Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 197 Review
Review of “I Jerk Awake”: A Thrilling Excerpt from a Dystopian World
This excerpt from an unnamed ebook plunges the reader directly into a tense, unsettling situation. The opening line, “I jerk awake. Was that a tapping? Or did I dream it?” immediately establishes a sense of unease and disorientation. The protagonist is clearly in a place where they feel vulnerable and uncertain, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.
Atmospheric Setting and Suspense
The author masterfully crafts a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere. The detailed descriptions of the room contribute to the feeling of confinement and surveillance. “The strip of light under the door, the numbers on the bed-table clock, even the blinking green light of the device on the wall — a camera? A smoke detector? A temperature controller? — have all vanished.” This meticulous enumeration of mundane objects, followed by their sudden disappearance, heightens the sense of something being amiss. The ambiguity surrounding the “device on the wall” – is it a camera, a smoke detector, or something more sinister? – adds another layer of intrigue.
The silence that follows the disappearance of the lights and humming is even more unsettling. “Only the faint glow of the Capitol city lights through the window blinds keeps the dark at bay. The humming of the apartment has been stilled; no purring machines or soft currents break the silence. Far away, a car honks. Then nothing.” The contrast between the distant city lights and the suffocating silence within the apartment creates a palpable tension. The description of the air – “The warm, stagnant air smells like the inside of the cistern and stale supper” – further reinforces the feeling of stagnation and decay.
The Mysterious Arrival of Beetee
The tension escalates with the sound of rapping at the door. “And someone’s definitely rapping at my chamber door. Gently. I hear the turn of the knob, the brush of the wood against carpet.” The deliberate, almost hesitant nature of the rapping adds to the suspense. The arrival of Beetee, carrying a bizarre contraption – “a pair of boiled potatoes, connected to a pea-sized bulb” – is both unexpected and intriguing.
Beetee’s gesture of raising a finger to his lips, followed by a tilt of the head, immediately communicates the need for secrecy and urgency. The protagonist’s actions, “Careful not to wake anyone, I detach my hand from Lou Lou’s and slip out of the bedroom,” demonstrate a readiness to cooperate and a shared understanding of the danger involved.
A Conspiracy Unveiled
The hushed conversation between the protagonist and Beetee reveals a clandestine plan. “What are you doing here?” I ask. Beetee’s slightly short of breath. “I came up the utility steps from the third floor. Wiress knocked out the power in the building. The surveillance cameras are down. She estimates we have about ten minutes left. Are you serious about breaking the arena?”
Beetee’s revelation that Wiress has disabled the power and surveillance cameras suggests a coordinated effort to disrupt the established order. The time constraint – “about ten minutes left” – creates a sense of urgency and pressure. The final question, “Are you serious about breaking the arena?” hints at a daring and potentially dangerous plan. This line leaves the reader eager to learn more about the nature of the arena and the protagonists’ intentions.
Intriguing Questions and Hooks
This excerpt leaves the reader with several unanswered questions. Who is the protagonist? Where are they? What is the significance of the “arena”? What are the stakes involved? The author skillfully uses these questions to create a compelling hook that draws the reader into the narrative.
The brief glimpse into this dystopian world is expertly crafted, leaving the reader wanting more. The atmospheric setting, the suspenseful pacing, and the intriguing characters all contribute to a captivating reading experience. The excerpt promises a story filled with danger, intrigue, and rebellion, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.
Highlights of the Excerpt:
- Masterful use of setting to create a sense of unease and claustrophobia.
- Suspenseful pacing that keeps the reader on edge.
- Intriguing characters with hidden motives.
- A compelling hook that leaves the reader wanting more.
This is a promising start to what promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking story.
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