Once upon a blog...

I have just finished the beautiful finale to the Once upon a Broken Heart trilogy and after reading about 50 books in the last year I can place these books at number one on my favourites. I stick to romantasy (romance + fantasy) fiction as I know it is what I like and I do want to branch out. This story was brilliant from start to finish and I completed the series in 2 days reading them on the train to and from work and sitting up all night. It was honestly the best piece of fiction I have read and am not sure if it can be topped. It’s a fairytale with mysteries and betrayal and a slow burn romance between a girl named evangaline and the feared lord of hearts Jacks. With the trope of they are never meant to be with eachother because of a deadly prophecy, things unfold and secrets revealed, twisting it into a magical adventure of how far they will go for eachother. Couldn’t put it down, 10/10 recommend !!! (sorry for the waffle)

“May the odds be ever in your favor.” Welcome to the very first post of Once Upon a Blog! I’m so excited to kick this off, and what better way to begin than with a modern dystopian classic? I'm diving into The Hunger Games—a book I’ve read a thousand times but will comment as if I've never read it before. The world-building, the tension, and Katniss as a character just draw you right in. I’ll be updating this post as I go with thoughts, reactions, favorite quotes, and maybe even some wild predictions or emotional rants (because let’s face it—this story hits hard). 📚 Feel free to read along or just pop in with your own thoughts! Have you read it before? Did you love it, hate it, cry over Rue (because same)? Let’s talk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thoughts on Chapters 1–3 of The Hunger Games I’ve just finished the first three chapters and this book wastes no time pulling you straight into the gritty, unfair world of Panem. Even though I knew what was coming, the Reaping still hits hard. From the very first page, the tone is bleak, and I love how Suzanne Collins doesn’t sugar-coat anything. Katniss’s voice is sharp, observant, and grounded in survival. You immediately feel the weight of her responsibility—hunting for her family, bartering for food, and carrying the burden of being a protector at just sixteen. I already care deeply for her. The Reaping Scene This part still gives me chills. Prim's name being drawn… it’s such a gut-punch moment. You could feel the dread building, but when Katniss screams “I volunteer!” it’s such a powerful, raw scene. It says so much about her character. She doesn’t hesitate, even though she knows what it could mean. Also, Haymitch stumbling onto the stage drunk? It’s tragic and darkly humorous at the same time. You get this glimpse into how past victors carry trauma, even years later. Peeta and the Bread Flashback I forgot how much depth this moment adds. Katniss is so fiercely independent, but this quiet memory of Peeta giving her bread—the way she remembers it with shame and gratitude—is a reminder of her vulnerability and humanity. It’s subtle but important, and it sets up their complicated relationship beautifully. So far, The Hunger Games is giving survival, trauma, sacrifice, and a quiet rage bubbling underneath the surface. The Capitol’s cruelty is sickening, but the writing is so tight and compelling that you can’t stop turning the pages. 19/04/25 Thoughts on Chapters 4–5 of The Hunger Games Things are beginning to move really quickly now. After Katniss and Peeta say goodbye to district 12, they travel to the capitol. There is such a contrast between their home and the Capitol and I think it comes across overwhelming for them. We meet some new key characters including their mentor and their prep team for the games, and Katniss realises it isn't just about strength or skill but also about their appearance and how well they play the role they have been given. These chapters had such a mix of emotions, one minute I was teary-eyed, the next I was fascinated by the Capitol and all of it's weirdness. Katniss is clearly in survival mode already, but you can tell she is overwhelmed (who wouldn't be?) There's a new character (no spoilers!) who I love who is different from the rest of the Capitol. They are very genuine and kind, which I think Katniss needed in that moment . Peeta is a complex character. Is he being sweet? Is he playing a game? It makes you suspicious but, but you also makes you want to root for him. It's confusing in the best way. Also the way the outfits are described in the book? Amazing. The way they are described almost puts the films to shame, but perhaps it's because the descriptions in the book are left a little more open to interpretation. The book leans more into the fire being a part of her identity: mysterious, powerful and attention grabbing. Katniss's whole vibe at the end of chapter 5? Iconic. 21/04/20 Thoughts on Chapters 6-12 of The Hunger Games These chapters take us deeper in to the world of the Capitol and the behind-the-scenes chaos of the Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta begin to train, where they learn more about the tributes and the competition. There’s a lot of pressure to stand out to try and impress the sponsors, which adds a whole new level of survival, as well as already trying to physically survive. The public interviews happen and then finally the games begin. The tone shifts dramatically by the end of this section and get very intense very quickly.   The training scenes are so interesting – seeing how different all the tributes are and how much strategy goes into every single move they make. It’s not just about being the strongest but also about popularity. How to be seen. How to be liked. It’s kind of fascinating and also really sad. There’s a moment in the interviews that always catches me off guard because it really is a big shift from how intense it is (no spoilers here). Big twisty feelings. I love how it shakes things up a bit. Katniss is amazing during training. She’s got this mix of quiet confidence and also complete awkwardness about her that makes her feel so real.   By the end of Chapter 12, things get super serious. The tone really shifts and you can feel the danger now. My stomach always gets in knots reading this book! The way it’s so gripping and so incredibly detailed, it’s almost like you’re there. 22/04/25 Thoughts on Chapters 13-20 of The Hunger Games   We’re fully inside the arena now, these chapters dive more into the realities of surviving the Hunger Games. Not just physically but also emotionally. Katniss is constantly on edge, trying to figure out who she can trust and how to stay alive. There is one very memorable alliance that made me want to cry and cheer at the same time. These chapters really highlight how cruel the Games are, but also how human the tributes still are, despite everything.   This section was really intense. There’s a lot more action now, but what really stood out to me was the emotional stuff. Katniss has to make some really tough choices, and you can tell it’s taking a toll on her.  Also, there were a few moments that completely broke my heart (if you know, you know). But there were also some really beautiful scenes that showed so much heart and strength. I love that this story doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it still gives us moments of light.   Honestly, I flew through these chapters. It’s the kind of story where you keep saying “just one more” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. If you’re reading along, I’d love to know—what part hit you hardest? And who are you rooting for right now?