Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Quickie Review: The Essence by Kimberly Derting


Book: The Essence (Pledge #2)
By: Kimberly Derting
Published: January 1, 2013
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry books

Description: “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.


My Thoughts: This will be a quick review because I just dont have that much to say about this book. I had high hopes for The Essence after reading the Pledge, but it didnt quite live up to my idea. As you can read from the description, Charlie is having trouble controlling Sabara who still remains in her body, and having trouble taking her place as queen. This book is all about those struggles, and it was pretty much boring throughout. It took me forever to read because I just wasnt invested. There were some big things that happened, and every so often, I got a bit interested, but I really just held on hoping for an amazing end, such as was the case with The Pledge. Also, Charlie kind of bothered me in this book and I can't explain why. Perhaps it was her sneakiness and her problems with sharing her issues with those around her. Whatever it was kind of turned me off with this book. This book pretty much disappointed me, despite having a few high points. I give it 2 stars.

3 comments:

aparajita said...

great short review. a bit disappointed that you didn't like it Sherre.... i hav it sitting on my shelf since it release and i can't seem to get to reading it

Le' Grande Codex

Lan said...

It's always a shame when second books don't live up to your expectations. Second books tend to always be hardest to write. I wonder if the change in Charlie had something to do with the essence she had inside her? Great short review. I need to start writing short reviews like this!

LaMar Nelson said...

Wow, I'm really sad to hear this because I actually brought the first book a while ago with plans to read the whole series, especially since you gave the first book such a good review. Now however, I don't think I'm even going to read the first book, I'm just going to donate it to my local library. Thanks for saving me the month or two it probably would have taken me to read the first and second book to find out it was a waste of time! LOL

Post a Comment

Leave me a message! I love Reading them. If you are a New follower, let me know and I will be sure to follow back!