The Testing (The Testing #1) by Joelle Charbonneau - Restarting April 20th 2018

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one and the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

The Testing (The Testing #1) by Joelle Charbonneau will be our 4th GBR for May 2017.

Please read at your own pace, and hide any spoilers ☺ You are welcome to join at any time during the month ☺

Happy Reading Everybody!

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Pre-Reading Questions -

Anybody got any thoughts on this one before we start?

Has anyone read anything similar to this before?

Anybody read anything else by this author previously?

[Jason]

Olivia wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Pre-Reading Questions -

Anybody got any thoughts on this one before we start?

Has anyone read anything similar to this before?

Anybody read anything else by this author previously?..."

You can get it on Kindle, that's how I got mine :) Can't wait for this, it's going to be awesome!

[Julie]

This is such a good book! I highly recommend it!

[Tavia]

I actually just found the book today at a thrift store so I'm excited 😊

[Abi]

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Reading from the 15th of October 2017

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[Maddie]

So I'm around 25% in and it's so good so far! Pleased I'm finally getting to it!

(view spoiler)[I love Thomos (listening to audio so forgive the spelling), he sounds so cute XD I picture him like a guy called Thomos I know (and yes who I had a slight crush on), which helps me like him more. I kind of get vibes from Xandry which make me not like her. Same with her roommate. I just hate the narrators' voice she puts on when her roommate speaks. Makes her sound like a typical mean annoying bitch, but yet she's described as mostly geniune? Idk.

So keen to see what kind of Tests they have! Almost feeling a little like Fire & Flood. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Around 60% (probably just less but don't want you to read it and get spoilers if I'm wrong) (view spoiler)[Wow this is getting crazy! Those first 3 Tests, with the deaths of her roommate and Malikai! And then sneaky Roman! I never would have even contemplated that someone would do something like that!
And now I'm pleased that Thomos and her met up and are together on their road trip! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I'll be finishing this up tomorrow.

[Maddie]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[Hhhhmmm what's Thomos keeping to himself?? Interesting.

I couldn't help smiling though when he called her beautiful.

And I wonder about their benefactor giving them food! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[Oh my gosh Will!! Probably would have realised this if I'd read the physical book, but audios always give me the plot twists properly, as actual plot twists XD (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Finished (view spoiler)[That ending was amazing. It's so obvious that she'd get through, so I kind of hate how they make us wait and see. Like hello, she's the MC, of course she'll get through. Seriously wonder what's up with Thomos though, and how he might have killed Xandry! And I'm so pleased she recorded herself. (hide spoiler)] Can't wait for #2!

[Maddie]

Review: Initially gave 4 stars, swapped to 5. It was just amazing. I knew, based on the cover, that I’d like it. And the fact it’s been on my TBR for a long while. And the fact it’s got tests and eliminations. I’m a sucker for things like the HG :p So any recommendations I’m open.
There were also a lot of plot twists that I found actually surprising. But then again I did listen to the audio, and I find plot twists more ‘twisty’ when I listen to the audio, I suppose because I can’t afford to think ahead or I lose focus on what’s currently happening.
The characters in this weren’t really anything special, and as soon as the love’s introduced it’s not surprising what happens, but what I found surprising was how she actually figured out, during that group test, that Roman had betrayed them. And how Will was a traitor as well. But that ending, with her listening to her memories, and of how she thinks it was Xandry’s blood on the knife! What! I wonder how that will be explained away. Can’t wait for #2.

[Jenn]

Finally starting this one, only 6 days after the buddy read start date lol.

Chapters 1-5: (view spoiler)[ Already sucked in. I really like both Cia and Tomas, and really hope that Tomas is trustworthy. Her father's words really have me worried and I want to know what kind of testing they are going to put these kids through! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Going to just comment on your thoughts too XD

[Maddie]

Jenn wrote: "Finally starting this one, only 6 days after the buddy read start date lol.

Chapters 1-5: [spoilers removed]"

I know it was such a gripping book! I gave it 5 stars

[Jenn]

Maddison wrote: "Going to just comment on your thoughts too XD"

Hahha that sounds good to me!

[Jenn]

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[HOLY CRAP! A needle to the eye??? Poor Malachi! Pretty sure this means he's out for the Testing but I really hope that means he gets to go home - and he doesn't die or is killed. I really don't know what happens to people when they fail and part of me is really scared to find out! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I know right!! It's rather gory!

[Jenn]

@Maddison it reminded me of (view spoiler)[ Divergent with the butter knife to the eye. I just can't do things with eyes lol. Yuckkkk (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ Please please please let Tomas be trustworthy. Pretty sure it would kill both me and Cia if he wasn't. I can't imagine the rest of this journey back to the Testing location bring easy. I wonder if they will find the rest of their friends - and if they'll help them. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ a person on the other side of the fence! I mean, I knew it was only a matter of time before they found people but still. Also, I'm happy to see Will but also wary at the same time... and why is Tomas really upset? (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ effing Will! Really? You had to go and betray everyone!? Ugh. While I'm glad Roman is out of the picture that test was brutal. Now for the interviews. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ well damn I wish I had the next one now! I wonder if Tomas remembers because he was supposed to have taken those pills. And now she's friends with will and stacia! Ugh. And Michal, what is up with him? I want to think he's good. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

sorry can't respond yet got no computer because got no internet at the new flat so I'm on my phone not very often at all

[Maddie]

Yay I'm back on the computer XD And I can hardly remember the characters now :/ Just know there was a big cliffhanger.

[Jenn]

It had a pretty good ending with their memories being erased but Cia finding the recording she made of the truth. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

[Maddie]

Yeah I remember the ending. When will you read the next one?

[Jenn]

Not sure. Hopefully soon. I have a few others I want to finish up before the end of the year but I will probably track these down sooner than later lol

[Maddie]

Sweet :)

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting April 20th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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