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Chasing Liberty #2
Testing Liberty
Set in the not-so-distant future, where the government controls society through indoctrination, population control, and the eradication of the family, Liberty bides her time in Aldonia's Re-Education facility. If she fails to escape and rescue the others, the children, teens and adults of the Maxwell Colony will be integrated into society, facing sterilization and indoctrination.
She is not alone in the desire to rescue the colonists. An underground, anti-government group has been rescuing people from Aldonia for years, but never have they attempted to rescue so many at one time. To do so would risk exposing, even ending, their operation. Dedrick, one of the top rescuers, grieves for his family members who are now residents of government's facilities. He wants Liberty free, but he is opposed to working with her.
Racing through the wild, the underground and sordid inner-city slums, Testing Liberty follows Liberty from one trial to another, to her final sacrifice.
She is not alone in the desire to rescue the colonists. An underground, anti-government group has been rescuing people from Aldonia for years, but never have they attempted to rescue so many at one time. To do so would risk exposing, even ending, their operation. Dedrick, one of the top rescuers, grieves for his family members who are now residents of government's facilities. He wants Liberty free, but he is opposed to working with her.
Racing through the wild, the underground and sordid inner-city slums, Testing Liberty follows Liberty from one trial to another, to her final sacrifice.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2018
3 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Linden
40 books109 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 23, 2018
Theresa Linden is one of those gems of a find. I only started reading her books last spring, and in under a year I have read 8 of her books. And to be honest if I did not have over 100 books in my to be read pile when I discovered her writings, I would have read all her books by now. I have read two books in each of her series, Chasing Liberty and The West Brothers, I have read a side short story for one of the series and both her other published short stories. I have appreciated everything I have read, and I have loved most of them. Linden's works remind me most of two famous authors, both of whom won the Newbery Medal twice, they are Madeleine L'Engle and Lois Lowry. And I believe that in time Linden's series will come to be considered classics in youth literature. And should be on the curriculum for Children's Lit courses and in schools! Last year I read 380 books, and Chasing Liberty, was number 2 on my top 10 list for the year! In a previous review I stated: "If we were to do a direct comparison between L'Engle and Linden then the Chasing Liberty Series would be the Kairos series and the West Brothers would be the Chronos series. And in many ways Liberty reminds me of Meg Murry in many ways, but in a much more dystopian future. And if we were to compare Chasing Liberty to Lois Lowry's writings it is much like The Giver, except with a clear-cut Christian under pinning. And from what I have read both series are wonderfully written." And the more I read the more I stand by that statement.
In book one, Liberty 554-062466-84, was rescued from the regime, and was relocated to a colony in the wilderness. But when she found out her friend in the home for older people was not going to be rescued, she decided to take action herself. And it ended with her in prison back in control of Regimen Custodia Terra. And that is where we begin book two.
Liberty is being kept in a cell, sleep deprived, and under nourished. It is phase one of her reeducation. But things are starting to change in Aldonia. When she is rescued she believes all the adults captured from the settlement were rescued, until she finds out who her rescuer is. But almost immediately Dedrick shows up and really rescues her. She begins training wants to join the Mosheh and help to rescue those who were captured because of her, and also to help free other Aldonians who want to leave. They need to stage three rescues that need to take place, with primary children, teens and adults. Mixed in with all of this is Dr. Supero, who is becoming more and more unpredictable as he seeks to find a way to remove his brain tumor.
The characters in this book, this series are amazing. From Liberty a young woman who is learning what true freedom is, and not just for herself but wanting it for all people. To Dedrick, a young man who has risked his life saving and serving others for almost 4 years. And then we have Dr. Supero a many who is slowly losing everything he believes in, and is desperate to hold on to it, especially his life. And in this book, we learn more about the Mosheh and how their council operates. We learn some of their history. And it is starting to feel like history is about to repeat itself. The question is will it be a totalitarian regime or a revolution?
This book is an excellent read and part of a wonderful series. It has great characters, fast paced plot, and a very intriguing story. But it will leave you desperate for book three. This book is a great read for pre-teens through to adult. And I recommend it to all who are looking for a great read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
In book one, Liberty 554-062466-84, was rescued from the regime, and was relocated to a colony in the wilderness. But when she found out her friend in the home for older people was not going to be rescued, she decided to take action herself. And it ended with her in prison back in control of Regimen Custodia Terra. And that is where we begin book two.
Liberty is being kept in a cell, sleep deprived, and under nourished. It is phase one of her reeducation. But things are starting to change in Aldonia. When she is rescued she believes all the adults captured from the settlement were rescued, until she finds out who her rescuer is. But almost immediately Dedrick shows up and really rescues her. She begins training wants to join the Mosheh and help to rescue those who were captured because of her, and also to help free other Aldonians who want to leave. They need to stage three rescues that need to take place, with primary children, teens and adults. Mixed in with all of this is Dr. Supero, who is becoming more and more unpredictable as he seeks to find a way to remove his brain tumor.
The characters in this book, this series are amazing. From Liberty a young woman who is learning what true freedom is, and not just for herself but wanting it for all people. To Dedrick, a young man who has risked his life saving and serving others for almost 4 years. And then we have Dr. Supero a many who is slowly losing everything he believes in, and is desperate to hold on to it, especially his life. And in this book, we learn more about the Mosheh and how their council operates. We learn some of their history. And it is starting to feel like history is about to repeat itself. The question is will it be a totalitarian regime or a revolution?
This book is an excellent read and part of a wonderful series. It has great characters, fast paced plot, and a very intriguing story. But it will leave you desperate for book three. This book is a great read for pre-teens through to adult. And I recommend it to all who are looking for a great read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
March 13, 2016
If you're the type of reader who enjoys nail-biting suspense and plenty of adrenalin highs, then look no further than Theresa Linden's heart-pounding novel, Testing Liberty. It forms Book Two in her highly acclaimed dystopian Trilogy set in the not-too-distant future when the world government controls and dictates every aspect of human life and strips its citizens of all vestiges of freedom. The heroine of the series, a young lady by the name of Liberty, has already escaped once from the tyranny of the Regimen of Aldonia . . . but can she do it again? After a mistake that caused not only her own imprisonment but that of her initial rescuers, Liberty finds herself locked in a high-security cell and surrounded on every side by enemies. Harrowing decisions lie ahead. All seems lost. Can she get out of this alive, let alone save her friends? Her one hope lies deep within her own soul. Liberty clings to the presence of a loving and all-powerful Being she knows with certainty dwells in her heart, Whom she calls simply her Friend. This book is a bone chilling and frighteningly realistic glimpse into what may indeed be around the corner for us all, and shows us the only solution is, in fact . . . God. Another incredible tale crafted by a masterful writer!
January 22, 2016
Testing Liberty is a fast-paced adventure you won’t want to put down.
Desperate to rectify her mistakes, Liberty sets out to free the Maxwell colonists imprisoned by the Aldonian Regimen. The risky rescue missions test Liberty’s strength, faith, and commitment to both her own ideals and the underground group the Mosheh. Dogged by her relentless enemy Dr. Supero and his minions, Liberty needs all her wits and skills to keep from being returned to the Re-Education Facility. Through it all she’ll open her heart to freedom, family, the seeds of true faith, and possibly Dedrick - her rescuer, ally, and perhaps the one person who can truly show her what it means to be part of a family.
Chasing Liberty and Testing Liberty have made me a fan of dystopian fiction. Smart, suspenseful, and well-written, these gems will have you eagerly awaiting the final book in the series!
(The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.)
Desperate to rectify her mistakes, Liberty sets out to free the Maxwell colonists imprisoned by the Aldonian Regimen. The risky rescue missions test Liberty’s strength, faith, and commitment to both her own ideals and the underground group the Mosheh. Dogged by her relentless enemy Dr. Supero and his minions, Liberty needs all her wits and skills to keep from being returned to the Re-Education Facility. Through it all she’ll open her heart to freedom, family, the seeds of true faith, and possibly Dedrick - her rescuer, ally, and perhaps the one person who can truly show her what it means to be part of a family.
Chasing Liberty and Testing Liberty have made me a fan of dystopian fiction. Smart, suspenseful, and well-written, these gems will have you eagerly awaiting the final book in the series!
(The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.)
November 27, 2015
Theresa Linden is a superb writer who knows how to keep the plot moving, creates authentic characters, and delves deep into some of our world's most troubling issues. Both my teenage daughter and I have enjoyed reading and discussing the Liberty Trilogy and can't wait for the next book to come out. Thanks for a great read!
November 19, 2024
Dedrick…dude.
But Liberty’s chase, hide, fight scenes were dope.
But Liberty’s chase, hide, fight scenes were dope.
June 30, 2016
I loved Chasing Liberty, but in Testing Liberty, Linden really ups the ante. It was like in Chasing we got to see the veneer of Aldonia's oppressive deep green culture scraped painfully off, and then in Testing, we dive down deep, deeper into the hearts and lives threatened, destroyed, and changed for good or ill by the conflict between the Regimen's culture and the inner drive for freedom and independence that some of the colonists live out for themselves... and are getting ready to share with Aldonia on a wider and far more risky basis. Usually the middle installment in a trilogy is the most difficult to keep spinning on a lively axis, but Linden turns that idea on its head and somehow makes Testing even more heart-rending and engaging than its predecessor.
November 5, 2022
Testing Liberty is the second book in the Liberty Trilogy, where Liberty is tested in every area of her life—her faith, morals, vocation, and acceptance and forgiveness of herself. After Liberty indirectly led the government to the Maxwell community and got captured and imprisoned with a few dozen other people, she can think of nothing else than fixing her mistake and freeing the colonists. As the world around them falls apart, the Mosheh tries their best to save and rescue everyone, but Dr. Supero and the government make it their goal to stop all things good and pure.
I liked and enjoyed Testing Liberty better than the first book because of the insight into Dedrick's life, his point of view, and a new character from the short story Operation Gift Drop. It made the story much more enjoyable as Liberty's character seems a bit flat. Dedrick has flaws just like everyone else, but he seems genuine as if he is real. He was so different from all the other guy characters in the book—he respected all people and was faithful to God. And then Bolcan, a rescued Aldonian, appears as a character, and it is so funny to see how he butts heads with and annoys Dedrick.
Theresa Linden is an excellent author because her books are well-written, and it takes work to guess what will happen next! Testing Liberty continues the theme of being a Catholic dystopian, but I was disappointed in how little the novel was Catholic. It was not the main subject and only a minor matter. Yes, the Catholics and faithful people had good morals, but there was no deeper explanation into that. Once again, I must mention that the book cover is not becoming the actual story and that I believe it should be changed.
I was amazed at how awful the government was and how it turned from our current government to the tyrannical one it became. It is scary to think that some of the same tactics used in Testing Liberty are also used in our own government and how they are reaching for more and more control each day. Testing Liberty is a book that needs to be read by the young adults and adults in our world, besides being a very enjoyable story!
Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Testing Liberty for my unbiased review!
Things to Mention: One "b*****". Sid tries to take advantage of Liberty again and drug her but Liberty is once again saved before she could be drugged. There is some fighting. Descriptions of slaves being oppressed, hurt people, and other things like this. A few kisses with no details, except for one with a bit. A guy tries to sleep next to Liberty. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. Some other minor things.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
www.acatholicgirlreads.com
I liked and enjoyed Testing Liberty better than the first book because of the insight into Dedrick's life, his point of view, and a new character from the short story Operation Gift Drop. It made the story much more enjoyable as Liberty's character seems a bit flat. Dedrick has flaws just like everyone else, but he seems genuine as if he is real. He was so different from all the other guy characters in the book—he respected all people and was faithful to God. And then Bolcan, a rescued Aldonian, appears as a character, and it is so funny to see how he butts heads with and annoys Dedrick.
Theresa Linden is an excellent author because her books are well-written, and it takes work to guess what will happen next! Testing Liberty continues the theme of being a Catholic dystopian, but I was disappointed in how little the novel was Catholic. It was not the main subject and only a minor matter. Yes, the Catholics and faithful people had good morals, but there was no deeper explanation into that. Once again, I must mention that the book cover is not becoming the actual story and that I believe it should be changed.
I was amazed at how awful the government was and how it turned from our current government to the tyrannical one it became. It is scary to think that some of the same tactics used in Testing Liberty are also used in our own government and how they are reaching for more and more control each day. Testing Liberty is a book that needs to be read by the young adults and adults in our world, besides being a very enjoyable story!
Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Testing Liberty for my unbiased review!
Things to Mention: One "b*****". Sid tries to take advantage of Liberty again and drug her but Liberty is once again saved before she could be drugged. There is some fighting. Descriptions of slaves being oppressed, hurt people, and other things like this. A few kisses with no details, except for one with a bit. A guy tries to sleep next to Liberty. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. Some other minor things.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
www.acatholicgirlreads.com
June 12, 2023
This was my first read back, after some weeks being ill. Hence, wanted something easy to start back in my reading routine and this was the perfect book for that. However, it seems I didn’t enjoy it as much as other reviewers. Since, I got tired resecuring people here, and there. I wanted to know more about the other colonies. Yet, I loved reading about the story behind why Dr Supero is going insane and coming to know more about the Torva.
So, this book was O,K for me.
So, this book was O,K for me.
April 26, 2021
I loved the first book so much so I was pretty nervous that the second book would ruin the series, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tbh I think I may even like this one better than the first. I especially enjoyed reading the parts from Dedrick's perspective.
February 18, 2017
A great sequel to Chasing Liberty. It takes up from the first story and carries it forward. You meet more characters, also thoughtfully drawn. It is full of action and surprises, as well as thought provoking ideas. It is totally believable, as our society heads the way of the Regimen thinking today. I like how Dedrick and Liberty draw closer, although she has to atone for what she caused to happen in book one. I can't wait for the wrap-up in the last book. I hope they overthrow the Regimen and return America to its roots.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews