The Testing

The Testing
by Joelle Charbonneau

From the publisher:
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust."

I really enjoyed this book. The idea of the testing was intriguing, I felt very connected to the characters- even the secondary family members - and I thought the world building was really good. There was a lot of tension wondering who to trust and whether the main character was making the right decision. Is this book completely and totally original? No. But the dystopian genre is flooded with books that all resemble each other. There were similarities to other books in the genre, but there were...moreI really enjoyed this book. The idea of the testing was intriguing, I felt very connected to the characters- even the secondary family members - and I thought the world building was really good. There was a lot of tension wondering who to trust and whether the main character was making the right decision. Is this book completely and totally original? No. But the dystopian genre is flooded with books that all resemble each other. There were similarities to other books in the genre, but there were also some really original plot points, and the ending blew me away! How is everything going to work out? I'm very glad the next book in the trilogy is now out, and the last comes out in June. No waiting a whole year in between! I strongly recommend this one! Areas of concern: There is violence, but it wasn't as graphic or as intense as The Hunger Games or Divergent . There were a few kisses and a handful of cuss words.  Suggested Ages: Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12+ School Library Journal - Grades 7+