Book 2, Independent Study: The Testing

I am a retired school librarian who still enjoys keeping up with YA literature. I tore through The Testing in record time and couldn't wait for this one to be released. It was a bit slower that the first book, but it advanced the story well, and expanded on characters and relationships. I am looking forward to finding out how the story ends. The book is obviously the middle one in a trilogy, and while the author does go back to fill in the big holes if you didn't read the first one, it is best to be read in order. Unlike some series that have the same characters, but independent plots, this one is not really at its best as a stand-alone. That being said, all three books are now available, so get all three and read them.

This is amazing!!! Just when you think you have figured it out you have not. This book is a mystery and keeps you interested every single second!!! This series is definitely one of my favorites and I hope it is one of your's !!!!

Five stars to a perfect mixture of reality and fantasy for Young Adult readers! With an intriguing storyline full of surprising twists and Packed with action, "The Testing Series" will definitely be recommended.

That was a short wait! I just finished The Testing a few months ago! That doesn’t happen to me often, but when it does I get overly excited.

Despite what other reviewers have said, I don’t think this series is “just another dystopia.” What makes The Testing and Independent Study so great is Cia. Her intelligence, her cunning, and especially her desire for truth.

So far, that has been enough to happily drive me through these books and what makes it set apart from The Hunger Games and Divergent. There is more political maneuvering and strategy than either of those books, and it gives Independent Study an added edginess and grittiness.

You know when you’re reading about Cia’s experiences at Tosu that there’s always more at stake – a fact she can never shake herself. Just when she thinks she’s safe and can trust again, something happens that rips the veil of protection and well-being even further away.

Independent Study was definitely a strong follow-up. I appreciated the change of scene, the distance from Tomas (oh he’s there, but more out of reach) and the shifting surprises that were well-timed and well-played.

I’m hoping the final book takes a different turn because a few elements were similar from the first book in Independent Study. And, although they were reimagined, hitting that note again would definitely be tiresome.

Having had my heart pummeled quite recently by Allegient, I can’t help but be wary of the third Testing book, Graduation Day.
Will all my faves die? Will there be a realistic yet hopeful conclusion? Or will chaos and loss win the day?!?!

The best part is, we don’t have to wait long to find out. Graduation Day is set to publish June 17. Of this year! Shocked? Me too!
I’m not complaining and that’s for sure.

OVERALL:

I’m committed to see this series through. Not that I have had any trouble devouring the first two books. I’m simply cautious about how the final book in this thrilling dystopia will all play out. This killer sequel had me hooked from the get-go. Cia is everything you could want in a strong heroine, and with more cunning and cleverness than most. Independent Study was a very strong sequel, and I wait without patience for the conclusion of the series.

This book was full of suspense and surprises. I suggest that people should read the 1st book of The Testing series or else people won't understand what the second book is all about. I love this book!!!

A little worry that the follow-on wouldn't deliver as well as 'The Testing' - however, my concern was pointless. Just enough reference to the first book to jog the memory but enough difference to move the saga along. Good introduction of new characters and environments to keep the book engaging without forgetting the core set of characters from the first book. Can't wait to read the final book in the series, "The Graduate".