Feasted On: The Testing Trilogy, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 325; Kindle Edition - File Size: 464 KB | Expected Release Date: June 4, 2013 | Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Testing" [The Testing Trilogy, Book 1] by Joelle Charbonneau

My Book Summary : All of her life Malencia (Cia) wanted to go to University like her father did. However, being the youngest in her graduating class (at sixteen-years-old) and because none of her older brothers were ever chosen once they graduated it's highly unlikely that she will be invited at all. That is until the day after her graduation she is accepted!

Now her life is changing by the hour...
... she gets accepted then told that she needs to leave the next morning -- knowing that she may never see her family again
... she's told that other than her clothes she can only bring with her two additional personal items with her
... the night that she gets accepted her father informs her to be on guard no matter what because he doesn't remember his time during "the testing" only that he suffers from nightmares of his roommate getting blown up (which may or may not be real)

Once she leaves for the testing she immediately notices that she's being watched at all times because of the hidden cameras she locates along the way and in her dorm room. The things she learns from the testing make her believe in her father's fears and question everything she sees. And even though her dad told her not to trust anyone, Cia can't help but be thankful for confiding in her friend Tomas, which makes their relationship become that much closer.

However, as she passes each test things at the testing becomes trickier and trickier. Will she be able to put the knowledge she's learned and to good use or will her trust, knowledge, and kind heart get her into more trouble then she wants?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this unique dystopian society takes a girl on the ride of her life while she learns that everything she may have wanted for her future isn't what she originally thought it would be...

Okay, I'll begin this review by saying I have never nor do I ever think I will read the "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins not that I haven't heard great reviews of it, I have, it's just the description has never interested me. Yet, I have watched The Hunger Games movie so I can understand a bit why so many people seem to be comparing "The Testing" to "The Hunger Games" because of the basic setup, girl gets accepted to advance her life by getting into a testing that if she passes she can get herself to go to University. Nevertheless, after a few chapters into "The Testing" the comparison stopped for me while I was thrown into an intense suspenseful novel I could not get enough of.

I thoroughly was swept away throughout this girl power novel! I loved Cia and I hope her feelings for Tomas won't get her into trouble in book 2! Cia is the kind of girl that tries to help everyone she meets (until they turn on her) in some way or another, while being smart enough to "beat the system" if need be. Yet, as the novel goes on Cia finds that even "beating the system" can become harder and harder especially when knowing that everything she is sure to learn about her testing and the administrators holding them will go away if she passes when they take her memories away, unless she finds a way to beat them from doing that too...

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys girl empowerment books that have a little romance throughout while she fights to protect herself, her friends, and her family.

Author's Novel Extras : The Testing - Publisher Overview

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing Excerpt by Joelle Charbonneau

Author's Series Extras : FREE Prequel to The Testing called The Testing Guide | The Testing Series - Author Overview | The Testing Series - Publisher Overview


Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

"Did you get any sleep?"
"Some." Interspersed with anxious dreams.
"More than likely, Flint is right. The dreams are just dreams."
"I hope so."
"So do I." He laces his fingers through mine as we trek uphill. "You're smart. You're strong. I have every faith you'll pass whatever test they give you. Just don't let the other candidates psych you out. Some of the kids from my colony were vicious. They'd do anything to be number one."
"Like what?" Staying up all night to study was common in my class. I'd done it a few times myself.
"Poison was a favorite tactic of a couple of the girls in my class."
I stop walking. "Poison?"
"Not enough to kill. Just enough to make someone too sick to sit for a test. By my final year, I was careful to eat only what I brought with me to school."
"Were they punished?"
My father gives a sad smile. "They were smart enough not to get caught. But even if they had been, I doubt they would have gotten more than a reprimand. It's hard to punish kids for trying to pull their family out of poverty." ~ within Chapter 4

His eyes turn and meet mine. And I know. The disbelief and anger in his eyes tell me I was right not to trust him. I just wish I figured out the truth sooner. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Joelle, then please check out her website.