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  • The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

  • A Hunger Games Novel
  • By: Suzanne Collins
  • Narrated by: Santino Fontana
  • Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,140 ratings)

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

By: Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Santino Fontana
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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.

©2020 Suzanne Collins (P)2020 Scholastic Inc.

What listeners say about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

love love love

Loved this book so much it means everything and adds so much to the already amazing world of the hunger games I can’t wait for the movie

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

Loved it, I was enthralled right from the start. Definitely recommend reading this book to learn more about the capital and how the hunger games started.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Was hoping for a bit more...

Okay beginning, great middle, okay ending. Too many little things let this story down. The spoke word lyrics to songs were cringey, almost every character had two word names, the action peaks during the Hunger Games, then the tension eases off and the final four or so hours are slower paced. And the ending, although morbidly sad as intended, too many details were left unknown. Would have liked just a bit more of a climax and resolution. But still enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Conflicted But Apt Conclusion To the Hunger Games

Worth reading, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is conflicted and twisted.
Who is Snow..............

I think it could have lead to a new series but was cut short at the end.

I Don't want to ruin it but if you love the Hunger Games you need to listen to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Santino was good and like others, the songs could have been sung But perhaps this was done on purpose.

There is actually a song called the hanging tree, worth listening to.......
I will miss this series and imagine what became of Lucy.........................series extension, you tell me.
Recommended.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A great addition to the Hunger Games story

I really enjoyed hearing about the Capitol and the Hunger Games in post war Panem. It provides a nice context and backstory that allows for a deeper understanding of the original story.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

it was okay

I'm glad i got the book, it was good background info to have but i didnt washout it that much. it was a bit boring

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator was disappointing.

Really enjoyed the story but oh my god, every time the narrator put on a girls voice I wanted to put knitting needles in my ears!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent story

I enjoyed the story and the connections it made to the hunger games books. It brought new depth to the story and Snow’s character. The narrator was slightly annoying but not enough to ruin a good book.

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