"The Testing #1 by Joelle Charbonneau; A Review by Anne

The Testing (The Testing #1)

by Joelle Charbonneau (Goodreads Author)

The Testing (The Testing, #1) 3.91 of 5 stars 3.91  ·  rating details  ·  2,098 ratings  ·  625 reviews

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 colle...more 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. (From Goodreads.com)

 

I read this book a few months ago and fully enjoyed it. I enjoyed the take on how the characters were accepted into university. They didn't just take the SAT, fill out an application, and write an essay. They had to be chosen. Once chosen, they were sent to the capital and put through a series of tests, if you failed, you were out. If you succeeded, you went on to the final test, a journey through the destroyed part of the city. The rules, no rules, you just needed to survive. In true dystopian...more I read this book a few months ago and fully enjoyed it. I enjoyed the take on how the characters were accepted into university. They didn't just take the SAT, fill out an application, and write an essay. They had to be chosen. Once chosen, they were sent to the capital and put through a series of tests, if you failed, you were out. If you succeeded, you went on to the final test, a journey through the destroyed part of the city. The rules, no rules, you just needed to survive. In true dystopian fashion, to the death. I enjoyed the main character, Cia, a very strong, smart, and moral young lady. She was placed in many horrifying situations, and reacted in an intelligent fashion. YEA, a smart main female character. This book went around my classroom and everyone enjoyed. If liked The Hunger Games, Legend, Matched, Divergent, try The Testing. See how hard it is to get to college.

 

Review by Anne a Yellow Book Road Teen Book Club Member