This book left me with a bereft feeling. Overall I loved the thrilling series, but I wish there could have been slightly more hope at the end. Maybe that would have been too unrealistic, though. I love Suzanne Collins' tight writing style--every word moved the story forward. Her characterization was touching and poignant. The action/suspense was top-rate though the romance wasn't quite as compelling, in my opinion. I look forward to resuming Real Life now that the grip of this intense series has released me!