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tbeaumont223's review
3.0
While my first impression of The Testing Series was a dim impression of The Hunger Games (read my review of The Testing for me details), my second impression solidified by Independent study is a dim impression of Divergent. Here is why:
~Visible fears. Cia has a dream where her fear becomes visible and tangible in the form of a box she is trapped in. While this only happened once in the book, it was a strong enough resemblance to scenes in The Divergent Series that I was immediately disoriented.
~Just like in Divergent where the factionless gathered and grew strong unbeknownst to those in control and the general population, so, too, do those who live in the unreplenished areas in Charbonneau's story.
~Tris in the Divergent Series willingly goes into enemy territory, risking her life, in order to save those she loves and for the betterment of her society. So, too, does Cia. While this could easily be overlooked, especially since Cia was already in enemy territory when she discovers they are the enemy, coupled with all the other similarities, it stands out.
~From the first book, The Testing: Truth serum. This isn't a theme throughout the book, but again, it seems blatantly borrowed from the Divergent Series.
~Also from the first book: Both Divergent and The Testing start out with the lead female character in front of a mirror with her mother doing her hair before they walk as a family to a colony-wide gathering where teenagers' futures are determined.
This book, like the first, had great potential. However, I didn't feel like there was enough character development. We don't learn anything new about any of the main players and the new characters that are added are shallowly developed due to Cia's distrust of them. While the story does develop regularly and you never feel as if it stagnates, the developments seem forced at times and not fully believable. I never found myself dragged into the story, unable to put the book down. I did want to see in which direction the story went so I kept reading, but not out of any deep love for the book or its characters. On top of that, the story's similarities to other authors' work was a pretty big downer for me.
If you like The Testing, I suggest you keep with the series, if for no other reason than to not give up. But don't expect to be wowed.
~Visible fears. Cia has a dream where her fear becomes visible and tangible in the form of a box she is trapped in. While this only happened once in the book, it was a strong enough resemblance to scenes in The Divergent Series that I was immediately disoriented.
~Just like in Divergent where the factionless gathered and grew strong unbeknownst to those in control and the general population, so, too, do those who live in the unreplenished areas in Charbonneau's story.
~Tris in the Divergent Series willingly goes into enemy territory, risking her life, in order to save those she loves and for the betterment of her society. So, too, does Cia. While this could easily be overlooked, especially since Cia was already in enemy territory when she discovers they are the enemy, coupled with all the other similarities, it stands out.
~From the first book, The Testing: Truth serum. This isn't a theme throughout the book, but again, it seems blatantly borrowed from the Divergent Series.
~Also from the first book: Both Divergent and The Testing start out with the lead female character in front of a mirror with her mother doing her hair before they walk as a family to a colony-wide gathering where teenagers' futures are determined.
This book, like the first, had great potential. However, I didn't feel like there was enough character development. We don't learn anything new about any of the main players and the new characters that are added are shallowly developed due to Cia's distrust of them. While the story does develop regularly and you never feel as if it stagnates, the developments seem forced at times and not fully believable. I never found myself dragged into the story, unable to put the book down. I did want to see in which direction the story went so I kept reading, but not out of any deep love for the book or its characters. On top of that, the story's similarities to other authors' work was a pretty big downer for me.
If you like The Testing, I suggest you keep with the series, if for no other reason than to not give up. But don't expect to be wowed.
jen_jacob's review
5.0
While reviews on this sequel to The Testing were mixed, I loved it just as much as the first if not more. The twist at the end left me wanting more and now I must await the release of the last book.....
smallbluemars's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
yara_adorablebooks's review
5.0
IJzersterk verhaal! Spannend vervolg op deel één. Ben ontzettend benieuwd naar het laatste deel van deze trilogie. Recensie: http://adorablebooks.nl/young-adult-de-studie-de-test-2-joelle-charbonneau/
theemolibrocubicularist's review
5.0
One of the reasons I love books is because when I was growing up they taught me things like life lessons that I never learned about at that time. Throughout my life, I think books have saved me from myself multiple times. Anyway, after reading The Testing and Independent Study, I have learned those same life lessons I have learned in past books I've read but those life lessons have been ingrained in my head way more than those past books, such as:
1) Sacrificing someone else for your own gain of power is one of quickest ways to lose your humanity, especially if you feel no emotion to that lose of life
2) You can't get through life without the help of others
3) Just because you ask for help from others, it doesn't make you weak; it actually makes you look strong to admit you need help
These two books have been a emotional read for me and I am sure the last book will be no different.
1) Sacrificing someone else for your own gain of power is one of quickest ways to lose your humanity, especially if you feel no emotion to that lose of life
2) You can't get through life without the help of others
3) Just because you ask for help from others, it doesn't make you weak; it actually makes you look strong to admit you need help
These two books have been a emotional read for me and I am sure the last book will be no different.
christenw79's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lynniethepooh's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
teetall4's review
4.0
I continue to be impressed with this series. Had another late night telling myself, “just one more chapter” .... had to stop myself from starting the third as soon as I was finished. I suppose that’s a problem one might have with Kindle reading (definitely not complaining!)
Side note: When the characters of Katniss and Tris irritated me for most of their respective stories, I am pleased to say I have enjoyed Cia’s character personality much more.
Side note: When the characters of Katniss and Tris irritated me for most of their respective stories, I am pleased to say I have enjoyed Cia’s character personality much more.