BLOG TOUR: The Essence (Pledge #2) by Kimberly Derting

“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.

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

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I was super excited to get my hands on The Essence because I loved The Pledge.  It was so different and unique which really captured me.

So, I dove right in and was immediately drawn in to the madness that is Charlie's life.  In her new reign as Queen after taking over from Sabara, we see her coming to terms with her duties.  With her family and friends surrounding her, bringing change to Ludania is all Charlie wants.. But, with the concept of change there is always a rebel faction not in line with the ruling party. 

So, what does this mean for us?? It means we are thrust in to a suspenseful tale with so many twists and turns that leave you grasping for something to hold...You feel for Charlie and all that she is going through. The decisions that she is warring with within herself. ...You fall even more for Max and just how wonderful he is... You admire Zafir and his dedication to protecting his queen, and you enjoy the snarky openness of Brook... All of these fantastic characters developed to create a magnificent page turner of tension, deceit, action,  and mystery that you just don't want to miss out on..

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