The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Quick answers about The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

What is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes about?

Set decades before the original trilogy, this is the story of an eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow in a capital still scarred by war. He is assigned to mentor a tribute from District 12 in the tenth Hunger Games, and his ambitions are on the line.

Who should read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?

Read it if you want a villain-origin story about how charm and ambition curdle. Skip it if you want a rebellion tale like the original trilogy, since the main character is no hero.

How long and how fast is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?

It is a medium-paced, long read of about 541 pages, first published in 2020.

Does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have content warnings?

Content we flag: Violence, Death, War, Child death.

Can I borrow The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for free?

Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes; the borrow button above searches it for you.

What should I read after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?

Readers who liked it often move on to The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, Red Rising.