucy Gray?!?! Why would he do that. He could live on and still hide it.

Okay, I also didn't know Lucy could be so observant.

She literally got to know that Snow wouldn't stay with her after he found out the guns! How?

[view spoiler]

But things made it complicated. AND NOW he's going with Dr. Gaul to the University (for some reason the name for the university is University).

Okay, I'll probably need to read it again to understand more of Snow's treachery.

The only problem is I don't want to. Hm.

But there is also one thing I love henced the 2 stars: the symbolism.

Alright, we all know Suzanne Collins is a pro with symbolism and I LOVED it here.
Remember, when Snow and Lucy

are in the cottage near the lake after running away, and Lucy goes to collect Katniss (the plant)? Well. She gets it but there is a delay. Katniss does arrive 65 years later. And Lucy goes because she wants to kill Snow. She does.

[view spoiler].

OMG OMG isn't this so cool?! Aaaaaargh I love this.

Oooh, and also, we know why Snow gets so cold-hearted after knowing that The Hanging Tree is now a rebellious symbol?


I would say this again. All this could have been done in an interview. That being said, I love Collin's symbolism and it was nice to see it at play. So

➵ 𝟸 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜