I don't really like this opinion. While it is valid, it overlooks one of the main defining factors that makes The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes my favorite book in the series: The Capitol perspective. While I loved Sunrise-the book doesn't explore a lot more than the original trilogy did, whereas Ballad is able to introduce a whole new story never previously explored. It brings some much deeper messages forward and is truly an amazing exploration of the roots and hate and propaganda's influence on the people who consume it. It also explores the theme of social standings and shows that the grass isn't always greener.