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Book Reviews of The Essence (Pledge, Bk 2)

The Essence (Pledge, Bk 2)
The Essence - Pledge, Bk 2
Author: Kimberly Derting
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ISBN-13: 9781442445598
ISBN-10: 1442445599
Publication Date: 1/1/2013
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 10

3.2 stars, based on 10 ratings
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

spicedlatte avatar reviewed The Essence (Pledge, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
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.




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.
goldenfurpro avatar reviewed The Essence (Pledge, Bk 2) on + 66 more book reviews
MY THOUGHTS
This book was very different than the first book! I didn't like this as much as the first book, but this is still a very great read!

Charlie is now Queen of Ludania, after defeating Sabara, but Sabara isn't dead. Sabara is living inside Charlie's mind and Charlie has to fight her for control. Not only is it hard for her to fight Sabara and kept it a secret. Apparently, some of her people are very unhappy with her erasing the class system. A resistance has appeared and they want Charlie dead and they don't care who goes down with her.

The first book in this series had a dystopian feel to it, but this book was more fantasy oriented. Of course, this book takes place in an entirely different world and it has a few magical elements, but the fact that Charlie is Queen now and there's no longer a tyrant rule only brings the fantasy aspect up. What I liked about this book was that Charlie's new status allowed us to see more of her kingdom and the other kingdoms. Also, it slowed realistically that when you erase laws that people have grown up with, there will be anger. Yeah, the laws were extremely controlling and cruel, but these people were used to this life. Not that I agree with their methods at all.

Also, I was fully expecting Sabara to still be alive, but I did like how the battle between them in Charlie's mind was incorporated. It was very interesting. Though, Charlie really upset me. She wouldn't tell anyone this and it was really important! Yeah, I kind of understand where she was coming from, but she should have at least told her friends or Max.

Now, I hate saying this, but there were a lot of things that I bothered me about this book. The plot was a mess for one, I felt like a lot of things were happening at once, but by the end of the book I was really questing what the point of all these ways. There was Sabara, the resistance, assassins, and a bunch of other side plots, but they felt so scattered that I really didn't see the point.

As for romance, there wasn't much. Charlie and Max love each other, obviously, but they are separated for half the book and the other half is focused on the numerous plots. If it weren't for the plots being so scattered, I would probably like that, but it was just okay. There was a random romance side-plot with some of Charlie's friends, though, that I could deal without.

IN CONCLUSION
I had issues with this sequel, but it wasn't a bad sequel. It was a bit of a mess of a middle-book with it's scattered plots, but the fantasy elements were interesting and I loved seeing more about this world. I did like this book, though not as much as the first, but I plan on reading the next book.