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Title: The Pledge (you can Buy on Amazon here)
Author: Kimberly Derting
Published: 15th November 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia
Pages: 323
Format: E-Book
Rating ***** (5 Stars)
About: Seventeen-year-old Charlaina knows she has exceptional but perilous powers.
In the far future, in a land controlled by an aged and ruthless queen, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. Even acknowledging a member of the ruling class while they are speaking their native tongue is punishable by death. Charlie can understand all languages, a secret she must protect to stay alive.
When she meets the alluringly handsome Max, who speaks in a language she hasn’t heard before, she is intensely attracted to him. Max believes that Charlie is the key to something bigger and he pledges to protect her. But as war descends, can she trust him?
Review: I read this book incredibly fast – also a good sign I would say as I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting.Although this is an easy read, it does become a bit predictable at times. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it and everyone loves a happy ending as this book provides. Kimberly Derting successful creates an alternative world which pulls the reader in. The light dystopian element, the historical themes, the revolutionary plots all adds to the excitement of the book. Whilst the author does try to keep the reader guessing, it appeared to me that it was only a small effort that was made. However, even with the text being predictable it was still interesting to read how Charlie would succeed.
This book is aimed at younger readers and you can see that in the innocent romance that is described between Charlie and Max. There is an instant connection between them, almost making it seem unreal. Even though Charlie doesn’t fall for him instantly – she tries and fails to not fall for him. I found it a very cute relationship, you can clearly see how much Max cares for her.
The relationships that are described in the text are all believable. The sisterly bond between Charlie and her sister, the friendships between Charlie, Aron, and Brooklynn. Brooklynn herself was quite an interesting character, although she wasn’t the main character she still had an interesting back story, one which I wished was delved into further.
All together I felt like all the ideas and characters worked well together. The author had clearly put a lot of thought into how the book will play out in the end and I didn’t feel that there was one moment that felt like it was random or out of place.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for an easy read and a book that is able to transport you into another world.
CastlesandTurrets 