Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau

Author: Joelle Charbonneau
Title: Independent Study 
Series: The Testing #2
Publication: January 7, 2013
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Genre: Dystopia
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
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In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization. In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.

Cia's beginning to remember pieces of what occurred during the Testing and it's difficult to look into the smiling faces of her friends wondering which one turned murderous to get chosen for the University. She's also stressed about the exam that will decide her future and the results are unexpected and troubling. Now, she’s joined with Tosu students that see her and the other colony graduates as inferior but Cia will prove that she is a formidable opponent. Cia's curiosity about her new environment puts her in trouble and now she's being watched by the school officials. In order for her to learn more, she has to trust those around her and seek the answers that will lead to the truth about the Testing. Cia doesn't want to be a leader at times and she's afraid but I think that's a good natural response and she really thrives in this atmosphere when she needed to do so. She will eventually have to come to terms with her destiny and decide to fall in line or rebel for the greater good. "Failure is not an option" but one thing she may learn is that death’s certain, if she fails.

I like Cia, her vulnerability makes her a strong yet relatable character and she's a smart and intuitive female heroine. She's not one of those girls that will head into danger without thought but she’s actually logical about her actions, which makes her a great leader in this story. Throughout the story, she has questions and doubts about the government and the recording of herself describing details of the Testing but it doesn't stop her forward progress in her program. Cia has it tough in this book, so many of her Tosu peers are against her and the other colony students being there. She's one of few that grasps that the Testing hasn't really ended but is constantly going on, though this is the problem...she catches on too quickly and people begin to suspect that she remembers something that happened in the Testing. Now, I read the book and I don't remember what she did but my curiosity is sparked because it has the higher-ups on edge.

I liked the pace of this book and the writing. The characters each have their own quirks that make them stand out in the book. Cia and her boyfriend struggle in this book as she's not sure if she can truly trust him but it's interesting how they deal with this conflict especially since they're separated into different programs. Overall, this is a good quick read with action, romance and betrayal that I think any dystopia lover will enjoy.

Review & Giveaway: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Author: Joelle Charbonneau 
Title: The Testing
Publication: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
~Website

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.

Cia Vale graduation marks the transition from childhood to being a contributing an adult. It's been years since someone from her community has been chosen for Testing yet Cia is hopeful that this graduating class will be different and that she will be amongst those chosen. It doesn't happen the way she hoped but Cia does get her wish but her family is not as excited as she believed should be and even her father, though proud of her, he seems wary about her being selected. Cia's joy deflates as her father shares a glimpse of his experience with the Testing, although he is not even certain about what transpired when he went through himself but he cautions her to just be careful. Trust will be the key to her survival for it is a test in itself. Can Cia pass or will it all in failure?

Cia is a great character with flaws but she has this strength that's endearing. She’s smart and observant whereas some of the other candidates are cocky and indifferent. She gradually begins to see that the Testing isn't what she hoped and may be much more sinister than she could ever dream. Tomas, her love interest, I liked him a little in the beginning but there is something about him that doesn't seem right. Shoot, some of the other candidates, how they do some of the things they do, makes me wonder if they even have a conscience. The Testing makes me think of the Hunger Games and I'm conflicted trying to decide if I like Cia or Katniss better.  Katniss's circumstances made her harder and seem emotionally detached; whereas Cia grew up not necessarily privileged but she didn't lack for food....it is the Testing that changes her outlook on the world but not her character (I don't know if that makes sense). This book is fantastic and I found it hard to put down! The writing is so fluid and the characters are interesting. Overall, I think readers who loved the Hunger Games and books similar to it, will enjoy this book. 

About the Author
Joelle Charbonneau began telling stories as an opera singer, but these days she finds her voice through writing. She lives near Chicago with her husband and son and when she isn’t writing, works as an acting and vocal coach. Visit www.joellecharbonneau.com. 

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