After finishing this book, I was a little surprised how many people told me it would be a let-down. I think it was my favorite of the series. I felt more emotional responses while reading this than in the other two. I had no idea how it was going to play out, so the story remained exciting.

Spoiler

I am glad Katniss didn't have an epic showdown with Snow or a particularly happy ending; first, because it would have been what was expected and second, I don't think Katniss really deserved such closure or happiness. She was kinda a bitch for most of the series (which even she admits to), and a happy ending would have felt disingenuous.

Suzanne Collins is an excellent author and was able to keep her characters and story very grounded and realistic. I am wholly satisfied with this series. A LOT happens in this third book, so I'm actually kind of glad the movie will be split in two.