Monday, April 14, 2014

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau (review) and GIVEAWAY!

The Testing (The Testing, #1) 


The Testing (1)
by Joelle Charbonneau


Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult

Published: June 2013

Pages: 336

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books 
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."
Review:  I loved this book! An amazing dystopian novel that is very realistic and believable. One of the best heroines I have read about in recent years. and a world that, while devastated, is one I almost wish I could visit to see what it it like. Lucky for readers, Joelle Charbonneau does a wonderful job in her deliverance of this world to us.

This book is a first person novel from the view of Cia. Cia is a young teen who is specially selected to join in The Testing. The Testing is about selecting future world leaders or specialists of various fields. Cia's father was previously chosen and warns Cia that things may not be as they seem. Cia is a smart young woman. One of the best and well-written characters is YA fiction I have read. Down to earth, smart, compassionate, high sense or morals, dignity and more. She is not all powerful, super-strong, etc. She is your everyday person who has faith in herself. She is helpful to others yet not naive enough to trust others. She is very observant. This simplistic seeming skills are what has her standing apart from the crowd.

The imagery of this story leaves you feeling how real this world is. You can tell that this is still the US that the story takes place in. We get to see what Chicago is like in the story. We have war ravenged mutants, loss of civilization, loss of plant life, water and more and it is very well laid before us exactly to really live in Cia's reality. The world is fighting hard to correct itself. Signs of hope are everywhere yet government lords over everything with an iron grip.

While Cia makes friends, and confronts other less-than-friends, Thomas is her main constant. There is an element of romance in this book but not over the top. Although it never quite feels very real either. The main story line of the test, and Cia's goals and hope are still the focus. The pace is very consistent. There is a LOT happening in this book, but it is not overwhelmingly done. The personality and style of writing is amazing! Conspiracy, survival, friendship and more collide in the spectacular novel!

Great quote from the book that helps set the stage:
“Things don't always work out the way we hope. You just have to pick yourself up and find a new direction to go in.




I liked this book so much I want to give others a chance to read it.  I am giving away 1 copy of this book to a lucky winner!
  Book will be ordered from The Book Depository so you must live in an area the offer free shipping to.  Winner will be notified within 48 hours of giveaway ending.  They will have 48 to respond to forfeit the prize to another.  Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

48 comments:

  1. I have heard many things about this book from various blogs and booktubers. I also love the concept of this book!

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  2. I've heard a lot about it and would love to give it a try:)

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  3. This book sounds promising. The book title appeals to me the most.

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    Replies
    1. The cover combined with the title was my downfall.

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  4. This book would be perfect for my Dystopian reading challenge!!

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  5. I love dystopians and you write so many great things about this book in your review! Thanks for this amazing giveaway - I would love to win this book!

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    1. Thanks for entering! I really did love this!

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  6. This book sounds very interesting. I love YA dystopians!
    Entered Rafflecopter as Alisha Sienkiel

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  7. the premise of this book sounds amazing!

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  8. Dystopian is always my favorite. The premise of this book sounds really cool

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    Replies
    1. I am quickly getting suckered into the dystopian genre.

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  9. I really love books, especially when they are free

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  10. Dystopian + cool cover + cool main chara name? Yes please! I read her name as CIA too!

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    1. Lol. Based on the audio book I alter heard, I read it right but that would be easy to do.

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  11. Wow, awesome review. I've heard so many good things about this book and does look like it has all the elements of a great dystopian!!! Awesome cover too.

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    1. The cover is what first had me determined to get more information about it.

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  12. The whole concept of The Testing sounds amazing. Having to test to be among the chosen few who rebuilds....So many ways this story can go and I can't wait to dive in and see what happens!!

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    1. Trust no one and nothing in this! The second book really had me spinning by the end.

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  13. The Testing itself sounds like a good concept for a book. Having to test into an elite group to better the world. I can already see so many different twists and turns that this storyline can bring! Can't wait to get started!!

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    1. That concept is what drew me in yet I quickly learned there is even more that what the summary offers...

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  14. anything dystopian i'm there! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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  15. I love dystopian books and this one sounds fascinating. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  16. I havn't read anything by this author it reminds me of the new series the 100 kinda and i love that show so far so i would love to read it, i havn't really read many books like this so i would love to have the chance!! thank you so much it sounds great

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    Replies
    1. The 100? Never heard of it. Book series or tv series...?

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  17. Because the character sounds interesting

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  18. I want to read this book because I love this author's writing style and therefore I am sure this book will be awesome!

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  19. I have been wanting to read this since it came out. I even talked to the author a few times. I just haven't been able to afford a brand new book and haven't found it in a used store yet. Thank you for the giveaway!

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    1. Wow, I would love to talk to Joelle. Lucky!

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  20. I love that the main characters is strong!

    Thank you :)

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  21. Heard great things not just about this book, but the 2nd book in the series as well, so definitely dying to read it. Also, after reading the summary, your review and as a big dystopian fan, can't wait to get my hands on this one. Thanks for a chance to win it! :)

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    1. Recently finished the second book, and YES it is good too!

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  22. Heard great things not just about this book, but the 2nd book in the series as well, so definitely dying to read it. Also, after reading the summary, your review and as a big dystopian fan, can't wait to get my hands on this one. Thanks for a chance to win it! :)

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    1. Double Comment. Lol, gotta love when that happens. :) See above^^

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  23. I have heard good things about this book. Good review. <3

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  24. I have been looking at this book for awhile, but haven't picked it up yet. It does sound really good and a lot of people seem to love it. I will have to pick it up soon! Great review!

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  25. i think i have heard good things about this book, its looks like a good dystopian, one of my favorite genres *.* nice review

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  26. i love reading dystopian YA...thx u for review..i wiill put this book on my TBR list :)

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