Cia is very excited, because it's her graduation day, and she will finally be an adult. She is afraid to hope that she will qualify for The Testing, and eventually be able to continue her studies at the university.
The Testing takes place in a future United States that has been decimated by massive world wars. We are several years after the final event, and people are beginning to rebuild, and are developing plants and devices to make survival a bit easier. But there are still many challenges. The government has designed tests to decide which graduates will get to go on to the university and be the future leaders of the colonies. It is a great honor to be chosen for The Testing.
Cia does end up being chosen, but her excitement is short-lived. Her father, who also went through The Testing and attended the university, gives her some alarming warnings that make Cia very apprehensive. She also realizes that she will probably never see her family again.
First of all, let's get The Hunger Games comparisons out of the way. Yes, The Testing can be compared to The Hunger Games. We have teens against a corrupt government that doesn't play fair. Our main characters are resilient, courageous, clever, and tough as nails. They overcome impossible odds, and they make you want to root against the injustice. So the feel of the story is the same.
But that's a great thing! I loved The Hunger Games. I loved The Testing too! It's a different story and very creative in its own right. The writing is excellent, the pace is spot-on, and I fell in love with Cia. The Testing kept me enrapt.
I don't want to tell you any specifics about the testing, but just know that this is good stuff. The Testing has an ending, but also we know there is more to come (for at least some of our characters.) I can't wait for the next book, Independent Study. I highly recommend The Testing and can't wait to get a copy for my library so next year I can give it to all my teens!
Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, June 4, 2013
eARC obtained from NetGalley
352 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)
Rating: 5/5
I haven't heard of this one, but am really excited by the sound of it! Thank you for reviewing it
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Testing as well and I agree with you, the similarities to The Hunger Games are a good thing! I'm very curious about a couple of things involving Tomas, but I can't say anything else without spoiling it for anyone else. Great review!
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