The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352

Summary: 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.

My Thoughts: I picked this novel up for the first time about 3 months ago. I read the first few pages on a road trip, and then I set the book down. I never did get back to it until now. Why in the heck did I wait to read it? I loved it!

We are introduced to Cia who lives with her family. Her dad is great at growing things and it helps the community out a lot. The United States is basically set up in communities and everyone strives to make their community better and a good place to live. Some communities live in poverty, while others at least can eat.

But the most valuable thing is getting chosen for The Testing. Nobody has gotten chosen from her little part of the world in years. She doesn’t understand why her brother wasn't chosen last year, he’s really smart.

Well, this year Cia and a few others are chosen. Including a boy named Tomas. He and Cia have known each other most of their lives. They aren’t really that close but they get along.

Well, Cia gets chosen and gets taken to The Testing. Basically, each student will go through many tests. If they don’t succeed there is a risk of dying. The last test they are all taken to Chicago and they have to make their way back to the place The Testing is held. Sound easy? You would think so, but with no cars, and not many supplies this is quite the task. People will die, people will fight, its hectic out there.

Cia also realizes there is so much more to this process than she could have ever imagined. At times I was happy to see things progress with Tomas, but at other times I just wanted to cry for Cia. Very emotional time for me.

I loved all the characters and getting to know their personalities. I loved how smart Cia is. She sees things others don’t see. She’s caring. She’s nice. And, she’s brave. I loved seeing all the tests even though they didn't all end too smoothly.

The Testing was a wonderful debut and I can’t wait to read more of this story! A lot of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

Most of all, I liked Cia and Tomas together and I’m glad most of the story revolves around the two of them together.

Overall: Loved it! Read it within a few days and enjoyed it so much. I loved the characters and the plot. I loved how everything was described pretty intently.

I enjoyed the flow of the story and now I need to read the next one to see what happens!

Cover: Like it! I like the colors.

What I’d Give It: