Tag Archives: joelle charbonneau
Need
Need
HMH Books for Young Readers
November 3, 2015
Hardcover
352
“No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better.”
Teenagers at Wisconsin’s Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature.
Review:
It takes quite a bit to scare me as far as books are concerned, but “Need” had me wishing I had left the lights on when I went to bed. It’s a solid new book from the author of the popular “Testing” series that fans of thrillers or the author will not want to miss.
The story is told through the first person with Kaylee and through the third person using various students who are members of the new social networking site “Need.” Need promises to deliver what those who make requests need (though it’s really wants), but at a price. Mixing the points of view makes for a great mystery that gives the readers enough clues to keep it interesting, but not so many that it’s obvious what is going on.
All of the characters are compelling, even those with only a few pages in total devoted to them. The plot makes for a page-turner and never slows down. It also brings up many serious issues about social networking and human nature, both good and bad. In fact, aside from a few events that seem a bit of a stretch of reality, I can’t find anything that I didn’t like about “Need”. Also, there is one instance of animal abuse and death, though it isn’t gratuitous and is important to the plot, so please beware if that triggers you.
I recommend “Need” to all of those old (and brave) enough to handle a book that is terrifying because it could actually happen. It can be used to spark discussion about dangers, both online and off, as well as how we treat others.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Animal Abuse
Graduation Day
The Testing, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2014
304
In book three of The Testing series, the United Commonwealth wants to eliminate the rebel alliance fighting to destroy The Testing for good, and though Cia is ready to lead the charge, will her lethal classmates follow her into battle? 75,000 first printing.
Review:
I absolutely loved “The Testing”, and while a bit disappointed in “Independent Study”, I still enjoyed it. I wish I had stopped before I read “Graduation Day”.
The one redeeming factor of “Graduation Day” is the action, so I will begin there. The action sequences were intense and real page turners. Unfortunately, there was not enough of it.
It all seems like the author is trying too hard to put in plot twists. Some of it came nowhere and made no sense. Characters made decisions not in line with what had been established about them previously, and at some point Cia became just as cold and uncaring as those she was trying to overthrow. The ending made her seem like she cared about no one but a cause- the same way of thinking that created the testing in the first place.
I wanted to love this book, or to even just “like” it. Neither of those are possible. There are barely even any resolutions to the multitude of problems in their society. It was enough of a letdown to make me regret reading past the first book.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence
Independent Study
The Testing, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2014
310
Now a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas, Cia Vale attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government's grueling and deadly Testing put her and her loved ones in great danger.
Review:
My feelings on “Independent Study” are torn. On the one hand, it lacks the quick pace and immersive feel of “The Testing”. On the other, the character development is excellent and sets up for what I hope is a great finale.
There is quite a bit of action packed into the first half of the book, introducing us to new characters and elaborating on others in a sort of “trial by fire” way. The theme of distrust continues more questions are brought to light about the government and university. All of that is interesting.
The major flaw in the book is that Cia seems to be superhuman. There is no problem she can’t solve. She is singled out by multiple groups and people as showing progress, yet there seems to be nothing she has that others in the student body do not also possess. It’s off-putting and mars what is an otherwise interesting premise. The finale has the potential to be great if the Cia situation is somewhat resolved.
Content Warning:
Violence
The Testing
The Testing, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2013
344
Sixteen-year-old Malencia (Cia) Vale is chosen to participate in The Testing to attend the University; however, Cia is fearful when she figures out her friends who do not pass The Testing are disappearing. 100,000 first printing.
Review:
Cia is a girl from a small colony who is chosen to go, not by choice, to compete for a spot at the only university in her country, located in Tosu City. Only the best and brightest are chosen for the honor.
The plot does somewhat resemble the Hunger Games, but I can assure you that the author has created a fully fleshed-out world that stands on its own without a reliance on the structure of Panem. The imagery is vivid, and the scenes are very intense. Once she arrives at Tosu City there are no real lulls in the action. It’s a one sitting type of read.
The book is extremely well written with realistic dialogue and flowing sentences. Plot structure is solid with a multitude of elements to appeal to lovers of dystopian, romance, and survival stories. The characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, but the fact that they were not can be directly attributed to the situations in which they find themselves in. Cia simply does not have time to get to know her fellow university candidates in much detail.
Speaking of Cia, she is a great character who enters the story somewhat sheltered but not naive. She learns quickly, and she is not easily pushed around by those in charge. This is a refreshing change from many dystopias.
Overall, it’s a fun and quick read that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.
Content Warning:
Violence, Brief Sexual Situations
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