Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Review: Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau



Independent Study

Author: Joelle Charbonneau
Series: The Testing #2
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA Dystopian
Format: ARC
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Source: Won from I Heart YA Fiction (Thanks, Sabrina!)
Rating: 3 Stars
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Synopsis from Goodreads:

In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization. In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.


My Review:

This follow-up to The Testing was exciting and full of twists and turns. Joelle Charbonneau shocked me in the first book and she continued to do so with this one. The Testing is over and now Cia is attending the University. But having her memories wiped of her time in the Testing is making it difficult for her to decide what’s true and who she can really trust, if anyone. I loved watching Cia slowly figure things out. She stayed true to her character in this book and brought that sharp, analytical mind to the forefront of every decision. But that really amazing brain of hers annoyed the crap out of me at times. I said the same thing in my review of The Testing; Cia knows everything. Why is she able to figure every single thing out? What makes her so special, so much better than the other students? It drove me crazy how easily things came to her. Just give her a minute to think and bam! She’s got all the answers. Because of this, I felt like she really didn’t develop all that much because she was already perfect. *sigh*

And then her relationships with certain people?? Are you kidding me? I still didn’t like the romance, although it really isn’t a central focus which is nice. But her relationships with other people drove me crazy as well. Knowing what she knows…why would you still want to hang out with these people???

Okay, I’m done complaining. Because the truth is, I really did enjoy this book. This one had a lot more politics in it which I loved. Joelle Charbonneau has built an amazing world and nothing is really ever unexplained. She weaves details about the world, the government and the university in seamlessly so you never really feel like you’re getting info dump, but you still have a solid and in-depth grasp on the world.

And the twists and turns will leave you gaping. I definitely did not see some things coming. And I am dying for them to take Dr. Barnes out. Seriously hate that guy. I’m definitely going to be jumping into the last one soon just to see how it’s all going to end. I think if you’re a fan of dystopias you should give this series a try. While it may not feel completely unique (which let’s be honest, is really hard to do in this market), it’s an exciting story with an interesting main character. Happy reading all!  

Have you guys read this series yet? What are your thoughts? How do you feel about Cia being able to figure everything out? Too easy? Too smart? What do you think of the romance and how all her relationships played out in this book? 

4 comments:

  1. I liked this one too, but to be honest, I don't remember much about it. I bought Graduation Day, but I need to reread this one first. I don't know why I have a tough time remembering second books so much. I remember the first one pretty well, even now. I do remember that she still liked the one guy, even though she knew what he did, from the recording, but just didn't remember it. It's hard to know how I would feel, being told something about someone, but not remembering it or feeling it. Does that make sense? Anyway, let me know when you're going to read the next one, maybe we can read it together! Great review! ~Pam

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    1. I have such a hard time remembering second books too!!! idk why. Although actually I think maybe I just have a hard time remembering books in general... But I do feel like I remember first books better. *sigh* There should be a recap on page one of all sequels. That would be epic.

      Yeah, I don't know how I would handle it. Honestly, I probably would have asked him about it. Right away. Not wait for weeks and weeks like Cia did. Yeah, I will definitely let you know!

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  2. I really love this series! You need to read Graduation Day because it gets even twistier and suprisier (not a word). I agree that the romance isn't my favorite, but then it wasn't what kept my focus in this story anyways. Thoughtful, lovely review. <3

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    1. haha I love made-up words! That's true about the romance. It definitely is not the focus which I appreciate. Still not a fan though. I think I'll be reading Graduation Day sometime this week. Maybe after I finish Heir of Fire.

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