This book wasn't as good as the first, but it also wasn't a bad book, either... it was just good in different ways. There was a lot more about uprisings and revolting against the government, which I thought was interesting. I also liked how there was a little bit more of a love story in it, too. Being the 22-year-old hopeless romantic that I am, it was nice to see more of that in the book. The only thing I didn't like was the recap Collins gave. I realize that an author has to recap in the second book just to remind readers of what they had already read... but all the way into the 7th chapter? It got to be a little annoying. But I will say that the cliffhanger at the end was really good. And, like in the first book, there was the death of a character that really hit me and made me tear up. I can't wait to read the last book to see how the trilogy ends!