The Testing- by: Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing-By: Joelle Charbonneau

Summary: Malencia Vale, a mechanical engineer (she just graduated high-school) student was chosen for the testing. Taking after her incredibly successful father (as successful as you can be in a town that only has 900 people in it, and is as dry sandpaper). After staying up all night packing only the essentials, she is no ready to embark on her journey to the university. Cia (Malencia) gets to the field where the skimmer sits, waiting to bring them to the Testing Center in Tosu City. Having seen hidden cameras on the bus during the ride, she is already having doubts about her security. 1st  Test: Written Tests… makes her nervous, but she does well. 2nd Test: More writing… 3rd Test: Puzzles, stuff she knows extremely well. devastating, he dies… 4th Test: Cia definitely learns more than what to do when and irradiated human attacks her and her boyfriend… Don’t know what that means? Read to find out...

Review: Let me just start by saying “READ THIS BOOK!” If that is the only thing you take away from reading this review, I’ve done my job. It’s suspenseful, page-turning, and most of all engaging. For example, instead of having one message throughout the whole book, there are many mini-messages that make you look closer at who you are and who you’re becoming. You will definitely learn a lot, cry a lot (or at least I did), and laugh a lot while reading this book.

I’m going to introduce you to the brains (and brawn) behind this amazing book! Ms. Joelle Charbonneau! This author is obviously very creative! She comes up with these crazy twists-and-turns that make you stomach do somersaults each time you come across one and keep you interested in the book until the very last word! Charbonneau is also very smart in other areas besides writing. Such as, engineering (YOU GO GIRL!) and history. She goes into so much detail about how they build things and what happened before the “Four Stages of War” (wants to learn more? Read the book!). That, in my opinion, is one of the most important requirements to be and author. Have background information, and not just know stuff about being an author, but having other skills outside of writing.

The author has done a great job of writing a book that mixes together three of the most enjoyable genres. Futuristic, Romance, and Comedy. Making this one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read. I think a lot of pre-teens/teenagers will love this book, because it’s very similar to some of the best-selling books. Hunger Games (series) by Susan Collins and Divergent, by Veronica Roth, which I know many of you love more than anything else in the world!

My favorite character would have to be Cia (Malencia Vale as stated in the summary). I’ve always loved strong female characters in a book. She’s so smart and independant that you can’t help but laugh when bosses a guy around and  they listen! Though she’s strong she still has that feminine charm that makes Thomas (Endress) fall in love with her. Yes… there is some romance!

I recommend this book to all 11-16 year olds, because I know you’ll love it! I don’t think you’ll love it, I know you’ll love it! And wait, it gets better… It’s a series!!! I’m currently reading the next book in the series (there are three) Independent Study. Yes, it is better than the first. Which is saying something, because the first one is so amazing!!! And I know that you’re saying in your mind “Why is it amazing??” Well the answer to that is, you’ll just have to read to find out! Gotcha!