Suzanne Collins Returns to Panem with a New Book: Meet Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird
New Books by Suzanne Collins: What You Need to Know
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games series, you probably know that Suzanne Collins, the author of the dystopian novels, has recently released a new book set in the same world. But did you know that she has also written other books before and after The Hunger Games? And that she has more projects in the works?
new books by suzanne collins
In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know about the new books by Suzanne Collins, including her latest novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is a prequel to The Hunger Games. We will also tell you why you should read her books, and how you can get them easily and conveniently.
Who is Suzanne Collins?
Suzanne Collins is one of the most popular and successful authors of our time. She has written over 20 books for children and young adults, and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Her books have been translated into 54 languages, and have won numerous awards and accolades. She is best known for creating the Hunger Games trilogy, which has become a global phenomenon and a multimedia franchise.
Her early life and career
Suzanne Collins was born on August 10, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut. She is the daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer, and grew up in various places around the world, including Europe and Asia. She developed an interest in writing at an early age, and studied drama at Indiana University. She later earned a master's degree in dramatic writing from New York University.
She began her career as a television writer, working on shows such as Clarissa Explains It All, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, and Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!. She also wrote several children's books based on these shows. In 2003, she published her first original book, Gregor the Overlander, which was the first installment of The Underland Chronicles, a fantasy series for middle-grade readers.
Her bestselling books and awards
In 2008, Suzanne Collins published The Hunger Games, which was the first book of a trilogy that would make her a household name. The book introduced readers to Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who lives in a dystopian future where 12 districts are ruled by a tyrannical Capitol. Every year, the Capitol forces each district to send two children as tributes to participate in a televised death match called the Hunger Games.
The book was an instant hit, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. It was followed by two sequels, Catching Fire (2009) and Mockingjay (2010), which completed the story of Katniss and her rebellion against the Capitol. The trilogy has sold over 65 million copies in the U.S. alone, and has been adapted into four blockbuster movies starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss.
The books have also won many awards, such as the California Young Reader Medal, the Georgia Peach Book Award, the Cybils Award, the Children's Choice Book Award, and the Teen Choice Award. They have also been named among the best books of the year by various publications, such as The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Time, and Entertainment Weekly.
Her writing style and themes
Suzanne Collins is known for her fast-paced, gripping, and suspenseful writing style, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. She is also adept at creating complex and realistic characters, who face difficult moral dilemmas and emotional challenges. She often draws inspiration from history, mythology, and current events, and explores themes such as war, violence, oppression, survival, loyalty, love, and hope.
She has said that her main goal as a writer is to entertain her readers, but also to make them think and question their own world. She has also said that she writes for young people because they are more open-minded and curious, and because they are the ones who will shape the future.
What are the new books by Suzanne Collins?
Suzanne Collins has not stopped writing after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy. She has continued to produce new books that appeal to her fans and new readers alike. Here are some of her latest and upcoming works:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
This is the most recent book by Suzanne Collins, which was published on May 19, 2020. It is a prequel to The Hunger Games, set 64 years before the events of the first book. It focuses on the life of Coriolanus Snow, who would later become the ruthless dictator and antagonist of the original trilogy.
The plot and characters
The book follows Coriolanus Snow as an 18-year-old student at the Academy, a prestigious school in the Capitol. He comes from a once-powerful family that has fallen on hard times after the war that led to the creation of the Hunger Games. He sees his chance to restore his family's glory when he is assigned to mentor a tribute from District 12, the poorest and most despised district in Panem.
The tribute is Lucy Gray Baird, a charismatic and rebellious singer who belongs to a group of nomadic entertainers called the Covey. She catches Coriolanus's eye with her performance of "The Hanging Tree", a song that would later become a symbol of resistance in Katniss's time. Coriolanus develops an attraction and a connection with Lucy Gray, but he also faces a dilemma: he must help her win the Hunger Games, or risk losing everything he has worked for.
The book also introduces other characters who play important roles in The Hunger Games universe, such as Tigris, Coriolanus's cousin and future rebel ally; Dr. Gaul, the sadistic head gamemaker who experiments on humans and animals; Sejanus Plinth, Coriolanus's friend and classmate who sympathizes with the districts; and Clemensia Dovecote, Coriolanus's rival and nemesis at the Academy.
The reception and reviews
The book was highly anticipated by fans of The Hunger Games, and became an instant bestseller upon its release. It sold over 500,000 copies in its first week in North America, making it one of the biggest launches of 2020. It also received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, who praised Collins's storytelling skills, character development, world-building, and social commentary.
Some of the reviews are:
"'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' delivers a mesmerizing look into the life of Coriolanus Snow and the root causes of his villainous behavior. Collins once again proves that she is a master of building a fascinating world around complex characters who must grapple with the complications of chaos and control and their effects on human nature." - The Associated Press
```html not just a rose-scented lump of coal that makes the future President Snow very worthy of a 517-page prequel." - The Washington Post
"Both a tense, character-driven piece and a cautionary tale...The twists and heartbreaks captivate despite tragic inevitabilities." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"If you read The Hunger Games in one sitting, settle in for the long haul once morebecause The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is nearly impossible to put down...The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is incredibly exciting, thought-provoking, and relevant." - Amazon Book Review
"A sleek Hunger Games prequel...The plot of the novel rests on deception and pretence, its view of humanity bleak; yet Collins's themes of friendship, betrayal, authority and oppression, as well as the extra layers of lore about mockingjays and Capitol's history, will please and thrill." - The Guardian
"A gripping mix of whipsaw plot twists and propulsive writing make this story's complex issuesvulnerability and abuse, personal responsibility, and institutionalized power dynamicsvivid and personal." - Publishers Weekly
"Fans will appreciate revisiting the world of Panem, and teens may relate to Coriolanus beginning to grapple with big ideas like human nature and whether people on opposite sides of a war are fundamentally different." - School Library Journal
The movie adaptation
The book is also being adapted into a movie by Lionsgate, the studio that produced the Hunger Games films. The movie will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed the last three installments of the franchise. Collins will serve as an executive producer and a co-writer of the screenplay, along with Michael Arndt and Nina Jacobson.
The movie is expected to be released in 2022 or 2023, depending on the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The cast has not been announced yet, but fans have been speculating and suggesting actors who could play the young Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird. Some of the names that have been mentioned are Timothée Chalamet, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Elle Fanning, and Florence Pugh.
Other upcoming books by Suzanne Collins
Besides The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins has also announced that she is working on other books that will be released in the near future. Some of them are:
Year of the Jungle: Memories from the Home Front: This is a picture book that Collins wrote based on her own childhood experiences during the Vietnam War. It tells the story of Suzy, a six-year-old girl whose father is deployed to Vietnam. She tries to cope with his absence and the confusion and fear that surround her. The book is illustrated by James Proimos, and was originally published in 2013. It will be re-released in 2021 with new content and a foreword by Collins.
The Underland Chronicles: Collector's Edition: This is a special edition of Collins's first fantasy series, which follows the adventures of Gregor, an 11-year-old boy who discovers a hidden world under New York City where humans coexist with giant rats, bats, cockroaches, and spiders. He becomes involved in a prophecy that could determine the fate of both worlds. The series consists of five books: Gregor the Overlander, Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane, Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, Gregor and the Marks of Secret, and Gregor and the Code of Claw. The collector's edition will feature new cover art, maps, illustrations, and bonus materials. It will be released in 2021.
Untitled Hunger Games Companion Book: This is a book that Collins is writing to accompany The Hunger Games trilogy. It will provide more information and insights into the world of Panem, its history, culture, politics, and characters. It will also include trivia, quizzes, puzzles, and other fun activities for fans. The book does not have a title or a release date yet.
Why should you read the new books by Suzanne Collins?
If you are still wondering whether you should read the new books by Suzanne Collins, here are some reasons why you should:
They are thrilling and engaging
Suzanne Collins knows how to write stories that captivate and entertain her readers. Her books are full of action, suspense, twists, and surprises. They keep you hooked from the first page to the last, and make you want to know what happens next. They also make you feel a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to sadness and anger. You will not be bored or disappointed by her books.
They explore relevant and important issues
Suzanne Collins does not shy away from tackling serious and complex issues in her books. She explores topics such as war, violence, oppression, survival, loyalty, love, and hope. She challenges her readers to think critically and question their own world. She also shows the consequences and costs of human actions, and the importance of making ethical and moral choices. Her books are not only entertaining, but also enlightening and inspiring.
They expand the world of The Hunger Games
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, you will love the new books by Suzanne Collins because they give you more insight and information about the world of Panem, its history, culture, politics, and characters. You will learn more about how the Hunger Games were created, how they evolved over time, and how they affected the lives of different people. You will also meet new characters who will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the original trilogy.
How can you get the new books by Suzanne Collins?
Now that you know more about the new books by Suzanne Collins, you might be wondering how you can get them easily and conveniently. Here are some options:
Online platforms and retailers
One of the easiest ways to get the new books by Suzanne Collins is to order them online from various platforms and retailers. You can choose from a variety of formats, such as hardcover, paperback, e-book, or audiobook. You can also compare prices and reviews from different sellers. Some of the online platforms and retailers that sell the new books by Suzanne Collins are:
Amazon: This is one of the most popular and reliable online platforms for buying books. You can find all the new books by Suzanne Collins on Amazon, as well as her previous works. You can also benefit from fast and free shipping with Amazon Prime, as well as other perks such as discounts, deals, and recommendations.
Barnes & Noble: This is another well-known and trusted online platform for buying books. You can also find all the new books by Suzanne Collins on Barnes & Noble, as well as her previous works. You can also enjoy free shipping on orders over $35, as well as other benefits such as rewards, coupons, and exclusive offers.
Audible: This is an online platform that specializes in audiobooks. You can listen to all the new books by Suzanne Collins on Audible, as well as her previous works. You can also take advantage of a free trial that gives you access to one audiobook and two Audible Originals of your choice.
Local bookstores and libraries
Another way to get the new books by Suzanne Collins is to visit your local bookstores and libraries. You can browse through their collections and find the books that interest you. You can also support your local businesses and communities by buying or borrowing books from them. Some of the local bookstores and libraries that might have the new books by Suzanne Collins are:
Powell's Books: This is a chain of independent bookstores based in Portland, Oregon. It is one of the largest and most famous bookstores in the world, with over a million books in stock. You can find all the new books by Suzanne Collins at Powell's Books, as well as her previous works. You can also enjoy other features such as events, readings, signings, and cafes.
The Strand: This is a landmark bookstore located in New York City. It is known for its slogan "18 Miles of Books", which refers to its vast inventory of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books. You can find all the new books by Suzanne Collins at The Strand, as well as her previous works. You can also explore other sections such as art, comics, music, and gifts.
```html with over 92 locations and millions of books, e-books, audiobooks, and other materials. You can borrow all the new books by Suzanne Collins from the New York Public Library, as well as her previous works. You can also access other services such as programs, classes, exhibitions, and research.
Audiobooks and e-books
A third way to get the new books by Suzanne Collins is to download them as audiobooks or e-books. This way, you can enjoy the books on your devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or e-readers. You can also save space and money by choosing digital formats. Some of the platforms and apps that offer audiobooks and e-books of the new books by Suzanne Collins are:
OverDrive: This is a platform that allows you to borrow digital books from your local library. You can access over 3 million titles, including all the new books by Suzanne Collins, as well as her previous works. You can also read or listen to the books on your device or browser, without any fees or ads.
Libby: This is an app that works with OverDrive to make borrowing digital books easier and more enjoyable. You can browse, borrow, and read or listen to all the new books by Suzanne Collins, as well as her previous works. You can also sync your progress across multiple devices, and get personalized recommendations.
Kindle: This is an app that allows you to read e-books on your device or browser. You can buy or download over 6 million titles, including all the new books by Suzanne Collins, as well as her previous works. You can also adjust the font size, brightness, and background color, and use features such as bookmarks, highlights, and notes.
Conclusion
Suzanne Collins is one of the most prolific and influential authors of our time. She has written over 20 books for children and young adults, and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Her books have been translated into 54 languages, and have won numerous awards and accolades. She is best known for creating the Hunger Games trilogy, which has become a global phenomenon and a multimedia franchise.
She has also written other books before and after The Hunger Games, and has more projects in the works. Her latest book is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is a prequel to The Hunger Games, set 64 years before the events of the first book. It focuses on the life of Coriolanus Snow, who would later become the ruthless dictator and antagonist of the original trilogy.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, or if you are looking for thrilling and engaging stories that explore relevant and important issues, you should read the new books by Suzanne Collins. You can get them easily and conveniently from various online platforms and retailers, local bookstores and libraries, or audiobooks and e-books.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new books by Suzanne Collins:
Q: How many books are in The Hunger Games series?
A: There are four books in The Hunger Games series: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The first three books form a trilogy that follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who leads a rebellion against the Capitol. The fourth book is a prequel that follows the story of Coriolanus Snow, a young man who becomes a mentor in the Hunger Games.
Q: What is the order of The Hunger Games books?
A: The order of The Hunger Games books is:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay
Q: Are there any other books related to The Hunger Games?
A: Yes, there are other books related to The Hunger Games. Some of them are:
The World of the Hunger Games: This is a companion book that provides more information and insights into the world of Panem, its history, culture, politics, and characters.
The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion: This is a book that features behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, and stories from the making of the Hunger Games movies.
The Hunger Games Tribute Guide: This is a book that profiles the 2