Bookanista Thursday: The Essence

I love this series. I might be a 'little" biased but Ive always loved the idea of classes being divided by language. I think we hit classism today because of that in some sense regarding ethnicity and diversity.

I loved The Pledge and The Offering just came out the beginning of the year so I wanted to touch on The Essence first.

If you have not read this series, start back at the Pledge.

Top 10 reason to read:

1. K.D (yes I know her by that :)  knows exactly what magnificent word to choose every time.
2. The twists and turns in this book is more complex than in The Pledge.
3. I love the character arc proving how much Charlie has changed from Book 1 to Book 2. Love how she struggles with the girlie things...oh and horses :)
4. Brooke's situation had me stressed out toward the end! Love that.
5. The world building and mythology weaved in is amazing.
6. One word - Max :)
7. The development of some secondary characters in Book 1 was so flawless.
8. The book has everything cool in it: There are mysteries, assassins, spies, kidnapping, betrayal, dancing, soul mates, new powers, and murder. 
9. Even the villain, Sabara was sympathetic. That's hard to do.
10. All the queens at the summit are crazy and fun to read about.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

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.

Other Bookanista reviews:

Christine Fonseca  marvels at MIND GAMES by Kiersten White

Elana Johson  is gaga for GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFever

Stasia Ward Kehoe discusses THE DIFFERENT GIRL by Gordon Dahlquist

Jessica Love delves into BITTERSWEET by Sarah Ockler

Katy Upperman  wonders at IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson

Nikki Katz  celebrates THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay

Bookanista Buzz - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Okay, I love this book! And yay! It was just announced that 2 more are coming.....


I will go out on a limp and say I even love it more than The Body Finder!


And I stayed up all night in 2 nights to finish that one.

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. 


Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. 


Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom….


What I loved about this book:


1) A fresh take on dystopia and fantasy all rolled into one.
2) It's creepy!
3) I love that the ruler is a woman - finally!
4) Max's little note - so sweet - love him.
5) The unexpected twists and reveals!
6) I loved Charlie (MC) from the start. Felt sorry for her. Can't imagine hiding a gift so powerful it could cause your death.
7) The queen was nasty and it was scary what was going on in her head/thoughts. 
8) Did I mention Max is hot?!
9) It's so pacy!!!! I read it in like a day.
10) The implication of language and hot it can bring together or break up society. (yeah a little heavy But I'm not as dumb as I might look :)
11) I love the cover!
12) I adore Kimberly too :)

Check out the other Bookanista posts:

• Elana Johnson  is obsessed with Possess
• Christine Fonseca  twirls for Audition
• Shannon Whitney Messenger is wowed by The White Assassin – with giveaway
• Beth Revis interviews The Girl of Fire & Thorns author Rae Carson
• Carolina Valdez Miller delves into The Future of Us – with signed book giveaway
• Shana Silver shouts out about Shut Out
• Sarah Frances Hardy fancies You Will Be My Friend