The Testing, Book 1
Synopsis: 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 and 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.
Review: This is a very entertaining read.
So the whole last stage of the testing seemed absurd: who cares. It made for fun reading.
Seriously: the concept of The Testing is one that’s been done before: teens have to battle it out for survival or placement in a position they want. I knew this going in, so I wasn’t expecting originality. I started on this book with the expectation I would be entertained. And I was!
Cia is likeable enough, and the tests she and the others have to take were cool to read about. The whole world building and the testing didn’t really make sense to me, but I decided not to try to make sense of it and just enjoy the events.
And I must say that I really loved the interaction between Cia and the other teens. There were some really fun characters. Even Tomas, who seemed to be the typical teenage heartthrob, turned out to have a few tricks up his sleeves. I will confess it’s this part of the story that makes me curious how this series will continue, and I most probably will pick up the next book in the series to find out.
All in all this book is enjoyable, if not overly original. If you’re looking for an entertaining Dystopian read (and aren’t too critical) this might be your book.
Sullivan McPig
blodeuedd
I wonder about that last absurd part now
LilyElement
Glad you had a good time with it!
Tracy Terry
I’m probably a bit too critical to enjoy this but still it says something that you are left curious enough to want to read future instalments.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
This one caught my eye when it came out. And I agree, who cares if it makes no sense as long as it’s fun? That’s the stance I seem to take with a lot of YA these days 🙂
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I can easily forgive a lack of originality if I’m thoroughly entertained, and it sounds like that would be the case here! Looking forward to your thoughts on the next one if you decide to pick it up:)
Lily
Dystopian novels these days all sound the same but i’m thrilled to hear that you went into this one not expecting too much and came out enjoying it enough. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I actually have this as you know I love dystopian reads and it sounds like it provides entertainment.
Ramona
Such a wonderfully honest review – you are so refreshing, Melliane! 🙂 I’m not sure if this is the book for me, but your review? Lovely! Thank you <3
kindlemom1
This was a good read even if it wasn’t anything original. I’m glad you at least read it and gave it a chance.
Heidi
Even though I adore a good dystopian this sounds like a been there done that book, so I think it isn’t for me.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I don’t remember that much about this book, but I do remember it being fast and sort of entertaining. I also remember the stroy making very little sense, just as you pointed out.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
Usually I am okay with a book not being super original but I am getting a little tired of it.
Braine Talk Supe
Yeah, I’ll pass. I’m not a big dystopia reader anyways and when I do pick up one, I want it to be unique.
chucklesthescot
I really enjoyed this book, especially the testing phase which was interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy when time allows!
Sullivan McPig
Thanks for your comments everyone.
I was very much entertained by this book, and will certainly make sure that Melliane gets my review of the next book once i read it.
Red Iza
Ca m’a l’air d’un bouquin bien sympa, mis à part le passage absurde, mais l’histoire est un peu trop rebattue pour mon goût – je le lirai peut-être plus tard 😉
Kirsty-Marie
I don’t think I could get past the absurdness, but I do love a fun one every once and a while, I just won’t take it seriously, haha.