Friday, February 20, 2015

Book Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau


The Testing

By Joelle Charbonneau
Reviewed by Reece
4.5 stars

“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.”
 


The Testing strongly reminded me of The Hunger Games, and a little bit of The Selection. It had its ups and downs. It reminded me of The Selection because each person has to compete for a spot in the University, for a job that could help you make a difference in the world. There were more than 150 participants at the beginning of their tests. Only 20 can make it. Did I mention each test could possibly kill you? In some very gruesome ways? Yeah, you might not be able to tell from the cover, but this book has a LOT of deaths.

The only problem I had with the book was that I thought the romance part was unnecessary. You could always tell that Cia liked Tomas, and that Tomas liked Cia, but that is one of the reason The Testing seems like The Hunger Games. The 2 of them had to keep up their romance for who was listening. Who was listening, and how did they do it?

Well, each contestant has a metal bracelet baring an emblem that is specifically made for that person. The bracelets’ have tiny speakers built into them so the professors can listen in on what’s doing. Cia did question if there were cameras too, but it was never proven.

Another Hunger Gamesy thing was the fact of everyone being able to kill the other, or team up. I really liked The Testing, but I did feel like Joelle Charbonneau tried to recreate The Hunger Games.

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