Challenge Corner discussion

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 and 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.

So I'm around 25% in and it's so good so far! Pleased I'm finally getting to it!

(view spoiler)[I love Thomos (listening to audio so forgive the spelling), he sounds so cute XD I picture him like a guy called Thomos I know (and yes who I had a slight crush on), which helps me like him more. I kind of get vibes from Xandry which make me not like her. Same with her roommate. I just hate the narrators' voice she puts on when her roommate speaks. Makes her sound like a typical mean annoying bitch, but yet she's described as mostly geniune? Idk.

So keen to see what kind of Tests they have! Almost feeling a little like Fire & Flood. (hide spoiler)]

Around 60% (probably just less but don't want you to read it and get spoilers if I'm wrong) (view spoiler)[Wow this is getting crazy! Those first 3 Tests, with the deaths of her roommate and Malikai! And then sneaky Roman! I never would have even contemplated that someone would do something like that!
And now I'm pleased that Thomos and her met up and are together on their road trip! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[Hhhhmmm what's Thomos keeping to himself?? Interesting.

I couldn't help smiling though when he called her beautiful.

And I wonder about their benefactor giving them food! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[Oh my gosh Will!! Probably would have realised this if I'd read the physical book, but audios always give me the plot twists properly, as actual plot twists XD (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[That ending was amazing. It's so obvious that she'd get through, so I kind of hate how they make us wait and see. Like hello, she's the MC, of course she'll get through. Seriously wonder what's up with Thomos though, and how he might have killed Xandry! And I'm so pleased she recorded herself. (hide spoiler)] Can't wait for #2!

Review: Initially gave 4 stars, swapped to 5. It was just amazing. I knew, based on the cover, that I’d like it. And the fact it’s been on my TBR for a long while. And the fact it’s got tests and eliminations. I’m a sucker for things like the HG :p So any recommendations I’m open.
There were also a lot of plot twists that I found actually surprising. But then again I did listen to the audio, and I find plot twists more ‘twisty’ when I listen to the audio, I suppose because I can’t afford to think ahead or I lose focus on what’s currently happening.
The characters in this weren’t really anything special, and as soon as the love’s introduced it’s not surprising what happens, but what I found surprising was how she actually figured out, during that group test, that Roman had betrayed them. And how Will was a traitor as well. But that ending, with her listening to her memories, and of how she thinks it was Xandry’s blood on the knife! What! I wonder how that will be explained away. Can’t wait for #2.