maidmarianlib's review
3.0
Interesting characters and situations, but the world building was lacking, lots of elements did not connect to the overall story. Note some mild content may not be suitable for all readers.
ulli_d's review
2.0
This is more like a 3.5 out of 5... Maybe even only a 3 but I had to give it 4 stars since it really surprised me. I pretty much started reading this book without knowing anything about it, except it is about a girl that understands every language though she's only supposed to know the language of her own class. I didn't really know that the queen played such an important role in the plot and I suspected that the guy she met would be someone completely different ... So yeah, I was surprised. A lot.
Though I must say, yes it was a fun and short read, but I just didn't really get into the story. Part of the reason beeing I don't really like Charlie. I'm just so over this whole "insecure girl" thing for main characters. Plus for me, there was a little too much instalove happening, or more like I didn't really get her feeling versus what happened in the storyline. But nevertheless I plan on finishing this series.
Though I must say, yes it was a fun and short read, but I just didn't really get into the story. Part of the reason beeing I don't really like Charlie. I'm just so over this whole "insecure girl" thing for main characters. Plus for me, there was a little too much instalove happening, or more like I didn't really get her feeling versus what happened in the storyline. But nevertheless I plan on finishing this series.
earlgreybooks's review
3.0
I've really enjoyed Kimberly Derting's books in the past, but this one just wasn't engaging me.
thebookaddictedgirl's review
4.0
4½ Out of 5
“I pledge to keep you safe.”
In Ludania, the people are divided by the language they speak and the class they are born into. To look at someone in a higher class whilst they are speaking their own language leads to death.
17-year-old Charlie can understand all languages, a secret she protects above all else, because if she's found out, she's dead.
In a land where parents betray their own children to gain the favour of their ruthless old Queen, Charlie seeks the freedom of underground clubs, where there are no rules and no divisions. It's there she meets Max. Gorgeous, mysterious Max, who Charlie instantly feels a connection with, who speaks a language she's never heard before. Who guesses she's different and pledges to protect her.
But with a rebellion threatening and the old Queen ruling as ruthlessly as ever, can Max keep his promise, keep Charlie safe...?
I'd never read anything by Derting before, though I do have her two Body Finder books on my TBR pile. After The Pledge, I simply cannot wait to read them! I was sucked right into the world, hooked from start to finish. I loved it and quite frankly need the next book. And not because I want more Max. Obviously...
Charlie had all the traits I like in my lead girls: cheeky, caring, smart and brave. She loved her little sister to pieces and went out of her way to help others. Feisty, strong and so, so brave, I just loved her! As for Max, he was self-confident, charming, protective and mysterious. And so perceptive. And just yu-um-my! Cute, loyal, gorgeous... I loved him!
The relationship between Charlie and Max was just perfect too! I could feel the chemistry. And I loved seeing it become more. And the kisses? Wow. Kimberly sure can write a good romance!
All the characters were all so real to me and I loved them all! I loved how padded out they felt, how I completely misjudged many of them to begin with. Of course, I had favourites, naming no names. *Max* I really liked Brook, or at least liked how I had to get to know her twice, though I preferred the wild and cheeky Brook. Angelina, Charlie’s sister, was so cute; if I had a little sister, I would want Angelina! Xander was another intriguing character: super mysterious, cheeky and brave, he was either “insolent” or spirited, depending on whether you listen to one of the other characters or to me!
The world was just amazing - unlike anything I'd read before. All the classes and jobs were exaggerated by separate languages for each level. And there was magic! This is the first dystopian I've read that has paranormal tie-ins! I loved learning all the history and found myself smiling at the Queen's desperation for a female heir (the only ones strong enough to rule), the complete opposite of our own history. It was all so new, so rich, so detailed, so utterly unique. More please!
And the writing was beautiful, addictive, descriptive; I fell in love with the style, with Charlie. I loved how it was divided up - mostly told in 1st person by Charlie with the occasional chapter told in 3rd person by some of the other characters. I loved this, even if it threw me off at first. But I really got into Charlie's head, fell in love with her, got to see the whole world. The plot was also completely unique and utterly addictive. Fast-paced, twisty and unlike any dystopian I'd read before, I truly loved the story. I just could not put it down! As for the ending... Well, I am most eagerly anticipating the next book! And by anticipating, I mean needing!
One ruthless queen, one queendom on the verge of war, one girl with a huge secret, a secret to protect at all costs... The Pledge was a book I loved, one I was sucked into from the word go. A dystopian like no other. I can't wait for the next in the series!
“I pledge to keep you safe.”
In Ludania, the people are divided by the language they speak and the class they are born into. To look at someone in a higher class whilst they are speaking their own language leads to death.
17-year-old Charlie can understand all languages, a secret she protects above all else, because if she's found out, she's dead.
In a land where parents betray their own children to gain the favour of their ruthless old Queen, Charlie seeks the freedom of underground clubs, where there are no rules and no divisions. It's there she meets Max. Gorgeous, mysterious Max, who Charlie instantly feels a connection with, who speaks a language she's never heard before. Who guesses she's different and pledges to protect her.
But with a rebellion threatening and the old Queen ruling as ruthlessly as ever, can Max keep his promise, keep Charlie safe...?
I'd never read anything by Derting before, though I do have her two Body Finder books on my TBR pile. After The Pledge, I simply cannot wait to read them! I was sucked right into the world, hooked from start to finish. I loved it and quite frankly need the next book. And not because I want more Max. Obviously...
Charlie had all the traits I like in my lead girls: cheeky, caring, smart and brave. She loved her little sister to pieces and went out of her way to help others. Feisty, strong and so, so brave, I just loved her! As for Max, he was self-confident, charming, protective and mysterious. And so perceptive. And just yu-um-my! Cute, loyal, gorgeous... I loved him!
The relationship between Charlie and Max was just perfect too! I could feel the chemistry. And I loved seeing it become more. And the kisses? Wow. Kimberly sure can write a good romance!
All the characters were all so real to me and I loved them all! I loved how padded out they felt, how I completely misjudged many of them to begin with. Of course, I had favourites, naming no names. *Max* I really liked Brook, or at least liked how I had to get to know her twice, though I preferred the wild and cheeky Brook. Angelina, Charlie’s sister, was so cute; if I had a little sister, I would want Angelina! Xander was another intriguing character: super mysterious, cheeky and brave, he was either “insolent” or spirited, depending on whether you listen to one of the other characters or to me!
The world was just amazing - unlike anything I'd read before. All the classes and jobs were exaggerated by separate languages for each level. And there was magic! This is the first dystopian I've read that has paranormal tie-ins! I loved learning all the history and found myself smiling at the Queen's desperation for a female heir (the only ones strong enough to rule), the complete opposite of our own history. It was all so new, so rich, so detailed, so utterly unique. More please!
And the writing was beautiful, addictive, descriptive; I fell in love with the style, with Charlie. I loved how it was divided up - mostly told in 1st person by Charlie with the occasional chapter told in 3rd person by some of the other characters. I loved this, even if it threw me off at first. But I really got into Charlie's head, fell in love with her, got to see the whole world. The plot was also completely unique and utterly addictive. Fast-paced, twisty and unlike any dystopian I'd read before, I truly loved the story. I just could not put it down! As for the ending... Well, I am most eagerly anticipating the next book! And by anticipating, I mean needing!
One ruthless queen, one queendom on the verge of war, one girl with a huge secret, a secret to protect at all costs... The Pledge was a book I loved, one I was sucked into from the word go. A dystopian like no other. I can't wait for the next in the series!
honniker's review
2.0
The concept was cool, especially for a language need like myself. The execution was lacking. There was so much that could've been done with this book and instead it was just your basic YA tripe. Same story as all the other dystopian YA novels, slightly different skin. Disappointing.
xallroyx21's review
4.0
Another intriguing premise, yet I would not really call this one dystopian.There is a totalitarian regime, but the queen of Ludania has magical powers which allow her too continually evolve through time to serve as long as she can find a female along the royal bloodline to move her essence into them. There appears to be no more females until members of the previous royal bloodline are found in Charle and Angelina, two girls from the vendor class.
Once again, glad there is no love triangle! Max appears to be a caring mate for Charlie. I liked the little surprises that went along in the story. The story could work as a standalone, but that is not in right now. I will read the next one.
Once again, glad there is no love triangle! Max appears to be a caring mate for Charlie. I liked the little surprises that went along in the story. The story could work as a standalone, but that is not in right now. I will read the next one.