THE TESTING by Joelle Charbonneau

Do you possess a winning combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and raw intelligence?

Do you have what it takes to lead others?

Are you willing to crush those who stand in your way?

Every year, the United Commonwealth invites top graduates from each colony to participate in The Testing.  Successful candidates will go onto The University and help the government rebuild our war stricken world.

This process is not optional.

Disclaimer: The United Commonwealth is not responsible for candidates' psychological and physical health during The Testing.

This is a dystopian-type novel that incorporates elements from both 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent' which I thought was pretty cool.  While the first several chapters take a while to establish the story's background, I loved the way the plot was built up to include more action and thrills along the way -  it got juicier and juicier until I was filled with suspense!  If you enjoyed it as much as I did, you'll be pleased to know that there are two more books to follow.

Reviewed by Eve

DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing.

They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Delirium turns up consistently in the results of internet searches such as 'if you like the Hunger Games try ...' or 'most popular Y.A. dystopian novels', and it's certainly worth reading.  Although Delirium is similar to The Hunger Games with clear dystopian themes it is also different enough to make it appealing in other ways . I found the idea of love being a kind of disease or psychosis a fascinating concept to base the story on and Lauren Oliver develops the plot and characters, especially Lena, in a gripping and fascinating way.

Reviewed by Carolyn 

THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner

This book is advertised as one that fans of the Hunger Games will love. They are both fast paced dystopian novels with gripping story lines. I enjoyed the exciting plot development but discovered the end wasn't really the end because The Maze Runner is the first book in a trilogy. I will have to read on!
Carolyn