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The Essence

A Pledge Novel

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About The Book

“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.

About The Author

Credit: Celeste Morrison

Kimberly Derting is the author of The Pledge series and the Body Finder series. She lives in Washington State. Visit her at KimberlyDerting.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (December 31, 2013)
  • Length: 368 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442445604
  • Grades: 9 and up
  • Ages: 14 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL810L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"Readers who enjoyed the first book... will love following Charlaina’s growth from a vendor girl to a queen...[This book] will intrigue readers with a taste for dramatic dystopian romance."

– VOYA

"Defeating evil queen Sabara at the conclusion of The Pledge (2011) was only the beginning for Charlie, now Queen Charlaina of Ludania. Derting’s follow-up casts Charlie in an untenable circumstance that only her inner strength can defeat."

– Booklist Online

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More books from this author: Kimberly Derting

More books in this series: The Pledge Trilogy