By Book Club Team 
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a dystopian YA thriller that dives into a world where only the best students get the chance to attend university—by going through a series of intense and dangerous tests. It’s very Hunger Games meets Divergent, with that whole cutthroat, “survival of the smartest” vibe. The main character, Cia Vale, is from a small colony and has to navigate these tests that push her to her physical and mental limits.
| Author | Joelle Charbonneau, Amélie Sarn (Translator), Amélie Hesnard |
| Publication date | June 4, 2013 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.05 |
| Pages | 325 |
| ISBN | 0547959109 |
| Topics | Dystopia, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Adventure, Teen, Survival |
The Testing Summary
In this dystopian world, humanity is recovering from a series of environmental disasters and wars that left society in ruins. The story follows Malencia “Cia” Vale, a smart, determined girl from a small colony called Five Lakes. Cia is one of the few selected to participate in “The Testing,” a rigorous process to select future leaders who will help rebuild society. But it’s no ordinary test; it’s grueling, mentally exhausting, and, as Cia soon learns, downright dangerous.
The Testing isn’t just about academic intelligence; it tests your survival instincts, moral judgment, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win—even if it means hurting or betraying others. As she navigates this deadly competition, Cia grapples with the ethical challenges of survival and the secrets the government is hiding. With high stakes and no one she can fully trust, she has to figure out if she can survive and, more importantly, who she’ll become in the process.
It’s intense, filled with suspense, and gets you questioning what you’d do if you were in Cia’s shoes.
The Testing Book Characters List
Here’s a rundown of the key characters in The Testing:
- Malencia “Cia” Vale – The protagonist, Cia is smart, determined, and resourceful. She’s chosen for The Testing, and her journey shows her moral strength, intelligence, and resilience as she navigates its brutal challenges.
- Tomas Endress – Cia’s childhood friend and love interest, Tomas is also selected for The Testing. He’s loyal and protective, but he has his own hidden layers and is willing to make hard choices, which sometimes complicates his relationship with Cia.
- Michal Gallen – A Testing official from the same colony as Cia. Michal subtly warns Cia about the dangers of The Testing and ends up being a crucial ally, though he risks his life by breaking protocol.
- Dr. Jedidiah Barnes – The head of The Testing and a powerful government figure. Dr. Barnes is ruthless in his belief that only the strongest deserve leadership roles, and he’s unapologetically committed to the brutal methods used in The Testing.
- Will and Gill – Twins also selected for The Testing. Will, in particular, plays a significant role as he’s friendly and seems trustworthy at first but may have a darker side. He’s a great example of how The Testing brings out hidden sides in everyone.
- Zeen Vale – Cia’s older brother who wasn’t chosen for The Testing. Though he doesn’t directly participate in this book, his support and influence help shape Cia’s character, especially through his warnings about the government.
- Ryme Reynolds – Another Testing candidate who is initially friendly with Cia. She cracks under the pressure, showing how brutal The Testing can be on participants.
Each character adds layers to the story, highlighting the tough choices and ethical dilemmas faced during The Testing. It’s a cast that really makes you wonder who you can trust in a world where survival means everything.
The Testing Book Quotes
Here are some standout quotes from The Testing that capture its intensity and the moral dilemmas the characters face:
- “Trust is a valuable commodity. Some would even call it priceless.”
This line sets the tone for Cia’s journey, where trust is rare and people are willing to betray one another to survive. - “Maybe it’s better not to know some things. To know what’s coming means you have to prepare for it, and sometimes it’s better just to let yourself be surprised.”
Cia struggles with the harsh realities of The Testing, and this reflects her inner conflict about knowledge and survival. - “You’re smarter than you think you are, even if you don’t always believe it.”
A reminder to Cia (and to us!) that self-doubt can hold you back from seeing your own potential. - “The Testing is about survival. Some will do anything to succeed.”
A chilling but honest look at how desperate people can get when survival and success are on the line. - “In this world, you don’t have the luxury of innocence. You have to choose sides, even if it means losing part of yourself.”
This quote shows the toll that The Testing takes on participants, stripping them of their innocence and forcing them to confront their values. - “The choices you make now will shape you forever.”
A constant reminder for Cia that her actions during The Testing will have lifelong repercussions, for better or worse. - “I don’t know what scares me more—the power I wield now or the knowledge that I may not be able to control it.”
Cia’s growth comes with a realization of her own capabilities and the responsibility they bring, adding depth to her character.
These quotes highlight the themes of survival, moral conflict, and the weight of responsibility, making The Testing both thrilling and thought-provoking. Perfect for getting us thinking about what we’d do in such a high-stakes situation!