-
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- A Hunger Games Novel
- Narrated by: Santino Fontana
- Series: Hunger Games
- Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Teen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $20.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Hunger Games: Special Edition
- By: Suzanne Collins
- Narrated by: Tatiana Maslany
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emmy Award-winning actress Tatiana Maslany narrates a brand-new special edition recording of the first audiobook in the worldwide best-selling trilogy from Suzanne Collins! In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
-
-
same great book but the performance.
- By Lavin214 on 08-28-19
By: Suzanne Collins
-
Divergent
- By: Veronica Roth
- Narrated by: Emma Galvin
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
-
-
It's not for me. Loved it anyway.
- By Grant on 05-24-12
By: Veronica Roth
-
Midnight Sun
- By: Stephenie Meyer
- Narrated by: Jake Abel
- Length: 25 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, listeners can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun. This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire.
-
-
Very Impressed
- By Tess Bankston on 08-05-20
By: Stephenie Meyer
-
The Maze Runner
- Maze Runner, Book 1
- By: James Dashner
- Narrated by: Mark Deakins
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers - boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out - and no one's ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.
-
-
The Maze Runner
- By Amanda on 05-23-17
By: James Dashner
-
Gregor the Overlander
- Underland Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Suzanne Collins
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, and cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it, until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance.
-
-
Great series.
- By J. Christiansen on 02-16-09
By: Suzanne Collins
-
Where the Crawdads Sing
- By: Delia Owens
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand.
-
-
Wonderful novel
- By Wayne on 06-19-20
By: Delia Owens
-
The Hunger Games: Special Edition
- By: Suzanne Collins
- Narrated by: Tatiana Maslany
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emmy Award-winning actress Tatiana Maslany narrates a brand-new special edition recording of the first audiobook in the worldwide best-selling trilogy from Suzanne Collins! In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
-
-
same great book but the performance.
- By Lavin214 on 08-28-19
By: Suzanne Collins
-
Divergent
- By: Veronica Roth
- Narrated by: Emma Galvin
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
-
-
It's not for me. Loved it anyway.
- By Grant on 05-24-12
By: Veronica Roth
-
Midnight Sun
- By: Stephenie Meyer
- Narrated by: Jake Abel
- Length: 25 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, listeners can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun. This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire.
-
-
Very Impressed
- By Tess Bankston on 08-05-20
By: Stephenie Meyer
-
The Maze Runner
- Maze Runner, Book 1
- By: James Dashner
- Narrated by: Mark Deakins
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers - boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out - and no one's ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.
-
-
The Maze Runner
- By Amanda on 05-23-17
By: James Dashner
-
Gregor the Overlander
- Underland Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Suzanne Collins
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, and cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it, until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance.
-
-
Great series.
- By J. Christiansen on 02-16-09
By: Suzanne Collins
-
Where the Crawdads Sing
- By: Delia Owens
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand.
-
-
Wonderful novel
- By Wayne on 06-19-20
By: Delia Owens
-
The Host
- A Novel
- By: Stephenie Meyer
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 23 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
-
-
Great story in a genre only touched upon before
- By Keith on 06-20-08
By: Stephenie Meyer
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
-
-
Narrator is GREAT!
- By Amazon Customer on 10-01-20
By: J.K. Rowling
-
Darling Girl
- A Novel of Peter Pan
- By: Liz Michalski
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Life is looking up for Holly Darling, granddaughter of Wendy—yes, that Wendy. She's running a successful skincare company; her son, Jack, is happy and healthy; and the tragedy of her past is well behind her...until she gets a call that her daughter, Eden, who has been in a coma for nearly a decade, has gone missing from the estate where she's been long tucked away. And, worst of all, Holly knows who must be responsible: Peter Pan, who is not only very real, but more dangerous than anyone could imagine.
-
-
Brilliant
- By D. D. Falvo on 05-06-22
By: Liz Michalski
-
Ready Player One
- By: Ernest Cline
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, Ready Player One is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.
-
-
Thanks, But No Thanks
- By Joshua Simpson on 01-27-19
By: Ernest Cline
-
A Game of Thrones
- A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
- By: George R.R. Martin
- Narrated by: Roy Dotrice
- Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances....
-
-
Everybody is apparently a chain smoking old man.
- By Althea on 11-04-13
-
Armada
- A Novel
- By: Ernest Cline
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's just another day of high school for Zack Lightman. He's daydreaming through another boring math class, with just one more month to go until graduation and freedom - if he can make it that long without getting suspended again. Then he glances out his classroom window and spots the flying saucer.
-
-
Don’t let the other reviews comparing Armada to RP1 deter you from downloading this audiobook.
- By Bud on 06-21-19
By: Ernest Cline
-
The Testaments
- The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale
- By: Margaret Atwood
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, Mae Whitman, Ann Dowd, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
More than 15 years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, the theocratic regime of the Republic of Gilead maintains its grip on power, but there are signs it is beginning to rot from within. At this crucial moment, the lives of three radically different women converge, with potentially explosive results. Two have grown up as part of the first generation to come of age in the new order. The testimonies of these two young women are joined by a third: Aunt Lydia. Her complex past and uncertain future unfold in surprising and pivotal ways.
-
-
the story almost started- but then nope!
- By Josh on 11-12-19
By: Margaret Atwood
-
The Institute
- A Novel
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Santino Fontana
- Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the middle of the night, in a house on a quiet street in suburban Minneapolis, intruders silently murder Luke Ellis' parents and load him into a black SUV. The operation takes less than two minutes. Luke will wake up at The Institute, in a room that looks just like his own, except there's no window. And outside his door are other doors, behind which are other kids with special talents - telekinesis and telepathy - who got to this place the same way Luke did: Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris, and 10-year-old Avery Dixon.
-
-
Not number one, but still a really good read!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-29-19
By: Stephen King
-
Unwind
- Unwind Dystology, Book 1
- By: Neal Shusterman
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After America’s Second Civil War, the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies came to an agreement. According to their Bill of Life, human life may not be terminated from the moment of conception until the age of 13. But between the ages of 13 and 18, the child may be gotten rid of by their parent through a process called “unwinding”.
-
-
Chilling, Scary, Difficult to Read
- By Joe on 11-11-20
By: Neal Shusterman
-
The Water Dancer (Oprah’s Book Club)
- A Novel
- By: Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Narrated by: Joe Morton
- Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Young Hiram Walker was born into bondage. When his mother was sold away, Hiram was robbed of all memory of her - but was gifted with a mysterious power. Years later, when Hiram almost drowns in a river, that same power saves his life. This brush with death births an urgency in Hiram and a daring scheme: to escape from the only home he’s ever known. So begins an unexpected journey that takes Hiram from the corrupt grandeur of Virginia’s proud plantations to desperate guerrilla cells in the wilderness, from the coffin of the South to dangerously idealistic movements in the North.
-
-
UGH! I wanted SO much to like this book.
- By Carmen Lang on 01-26-20
By: Ta-Nehisi Coates
-
The 100
- The 100 Series, Book 1
- By: Kass Morgan
- Narrated by: Justin Torres, Phoebe Strole
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents - considered expendable by society - are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission. Clarke was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. Wells, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves - but will she ever forgive him?
-
-
tv series is better
- By Cody B. on 01-28-15
By: Kass Morgan
-
Thrawn (Star Wars)
- By: Timothy Zahn
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 16 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this definitive novel, listeners will follow Thrawn's rise to power - uncovering the events that created one of the most iconic villains in Star Wars history.
-
-
The Sherlock of Star Wars
- By Admiralu on 05-06-17
By: Timothy Zahn
Publisher's Summary
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute...and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
Featured Article: The Hunger Games, Explained
The Hunger Games is the series that really brought young adult dystopian fiction into the forefront of popular culture. The novels—a trilogy and a prequel, written by Suzanne Collins—are set in the fictional country of Panem. To keep its citizens in line, the Capitol of Panem forces each of the nation's 12 districts to participate in the annual Hunger Games. In this fierce competition, young representatives from each district are pitted against one another in a televised fight to the death. Here's what you need to know about the dystopian setting, the action-packed plot, and the cast of characters, led by Katniss Everdeen.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dr.
- 05-19-20
All about the narrator
I listen to audiobooks. A lot. So, I know something about narrators. A good narrator fades into the background as the characters rise through their voice, creating a seamless performance. Santino Fontana is not a good narrator. A good reader, but not a narrator. The book is read in a monotone with zero differentiation between the characters. There are several points where the characters are singing and this is not even attempted. The disconnect between the text saying that the character is singing and unemotional reading of the text is jarring. There is no good reason for a narrator this poor to be reading this book. I mean, it's the Hunger Games. They had their pick of vocal talent that they selected this guy? Now, the narrator is not going to keep me from this book. I'll probably enjoy it, too. But I will not have the immersive experience that a truly talented narrator brings to the story. It's unnecessary and a real shame.
905 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rj
- 05-19-20
The narration is the worst I’ve heard
This is the dullest , monotonous reading I’ve heard for a high anticipated book. Why did they choose such a horrible , Boeing reader !!
I will finish the story, but the narration will limit the number of listens.
Hopefully they re-record with better talent.
414 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Edgars Dumins
- 05-19-20
Bad part
Good story and interesting premise BUT the reader is not interested,he sounds bored.
I would have prefered Tatiana (original book reader) to Fontana.
311 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- amybw
- 05-19-20
struggling to get through chapter 1
Like others have said, this reader is awful.
He sounds like he is reading a mundane "same stuff, different day" news story.
Not much inflection. Pauses in the wrong places.
Almost as if he is reading a list.
No change of tone when changing to a flash back.
Character voices are barely changed.
When excitement happens at the reaping it brings about a yawn. :(
202 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Victor @ theAudiobookBlog dot com
- 05-20-20
A Powerful Prequel
Suzanne Collins, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Hunger Games Saga, invites the readers and listeners back to this beloved series with the recently released The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
With its action set 64 years before the exhilarating events in The Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel, an origin story for one of the most hateful characters in this extremely appreciated works of fiction. Coriolanus Snow is a young man down on his luck, his family fortunes are gone and he is chosen to be a Mentor for one of the kids destined to fight to the death in The Hunger Games.
Fans of this series will discover how the games were in their inception, how The Capital looked 10 years after the war and most importantly, how this renowned character, hated and despised in the original stories, started his path to power.
After his excellent performance for Stephen King's The Institute, actor, singer and narrator Santino Fontana does a great job in bringing to life the events, characters and locations in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.I enjoyed Santino Fontana's delivery of this work and I am always glad to listen to him.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a great opportunity for fans of The Hunger Games to step back into this world filled with violence, action, horrors, betrayal, dirty politics, dark secrets and unforgettable characters. Although I am not a Hunger Games fan, I think I'll pick up the series as soon as I'll get some free time as I am ''hungry'' to relive the events set after this prequel.
If you liked this review please vote Helpful below and find more of them here and on theAudiobookBlog.
I also post honest reviews at the author, narrator or publisher's request, you can get in touch with me for more details.
Thank you & stay safe,
Victor
200 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robert
- 05-19-20
Narrator is perfectly fine
Ok, I’ll be totally honest, this is JUST a review of the narrator. I am only a few minutes into the book but I can’t figure out why people are so up in arms. He’s fine. Sure, it’s been a VERY long time since I listened to the original books but compared to the hundreds of narrators I’ve listened to since 2005, this guy is fine. IMHO narrators tend to fall into two categories; those who do a lot of voices and bring a lot of acting to the performance and those who more or less read to you. This is a reader for sure but even in the first few minutes he’s already done a different voice for one character. I think most people will be fine with this narration once more people have listened.
197 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JS
- 05-19-20
Great Narrator, Engrossing Story
I'm breaking my rule of always finishing a work before writing a review because I can't believe the reviews saying that Santino Fontana doesn't provide a good performance here. Fontana gives a measured narration that fits a third-person limited perspective. Since there is no "narrator" character in this work, (unlike the originals, where the narrator is Katniss), it wouldn't make sense for Fontana to go over the top with emotion during the narration. In fact, I would argue that it would be distracting for him to do so. He still provides proper inflection during narration and dialogue.
UPDATE: I've finished the book and am really impressed with this story. It's darker and bleaker than the original trilogy, but it's still incredibly compelling. The narrative goes to a few unexpected places and the way Suzanne Collins fleshes out Snow, adding real dimension without trying to redeem him from irredeemable actions, is an incredible feat.
138 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sam
- 05-19-20
I like the narrator
I’m a big fan of Santino Fontana so I’m probably biased but I enjoy his narration. He does different voices for different characters. And he might be dry at times but I think it fits the character (or at least how far I’ve gotten). I honestly wasn’t going to bother listening to this until I saw he was the narrator. As for the story itself it’s such a weird choice for a prequel. Never while reading the Hunger Games trilogy was I like “oh Snow is so interesting I must know more about him”
107 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lynette Garet
- 05-19-20
Narration not good- turn up speed.
While the story is, as expected, good, the narrator is pretty disappointing. Up the speed to 1.1- it helps.
77 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kallensmama
- 05-19-20
poor narrator so far
Just started, but so disappointed in the narration so far! ugh I was so invested in the previous narrator that it's a difficult adjustment. We'll see how it goes..
57 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DizzyKitten
- 05-20-20
Just speed it up! - Narrator is fine
I’ve seen reviews on audible UK and US which say how terrible the narrator is. Honestly, I think audible have slowed it down because on 1x speed it is very slow and monotonous, and does not sound natural. I am listening at 1.4x speed and it sounds SO much better! He’s not monotonous at all and at this speed, it sounds like natural speech. I’d say 1.3/1.4 are the best speeds to listen at to get the most out of the narrator’s expressions and differing voices. Please don’t write this book off because of the narration reviews!! I am thoroughly enjoying it!
Edited to add: I’ve just finished it and had to come back and add to my review that I really enjoyed this book. It gives us Snow’s history perfectly and shows us exactly why he hates Katniss so much. Brilliantly done. One minute, you’re rooting for Snow, the next you want him to fail. Loved it!
41 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- M. Radford
- 05-23-20
Bad Production
Book aside, the production of this audiobook has some serious problems.
For such a highly anticipated book, you’d think they’d have edited probably and someone would have done a listen through for mistakes before publication.
The audio changes pitch and volume constantly. It is very clear where recording was stopped for one day and picked up the next. I like the narrator, but for an established stage actor, you’d think he would check is vocals.
At one point the book starts repeating itself. Half a page is read and the repeated, this happens a few times.
Really disappointed in the production.
If they re-record or even just clean up the version they have, i think it will do the book more justice.
At the moment you lose the story to the bad audio. Both author and narrator deserve better.
Please fix it!
32 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sherry
- 05-19-20
Amazon / Audible team please change the narrator!!
I cannot listen to this the way it is. Please please can you change the narrator. The whole thing is ruined, I can't get past first chapter. Thank you - I will wait....
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ciara Harding
- 05-25-20
NARRATOR
I found it hard to listen to the narrator doing female voices and speaking songs.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Michele
- 05-20-20
Not really sure
Firstly the guy that reads this is a bit bad at it. For all the singing you’d think they’d find someone a little less annoying to read it all. However I like that he sounds stuck up because it’s sounds very capitol like.
Then we get to the story.
It’s very confusing. A lot of boring parts too. I think the purpose of this was to explain some of the origins a bit better but it would have been better to focus on the rise of snow. I’m a bit annoyed that I want to root for him and see his humanity in this. I thought he was meant to be the bad guy.
There are a lot of good explanations for things and these can interest the reader. Some parts of the story are interesting but it takes a long while to see action and it’s pretty short lived. Back to confusion and a slow pace. Lucy isn’t someone I really care about further than not wanting her to lose the games.
Despite all my complaints so far it’s a good book. I’m into part 2 now and have liked it if not exactly loved it. It’s not as good as the first trilogy but it’s an ok book and I hope the writer takes whatever criticism she may get on board and improves for whatever she plans to do next. However I hope she’s also not bullied into doing a basic cash grab book as some fans seem to want this without thinking of how boring that could really be. Maybe she’ll never do anything with this story again. I’d be sad if that were the case but I hope she still improves for whatever book she does do no matter what.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-19-20
Great book but not a fan of the narrator
Not a fan of the narrator of this book. But other than that the story is great
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- S J Hollis
- 06-07-20
Terrible Narration
They chose the wrong narrator. That droning voice ruined an already bloated story. Speaking the songs in such a robotic voice was awful. "La la la, la la, la, la la la" was the last straw.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-25-20
Narrator
The main issue with this audio book was the narrator. He was bland and didn’t convey much emotion in my opinion. Also, the songs could have been sung or at least said in a more sing song way instead read as a poem.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mosco Moon
- 07-06-20
Good book, wrong voice
Book was really good! I roughly enjoyed getting to read the story from Snows perspective. It was weird to feel empathy for him at points, only to wind up loathing him at the end. If that's what the author intended, bravo, you did a good job!
Only a couple of points stopped me giving the story 5 stars. I really liked the nod of Snow hating the mocking Jay's and how that related to the hunger games... Except what started as a nod became a truck to the face as we were rammed with the reference over and over again. Only after the second hanging did his hate make sense, before that it felt misplaced and forced.
Some sections felt long and drawn out and others really quick. Like the ending flashes by in 30 mins yet there were plenty of scenes that didn't seem to have a whole lot happening that were dragged out.
I loved learning about where the hunger games started, but would have loved it more for the reasoning behind why they choose to give the winners big houses and loads of food when it felt like the capital themselves were barely making it.
Now onto the voice. Sanitino was brilliant at reading, his voice I could listen too for days and I adore the way he puts voices on for characters. But I feel a woman would have been better reading this. There were too many scenes of young girls singing and him awkwardly speaking the lyrics was jarring and pulled me from the story while I cringed. I found myself skipping songs as a result. Someone willing to sing them and do the singing of young girls better probably would have worked for this.
There were points too where it was clear the audio had been rerecorded. I get this was probably done in lockdown, but the sudden downgrade in quality of the audio only pulled me from the story again at points. For these reasons I'm giving it 3 stars.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Debbie cooper
- 05-21-20
reader was boring
the reader had very little expression in his voice . It made the story boring to listen to
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chris Joe
- 06-06-20
Not too bad, not that good either
I finished it solely for the reason that I like Hunger Games but ended up feeling it was a complete waste of time because there wasn't any part of the book that makes me feel like it's so good, I absolutely love this one. Without any spoilers, I would just say the book is filled with "Oh, okay, is that it?" moments that never evolved into something that make one's heart sings.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kirsty
- 05-23-20
Not a train smash, still better than Cursed Child
This book, was okay. I am fresh off a reread of the original trilogy, so I caught all the references to the world and lamb stew and Tigress and the Lake.
My main gripe with the audiobook is the songs, why aren't they performed as songs?? Would have made them so much better!
There were a few too many songs, could have edited a few of those out.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-20-20
Narrator was a big disappointment.
probably a lovely person in real life but horrible choice for a long anticipated book in my opinion.
however the story itself was fine perhaps a little dull but still a good addition to the series.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jasmine
- 05-26-20
My heart is sore!
Absolute killer! In the best way. This book was so epic I want to curse before every second word. The Narrator is amazing! 5 stars all around, what an awesome experience! Had me rooting for Snow, annoyed, understanding and hating him. Thank you! I hope there will be more.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jade Howard
- 05-22-20
Wow! Struggled to pause this Audio book
Loved it, met my expectations. Hopefully there will be a second book. i would highly recommend this book to Hunger Games fans. Narrator was fine the voice he put on for Lucy was a bit of putting bit done well.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Colzz
- 06-04-20
Bored
I had high hopes. I love the 3 Hunger Games books. I’ve read them several times so when this was available for pre-order I grabbed it.
It’s so incredibly boring. I’ve had to force myself to push through but it continues to be one of the most bat sh*t boring stories I’ve had the displeasure to hear on Audible.
What’s with all the bloody songs? I can only assume the author is hoping this will one be picked up as depressing broadway musical.
Very disappointed.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-25-20
Good listening, but a bit disappointing
Good listening. A lot more brutal than the other books. A lot more raw feellings from the war. Disappointed with some character development, however not surprising overall.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Steph
- 07-07-20
Not even close to the Hunger Games series
Two-dimensional characters, including the main character Snow, written without nuance. The symbolism littered throughout the book was clumsy and obvious, and the story itself was plodding and indelicate.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sean Daly
- 03-08-21
Amazing
What you know about the Hunger Games gets an origin story unlike any you could expect.
A twist or two, some emotional beats which land with full effect, characters so flawed and endearing you root for them despite it all. Amazing to think that you can actually find yourself championing for such an evil in an already broken world.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Julie A. Darcy
- 02-25-22
Wow!
What an amazing sequel to the Hunger Games. Loved it 😅 Terrific story telling. Loved the characters. Great narrator.