18 Mar Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – A Return to the Hunger Games We Needed
The Hunger Games fandom, brace yourselves! Sunrise on the Reaping is more than just a prequel—it’s a breathtaking, gut-wrenching, and utterly immersive return to the dystopian world of Panem. Suzanne Collins has once again delivered a novel that not only expands the lore of the Hunger Games universe but also deepens our understanding of its characters, history, and the horrors of the Capitol’s cruelty.
This book is destined to be the best-selling novel of the year—a surefire hit that will dominate bookshelves, reading groups, and, yes, the silver screen before we even have time to process its brilliance. If The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was an introduction to the making of a villain (Coriolanus Snow), Sunrise on the Reaping is a heartbreaking, electrifying tale of an unexpected hero: Haymitch Abernathy.
Set during the 50th Hunger Games, better known as the second Quarter Quell, this novel follows Haymitch’s harrowing journey from an underdog District 12 tribute to a legend whose name would echo through Panem’s history. And let me tell you—this is not just another survival story. This is a masterclass in storytelling, world-building, and character development.
If you thought you knew Haymitch, prepare to see him in an entirely new light.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Panem is in a precarious state, still reeling from decades of oppression and slow-burning resentment against the Capitol. As the 50th Hunger Games approaches, President Snow and the Gamemakers have devised a particularly brutal twist: each district must send double the number of tributes. That means 48 tributes enter the arena this year instead of the usual 24.
For 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the odds were never in his favor. Living in the shadows of District 12, he’s intelligent, quick-witted, and knows how to keep his head down. But when he’s reaped alongside Maysilee Donner, another tribute from District 12, the two must navigate alliances, betrayals, and a Capitol audience thirsty for blood.
With twice the tributes, the arena is deadlier than ever, filled with twists, traps, and psychological torment unlike anything seen before. But what makes Sunrise on the Reaping so special isn’t just the spectacle of the Games—it’s how Collins peels back the layers of manipulation and control that dictate every move inside and outside the arena.
And then… there’s the game-changing moment that cements Haymitch as the most infamous victor in Hunger Games history.
Character Analysis
Haymitch Abernathy – The Victor We Never Knew
If you thought Haymitch was just the drunken mentor we met in The Hunger Games, this book will rip your heart out and put it back together in the worst (best?) way possible. This is his origin story, and it’s a revelation.
Collins paints a picture of a boy who is far too smart for his own good—someone who understands how the Games work on a deeper level than most. He’s charming, rebellious, and fiercely independent, but unlike Katniss, he doesn’t rely on brute force. Instead, he survives through strategy, wit, and calculated defiance.
“You don’t win the Hunger Games by playing fair. You win by knowing the rules better than they do.”
This book explains exactly why Haymitch became the broken man we meet in The Hunger Games. Every snide remark, every bitter drink, every painful memory buried beneath sarcasm—it all stems from this horrific experience.
Maysilee Donner – The Soul of the Story
Fans will remember Maysilee from Katniss’s discovery in Catching Fire—but this novel brings her to life in a way that’s nothing short of heartbreaking. She’s fierce, intelligent, and deeply compassionate, forming a complex and meaningful bond with Haymitch in the arena.
Without giving too much away, her role in this novel will leave you shattered.
The Gamemakers & The Capitol – The True Villains
Once again, Collins proves that the real villains of the Hunger Games are not the tributes, but the people pulling the strings. The Capitol’s manipulation reaches new heights in this novel, revealing how they twist reality, toy with public perception, and weaponize trauma for entertainment.
Themes & Motifs
Survival vs. Morality
Haymitch’s story isn’t just about winning—it’s about what it costs to win. The book forces us to confront how far someone will go to stay alive, and whether survival is worth the price of losing oneself.
Propaganda & Power
Collins highlights the role of media in shaping public perception—from the Gamemakers’ brutal twists to the Capitol’s calculated narratives. The Games are more than a fight to the death—they’re a performance.
Rebellion in the Making
This is where it starts. This book lays the groundwork for the future uprising. You’ll see hints of how Haymitch’s actions inspire later generations and why he ultimately becomes an instrumental figure in Katniss’s rebellion.
Writing Style & Tone
Suzanne Collins is at her absolute best here. The prose is sharp, unrelenting, and emotional—you will feel every cut, every betrayal, every flicker of hope.
The action sequences are jaw-droppingly intense, but the quiet moments hit even harder. The way she captures Haymitch’s thoughts, the constant tension of the arena, and the psychological warfare of the Games makes for an addictive, unputdownable read.
Spoiler Alert: How Does Sunrise on the Reaping End?
(Only read this if you want to know!)
👉 Haymitch’s victory is not just brutal—it’s unprecedented. His final act of defiance in the arena is so shocking that the Capitol alters how the Hunger Games operates forever.
👉 His relationship with Maysilee Donner ends in absolute heartbreak. If you thought Rue’s fate was gut-wrenching, this will destroy you.
👉 The aftermath of Haymitch’s win is almost more painful than the Games themselves. The Capitol ensures he pays the price for his defiance, in ways that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Final Verdict
🌟 Rating: 5/5 – A Hunger Games Masterpiece 🌟
Sunrise on the Reaping is Suzanne Collins at her most ruthless, brilliant, and devastatingly powerful. This book deserves all the hype—it’s an instant classic that will be studied, debated, and cherished for years to come.
This is not just a book—it’s a cultural event.
Where to Buy
🔗 Buy Sunrise on the Reaping on Bookshop.org
🔥 Read it. Experience it. Survive it. 🔥
Bibliographic Details
- Author: Suzanne Collins
- Title: *Sunrise on the Reaping*
- Publisher: Scholastic Press
- Year of Publication: 2025
- ISBN: 9781339035897
- Format: Hardcover, e-Book, Audiobook