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katiiing's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25
merilizabeth's review against another edition
3.0
The book somewhat felt slower than the first one, the treason and all the running and summit was not what I was looking forward to. It still was entertaining, even I guessed that any of the more main characters would be the one to oppose her reign, but instead it was just a small character that got entered into the story briefly. Also I did enjoy the double romance in the same characters meaning Sabara- Niko and Charlie- Max. Was quite fun to see when she would get caught and how this will evolve. Have to admit this is something similar to The Host and I think there was another similar book there, but I cant recall the title, for what it is worth The Unwind series also seemed from the same shelf as this, but that is not a bad thing, I do enjoy dual personality reads :)
renuked's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely liked this one much more than the first, and I liked the first pretty dang a lot. I think this one was just more in depth.
The Plot: For one, the plot was more developed rather than simple revolution and finding your true identity. This time, Charlie, Charlaina, has to deal with the pressures of being Queen while still having the last Queen in her head. It mainly rotates about Chalie's growing concern with rebellions around the city against her rule and abolishment of the class system, while also preparing for a meeting between Queens at the annual summit. I like that the world-building was more developed and explained, and we got to see beyond the walls of Ludania.
The Characters: Charlie on a whole was progressing well into her role as Queen even if having trouble with the horses. She made some great changes in the city while facing opposition and was mature, but then again, she is still having trouble with Sabara. I love Sabara. It's weird but I loved her even more in this book, especially after getting more insight into her life as a child and well...stuff. She is just so ancient, twisted and evil, but then under that is just this little girl who went to the beach. And then of course there is Max, who is absent for a major part of the book, but is still adorable. Finally, the supporting characters are all absolutely wonderful and you love them and just want to keep them safe although you cant always. Brooklyn, Aron, Zafir, Angelina, Xander, and Eden along with Avonlea, Florence and Neva are all so precious.
The Romance: I guess it's getting a little more complicated here. And very interesting. Seems like Sabara's got an old beau. Haha but that's her old love life. I'm not saying anything more on that matter. Charlie and Max are happy enough, if a little stressed about the events in the kingdom.
The Style: Ludania was greatly expanded by Derting and she made sure that all the political shenanigans are far from over. Plus all the different perspectives are great and keep the story moving in all directions. Furthermore, the Queens powers and the supernatural aspect of the story are also being explored.
Overall: Nothing is dull and everything is intense. Sabara's threats are far from over and Charlie has to deal with heaps of responsibility. It was a continuing struggle to mesh the newfound identity and the old identity of Charlie and her fights against dresses and "Your Majesty"ing, with the ancient, evil of Sabara mixed in. I could see that things were not going to be easy for Charlie, but with the support of such wonderful characters, I know she'll be fine and I cannot wait for the third book.
The Plot: For one, the plot was more developed rather than simple revolution and finding your true identity. This time, Charlie, Charlaina, has to deal with the pressures of being Queen while still having the last Queen in her head. It mainly rotates about Chalie's growing concern with rebellions around the city against her rule and abolishment of the class system, while also preparing for a meeting between Queens at the annual summit. I like that the world-building was more developed and explained, and we got to see beyond the walls of Ludania.
The Characters: Charlie on a whole was progressing well into her role as Queen even if having trouble with the horses. She made some great changes in the city while facing opposition and was mature, but then again, she is still having trouble with Sabara. I love Sabara. It's weird but I loved her even more in this book, especially after getting more insight into her life as a child and well...stuff. She is just so ancient, twisted and evil, but then under that is just this little girl who went to the beach. And then of course there is Max, who is absent for a major part of the book, but is still adorable. Finally, the supporting characters are all absolutely wonderful and you love them and just want to keep them safe although you cant always. Brooklyn, Aron, Zafir, Angelina, Xander, and Eden along with Avonlea, Florence and Neva are all so precious.
The Romance: I guess it's getting a little more complicated here. And very interesting. Seems like Sabara's got an old beau. Haha but that's her old love life. I'm not saying anything more on that matter. Charlie and Max are happy enough, if a little stressed about the events in the kingdom.
The Style: Ludania was greatly expanded by Derting and she made sure that all the political shenanigans are far from over. Plus all the different perspectives are great and keep the story moving in all directions. Furthermore, the Queens powers and the supernatural aspect of the story are also being explored.
Overall: Nothing is dull and everything is intense. Sabara's threats are far from over and Charlie has to deal with heaps of responsibility. It was a continuing struggle to mesh the newfound identity and the old identity of Charlie and her fights against dresses and "Your Majesty"ing, with the ancient, evil of Sabara mixed in. I could see that things were not going to be easy for Charlie, but with the support of such wonderful characters, I know she'll be fine and I cannot wait for the third book.
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
“Poor child. Poor, wretched child. You have no idea what you’re up against. No idea how to stop me, do you?”
Charlie is in the fight for her life. Sabara is dead and Charlie is now Queen Charlaina of Ludania. Upon her death, Sabara was able to fuse her essence to Charlie. She is now in a battle of wills, trying to banish Sabara’s thoughts from overtaking her own. The only thing that seems to help is the healing power of her little sister, Angelina. The side effect is that now Charlie’s skin glows. Charlie has kept Sabara’s presence a secret from everyone, including Max.
In an effort to forge a new Ludania, Charlie has made several sweeping changes for the better that hasn’t made everyone happy. When an attempt is made on her life while on a tour of a new school, Charlie’s advisors decide the best thing would be for her to leave immediately for a summit with the neighboring queens. Unfortunately, the only person with the knowledge and power to rule in her absence is Max. he and Xander are left behind in Ludania to deal with the rebellion. Charlie sets out with Brooklynn; commander of her troops, Aron and Zafir; her personal bodyguard. When a layover at a depot in the Scablands goes horribly wrong, Charlie and company are left behind while the train continues on.
What happened for Charlie and the others to be left behind in the Scablands? Who is behind the change in Charlie’s plans? Will she make iot to the summit And accomplish what she hopes to? Can Max squash the rebellion before Charlie returns? And will Charlie be able to quell Sabara’s essence from her body?
Charlie is in the fight for her life. Sabara is dead and Charlie is now Queen Charlaina of Ludania. Upon her death, Sabara was able to fuse her essence to Charlie. She is now in a battle of wills, trying to banish Sabara’s thoughts from overtaking her own. The only thing that seems to help is the healing power of her little sister, Angelina. The side effect is that now Charlie’s skin glows. Charlie has kept Sabara’s presence a secret from everyone, including Max.
In an effort to forge a new Ludania, Charlie has made several sweeping changes for the better that hasn’t made everyone happy. When an attempt is made on her life while on a tour of a new school, Charlie’s advisors decide the best thing would be for her to leave immediately for a summit with the neighboring queens. Unfortunately, the only person with the knowledge and power to rule in her absence is Max. he and Xander are left behind in Ludania to deal with the rebellion. Charlie sets out with Brooklynn; commander of her troops, Aron and Zafir; her personal bodyguard. When a layover at a depot in the Scablands goes horribly wrong, Charlie and company are left behind while the train continues on.
What happened for Charlie and the others to be left behind in the Scablands? Who is behind the change in Charlie’s plans? Will she make iot to the summit And accomplish what she hopes to? Can Max squash the rebellion before Charlie returns? And will Charlie be able to quell Sabara’s essence from her body?
michalice's review against another edition
5.0
As soon as I finished reading The Pledge I knew I had to read The Essence, and the wait feels like it has been a lifetime. Charlie is the Queen of Ludania, and her best friend Brooklynn is commander of the army, always there to make sure everything is safe for Charlie.
Charlie is still struggling to learn everything she needs to know about being a queen, as well as her secret fighting lessons, and to top it all off preparing for an upcoming Summit meeting. The summit alone brings an even bigger test for Charlie, meeting other royals. Trying her best to may her way through pleasantries that involve meeting others, trying to remember who has what greeting, and what she can't greet them with. Although it did offer some hilarious moments.
However in the shadows opposition begins to stir, not happy with Charlie's new rules she has set in place to ensure equality they attack the Academy during her visit, resulting the in loss of lives for innocent children. The path to the Summit is treacherous and fraught with danger, and Charlie, travelling with a small army and her ever present bodyguard must make this journey no matter what happens.
The Essence was a great read from the very first page, right up to the very last word, and I'm kinda disappointed as now I have to wait another whole year to find out what happens next. The Essence still has our favourite characters and we get to see a few points of view from a few of them. We also get to meet some new faces, but one of these, old or new is a traitor, and while I was reading I was trying to pick out hints or clues as to who it was, and as usual I discovered who the traitor is at the same moment Charlie does.
I love the new world Charlie has started to create for all, equality for every person in her land will make for a better living environment, no one struggling to survive on rations, or not having an education, yes there is some opposition to her new ideas, but new ideas are never liked by all immediately and I admire Charlie for sticking to her guns and trying her hardest to make a better life for all.
The world Kimberly has created in The Essence is so easy to fall into. The characters now feel like family to me and I was sad to see them go at the end, but being so familiar with them makes it that much easier to fall into their world for each new instalment in this great series and be able to just jump straight in without having to remember what happened before hand. The countdown has begun for book 3, I just wish it wasn't so far away.
Charlie is still struggling to learn everything she needs to know about being a queen, as well as her secret fighting lessons, and to top it all off preparing for an upcoming Summit meeting. The summit alone brings an even bigger test for Charlie, meeting other royals. Trying her best to may her way through pleasantries that involve meeting others, trying to remember who has what greeting, and what she can't greet them with. Although it did offer some hilarious moments.
'Honestly?' I asked, biting my lip. 'I couldn't remember anything Xander taught me. I'm an utter failure as a queen. I curtsied to Queen Langdon...who then spat at my feet. And I'm not even sure she's the one who spits. I think she just didn't like me'.
[Charlie to Brooklynn page 271 and 272]
However in the shadows opposition begins to stir, not happy with Charlie's new rules she has set in place to ensure equality they attack the Academy during her visit, resulting the in loss of lives for innocent children. The path to the Summit is treacherous and fraught with danger, and Charlie, travelling with a small army and her ever present bodyguard must make this journey no matter what happens.
The Essence was a great read from the very first page, right up to the very last word, and I'm kinda disappointed as now I have to wait another whole year to find out what happens next. The Essence still has our favourite characters and we get to see a few points of view from a few of them. We also get to meet some new faces, but one of these, old or new is a traitor, and while I was reading I was trying to pick out hints or clues as to who it was, and as usual I discovered who the traitor is at the same moment Charlie does.
I love the new world Charlie has started to create for all, equality for every person in her land will make for a better living environment, no one struggling to survive on rations, or not having an education, yes there is some opposition to her new ideas, but new ideas are never liked by all immediately and I admire Charlie for sticking to her guns and trying her hardest to make a better life for all.
The world Kimberly has created in The Essence is so easy to fall into. The characters now feel like family to me and I was sad to see them go at the end, but being so familiar with them makes it that much easier to fall into their world for each new instalment in this great series and be able to just jump straight in without having to remember what happened before hand. The countdown has begun for book 3, I just wish it wasn't so far away.
ameserole's review against another edition
2.0
The Essence was boring to me. I definitely wanted to just skim through everything because nothing was really holding my attention. Since it's the second book in this series, it definitely fell into the dreaded second book syndrome. I wish it didn't but I didn't really like it.
Charlie, the MC, just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. Yeah, she wanted to be this strong and independent woman.. but she should've asked for help when she needed it. Her not asking frustrated the heck out of me. I get that she was Queen and everything... but the girl was overwhelmed. Instead of keeping things to herself and trying to prove everyone wrong.. she definitely should've asked for some goddamn help! She also made decisions that I didn't agree with either. Again, the girl frustrated me so much in this book.
Besides Charlie, there were some other characters - but none that really stuck with you. I mean, I liked Max.. I think that was his name. However, if I'm being honest.. all of the characters were meh to me. I feel like there was little to none character development. Then there was the previous queens within Charlie and I was still freaking bored. I didn't care about what was happening in this book or with these characters!
Overall, I kind of wish The Pledge was a standalone.. but since I've read the second book I will just have to suck it up and dive into the last book. I hope it doesn't suck and that the characters are better. I also have zero expectations at this point.
Charlie, the MC, just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. Yeah, she wanted to be this strong and independent woman.. but she should've asked for help when she needed it. Her not asking frustrated the heck out of me. I get that she was Queen and everything... but the girl was overwhelmed. Instead of keeping things to herself and trying to prove everyone wrong.. she definitely should've asked for some goddamn help! She also made decisions that I didn't agree with either. Again, the girl frustrated me so much in this book.
Besides Charlie, there were some other characters - but none that really stuck with you. I mean, I liked Max.. I think that was his name. However, if I'm being honest.. all of the characters were meh to me. I feel like there was little to none character development. Then there was the previous queens within Charlie and I was still freaking bored. I didn't care about what was happening in this book or with these characters!
Overall, I kind of wish The Pledge was a standalone.. but since I've read the second book I will just have to suck it up and dive into the last book. I hope it doesn't suck and that the characters are better. I also have zero expectations at this point.
atinydisaster's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book, and I really REALLY didn't. I'm not even entirely sure why, so I'll keep this short. I really liked the first book in this series, but The Essence just didn't measure up.
What originally attracted to this series was the idea of a fantasy society built around language, but most of those elements have been abolished by book two. So now it's just a book about a girl/queen who travels and doesn't know who is trying to kill her. A lot of my favorite characters aren't present, and the plot feels disjointed as Charlie is hopping all over the place trying to figure out how to be queen.
It's not all bad, by any stretch. My favorite scene was really dramatic and unexpected, and I think Kimberly Derting did a good job of creating political tension.
I'm not sure yet if I'll be picking up the next book in this series (assuming there is one), I think I'll wait and see what the blurb has to say.
What originally attracted to this series was the idea of a fantasy society built around language, but most of those elements have been abolished by book two. So now it's just a book about a girl/queen who travels and doesn't know who is trying to kill her. A lot of my favorite characters aren't present, and the plot feels disjointed as Charlie is hopping all over the place trying to figure out how to be queen.
It's not all bad, by any stretch. My favorite scene was really dramatic and unexpected, and I think Kimberly Derting did a good job of creating political tension.
I'm not sure yet if I'll be picking up the next book in this series (assuming there is one), I think I'll wait and see what the blurb has to say.
ashleimiller's review against another edition
4.0
Amazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing cant wait to read the last one
tstreet's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. I like how she wanted to save all her people and she thought about them before she though about getting herself to safety. I really like how the one guys saved her and convinced the train to leave. I love how she solves the mystery and defeats the queen inside her.
huffleclawbookie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars tbqh. I really liked this book. I prefer the first one mainly because this one took a while to really pick up. It did take me a while to read because I don't read ebooks as fast as I do physical books. Looking forward to the third book :)