The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes cover art

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

A Hunger Games Novel

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

By: Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Santino Fontana
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About this listen

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute...and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

©2020 Suzanne Collins (P)2020 Scholastic Inc. Action & Adventure Dystopian Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Survival Stories Survival Game
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probably a lovely person in real life but horrible choice for a long anticipated book in my opinion.
however the story itself was fine perhaps a little dull but still a good addition to the series.

Narrator was a big disappointment.

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Absolute killer! In the best way. This book was so epic I want to curse before every second word. The Narrator is amazing! 5 stars all around, what an awesome experience! Had me rooting for Snow, annoyed, understanding and hating him. Thank you! I hope there will be more.

My heart is sore!

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Loved this book so much it means everything and adds so much to the already amazing world of the hunger games I can’t wait for the movie

love love love

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engaging, thought provoking and a look at the beginning of the hunger games and the life of snow and his rise to evil

great story.

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I think a lot of people don't like this as they thought it would be "a redemption arc" for our villain President Snow. But I don't read it that way.

I went in reading this with no expectations and didn't even read the blurb. I was really surprised by the story told and the turns it took. It wasn't what I expected. I think Suzane has taken the tale, of a young Capitol boy, on the fence with his morals and the morals of the world. He is pushed and pulled in different directions, by different influences and his true self begins to show. Inner conflict begins and our villains character starts to develop.

It's well done in the way that no one person starts out evil. It shows the different sides of the story. A villain is the hero to some, depending on who's telling the tale

Snow Lands On Top

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An interesting look into the creation of one of the most deplorable characters from the original series, and examination of the philosophies behind the Hunger Games and its origins.

Great voice actor with good pacing and expression.

A brief forrey back to Panem

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Loved it, I was enthralled right from the start. Definitely recommend reading this book to learn more about the capital and how the hunger games started.

Great story

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Okay beginning, great middle, okay ending. Too many little things let this story down. The spoke word lyrics to songs were cringey, almost every character had two word names, the action peaks during the Hunger Games, then the tension eases off and the final four or so hours are slower paced. And the ending, although morbidly sad as intended, too many details were left unknown. Would have liked just a bit more of a climax and resolution. But still enjoyed it.

Was hoping for a bit more...

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Worth reading, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is conflicted and twisted.
Who is Snow..............

I think it could have lead to a new series but was cut short at the end.

I Don't want to ruin it but if you love the Hunger Games you need to listen to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Santino was good and like others, the songs could have been sung But perhaps this was done on purpose.

There is actually a song called the hanging tree, worth listening to.......
I will miss this series and imagine what became of Lucy.........................series extension, you tell me.
Recommended.

Conflicted But Apt Conclusion To the Hunger Games

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I really enjoyed hearing about the Capitol and the Hunger Games in post war Panem. It provides a nice context and backstory that allows for a deeper understanding of the original story.

A great addition to the Hunger Games story

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