Independent Study

Charbonneau, Joelle. Independent Study (Book 2 of the Testing Series). 2014. 310p. ISBN 9780547959207. Available both as a book at FIC CHA on the library shelves and as an ebook on Overdrive.

After surviving the brutal Testing, Cia Vale and Tomas have finally become University students. But if they thought their ordeal was behind them, they are mistaken. Cia only remembers bits and pieces of the Testing, but a message she left herself on her transmitter provides her clues to the killing of her friends, and even Tomas killed.

Having completed her early studies, Cia is assigned to the government program, despite her hope of joining engineering. Now, she and the other first years must survive an induction ceremony fraught with dangers and unanswered questions. Her final year guide, Ian, tells her that Dr. Barnes, head of the Testing, is keeping a watchful eye on her.

Not knowing where to turn, but sure she can’t trust anyone, Cia is assigned to the President of the United Commonwealth’s office, where she will learn as an intern. Michael, the official who helped her earlier, is here too, and Cia becomes more intricately woven into a web of conspiracy designed by the President to overthrow the Testing. However, Dr. Barnes seems to hold all the cards.

Now the stakes are even higher, and failure means not only death for Cia, but also the pursuit of the Testing, and the death of countless bright students. This is not the future Cia wants for her country, and she will need to step up as a leader to help the rebellion achieve its goals.