review: The Testing

The Testing Description:

It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (”Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.

My Review:

So I admit, this is very similar to another post apocalyptic, dystopian novel that was recently released as a movie.  Although the candidates in this testing don't know what they are getting into, and actually want to participate, and the candidates are at least graduates of their local schools, the premise is the same.  Kids going through a terrible ordeal in a fight to come out on top.  Many readers would stop right here and figure they have read this book already.  Don't.

Cia makes this book worth reading (much like the lead character in the all to familiar The Hunger Games).  She is sweet, caring and lovable.  We see her struggle to stay true to who she is, struggle with doing what is right despite the circumstances, struggle with new love, etc.  She really does make this book worth reading. 

The only thing I didn't like is that it's a cliffhanger.  We are left at the end of the book still scratching our heads and trying to figure out what the real purpose of the test is as well as the motives of some of the candidates.  So while you may be familiar with the story line, you will find yourself enjoying the journey from beginning to end. 

Still not sure if The Testing is for you?  Download and read the free prequel here, starring Cia's older brother.