Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Published: November 2015

Pages: 352

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers 

Copy Provided by: Netgalley

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

"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:
OK. So I really liked the idea of this title.  I personally feel like social networking has taken on a life of its own where nothing is private and no one understands the word anymore.  So in this title, social networking REALLY DOES take on a life of its own.  You are "recruited" to do things in return for a "need" which is often a "want" in disguise.  It is interesting to see the consequences of your actions even if they seem to minor.  This book highlights the domino effect of not being aware of your actions and the results of your actions or inactions.  In some ways it is scary how the idea of a responsible citizen no longer exists in society.  How we are so caught up in our own individuality that sometimes, we don't stop to help someone else up.  

I had problems reading this title all the way through.  It took me a long time because I kept putting it down and picking it up.  The characters were not very memorable but I did want to find out what the heck was going on and who could possibly think up such a complicated system to implicate others in such a murderous plot.  For me, the plot was so built up that the ending didn't feel very satisfying for me and I felt like I needed more explained.  This title had potential but fizzled out by the end.  I hate giving reviews where I am left deflated by the end of the story but that was what this was.  Sorry Joelle, it had potential but i needed more of an explosive ending and conclusion. - Christinabean

A little aside from Curlypow: -  I am really interested to hear how Christinabean liked this book, because in the end I dnf'd it.   I just couldn't stick with the story and kept picking up other books instead of it and I think that's because I'm of a slightly older generation and I just don't see the attraction to all of the social media and games.

The Testing by Joelle Charboneau

Published: June 4th, 2013

Publisher: Houghton Mifllin

Pages: 336

Copy: Netgalley/Publisher

Summary: Goodreads

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 in 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.

The Testing was a really enjoyable thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat and threw a few surprises at me.  Ms. Charbonneau has created a very interesting dystopian world with believable and engaging characters.

Cia is 17, young, naïve, trusting and very smart.  She has such a good heart.  Tomas was a favorite of mine.  Something I really liked was that he isn't 'hot stuff'.  He's thoughtful and caring but he's willing to do what's necessary.  Then we have Will - I wasn't too sure about him, but he definitely had that vibe about him that makes you wonder if he is exactly what he seems.  Roman on the other hand is exactly what you see - ready to do anything to win. 

There is a wonderful mystery within the story - just who has the crossbow?  Why does Michal appear to be helping Cia?  Who is the strange gray haired man Cia meets out on the testing ground.  Why are their memories of the Testing taken away?  All of these questions and only some of them answered.  By the end of the story, we still don't really know why the candidates have been tested in such a bizarre way - maybe we'll find out in book number 2

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. One of the best dystopians in the last little while and a definite must for Hunger Games fans. This one really does measure up.