Review: Graduation Day by: Joelle Charbonneau

Graduation Day (The Testing #3) by: Joelle Charbonneau (June 2014)

304 pages

Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Source: The library

Purchase: Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In a scarred and brutal future, The United Commonwealth teeters on the brink of all-out civil war. The rebel resistance plots against a government that rules with cruelty and cunning. Gifted student and Testing survivor Cia Vale vows to fight. But she can't do it alone. This is the chance to lead that Cia has trained for - but who will follow? Plunging through layers of danger and deception, Cia must risk the lives of those she loves - and gamble on the loyalty of her lethal classmates.

My Review

Graduation Day is how every young adult trilogy should end, strongly. With even more tests and enough action guaranteed to never let you become bored, this trilogy deserves to be read.

Graduation Day begins right where the last book, Independent Study, left off. This left me a little confused at first since I couldn't clearly remember everything that happened and everyone that was in the previous novel. Luckily a few more pages in and I felt refreshed and quickly emerged back into Cia’s world. The politics and tests were back in full force and I was full of anticipation.

Cia is just as clever as ever in this final installment. She continues to be a strong leader. I missed her character a great deal. I thought all of the other characters were interesting and complex as well, it’s just too bad we didn’t get more time with Cia and Thomas together. I like their relationship and I don’t mind that it is in the background since more important things are going on, but it would have been nice to see them together a little more, making their relationship more real. That and only one small thing made this read only 4.5 stars instead of 5. There is one thing that happens in the book that kind of rubbed me the wrong way, but that was it. (I don't want to mention it since it would be a spoiler.) I also started to catch on to the big ending sooner rather than later so no huge surprise this time, but that didn't bother me since I was never 100% sure until the end anyway.

The Testing trilogy is one young adult dystopian that shouldn’t be overlooked. The first book may seem a little too much like The Hunger Games, but I can guarantee that each book becomes more unique. The best thing Graduation Day has to offer, (finally) a strong solid ending to a young adult dystopian trilogy.

ARC Review: The Testing by: Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing by: Joelle Charbonneau (June 4, 2013)

336 pages

Genre: YA/Dystopian
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books

Source: I received a free copy from Houghton Mifflin Books for my honest review.

Purchase: Barnes and Noble |  Amazon

Goodreads 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.

My Review

The Testing is a dystopian novel that will give you something to talk about. A gripping read with a heroine that can outsmart the best of them. The Testing shouldn’t be passed up, plunge in and take a deep breath, you will feel the stress of the characters as they embark on The Testing, the hardest test they will ever take. Sharpen your pencils and prepare to fight for your life.

Some may say that the parallels between The Testing and The Hunger Games are too similar, but being a huge Hunger Games fan this didn’t bother me, because I loved The Hunger Games so why wouldn’t I love a book that is similar? There are still enough unique elements in The Testing that the similarities shouldn’t bother you, if anything it should make you love the book even more, but everyone is different.

You know that saying, curiosity killed the cat? Oh boy, I was so overly curious about everything going on in this novel right there with the characters, and sure enough curiosity can get you killed in The Testing. They just want you to follow their rules and play their game. Step out of line and who knows what is waiting for you on the other side.

The female heroine, Cia, is everything you could want in a strong central character. She is clever, nice, strong, and will do anything and everything to survive. I was rooting for her from day one and was awed by her cleverness and how well she played the game. Although her love interest, Tomas, isn’t overly amazing and their relationship is somewhat strange at times, he still adds a little something to the story. Cia’s family is an interesting bunch and I wish we would have had more time with them, I think her father holds the key to some of the secrets surrounding the government and their test. There are several other minor characters and all I can say about them, be careful about who you trust.

The Testing is filled with suspense and action. My palms were sweaty and I was on high alert while reading the whole book. Be warned, some of the scenes are brutal and bloody. There are several WTF moments and many moments where I had to ask myself, did that just happen? Don’t worry, although this is an intense novel, there are several points of humor done well and used when needed to add some comic relief.

Oh and the ending will have you wishing the next book was already out. I have no idea how I’m going to be able to wait a year before the next book. The Testing turned out to exceed my expectations and give me hope in the dystopian genre. Heck, the second book may even be better from the first, and that is saying something. Although this novel isn’t perfect I still feel the need to give it five stars because I enjoyed it so much.

So what are you waiting for? Get a copy of The Testing and see for yourself how this new dystopian trilogy is better than many.

** Thanks Houghton Mifflin Books for an ARC copy of The Testing!

RATING 5/5 

Waiting on Wednesday #6: The Testing by: Joelle Charbonneau

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I'm Waiting On...

The Testing by: Joelle Charbonneau

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads 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.

Just read the synopsis and you will know why I want to read The Testing. 

What are you waiting on?