"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to Suzanne Collins' popular "Hunger Games" series. The book follows the story of a young Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the tyrannical President Snow in the original series. The novel explores themes of power, privilege, and the corrupting influence of ambition. It has received mixed reviews, with some praising Collins' exploration of complex characters and others criticizing the lack of action and suspense compared to the original trilogy. Overall, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is recommended for older teens and adults who are fans of the "Hunger Games" series.