A new prequel to Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” series, “Sunrise on the Reaping”, has arrived, and it’s a game-changer. The book explores the devastating story of Haymitch Abernathy, a mentor in the original trilogy, 17 years after the first book was published.
The prequel delves into Haymitch’s early life, from his 16th birthday to his selection as a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. Collins skillfully weaves together familiar beats and introduces new characters, including Beetee, a tech whiz former victor from District 3, who recruits Haymitch to help sabotage the arena.
What sets “Sunrise on the Reaping” apart is its focus on the machinery of propaganda and authoritarianism. Collins paints a shrewd portrait of how these systems take root, using Haymitch’s story as a case study.
The book features a vibrant cast of characters, including the District 12 tributes Louella, Wyatt, and Maysilee, each with their own anguish, tenderness, humor, and hope. Collins imbues her characters with ferocious humanity, refusing to shy away from the gruesome details of the arena.
While some may find the inclusion of poetry, song lyrics, and epigraphs from notable philosophers like Edgar Allan Poe and David Hume distracting, they add a layer of depth to the narrative that’s both thought-provoking and haunting.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is a propulsive, heart-wrenching addition to “The Hunger Games” series. With its masterful storytelling and unflinching portrayal of human resilience in the face of tyranny, it’s a must-read for fans of the franchise and anyone looking for a gripping dystopian novel.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/books/review/sunrise-on-the-reaping-suzanne-collins.html