CATCHING FIRE (Suzanne Collins) - November 14/09

This disappointing sequel to The Hunger Games ultimately feels like a stepping stone into the final book, with the "gossamer thin" plot (as another review has put it) stretched well past the breaking point as Collins attempts to set up the finale. Throwing Katniss back into The Hunger Games isn't inherently problematic, but matching her up with a series of underdeveloped allies is (ie there's never a point at which the reader cares about any of these people, except for Peeta, of course). The book is ultimately entertaining but far from the enthralling work that its predecessor was. Hopefully the third installment will fare better. *** out of ****