Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Release Date: 15th November, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 323pgs

The Story

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

The Review

The author has done it yet again! THE PLEDGE has an ingenious combination of some of the best elements in the dystopian genre - including a very unique and captivating but strict government-like society - and it's also the type of novel that's a little different and it's rather hard to compare it to with other dystopian book in young adult fiction. But that's a good thing to possess in a book like this one considering it's one of the best books I've read from last year in 2011. Clearly because, one, I love the author's writing as seen in her other novels, and, two, because of the way she keeps coming up with such cool ideas and surprising me each and every time.

Just like in her Body Finder series, a YA series that I've been a big fan of for quite some time, Kimberly Derting continues to impress her readers with writing the smallest amount of moments and recreating them into something magnificent and aspiring. Kind of like pulling a white rabbit out of magician's hat. Whether it's the internal human emotions, the physical strengths and struggles, or even the dangerous situations she continues placing her characters into, it's always unique and entertaining in its own rights. This of course can be seen alone through the eyes of Charlaina aka "Charlie", the main protagonist, whom can be both strong and vulnerable as a main character can get and I love her for it. Especially how she can understand all of the languages inside this society of hers named Ludania . . . she was perfect despite her flaws.

But what's even more interesting, is that the book contains three character perspectives that are switched throughout the novel between Charlie herself, her love interest Max (love him so much just so you know because he's handsome and alluring and all that goodness), and the strange-but-evil-but-sometimes-intriguing Queen Sabara who is the wicked one of all of them. All three main characters were absolutely fantastic ones to read about - even the supporting cast were splendid - and while I was unsure at first with a book sharing three people's perspectives, but in the end it turned out for the best.

Without spoiling the book for you guys - it's hard not to - readers can expect an incredibly blended fantasy/dystopian YA book, and one filled with such loveable characters and with just enough intensity to keep you reading until you reach the final pages. Even with some slow scenes, once you delve into Charlie's new world and enter the dangers she now faces, THE PLEDGE will have you begging for more. On a side note, initially THE PLEDGE was a standalone book but recently the publishers bought the rights to two more books from Derting, so I'm already counting down the days til book 2 arrives on our shelves!

The Rating

4/5 stars

13 comments:

  1. Ooooh Erin!! I have read many mixed reviews on this and yours is probably the first really positive one I've seen in a while, which I'm super happy about because I loved The Body Finder! Clearly it's one of those hit or miss books. I love the premise behind it and I don't mind multiple POV's if the author can pull it off, which it clearly sounds like she has. You have so increased my excitement to read this! Brilliant review!

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    1. Really? I've seen a few positive ones. I admit this book isn't for everyone but if you loved TBF (which I LOVEEEEE) then you'll love this too. Two of the POVs are short chapters, so it's not confusing at all.

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  2. I liked the three character perspectives too! I liked this one overall, but didn't love it. Setting was really cool, but I wasn't a fan of the romance. Really glad you enjoyed it though, and I'm looking forward to the sequel too!

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    1. Can't wait for the sequel too! At least you enjoyed this book. It's not for everyone.

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  3. So thrilled you enjoyed this! It's been on my TBR for a while and hopefully I can get to it soon :) Great review!

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  4. I have heard great things about this book! It sounds amazing and I love the idea! Awesome review, Erin!

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  5. Great review! I haven't read anything written by Kimberly Derting, but I have The Body Finder on my TBR shelf. Maybe it's time to pick it up and add The Pledge to my wishlist.

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    1. Thank you. Be sure to check out The Body Finder series soon. Love those books and this one, too.

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  6. I am ashamed to say, but I still haven't read the Body Finder series! I really do need to get on to that ASAP, because I heard it's amazing. The Pledge sounds equally as good. Great review! =)

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    1. You MUST read TBF series! One of my favourite series. I recommend starting that series before this one. Thanks. x

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  7. It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did, I was completely hooked. It was so good! Glad that you enjoyed it too.

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