Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins

This was one of those series/books that left me satisfied.  You know how some books either end it wrong or stupid or really not at all and you're left with that unsatisfied feeling? Suzanne Collins does not have that effect.  She chose the perfect ending.

I have to say, though, this book was a teensy bit slow-going at first... but I can see how it had to lead one into what was really going to be good at the end.  Also, I couldn't help but make a comparison to a certain vampire series - the oh-woe-is-me girl and two guys who differ greatly in personalities who want her... hmm...  In my last review, I said she should end up with Gale.  I'm so glad she didn't.  The way she and Peeta "warmed back up to each other" at the end was perfect.  Not too mushy, but realistic (according to the story) since she was anti-relationship and not sure who she wanted, anyway.  

Ok, onto the good stuff.  Can you believe she killed Coin?? I kind of saw it coming, but after her little "meeting" with Snow at the end, when he tells her what really happened with the bombs, I knew something had to happen.  I have to say, though, I totally saw Boggs taking the role as leader... up until he DIED! I hate when a movie or book sacrifices key characters... but it only made me wondering who would get it, so it was a nice twist.  I hate that Prim had to die, too, but again, had to happen to make the ending more workable.  I have to admit I was a little disbelieving when I read it... I had to keep rereading to make sure I read it right and that she really was dead, then rushed ahead to see if she magically reappeared.  Finnick's another I wouldn't have minded seeing live till the end, especially with a new baby, but that just made that whole chase even more intense.  I was also seriously beginning to wonder if it would end with Katniss's suicide, leaving behind a her legacy and a better world, but I'm glad Peeta stopped her and that she never really had another chance to succeed.  As I read about her struggling after (and even before) killing Coin, I wondered why the author would make her heroine appear so weak... but then I realized it just added to the reality of her character, having dealt with so much death and tragedy.  Very well done.

What a great bunch of books, so well-written, keeping one turning page after page and then making it near impossible to wait patiently for the next book to see what happens next.