Looking for a new dystopian novel to add to your collection? The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau combines all the classic components of dystopian novels (corrupt government, some catastrophic event that destroyed the world, survival of the fittest mindset) as well as elements that are uniquely her own. I don't think anyone can disagree that the most popular books at the moment are the dystopians, and because there are so many of them right now it's hard to find one that actually stands out. Ms. Charbonneau creates a strong character with a voice that refuses to be ignored and a future world that is completely believable. It took me a little bit to actually get into the book (as it usually does for me) but once I made it past the first couple chapters I was hooked! This is definitely going on my Christmas wish-list (*hint hint, Mother*)
After all the nations of the world are destroyed by the Seven Stages War, what's left of the United States picks itself up and builds itself back up with whatever is left over (I must admit, authors have a lot more faith in the American people than I do, even though it always ends in a corrupt government. If you ask me, we're all just going to die. Why yes, I do see the glass half empty. Why do you ask?) Obviously the smartest step to take is enlisting those with special talents in areas where they will be the most useful. Even those who don't stand out are used to help rejuvenate the land. But just because no one is useless, not everyone is cut out for higher up positions. Those who show promise will be sorted out through their high school grades, and those who are cut out for the University will be sorted out through The Testing.
It has always been Cia Vale's dream to follow her father's footsteps and be accepted for The Testing - not to mention that her sector of the United Commonwealth hasn't had a Testing candidate in so many years. But even though her sector is small, it's not like there aren't geniuses around. One of Cia's brothers is probably the smartest person she knows, and she was sure he would have been chosen for The Testing... but he wasn't. And when the time comes, he isn't even acknowledged as having a huge part in one of the most important rejuvenation projects. It isn't until she's already in too deep that Cia realizes that maybe someone had deliberately kept them from being recognized by the United Commonwealth. Because no one ever remembers their Testing - their memories are wiped afterwards - and the candidates never see their families again.
But Cia's father thinks he remembers bits and pieces from his Testing. And what he remembers isn't what any of them are expecting, or prepared for.
The Hunger Games had a love triangle, but it wasn't the focus of the books. Divergent has a stand-alone plot, but there's also a strong love interest. The Testing falls somewhere between the books when concerned with love: although there is a love interest, it isn't the focus of the book. And I think that is what I liked the most about it. When you're faced with life or death situations, your first thought isn't "Oh my goodness, that boy is cute!" But the idea isn't completely lost in this book, and love is what motivates some, if not most, of Cia's decisions.
I think I'll give The Testing 4.5 out of 5 stars.
And again, if you love dystopians: Read it. You'll thank me.
