sdevore77's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was definitely an interesting read with cliff hangers at the end of every chapter.
I enjoyed reading it, however, to say that this book is unique from others I have read would be a lie. If you’ve read books like Divergent or Maze Runner, the plot is mostly the same.
There is more focus on the plot rather than the characters. I wish there was more background written for the characters so we can see how they grow. There is little to no character development making it difficult to get to know the characters. Hopefully I’ll see more of this in future books.
Overall it is not a terrible read. I never felt like I wasted my time, but don’t be surprised if the plot seems familiar.
I enjoyed reading it, however, to say that this book is unique from others I have read would be a lie. If you’ve read books like Divergent or Maze Runner, the plot is mostly the same.
There is more focus on the plot rather than the characters. I wish there was more background written for the characters so we can see how they grow. There is little to no character development making it difficult to get to know the characters. Hopefully I’ll see more of this in future books.
Overall it is not a terrible read. I never felt like I wasted my time, but don’t be surprised if the plot seems familiar.
bhiegel's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
raemelle's review
4.0
Entertaining! Very similar to Hunger Games - not sure if I was more impressed with Hunger Games because the content was more clever, or because it was the first dystopian YA book of this style that I'd read. Maybe both. But The Testing was still one of the better YA dystopian novels I've come across! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
rebeccawolfe's review
3.0
I think teens will like this. Probably the closest I've seen to The Hunger Games. Brutal. Compelling protagonist. Page turner. But the evil government's sadism is never explained at all. In HG, it was explicit that it was to keep the colonies in line. Plus, the kids are killers when it's not clear it's necessary for survival; that is disturbing.
kaj1001's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
shannanwithana's review
5.0
Here's my 10 second review:
1. This is not a copycat story: When they say you’ll like this series if you liked the Hunger Games that’s totally true. But this story can stand on it’s own two feet. If you like young adult dystopians and want solid characters and a fast paced plot, you have to read this series.
2. You’ll have to read the whole trilogy right away: I tried to finish another book I had started. No luck. After a couple pages I dove into Independent Study I had to know what happened next.
3. You’ll Question the “Grey Zone”: Charbonneau does a great job of mixing the black and white of life together till there is so much grey you don’t really know what you should believe. I love books that push boundaries and make me struggle through the messiness of life. This series does just that.
For my full review check out my blog: shannanwithana.com
1. This is not a copycat story: When they say you’ll like this series if you liked the Hunger Games that’s totally true. But this story can stand on it’s own two feet. If you like young adult dystopians and want solid characters and a fast paced plot, you have to read this series.
2. You’ll have to read the whole trilogy right away: I tried to finish another book I had started. No luck. After a couple pages I dove into Independent Study I had to know what happened next.
3. You’ll Question the “Grey Zone”: Charbonneau does a great job of mixing the black and white of life together till there is so much grey you don’t really know what you should believe. I love books that push boundaries and make me struggle through the messiness of life. This series does just that.
For my full review check out my blog: shannanwithana.com
georgiaartz's review
2.0
A stereotypical dystopian story that only becomes worth reading in the last 80 pages. The beginning is extremely slow and hard to get through, especially because there is very little dialogue actually written out and you're just getting everything explained to you from the main character. Also, the author has tried to cram way too much into one short (ish) novel and a lot of big moments or events are very quickly glazed over in a few pages. Although there are some interesting twists at the end, I will not be reading the next book.