The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Suzanne Collins

I'm a sucker for a good villain origin story. My debut novel was one! Understanding how some of our favorite villains became who they are, their motivations and the possibilities of them being a hero is exciting. I'll admit, when Ballad first came out, I wasn't too interested. I couldn't understand how anyone could make Snow a redeemable or relatable character, but somehow, Collin's did it.
You can see so much of his Hunger Games self in this origin story, as well as hints of the man he would become. Motivated, cut throat, determined to win at all costs, but his motivations for being as he is are clear and understandable as well. It was a fight for survival in its own way, even if he wasn't in the arena (technically). And, of course, his downfall was a girl. 
Now, said girl, I did not like. She was manipulative, and it was clear from the start she was using him as much as he was using her. But for some reason, her betrayal felt more damning than his, and I could see the path she finally shoved him toward. Possibly not the most popular take, but it is mine. 
​Overall, a great origin story, and the movie was pretty close to the book (unlike the original Hunger Games movie).

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