The Treatment (Program)

3.5 stars

The Treatment was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014. I absolutely loved The Program and I was dying to know what happened to Sloane and James. When I first started reading The Treatment I seriously questioned my sanity. This is the writing I liked so much? These are the characters I fell in love with? Having read The Program almost a year ago the details aren’t completely clear in my mind, but I didn’t think my memory was that bad.

My favorite part about The Program was Slone and James’ relationship. It was meeting them that made me realize how much I appreciate already established relationships in YA. The fact that Sloane and James loved each other and were together felt so real and I loved that although there was romance in the story, the story was really about other things than their romance. The Program was also an emotional read for me, it really made me think about what makes us us and if it’s worth being alive if you can’t remember what makes you you.

The biggest surprise about The Treatment for me was my lack of emotional investment. The story picks up right after The Program ends with Sloane and James in possession of one of “the treatment” pill and on the run for The Program. Shortly after the story starts they meet up with rebels that Michael Realm sent to find them and they go to a safe (ware)house in Utah. The Sloane and James we meet here were so different from the Sloane and James that I remember from The Program. Sloane was much more passive and lost than I remember her being (minus the time immediately after she left The Program) and James was a possessive jackass. Where were the people I fell in love with in The Program?

As the new Sloane and James adjust to life on the run they also need to figure out if they can trust the rebels. Although there’s a whole group at first, eventually it turns into just Sloane and James and Dallas and Cas. Dallas, who went through The Program herself, is a bad-ass dread-locked girl who Sloane isn’t sure if she can trust. Cas, who never went through The Program himself, but had friends and family who were taken away by The Program’s crazy scheme, is sympathetic to the rebels and really an important part of their network.

The first half or so of the book takes place at different safe houses and although they are forced to move from place to place because of rumor of threats there is very little action in this part of the story. There’s also, oddly very little character development. We learn a little about Dallas and Cas, but not much beyond their hardened exterior shells. Sloane and James are still trying to get to (re)know each other and often get into little arguments and then have makeup cuddling/hooking up/sex. Although I wish this part of the story had gone deeper, I did like that the fact that Sloane and James were having sex wasn’t treated as a big deal. They’re 17-years-old, they’ve been together for a while so of course they’re having sex. And there’s also a condom discussion, yay for safe, smart sex in YA.

Basically I was not at all sold on the first half of this book and I even considered putting it down for a while (I definitely would have picked it back up, but I thought I needed some time away). When I was about 100 or so pages in I told myself to read for another hour and a half and see how I felt. Of course, when my time was up, I got to one of the most exciting parts of the story so I then had to spend another hour and a half finishing the book. I still never came to feel emotionally invested in the story and I wasn’t made to think anywhere near as much as I was when I read The Program, but the real Sloane and James did reappear and there were bits and pieces that reminded me of why I loved The Program so much.

Bottom Line: In the end I liked how the story ended, even though I don’t think The Treatment lived up to The Program. Certain things happened where I had to suspend disbelief and there were some loose ends that never got tied up. I question whether Suzanne Young went into this duology with a clear idea of how the story would unfold, especially because of the pacing problems in this one. However, the Sloane and James I knew in The Program did eventually reveal themselves and they remain one of my favorite book couples.

Sloane, James, and the rest of the group are taking a moment to go to the club. Its supposed to be a good night. However, Lacey and Cas stay behind. Once Sloane and James return it was supposed to end on a good note. Until it was a note that got Sloane's attention and made her run down to go see Lacey. Once they got to her room, everyone notices that she is gone....she is gone and she may never come back. Now that the Program has her, everyone else must hurry to pack up their things.

Once packed, they quickly drive off to another location. Someplace they can stay and lay low for a while before they make their next move. In the meantime they get a hold of files from the program, including Jame's. After going through his file, Sloane wasn't happy and unsure what to believe right now. Was Jams trying to cover up and protect her or did he mean everything he said.....

As the story progressed, more things unfold and you'll be hooked onto each word until the very end.

Unforunately, just like the first book in this series, I was left wanting more. I liked the introduction of the new characters: Cas and Dallas. It rounded the cast out a bit, but the plot was still lacking. James and Sloane are on the run after escaping The Program. They join up with the rebels, but they just seem to be aimlessly wandering around. And the rebel group doesn't really consist of anyone other than Cas, Dallas, and Realm.

Speaking of Realm, we do find out a little more about him in this book, but I still didn't trust him anymore than I did in the first book. I couldn't take anything he said seriously.

I got through this book quickly. It's really a continuation of The Program, picking up right where that book left off. Again it's told from Sloane's POV, which was too melodramatic for my taste. I know her life was in danger the whole series, but I wanted her to be stronger. Maybe series like The Hunger Games and Divergent have spoiled me, but I expect a strong female lead in a book like this.

I won't be reading the companion novel. Sadly this series just didn't work for me.

http://www.momsradius.com/2015/11/book-review-treatment-ya.html

Wow just wow I really enjoyed and loved The Program that I could not wait too continue to read the next book The Treatment. Ohh boy I am so glad I started to read this bad boy as soon as I finished with The Program. The Treatment starts off exactly where The Program left off where Sloane and James run away together from the Program so they won't get to them and erased they memories again. They want to find there friends and join the rebels who are against the program. But they have a problem since they are on the run from the program they have issued an amber alert for both Sloan and James there are road blocks every where. Plus they did not find there friends where the were suppose to meet up so they stop to think and to make plans how they where getting out of there home state and talk about especially the treatment that Realm sister gave to Sloane on behalf of Realm. While there were talking there was a white van that stop in front of Sloane and James car at first they panic and thought there were handlers and where about to drive right through them if it was necessary. But they stop on there tracks when the saw that a girl and a boy came out of the van and announce to them not to be scare that there are not from the program there are the rebels. And there where we meet Dallas and her best friend Cas. First it was a rocking start for Sloane and James to get along with Dallas and her crew but they did manage to tolerate each other. First let me tell you I loved Dallas yes she was a pain in Sloane behind but I felt for her for everything she was going through she was just a strong broken girl that despise the program with all her heart for everything they put her through so yea I really felt bad for her but I loved her as well because she really did care for Sloane and James even though she acted like a true whitch to Sloane sometimes. But when Realm appear in the picture again crap just hit the fan that came with him secrets and lies has been revels and emotion get high. And that's where everything started to get really really good and I couldn't put they book down I had to find out what was going to happen next. All in all I really loved and enjoy reading the treatment that I am sad to see it end but I heard there is a next book coming out called The Remedy which I most difinately will check it out when it comes out. Well until next time my friends.

The Treatment is a page turner and a relatively quick read. I felt like I read it in no time (3 days) while also reading several other books. This is the story of Sloane and James on the run, supported by the cast we met in The Program. There are twists and turns and you'll find yourself unsure of who to trust. I mean, who can you trust when you have people messing with memories and perhaps whole personalities?

The book toys with the idea of who a person is without the memories of their experiences. There's a bit of fate versus free will and I am still unsure of exactly where we landed as neither of the main characters really lost their memories.

I will continue on with the prequels, as they sound even more interesting. I'm excited that there's a third book coming out in the series so we can see where everyone is now that they've been free for a bit!

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Wonderful ending to this very unique dystopian series. While I didn’t quite like this as much as the first book, it was still a great read and I would highly recommend it.

Opening Sentence: JAMES STARES STRAIGHT AHEAD, WITH NO IMMEDIATE reaction to what I’ve just told him.

The Review:

Seventeen year old Sloane lives in a world where teen suicide is an epidemic. With casualties rising every day the government is forced to take action, so they created The Program. In The Program teens are put in a facility and all of their teenage memories are erased. They are slowly reintroduced to society, but without their memories they no longer feel the suicidal depression. The Program claims to have a 100% survival rate but they have gone to great heights to make sure that anyone who says different disappears.

Sloane and James survived The Program and against all odds they have found each other again. Now they are on the run with a group of rebel teenagers set on bringing down The Program. But most of their memories are still missing and they don’t know who they can really trust. There is one way to restore what they lost and that is The Treatment. It’s a little pill that can give them all their memories back but there is only one dose left. Will they be able to survive on the run or will the Program finally catch up to them?

Sloane was a great protagonist and I was glad I got to read her story. It was really interesting because you as the reader actually know more about Sloane’s past then she does, because a lot of her memories from the first book were recently erased by The Program. I really liked this style of writing because it forces you to see a very different side of Sloane but at the same time I got frustrated with some of the dumb decisions she would make because she really did know any better. She is a strong character with an attitude and heart made of gold. She doesn’t like being told what to do and she is very independent. But she loves the people in her life fiercely and is determined to protect everyone in her life in any way she can. Overall, I thought that she was a very likeable and unique character that showed a lot of growth throughout the story.

James is just as charming as ever and I honestly fell even more in love with him in this story. His cocky attitude and snarky comments made him a very entertaining character. But he is also a very strong person that is always there when you need him most. I loved his determination to protect Sloane at all costs and their love is quite extraordinary. They have undeniable chemistry, but their relationship is also very flawed which made it feel so much more realistic. James really knew how to lighten the mood but he also knew when it was time to be serious and take care of business. He was a very well rounded character and such a great part of the story.

The Treatment is a great conclusion to this very unique series. I loved that it was so different from any other dystopian novel I have read. The idea of a suicide epidemic actually is a lot more realistic to me then most dystopian stories. Even though I really enjoyed this book, there were a couple things that I had a hard time with. First off, it took me a really long time to get into the book. I felt that pretty much the entire first half of the book nothing really happened. But luckily once I finally got into it, I was hooked and blew through the rest of the book. The next thing that was frustrating for me was that I felt that the story was a little too similar to the first book. It was a different story but certain elements made it feel very repetitive. But I did love how the book ended, Young did a wonderful job tying up loose ends and leaving me very satisfied. While I didn’t quite enjoy this as much as the first book, it was still a really good read and I would highly recommend this to any YA dystopian fans out there. This is the end of The Program series but I have become a big fan of Suzanne Young and look forward to whatever she comes out with next.

Notable Scene:

Dallas finally catches up and steps in front of us, letting go of her companion. “I’m not leaving yet,” she states. I’m about to protest, but she grins widely and holds up the keys, dangling them from her finger. “But you two go on,” she says, looking positively wasted. “I’ll get another ride back.” She nods to the guy next to her.

That seems completely reckless, but at this point, I’m not going to argue. This place is overwhelming, vexing . . . alluring. James takes the keys from her hand and then starts toward the door. As we leave, I hear Adam’s voice.

“Have a good night, Sloane,” he calls after me. I turn and wave because he wasn’t a total jerk or anything.

“Yeah, you too.”

I follow James out, occasionally taking his arm as we pass through the bottlenecked crowd waiting to get in. It isn’t until we’re in the cool night air that I stop to look back at the building, a chill running over my skin. Because I realize . . . I never told Adam my name.

FTC Advisory: Simon Pulse provided me with a copy of The Treatment. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

I wanted to read The Treatment because I really enjoyed The Program. At this point, I don't remember a whole lot except I loved Sloane and James as a couple. The chemistry and the way they were so comfortable and open with each other was great to read about. Also, the issues of mental illness and suicide, bringing up questions like what is normal? What's risky behavior? Can suicide be prevented with erased memories? And then there was the whole mystery of Realm, the guy who protected Sloane and seems to have a few answers where everyone else only seems to have questions.
The Program erases the memories of teens, and they are considered cured. But its cruel and when you come out, huge pieces of your life are missing. So, Sloane and James are on the run. I know there is a whole sector of us who really don't enjoy the on the run books that seem to follow this sort of story line. I have liked the first books more by a huge margin in these cases, but went in hopeful that it would be different.
James and Sloane are together just as I remember them in the first. They have questions and they are found by the rebels and they hope to bring the Program down. They have one single pill that Realm said could bring back lost memories, but Sloane is afraid of the risk of death, and James won't take it because it is Sloane's and he wants her to. So they keep it while they are newly joined with the rebels and getting the lay of their land. I think that the point they are meant for each other and seem to be destined to be together.
Realm. Oh my gosh. He annoyed me so much and I hated him most of the time. But he does do a lot, he's saved people and gives a lot. He gives so much to Sloane even if he's kept a lot from her that she doesn't remember. His lies and secrets as well as some of his advances made me want to smack him. I really think the love triangle thing could have been cut out. I know that he's offered a lot to Sloane as well as given them leverage and also the pill. And I know that him loving her is the perfect stage for it, and Sloane would have to have had some feelings for him or he'd have no reason to help. But still, I just wish that it didn't exist so that there would be no doubts on the love between Sloane and James, because for me that has been some of my favorite aspects of these books.
There were other characters that were introduced as well as repeat performances from some old buddies. I liked Dallas especially, she is such a fighter and survivor, even if she can be stand-offish and cold at first, but she has to let others gain her trust and she has more than enough reason for the way she is.
The whole premise is chilling, and I like the reveals in this book, and what is finally done to take down The Program. Call it a spoiler if you want, but really, what else can you expect going in. The way they succeeded and some of the people that helped as well as some of the people who ended up working against them were twists and surprised me at times. Other characters you just got what you expected, and that's great to add some balance. This series has been laced with tragedy and sadness, but I think that the romance, devotion, friendship, fierce fight for freedom and to survive in general seems to balance the scales and while I felt for and with the characters, it didn't leave me depressed.
The ending was satisfying but I think a few things were a little rushed. It is not perfect ending, and it doesn't give each character a HEA, but I have enough that made me happy, and have hope for Sloane as well as her love for James.

Bottom Line: Satisfying ending to exciting and romance laced duology.

Let me tell you about Suzanne Young, she has this magical way of gut punching you. She can write an absolute beautiful love story but is also not afraid to use that to break your heart. Every book I’ve read of hers really draws out the feels. I absolutely love her writing there is something unique about it that I can’t describe. I like when an author can evoke emotion from a reader, where you really invest in the story. That being said let’s talk about The Treatment.

We left off with Sloane and James, not having their memories of one another but feel connected in their hearts. The Program considers that a failure and it’s out to get them, so they go on the run. With intentions of taking down The Program. This a tough job for some teenagers when you are going against adults you feel like they are doing the right thing to save their children.

I like this story a lot because there are many different versions of villains in it. We have The Program who is erasing peoples memories as a form of treatment but you know there is more behind it. You have the parents like Sloane’s mom, who you kind of hate because look what she did to Sloane. There was pivotal moment in book 1 where Sloane declares she wants to live, so for us she’s not sick. Her mother puts her in anyway but she’s doing it because she’s thinking she’s saving her daughter. It’s the type of villain where you wonder does the outcome justify the means. You have the people implanted into The Program and the handlers. Sloane and James can only trust each other and what happens when that breaks down.

What I also like about the story is the unique take it has on depression. That perhaps people are over medicated and that sometimes we freak out and look for the quick fix. Which is how something like The Program starts. I could see this as a reality just from working in a school, it feels like there is a lot more pressure on kids these days. So I could see how there could be a mass breakdown.

I love Sloane and James. Sloane the most out of the two. She is such a tough girl. I loved that even The Program could not strip that away from her. I make Realm a villain but there are choices Sloane makes that contribute but I believed if The Program hadn’t gotten her she would have never ever made those choices. Sloane is a different person after she goes through The Program but the basics of what makes her Sloane are still there. James is a hot blooded feisty boy but he is most certainly a fighter. Just as tough as he is, he also has a sensitive side that only comes out for Sloane. Which makes their relationship so swoon worthy. They are not perfect and have flaws but they work out things together and have endured quite a bit to find their way back to each other. I love them together and apart. My favorite kind of couple.

I despise Michael Realm. There were so many times in both books that I wanted to yell at him, I don’t like you Realm go away. I don’t like how he plays Sloane or tries to break her and James up. I don’t feel sorry for him for his side in the love triangle that really isn’t a love triangle. I think he is a little psychotic and obsessive too. Remember Sloane does not have her memories so what was erased in The Program is still erased. We find out things about Realm in this book that might help someone soften towards him. Not me though, not at all. Remember I said Suzanne is good at evoking feelings. Well I really want to punch him.

There are many side characters that sift through. Lacey, Dallas, Cas and some medical personnel. Even scuzzball Roger. I don’t want to delve into them too much because I don’t want to give anything away.

I think I have equal love for The Program and The Treatment. I was really satisfied with the story and the ending. The plot was interesting and suspenseful. The second half of the book I was so sucked in I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. So if you liked The Program then definitely get out and get The Treatment.

3.5/5 stars

After reading and loving The Program, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel The Treatment! Young has taken such a tragic and difficult topic and weaved it into a dystopian novel in a way that will both break your heart and fill you with hope at the same time. I loved Sloane and James in the first book, so I was heartsick for them, as we watched them enter The Program and are basically brainwashed to forget their memories and who they once were. Sloane and James, however, have found their way back to one another and while it hasn't been an easy journey, it does goes to show you that love can overcome the most challenging of obstacles.

Pacing: The Treatment is a bit slower paced than The Program. It did pick up more towards the middle and sailed into the end. Sloane and James may be together again, but the danger is far from over. On the run from the Program and in possession of one orange pill that could change everything, the two end up joining up with a band of rebels to figure out their next move.

Storyline: Being a duology, I had to wonder how Young was going to wrap everything up in the span of one book. Sloane and James want to be free of the Program and live a normal life without the fear of being sent back, or worse, erased completely. The pair face new challenges with the rebels, as well as the re-emergence of Michael Realm, who played a large role in Sloane's life in the first novel. The entire foundation of Sloane and James' world is fragile, not knowing who can be trusted and emotions run high in this novel as the ever-present threat of depression hangs heavy over all our characters' heads. Being in possession of the treatment is very dangerous for all involved, especially if it falls in the wrong hands.

Characters: I love that Young shows us the strong and weak moments our characters have. There are moments where they don't know how to control their emotions and feel like they are being suffocated by their sadness and pain. It was hard to watch them feel that way, but I love that Sloane and James grounded one another. Their relationship is seriously tested in this novel- not just by Realm and his love for Sloane, but by knowledge of the past. Knowledge is power but it can also destroy. I like that Sloane decides to live for the here and now and not dwell on the past. She is afraid to take the orange pill Realm gave her, as there are so many unknowns about it. Maybe getting her memory back will be more painful than helpful, and she is already in such a fragile state of mind. Yet, when new information about her and James's relationship comes to light, she is forced to question their feelings for one another.

We do have a bit of a love square in this one. One of the new characters introduced, Dallas, isn't afraid to show her interest in James. She is rough and tough around the edges, but deep down she's a vulnerable girl who is hurting. Her time in The Program was not a pleasant one and her relationship with Realm is complicated at best.

Ah, Realm. I can't say I really like the guy. Mainly because I'm all for Sloane and James and he just seems to get in the way. I don't like the way he treats Dallas and after finding out more about how the two are connected, I really disliked him. I do believe he genuinely cares for her though, but he is so blinded by his affection for Sloane, that he doesn't think about his actions and their consequences.

Final Thoughts: I was really happy with the conclusion of this series. We get closure on what happens with the Program, as well as with Sloane, James, and friends. I really loved the uniqueness of this duology and the emotions it evoked. It was difficult to read at times because of their struggle to move forward with life without their memories. I can't say I enjoyed this one more than the first, but I did feel satisfied upon finishing.

Suzanne Young is one of my favorite authors. Just putting that out there to start this review off. I LOVE how she writes relationships. They always bring the swoons and they are always real and complex. That is exactly what you find in this duology. A real and complex relationship between Sloane and James, both fighting their inner demons but doing it together in a world that wants to wipe away everything they know.

In The Program, we learn about a world with a suicide epidemic affecting the teens. In order to ‘cure’ those with this suicidal depression, the Program was created which basically wipes out an individual’s memories. How or why this started is kind of a mystery and uncertain in the first installment but we are able to learn so much more about it in this finale sequel. This was one aspect of the novel that I feared, how it would all be wrapped up in just one last book. But Young did a fantastic job blending how much we needed to know and see happen with how much is told to us in the aftermath. I am a huge fan of a duologies. I feel so much more connected to a story and it’s characters when I am not waiting years for it to be completed. Part of me wishes I was able to see a little bit more of that aftermath I mentioned though. I can’t help but feel like we missed out on certain things in regards to the world building. On a whole though, I was satisfied. For me, this series was more about the characters and on that end, it concluded just the way I hoped.

Back to James and Sloane… gah, they kill me! The chemistry these two have is off the charts. And I appreciate that Young isn’t afraid to explore the real inner workings of a physical relationship between teens, and she does so with respect. Nothing is overly graphic but she sure doesn’t shy away from those scenes. Both characters have a lot of growth to do, both individually and together. Realm becomes a problem again in this sequel as Sloane struggles with the line of friendship that Realm insists on trying to cross. It creates some angst and hard times and I admit I grew frustrated occasionally but I also could understand it.

Of course new characters are also introduced. I was wary on who to trust which added to the excitement of the plot as they are on the run, trying to keep from getting caught and pushed back in the Program. The Treatment, the little orange pill that can grant the taker their memories back, played a huge part in this book for multiple reasons. I loved how its presence was balanced on the cusp of everything else happening. I wasn’t sure just what would happen and it was fun to feel a little anxiety and suspense as I waited to find out!

I was very satisfied with this conclusion and I can’t recommend this series enough. It has love, heartache and a unique intriguing premise. I can’t wait to see what Suzanne Young does next!

“But how do we know?” I ask, hitching in a breath. “How do we know what’s real anymore?”

James put his hand over his heart, an anguish on his face that nearly kills me. “Because I can feel it here, and I could read it in my words. I was protecting you. I would have died to protect you had they not stopped me. We’re f***ing mental for each other – but maybe that’s how we survive from here. We just have to be crazier than The Program.”

~Sara @ Forever 17 Books

I need to read more duologies. Duologies get right to the point. There isn't any unnecessary filler, nor are there any unexpected plotlines thrown in just to prolong the story. The Program and The Treatment were both such a delight to read. Yes, I am saying delight even though they feature a very strong subject matter. I feel like every chapter in both books were necessary to the plot, and moved the story along very nicely. This series is very character driven. The lead protagonist's story grips you down to your very soul. I can't tell you how much empathy I have for Sloane. I wanted to give her a hug numerous times while reading. She's definitely the heart of the series.

The Treatment picks up right where The Program ends. It was revealed that the suicide epidemic has spread. It is no longer just affecting teens. Adults are at risk as well. Sloane and James are on the run from the program. They take refuge with Dallas and Cas. Two others who are also hiding from the program. At first I didn't really like Dallas. I thought she was too bold and a little snooty. But as the story progresses and you get to know her, you really do empathize with her.

But of course the foundation is Sloane and James. When little snippets of them being lovey dovey are shown, as a reader you can't help but smile. They two of them are just so adorable. They've both beaten so many odds, and you want them to succeed. You want them to fight this illness. It probably because I have always been a hopeless romantic who believes that love can conquer all (at least in books, in real life I don't' know so much about that) But the realism of Sloane and James relationship is crucial. Yes. Teenagers have sex. No their sex life doesn't have to be this big thing. James and Sloane love each other. Point taken. I think that was something that has always drawn me to this series.

As I've mentioned in reviews, in recent years I've been annoyed with love triangles in young adult books. I find them to be overdone, and try to stay away from them. But Michael Realm is a character that I love to hate. And I wouldn't really call Sloane, James, and Realm a love triangle. Also the dynamic between these 3 add a lot to the story. I don't feel like Realm was just thrown in there to throw a wrench into their relationship, like I often find in love triangles. Realm adds so much to the story. In fact, I would LOVE a Realm spin off. Because as much as I wanted to punch him in the face, at the same time I wanted to know what makes him tick. There is something that is revealed about him that I thought was just so awful.

I did not want to put this book down. In fact, I even read it while I was in the car. Which is something that I never do because I get car sick. But I just wanted to know what happened next! Another interesting thing is the epilogue. Now I am not easy to please when it comes to epilogues. Some of my favorite books have had some of the worse epilogues ever. But not this one. I was so emotional after reading the epilogue, even though it was only a few pages. But it just made sense. Everything about this book made sense. It wraps up well. This was my first series by Suzanne Young, it did not disappoint, and honestly I can't wait to read more of her writing.

Reviewed by Sana @ Step Into Fiction

Sloane and James are on the run from The Program. They have to lay low and hide out. Even if they still can't remember a lot of their memories they know they belong together. The Program won't let them go easy and as Sloane has something they really want they will do anything to stop them. They join up with another group of runaways and try to figure things out. Sloane has a pill that will bring back all her memories if she is brave enough to take it. However the same pill is The Treatment to cure all who have been in the Program. They will all have to do everything they can to bring down the Program before it silences them forever.

I really liked the first book and looked forward to where this one would go. Sloane is missing huge parts of her memory and has to just learn to trust her feelings. She and James team up with the others and they are constantly on the run. The Program wants these two back in the worse way. While on the run Realm shows back up and he tries to come between them in many ways. You see more into his head and why he acts the way he does. I have to say by the end I really didn't like him much for all that he did. Yes he had his reasons but still it just turned me off him for good. You also see deep inside The Program and more about why it really started and how evil it really is. Sloane is really put through the ringer as she is betrayed and has to fight for not just her life but others as well. Dallas is a character I ended up loving. She really has had a hard time and she loves to take it out on others at times but while you may not like her at first by the end you will. All the horrors of The Program are back and even more are introduced. If you enjoy dystopian books I highly recommend this series.

The first book (The Program) was okay. I was interested enough to see if the second book would provide some answers - such as why the epidemic occurred and how/why the program became so wide spread and why adults were blindly following along. But this book answers none of these questions. I was unable to complete the book because it devolved into stupidity. Sloane and James were whiney and irratic while constantly making out. The rebellion does nothing at all. And then there is this pseudo love triangle with Realm. Seemed like none of the characters had any comprehensible motivation for any of their actions. The sequel was pointless.

Rating: 3.5 stars

The Treatment is a decent follow-up to The Program, but certainly not as strong.

I felt more disjointed from the characters this time around. I understand that Sloane doesn't have her memories and she's certainly not the same person as a result. It just made it harder for me to feel anything towards her. As per the first book, I had very mixed feelings about James. I hoped to find out more about Realm, but was left disappointed. As for the new characters, I'm not sure about them. Dallas was okay and I felt like she helped the story along. Cas was pretty useless and his role could have been fulfilled by Realm. The reporter, Kellan, was useful.

I felt unsatisfied with the majority of the book. I wanted answers to the questions I had at the end of the first book (namely, how did the epidemic start?), but was left with half-answers. I didn't care for the love triangle. It made more sense in the first book, but here it was more of a distraction than anything. I was satisfied with the ending, though. While pretty rushed, it ended fully and without the need for another book.

First let me start by saying that The Program(review) was one of my favorite read of 2013. And I know, this isn’t a huge deal since I had a bunch of books that I call my favorites. But it is a big deal. Because you know what? I almost never read The Program which would have been a travesty because then I never would have read The Treatment and I would never have gotten to know these amazing characters and the amazing story that Suzanne Young imagined for us. I would have missed out on a fabulous duology and that would have been a shame.

The Treatment picks up like immediately after The Program ends. Sloane and James are on the run know that they know The Program is after them. They did something that few others have done and maintained their connection to one another even after being “cured”. With the help of Sloane’s “friend” from inside The Program, Michael Realm, the two runaways meet up with other rebels on the run and in hiding. But even with allies Sloane and James don’t know who to trust. And if the truth got out that the have The Treatment, more could be at stake than just their memories. Navigating a world and people they aren’t familiar with James and Sloane have to figure out who to trust, what to do and the most important thing of all, are the risks of taking The Treatment worth it in the end.

Seriously, I don’t think I can accurately put into words how much I enjoyed the ending of this series. A lot happened in The Treatment, but it was all stuff that needed to happen. I fell in love with Sloane and James even more than I already was. Did I like the addition of Dallas(I really wanted to toss her over a bridge a couple of times) and the use of Realm(he seriously ruined everything) and the long absence of James(he was missing for so so long that I actually know what Sloane was feeling!)? No. But I loved the story that all of those parts told. Without all of that stuff the pieces wouldn’t have connected and the story would have been boring. Because really, if it gets me that worked up, it is doing its job. I loved how fast paced it was and the back story to beginning of The Program. And I liked the unexpected help that Sloane and James got when they least expected it and when they needed it most.

But what I really loved was the concept. It was amazing in The Program and even more so in The Treatment. You see, I’m not convinced that the suicide epidemic was actually an epidemic. I mentioned in my review of The Program that to me the story was more “what came first the chicken or the egg” and I still got that feeling from The Treatment, maybe more even. The fact that some scientist made a pill that would cure what The Program cured also made me question if the epidemic was manmade by creating panic with teens. It’s a thought I can’t really shake when I think or talk about this series.

Basically, The Treatment lived up to my expectations. It wasn’t easy based alone on my feelings for The Program but it succeeded. Young wrote a book that tied all the ends up in a way that made sense and that worked. It even left me wanting a 3rd book, but that’s a story for another day. The Treatment was thought provoking and a great character story. It made you wonder what you would do if you had the opportunity to get your memories back after they were taken from you and how you would feel if you were the only one that could remember. I truly loved it and I thank you Ms. Young for writing an extraordinary tale that was like nothing I’ve read before. I look forward to reading more from you.

The Treatment is the sequel to The Program and it is also the conclusion to The Program duology. Suzanne Young really does an excellent job of building the story that began with The Program and at the same time, tying up all of the plot lines. The Treatment is equally thrilling and poignant; this is one of the best series conclusions I’ve ever read by far. Young really wrote the perfect ending to this series and it was truly an emotional roller-coaster ride.

Sloane and James have escaped the clutches of The Program and they are now wanted criminals. The Program will not stop till they find Sloane and James, our main characters aren’t safe anywhere in the country. Both Sloane and James decided to join up with a group of rebels, but how do they know if these rebels are trustworthy? Sloane and James have lost most of their memories and they have the treatment, a pill that would bring back their memories. Are the memories that Sloane and James lost better off forgotten?

Sloane is one of my favorite YA characters because her character is just so richly and realistically developed. Suzanne Young really knows how to pull on readers’ heartstrings and my heart was constantly aching for Sloane. I truly loved how even though Sloane was in a less than ideal situation, she always tried her best to make the best of the situation. Sloane is a really clever protagonist and I loved how independent and strong-willed she is.

James always knows just what to say to make me laugh out loud, which really helped add some comic relief to this extremely emotional thriller. I absolutely loved James’s dry wit and his banter left a smile on my face even after I had finished reading. James is truly a character that readers will swoon over and his interactions with Sloane were absolutely adorable.

The Treatment does an excellent job of demonstrating how damaging suicide is to peoples’ lives. The world Young has created isn’t all that different from the world we live in and it’s not such a far-fetched idea that suicide could become an epidemic. The Treatment is extremely thought-provoking and really will make readers think: “Is it better just to forget the past?” I know some people would rather just leave the trouble riddled past behind, but Young really shows how people can use their woes to empower them. This is an extremely powerful and important series that needs to be read; there’s so many important themes about love, loss, and moving on in The Program series.

The Treatment is extremely thrilling and addicting to read and I zoomed through this book because I was so engaged in the story. Young does an excellent job of constantly raising the stakes and creating a tense, ominous atmosphere. This is by far one of the best “dystopian” novels out there and few novels have really captured my attention the way The Treatment did. The Treatment was truly unpredictable and I was completely shocked by all of the plot twists, especially towards the ending. The ending to this novel was absolutely perfect and I can’t think of any better way to conclude The Program series.

I fell in love with Young's writing and creativity after reading The Program and to say I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation for this next installment is a huge understatement. I literally was bouncing in my seat waiting for this to load on my kindle. I needed to know that James and Sloane were going to make it, that they were going to beat the odds and that they were going to beat The Program.

So much was still left to do, so much left to discover and so much uncertainty about not only their future but the future of the world as well. The epidemic is getting worse and no one really knows why and no one is safe. Everyone they love is in danger and at risk.

Once again we are thrown back into a world of fear, confusion, anger, sadness, and one where you have to constantly look over your shoulder in fear of the power of The Program and having your memories and your life erased for ever.

I loved this. It gave me more of everything I fell in love with in the first book and then it took it further with more suspicion, more danger, more drama, more action and more tender sweet moments with all the characters I loved in the first book and some new ones as well.

I don't even want to get into more because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone but I loved how it all played out. How secrets were revealed about every single character, Sloane, James, Lacey, Realm, and even with all we have learned and all we have been told, we still don't know who to trust and who to love.

Sloane is stronger than she was in The Program, she is a fighter and she does what she needs to do to survive and to fight for the love that she believes in, the love that she knows is true regardless of what anyone says.

Then there is The Treatment, all it means for the world, what it means for Sloane and James.

All I am going to say is read this. It was wonderful and ended exactly how I wanted it to. It was believable and it was right for the storyline. I enjoyed this duology so much and I am so glad I took time out to fit it in and to experience it for myself.

The Program is coming.

The Treatment basically starts off right where The Program left off. Sloane & James are on the run, trying to escape the claws of The Program. It was a bit confusing for me at first, because I didn’t remember much of what happened in the first book. Nevertheless, it was really easy to go back into the story.

We’re back into the groove of not being sure of whom to trust, we’re constantly paranoid of every single little detail, we even see threats where there aren’t any. Suzanne Young paced this story in a way that you’d always be on the edge, waiting for the worst to happen.

I found this story to be more romance focused than the first one, and some of Sloane’s actions revolved more around James than around her own instinct to survive. I understand her choice, but I would’ve liked it if there would have been more emphasis on the world building than the romance.

As always, this book is written in a way that’s so heartbreaking, so intense, that you can’t help but devour the pages as fast as you can. I literally ignored every single project and test I had to read this book.

This indeed was a very good sequel, but I was left feeling a bit disappointed. The whole book was structured very well, up until the end. When I finally thought we were going to get all the answers we were looking for, the book ended.

The ending was rushed, and some things were left unsaid. I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. After the amazing build up to the book, I was expecting something much more awesome to wrap it up.

Nevertheless, this book made you question many things, and really made you think. It was really interesting to see The Program sticking so fervently to their beliefs.

Overall, the pacing was wonderful and compelling, but the ending could have been much more developed.

Rating: 4 stars

E-ARC provided by Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

What you're in for: Rebels. Romance. Friendship. On the run. Stolen memories. Suicide. Deception.

The Ending: A bit abrupt and not completely satisfying. I feel like a lot of things were still left up in the air when it came to explanations and such.

Am I glad I read it? Yes. I loved The Program and this was a decent sequel. I'm also a fan of duologies. I didn't like this one quite as much as its predecessor, but it was still good and it was captivating and kept my interest throughout. Overall, a decent sequel to The Program. I would recommend this series. It has a unique premise that is delivered well.

This book was a wonderful read that complimented the first one beautifully! It wrapped up all the characters lives except one, Dallas. I wish I could know more about Sloane and James, and where everything goes with them. And I'd like to know what Realm is up to. So I hope Susanne Young will write some novellas or something. If you haven't read the first one, The Program, you definitely need to! These books really get into the mind of young adults when it comes to being suicidal, running away, love, hate, trust, and distrust. This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride and you don't want to get off at the end. Definitely 5 stars.

Omg this book ? I read the Program a couple months ago and it was slow going at first but this book started with a bang and ended with one! First of all it takes place in my lovely state of Oregon so that's always going to give a book a few extra points in my view. This book follows the main characters (James and Sloane) as well as some new faces as they try to take down the program with a new rebellion. I am so obsessed with James and this book gave me even more to obsess over. ? I absolutely love how it was very realistic about a small rebellion going against a behemoth and how they don't always win every fight. I'm keeping this spoiler free but if you read the first one and are on the fence about continuing with the series, trust me and DO IT!!!

Originally posted here: http://confessionsofcarlisa.com/2015/05/21/the-treatment-a-book-review/

This book. Ahh. I just read the first one a couple of weeks ago and I was immediately sucked into the story. A dystopian story…that seems plausible. Unlike a lot of the dystopian stories…which I love, don’t get me wrong. But this one is about suicide becoming an epidemic. In a world where suicide rates are increasing, this story isn’t so farfetched.

Overall, this book is a great sequel to The Program and it wraps everything up nicely…at the end. But I’ll get back to that.

Also from this point on, I’m probably going to be revealing some spoilers from the first book…so, Step One: read my review on the first one (link above). Step Two: Read The Program. Step Three: Love The Program. Step Three 1/2: If you didn’t love it, tell me whyyy. I want to hear what you have to say. Step 4: Read this review. Step 5: Read The Treatment. Step 4 and 5 are interchangeable. Okay the end.

First, I just want to talk about how I capital-L Loved how Suzanne Young wrote these two books together. This was a perfect series for a duology because in the first book Sloane slowly loses her memories to the Program. In this book, it’s all about finding herself again, finding who she is despite The Program because Sloane is way too BA to let any people tell her who she is and who she isn’t. She is Sloane Freaking Barstow and she is her own person. I really liked that.

Second…..I HAD NO IDEA WHO TO TRUST IN THIS BOOK. That epilogue from the first book (see review) had me questioning quite literally everyone in the book. Everyone’s memories are faulty and I was just going back and forth on my theories and bah adjisoadjsiajxisaodjs. I literally made a note on my phone in all caps wallowing about the fact that I can’t trust anyone. And yeah it makes me freak out and I hate it. But I also love it. Suzanne Young did this one purpose and it’s awesome. In a world where where anyone could send them and their memories away with an easy call to The Program, trust was not a common feeling. Young was able to build that distrust in the reader which is not a common thing. Normally we know what’s going on. We may know more than the main character does. But here, no. Here I can’t trust what she knows because The Program has altered that knowledge. I can’t trust what her peers know because I don’t know who is good and who is bad. That epilogue seriously ruined me. But in a good way. Or a bad. I still can’t decide. Here is the word-for-word note I left in my notes:

"OH MY WORD. I have NO idea who to trust while reading this novel. Honestly I hate it and I’m so intrigued by it at the same time and I hate that about myself. ‘Just hate it,’ I whisper in my head. ‘No,’ the English major side of my brain whispers back. Everything is so unreliable because of the lack of memories and [short intermission to avoid spoilers]! Ahhhhhh. I can’t fathom things right now. HOW IS THIS ALL GOING TO BE RESOLVED IN A LITTLE OVER A HUNDRED PAGES??? My heart, man. It can’t take it. But I guess it can because I must. read. on."

Haha, I’m so weird. Also this is a very spirited note for me. Very spirited and very caps. Also I just realized I typed out that entire thing when I could have just copied and pasted it…Okay, moving on.

Next…I love James. He is just hilarious. I don’t think I would be attracted to his personality if he were sitting right next to me. But I love him for Sloane. I made a note of one of his quotes: “‘Ah, Michael Realm,’ James calls out, still sitting at the kitchen table. ‘What a surprise. I’d give you a hug too, but I think I’d rather punch you in the face.'” Lol. [You probably wouldn’t get that if you haven’t read the first book (see Steps to Follow above)].

Overall, I loved it. I love the intrigue and the unreliable narrator and the unpredictability. I gave it a four just because I like the first one even better. I’m super pumped to read The Remedy, her newest companion novel to this duology. But read the series!

Of course, The Treatment is the fight the establishment portion of this dystopian duology! Sloane and James are on the run and on their way to meet up with the rebels who can help them. Even though they're on the same side, they don't trust each other at all, so tensions are running high. Especially when news of Sloan and James hits national news. It's hard to hide and fight the system when your face is plastered everywhere.

I really enjoyed The Treatment. It's nonstop....stuff! Not necessarily action, but other stuff. There's lots of running and speeding away in Escalades. So many secrets! Emerging memories! Betrayals! It was a lot! But not too much. I mean, these teens are high profile, the Program desperately wants them back because them not being "cured" is bad for business. Obviously, Sloane has to meet a certain someone who has the power to expose all this. That did seem too easy to me, but I did like who this person was. That at least felt most believable.

Realm continued to be a problem though. I thought he served his purpose in The Program, but now he was just annoying. She does not love you! Get that through your head! She is not going to leave James for you! You are a liar and a creep! Just go away! My gosh!

Despite my strong dislike for Realm and the nonsense he brought, I thought The Treatment was a solid conclusion. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, which I liked. I kind of expected something to happen based on previous Dystopia experience, but it didn't. So that was good! Surprise me! It did leave me feeling a little sad for Sloane, but this ending worked for me, and she's making it work, too. Now to find out how this all got started!

Don't read this book if you get depressed because the beginning is very depressing. It wasn't until after the first third of the book that I decided to continue versus putting this book down. No one seems to know why there is an illness that causes young people to commit suicide. The program is supposed to cure this epidemic to the relief of parents. This is the back drop for the main characters as they struggle to put their fractured selves together. This is the story of what is lost when they are saved.

Althought I didn't like The Program, I was curious as to how the first installment ended and how this would play out. This book was thoroughly disappointing and horrid. Yes, we have the cliche romance between Sloan and James replete with repetitive stock comments. The place where The Treatment was nothing more than a clandestine chamber of horrors where experiments and atrocities were performed on people. Yes, I admit finishing this to see how it concluded. I didn't like this book at all and I do regret having read it.

Althought I didn't like The Program, I was curious as to how the first installment ended and how this would play out. This book was thoroughly disappointing and horrid. Yes, we have the cliche romance between Sloan and James replete with repetitive stock comments. The place where The Treatment was nothing more than a clandestine chamber of horrors where experiments and atrocities were performed on people. Yes, I admit finishing this to see how it concluded. I didn't like this book at all and I do regret having read it.

I enjoyed the sequel to "The Program" but wish they would have went more into depth with the characters lives. I won't ruin the ending for those who have not read it. I will just say I wish we knew a little more.