The Essence - Kimberly Derting

The Essence by Kimberly Derting
(The Pledge #2)
Date Released: January 1sr, 2012
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Format: Hardcover
Date Read: January 11th, 212
Source: Margaret K. McElderry

Summary:
“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.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Wow, this book was a bit of a surprise, I wasn't really sure were the story would go in the second book, so it was pretty interesting and intense to see what Charlie had to go through. But first, I just have to say that I really loved The Pledge, I read the ARC and the ending left me in desperate need for the sequel, so when I started reading The Essence I was so exited, but through the first 80 pages or so I was so incredibly lost and confused. I couldn't remember the characters, if they were related, how they had met, how Charlie had defeated Sabara, Nothing!!!! I was really frustrated because there were not many reminders through the book, which could've really come in handy.

Aside from this issue, after the 80 pages of frustration, the book jumped right into the action and tension scenes, which were great. By this point who was related to whom didn't really matter and I was able to get into the book easily and enjoy it. Watching how Charlie's life had changed and how she was adjusting to everything was amusing and weird, in The Pledge she was more of a rebel and now she was a queen, so the contrast was big, but it was great to see her grow as a character.

I hated that we didn't get to see more of Max, he played such a big role in The Pledge and in The Essence he was barely there, but I enjoyed meeting the new characters in the story, and knowing more about Sabara, whom I actually liked. I'm not sure if that's weird, but I sympathized with her and I am really eager to see how things will turn out for her in the third book.

I knew who the traitor was form the beginning, but overall the ending was surprising - Charlie's reaction, her sister, Brook's situation among other things - It was all very stressful in a good way that left me craving for more and I really really cannot wait for the third book to come out. I want to see what happens with Queen Elena, with Charlie and Sabara and just ahh!!! I feel so giddy thinking of it and I just can't wait. I highly recommend this series to any dystopian fans, I really enjoyed The Pledge and even though The Essence was different, it didn't disappoint me.

Thank you so much to Simon&Schuster for sending the book and to Itching for Books  for hosting this tour!

 

Author Bio:

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

Official site: http://www.kimberlyderting.com/

twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kimberlyderting

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