The Testing

Starred review from April 29, 2013
Making the jump from adult mysteries to YA, Charbonneau (the Rebecca Robbins series) launches a dystopian trilogy reminiscent of the Hunger Games. Cia Vale is one of four teens chosen to represent her small colony at the annual Testing, an intensive mental and physical examination aimed at identifying the best and brightest, who will go on to the University and help rebuild their shattered world. Forewarned not to trust anyone, Cia nonetheless forms a tentative partnership with resourceful Tomas, with whom she shares an unexpected emotional connection. As the Testing pushes its candidates to the breaking point and beyond, the body count rises, forcing Cia and her friends to fight for survival. The rising tension, skillfully executed scenarios, and rich characterizations all contribute to an exciting story bound to capture readers’ imaginations. However, it’s the last-minute revelations, a cliffhanger laden with potential, and the intriguing status quo of Cia’s world that will bring readers back for the next installment. Charbonneau works action, romance, intrigue, and a plausible dystopian premise into a near-flawless narrative. Ages 12–up. Agent: Stacia Decker, Donald Maass Literary Agency.

The even pacing and somber voice of Elizabeth Morton introduces the dystopian world of the United Commonwealth, formed after the Seven Stages War destroyed the land. In order to attend University, one must be chosen for the Testing. Despite her father's ominous warnings, Cia is thrilled when she's selected after graduation. Morton's voices for Cia and Tomas, her childhood friend, are clear and distinct, but the other characters sound flat and too similar. The drama of the story is intense, rising exponentially as the characters pass each stage of the Testing. Despite this intensity, Morton's narration remains flat and fails to capture the story's horror, violence, and terror. M.F.T. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-With the echoes of "Happy Graduation Day" still in her ears, 16-year-old Cia Vale tries to swallow her disappointment when she is not selected as a Testing candidate, which means she will probably spend the rest of her days in rural Five Lakes Colony, where she and her four older brothers grew up. Cia's dad was a Testing candidate, but his memories of the experience were erased, returning only in occasional nightmares. It's not that Cia doesn't like her farming community. She appreciates that they are dedicated to restoring fertility to the land after the Seven Stages of War and making better use of resources for the good of the United Commonwealth. But Testing meant a chance for greater things, starting with attending the University in Tosu City. Suddenly, Cia and three classmates receive word that they have been selected. From this point on, the first title (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013) in a projected dystopian trilogy by Charbonneau is a detailed chronicle of the various tests, from psychological to physically exhausting. The influence of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games (Scholastic) is obvious, as some candidates go to deadly lengths to gain an advantage, while others show more kindness. Cia teams up with Tomas, and they find their mutual crush is turning to love. Narrator Elizabeth Morton uses an earnest and measured tone for Cia, which suits her no-nonsense personality, although it slows down the pacing a bit. She also interjects accents ranging from Valley Girl to almost mechanical when the officials recite lists of rules to be followed. Fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy every sly twist and careful detail of the story. A free prequel that adds even more enjoyment to the book is available online at http: //ow.ly/nSKC8.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

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