Charlaina is seventeen and now sovereign of Ludania, and honestly shouldn't be surprised that the other powers in the area want her dead, she has weakened her government by populating it with her friends. On top of everything Sabara is lurking in her psyche and not fighting fair.

It's not bad, it's a bridging novel so you're finding more about people and the situations but I just wasn't really caught by it. Readable but it just didn't engage me that much. ( )

This is the 2nd in the Pledge series. Charlie, our lead character, really goes through a trial. She must keep the fact that the queen she replaced inhabits her body with her. As they fight for control, Charlie begins to find out secrets that the former queen had, as well as feeling like she is losing herself in the process. Not only does she fight Sabara, but she has been targeted for assassination...can she and her loyal friends find out who the culprit is before it is too late. Will Sabara finally gain the upper hand and control Charlie? I look forward to the finale in the series. ( )

The Essence is the second installment in The Pledge series. Picking up where The Pledge left off, we are thrust back in Ludania.
Charlie has taken her place as Queen, and is learning to handle her new duties and the influence of Sabara as well. This is no easy feat either. She isn’t safe there is trouble brewing and she is the target. But Charlies is strong and determined as ever. She is a great character all the way around She is smart and has a quirky side to her. I enjoyed her growth as I followed her story and I hope to see more of it too. Her romance with Max this time around was a little thin, but none the less just as sweet.
A handful a new characters were introduced and they definitely brought a lot to the story. The world building was fascinating and engaging and left me wanting more. Citizens are rebelling against Charlie’s ruling and with the threat to her safety, it was acton packed. There were betrayals and twists along the way and the pace of the story moves at fairly consistent pace. One that keeps your attention and makes you want to keep reading for fear you might miss something. Derting’s writing brings the world and the characters to life with such a vivid description and it just sucks you in.
Overall, I was very please with this. It was heart stopping, and suspenseful and with a touch of romance, I am looking forward to the next book in this series, but wow, it won’t be out till 2014 sometime. Ugh… This is one that I would definitely recommend picking up for sure. ( )

Wow is nearly all I can say after reading this outstanding sequel to The Pledge. I recieved The Essence free through Goodreads FirstReads, and I was ecstatic when I got it in the mail. After reading The Pledge, I couldn't wait to see what happened to Charlie and her queendom. As much as I enjoyed the first book, The Essence is ten times better. If you haven't read this series, start. If you have, be prepared to laugh, cry, and throw the book across the room in frustration when you read.
The Pledge left off with Charlie taking the throne of a cautious and weary queendom, while ex-Queen Sabara still lurks in the back of her mind. The Essence picks up only a small time later, with matters good and bad. While most people are welcoming the changes Charlie is making, a small, but deadly and potentially crazy force of rebels are becoming bold with Brooklynn's own father leading them. While dealing with threats at home, Charlie also faces the uncertainty with the other Queens she has yet to meet. When she is invited to attend the summit, nerves are high, and they discover a traitor lurks among them. The plot twists and turns, and you can't be sure what will come next, but you know it will be exciting.
I enjoyed seeing more of the minor characters come to life in this book. Brooklynn's true personality takes more of a hold, and Max becomes even more lovable. Also, new characters emerge. The Queens all have interesting personalities, making Charlie unsure who is an ally or an enemy, and a strange man from Sabara's past makes a large appearance. All in all, excellent book, excellent plot, excellent dialouge and characters. Five stars all the way.
Fans of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books, Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games, and anyone who just adores a good read should give this series a try. ( )

Awesome continuation to the Pledge. I loved how the story evolved and from being just a Vendor's daughter now Charlie is the new queen of Ludania trying to find herself on the throne. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. Anxiously awaiting book #3 :) ( )