The Essence by Kimberly Derting
3.5/5 stars
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013
343 pages
YA Dystopia
Sequel to The Pledge
*Spoilers for The Pledge because they're necessary but no spoilers for The Essence*
Source: Library
When I read the first book in the series, The Pledge, I found it to be a fast moving plot-driven story that kept me breathless turning pages. So even though the characters weren't very substantial to me, I still wanted to check out this second book. I'm definitely bummed it has taken so long to arrive but I'm glad I checked it out.
After overthrowing Queen Sabara, Charlaina has assumed her rightful place as Queen of Ludania and has been implementing big changes, trying to unite everyone as one people, in one class, under one language. But not all are pleased about this change. Adding to Charlie's troubles are the fact that Sabara's essence is still contained within her and is pulling her in many different directions as well as a traitor, betraying all that Charlie has worked for.
I thought the plot was a little less engaging this time as frequently is the case. Fighting for freedom and liberty is usually more fun to read about than building a stable kingdom based on those principles. The weirdest part to me is how Charlie's closest friends are now her advisers despite only being around sixteen (or that was my impression of their age). Are there no adults who fought and would be appropriate? Also as I mentioned, there is a traitor who I kind of picked out (yay me!)
The most interesting part to me was seeing Charlie trying to interact with other queens to prepare her kingdom to resume its place with allies trading. She's a lady who prefers trousers but is forced into a dress to learn etiquette. Second most intriguing was Charlie's battle against the essence of Sabara. Her voice is represented in italics and she is absolutely devious, still intent on gaining a body, whether Charlie's or maybe someone else's. We also learn more about her back story and just about how long she's been around. These elements helped push me through some of the duller parts.
Overall: A sequel worth checking out if you liked the first.
Other Opinions:
Books Live Forever
In Between
Mundie Moms
Rainy Day Ramblings
Hm, interesting. Great review for a series we're still uncertain about. We've just heard so many mixed things, you know? And our TBR list is very, very long already... ;P
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's a must-read but I was intrigued to find out how the story progressed. I'd focus on other books in your tbr-list.
DeleteI think I enjoyed the first one a lot more than this one. I am still holding out the hope for the next installment. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I thought the characters were more interesting in this book but the plot of the first one worked better for me.
DeleteI haven't read the first yet but I like plot driven books. Sorry to see this one was a little slower.
ReplyDeleteYou might like the first book a lot then, which could be read as a standalone. It was very plot-driven!
DeleteI feel like this is one I might give a pass to. I liked the first book *okay*, but I didn't adore it. Even though I might enjoy this one to an extent, I feel like my TBR list is way too long already.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that's a good decision-it's not a must-read in my opinion.
DeleteI LOVED The Pledge but this second novel hasn't called to me as much. I'm sad about that but intrigued by your review!
ReplyDeleteIf you loved The Pledge, I think you'll want to check out the continuing adventures of these characters-I was meh on the first book so I wanted to give the series a second chance.
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