The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Summary (from Goodreads): 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.
My Thoughts: Wow. The Pledge blew my expectations out of the water. I liked this even more than I liked The Body Finder! It’s such a different take on the dystopian genre. Instead of the usual overbearing, democratic-type government – or at least government by a panel or president or whatever – we have a monarchy. Ruled by queens – not kings. The power lies with the females. And, wow, what a society. The summary above really describes it well, but “seeing” it in action is something else. Derting did a fabulous job of creating this society.
Charlie is an intriguing character, but probably the least surprising. Her revelations were somewhat predictable, but others totally surprised me. Max is one. Xander was another. Brook was probably the most surprising for me. Did not see that coming. And, no, I won’t tell you! 
The Queen – wow. What an amazing villain. Amazing. She’s cold, cruel, calculating, and unpredictable. We don’t get inside her head enough to my satisfaction – more of her would make the story bone-chilling.
The ending was good, very good. I was happy with the way things were wrapped up. And, honestly, I wondered for bit how this was going to be a series. Everything seemed to be resolved – and then the Epilogue. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of The Pledge series!
Source: Received through The {Teen} Book Scene for review. (Click the button below for more tour stops.)
Read It: It’s not too late to enter the giveaway for a signed copy and swag pack! Just leave a comment at THIS POST (not this review post, but the linked post). Giveaway ends tomorrow, 11/17/2011. You can also get your own copy HERE.
Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own. Any exceptions to this are clearly noted in the appropriate posts.
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I just finished this one myself and I liked it a whole lot as well! That epilogue definitely had me wanting more, no doubt. Haha, I didn’t see the Brook part coming either, but I did have my suspicions about Xander and Max, lol. Great review!
Rebecca recently posted..Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting