“Mockingjay” is the final instalment of the Hunger Games trilogy and represents a far darker and bleaker view than the earlier two novels. Although ostensibly still aimed at the Young Adult market it’s almost as if Suzanne Collins has decided that the story needs to grow up at a similar rate to her prospective readers. So you can consider yourself fully warned; don’t expect a light hearted conclusion to the trilogy. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all three novels although I am far removed from the target demographic. I found Collins to be a master-storyteller (no gender-based puns intended or required) and remarkably even-handed, irrespective of whether it’s a main character or a member of the minor supporting cast who is being killed off. The truth is that very few survive, but that will come as no surprise to readers familiar with the gritty realism that Collins employs. I felt that her skill at characterisation improved considerably from the first book and I felt a real sense of identification with the problems and difficulties that the main characters experience. Katniss’s descent into depression and lethargy is particularly well-written and heartbreakingly accurate. For me the epilogue felt a little unnecessary and I wondered why Collins felt the need to write it. I must try to do some research on-line to see if anyone has asked her this question. I suppose that after the machinations of the fairly convoluted plot had played out perhaps she saw it as a simpler, cleaner ending. But to me the conclusion of the book felt somewhat rushed after such careful plotting to reach this point. However to sum up this third and final novel is harsh, brutal, and utterly relentless.

Many readers found the polt tailed off a bit in this, the third of the Hunger Games trilogy. I disagree! This is a fantastic finale to what is one of the best series of books I have come across. It doesn't pull its punches and I love the way it all ends - very mature and interesting rather than Hollywood-sized cheese which, to be honest, I was half-expecting. All-in-all, very satisfying.

This is much grittier than the previous two novels and has war breaking out between the Rebels and the Capitol with Katniss, her family and her friends caught in the middle. The political interplay ramps up massively as each side tries to win the propaganda battle as well as the war on the ground and the truth behind everyone's character is revealed. I still don't quite get the hype but I think I've just been spoiled by the books I have read and like much more depth to my stories, although this is a work for young adults and for this general group I can see this being a perfect fit. And it is far better than the film, much more fitting for the characters and the story. Fabulous book candy.

The final book in the series, and if I’m to be completely honest I’m not sure where I stand on it. On the one hand there were many aspects of the book that I enjoyed yet on the other hand I felt like there was quite a bit to be desired through the behaviour of certain characters and the way in which certain events played out. Focusing on the good, there were many moments to keep you on the edge. It continued on with the story in the dramatic style that we have seen thus far, bringing us towards an ending which brings everything together. Many moments pull upon your heartstrings – so much so that I’m unsure whether I will ever be capable of watching particular scenes when it comes to the film adaptation – along with many moments which leave you smiling at the small joys which appear in this distorted world. That being said, there were some things I really did not like. I have no wish to spoil the ending yet I feel as though it went back on many things which had been said throughout the series. I understand why it ended in the manner it did but I really wish it hadn’t. Of course that is just my view and I’m sure many will have a different opinion on the matter. As a whole I feel as though the conclusion was a little bit of a mixed bag. Even though there was more good than bad I wasn’t quite as content as I would thought I would be. Nonetheless, if you’ve read the first two books it goes without saying that you need to read this one and find out exactly how it ends.

I thought this book was a little more complicated than the first two in the series. It was hard to follow at points and I often had to re-read parts to make sure I was understanding exactly what was happening. The first two in the series, 'Hunger Games' and 'Catching Fire' were much easier to follow and I could really get involved with the story, feeling the intensity and emotion throughout. This book was a little confusing at times and therefore, I struggled to get into the story. I was still eager to find out the ending of the trilogy. I began to dislike to main character of Katniss as some points because of her choices. I also thought she would be more of a heroine and stand out a bit more as she was always known for not following rules in the first couple of books. I felt her character dissolved into the plot too much and therefore became weak at points. I felt that too many people died to be honest. All though it was effective and emotional to the plot, it felt like no one survived and at points I thought there wasn't going to anyone left by the end of the story! I enjoyed the rise of everything and the fact that the story had progressed from the first two books but I felt the ending was weak. I did not feel satisfied at all about the ending and wonder if Suzanne Collins has left it like that in order to write a few more stories to the series in the future. I still think this is a wonderful series and you need to read this book to make sure you get the full effect of the story and the wonderful creation that is 'The Hunger Games.' Unfortunately, this book was not as good as the first too and I miss the fiery character of Katniss that seemed to disappear throughout the third book. However, still a good read as the series is so strong.