[Book Review] The Essence by Kimberly Derting

The Essence
Kimberly Derting

“Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

    

It has been few months since Charlie became the Queen of Ludania. So many things has changed: new place to live, new responsibilities, New Equality law. But what hasn't changed is Sabara. She is still inside of Charlie - taunting her during nights, trying to gain power. 

When the Ambassador arrives from the northern country, Charlie is invited to a Summit where she could have a chance establishing more connections that could help her country. But before she is scheduled to live, there is a threat against her life. During second book of Pledge Series, Charlie will find herself trying to fight Sabara, figure out her feelings with Niko, and try to stay herself without listening to the voice inside of her. 

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What a great addition to the series! From the beginning, I wasn't sure if I liked Charlie. She presented herself as an immature girl who is not happy with anything. But as the book went on, I really gained a lot of respect for her and what she was trying to do for the country. All of the side characters were amazing as well. This time we actually get to hear Brooklyn's side of the story which makes us see the softer side of the Commander. 

I couldn't stop reading. The only reason behind 4.5 star rating is because I couldn't connect with any of the characters from the beginning. But I turned the pages as the story went on and loved it! Cannot wait for the next book in the series - The Offering. 

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF "The Pledge", FIRST BOOK IN "The Pledge" SERIES! 

[Book Review] The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge
Kimberly Derting

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

   

”My breath is my pledge to worship my queen about all others.
My breath is my pledge to obey the laws of my country.
My breath is my pledge to respect my superiors.
My breath is my pledge to contribute to the progress of my class.
My breath is my pledge to report all who would do harm to my queen and country.
As I breathe, I pledge.”

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The aging Queen of Ludania has no heir and unless she can find a female that can replace her, her soul will die and the country will be in danger. In order to keep control, every established class had their own language that only they could speak. 

Charlie has a secret that her parents told her to never share.. with anyone. She could understand every single language out there which can get her killed. When she meets Max at one of the underground clubs, she is intrigued by him. Every time he is near, she can sense his presence and cannot get enough of it no matter how hard she tries to ignore it. But there is more secret to Ludania that she could have ever imagine beyond the City Walls.

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Seeing everyone’s reviews on Goodreads, I wasn’t sure what to think of this book. It was a fast read for me but the story was very captivating. Connection between Charlie and Max was memorizing and I enjoy reading about their progressed friendship. I can’t wait to start reading the second book in this series.