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….
The Pledge
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Amazon Exclusive: Margaret Stohl Reviews The Pledge
Margaret Atwood once wrote, "War is what happens when language fails." As a writer, of course, I'm always particularly interested when people who love words tell stories of the power of words; I felt that way about Ally Condie's stolen remnants of poetry in Matched, and again in Kimberly Derting's fierce contest of language in The Pledge. Atwood, Condie, and Derting are circling around the same fire, here; if you liked one you'll like the others, as I did, and I suggest all three.
Powerful people can speak, more powerful people can control the story. Within the sharply, smartly drawn world of The Pledge, of all the many layers of regulated dialect and mediated power, only one language is essentially magic—-the untaught, instinctual language of the ruling class. What happens when someone powerless can suddenly speak and understand it? What happens when that someone is a young woman with something of her own to say? What happens when she chooses to love someone she shouldn't, someone who speaks it too?
We writers talk so often about voice, but this is one of the few YA novels I've ever seen that expressly examines the power of a girl's own voice, her right to have it and use it. The Pledge is deeply written and deeply felt, and I look forward to the sequel. --Margaret Stohl
Review
"Kimberly Derting's remarkably original and deliciously romantic dystopian, The Pledge, unfolds at a breakneck pace. I held my breath until the very last page and am already desperate for more!"-Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH
"Derting gives texture to Charlie's future society, hinting at a not-so distant past when cities had names and people wanted democracy but became corrupt and turned to an all powerful Queen. Danger, dread, mystery, and romance are a potent combination for those that enjoy their dystopian-light fiction action packed." -Booklist
"fast-paced and engrossing" -VOYA
"A girl reluctantly faces her destiny in this gripping dystopian fantasy. Derting (Desires of the Dead, 2011, etc.) keeps her story consistently engaging through vivid description and brisk pacing, propelling Charlie through her adventure. She throws enough romance into the mix to satisfy but keeps the main focus on suspense. More great suspense from a prolific new writer with a vibrant imagination."—Kirkus Reviews
"Derting’s chilling dystopia envisions an America ruled by monarchy, most of its cities razed, and its citizens straitjacketed in a caste system divided by language...[and is] right on when depicting the bonds of family, friendship, and first love."--Publishers Weekly
"Derting gives texture to Charlie's future society, hinting at a not-so distant past when cities had names and people wanted democracy but became corrupt and turned to an all powerful Queen. Danger, dread, mystery, and romance are a potent combination for those that enjoy their dystopian-light fiction action packed." -Booklist
"fast-paced and engrossing" -VOYA
"A girl reluctantly faces her destiny in this gripping dystopian fantasy. Derting (Desires of the Dead, 2011, etc.) keeps her story consistently engaging through vivid description and brisk pacing, propelling Charlie through her adventure. She throws enough romance into the mix to satisfy but keeps the main focus on suspense. More great suspense from a prolific new writer with a vibrant imagination."—Kirkus Reviews
"Derting’s chilling dystopia envisions an America ruled by monarchy, most of its cities razed, and its citizens straitjacketed in a caste system divided by language...[and is] right on when depicting the bonds of family, friendship, and first love."--Publishers Weekly
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More About the Author
Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By Helene Merce
Format:Hardcover
Definitely Derting's best work.
Ten Likes/Dislikes:
1. (+) Charlie, the Protagonist - Right off the bat, Charlie gets my sympathy. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to conceal her power all the time-- at the threat of death! -- even when the upper class bullies at school are such bitches. And then there's the fact that she's so loving and loyal with her family and friends, working after school to help her parents manage their restaurant. More so than that, she's practical and smart. I can't think of a single time I felt frustrated with her.
2. (+) World-building - There is so much to love about this story world. Ludania's history and the oppressive society and the gender divide in the Royal family and the pending war with the rebellion and the languages and the difference in voices, pitches and the clubs and the class system. Admittedly I haven't been able to get into some dystopians just because I can't picture that sort of society ever existing, but that is definitely not the case here. I mean, with the harsh rules about the class system -- take a look at the caste systems and Victorian England and whatnot. Maybe the Queen's power and Essence part can't possibly exist but a society functioning on all this? Yes, I believe so. And I savored every last detail Derting had to offer. Fantastic world-building.
3. (+) Side Characters - Oh my goodness. I loved the relationships Charlie has with everybody -- Aron, Brooklyn, Angelina, her parents (her dad's devotion--so heartbreaking!), even Sydney. I was a little weary of Xander though; I don't want to spoil anything for you guys, but I just thought that his past seemed at odds with his behavior towards Charlie. But that by no means detracts from the rest of the relationships. Friendships and her family dynamics were wonderfully complex and laced with secrets I was dying to know. Seriously loved all of these characters and am glad only necessary characters were introduced.
4. (+) Romance - My initial reaction: too intense too quickly. And too many mentions of his eyes and their greyness and beauty and staring into them and whatnot (reminds me too much of paranormal insta-love!). And why exactly does Max find her intriguing if not for her powers as he claims? I looked back at their original conversation and couldn't really figure that out.... But the romance grew on me because it was sweet and builds throughout the novel (on the side) and Charlie's reactions were wonderfully appropriate; she didn't know whether or not to trust him so she didn't court the danger--she walked away. Yes! Thank you for a strong, logical female response, despite the fact that this is the first boy she takes interest in. Also, neither character claims to be in love by the end. They're strongly attracted to each other... Still, what really clinches the deal with Max for me is this note he writes to Charlie--it's so sweet and romantic and fitting for this novel & its theme.
5. (+) Alternating Perspectives - As in The Body Finder, we get multiple perspectives--Charlie's first person POV and third person POV accounts from the Queen, Max, and Xander. Personally would've loved to see more of the villain's perspective--thought that one was the most intriguing of them--and I wanted to know more about the villain. But in general I loved the alternating perspectives because they were a great suspense builder and kept me hooked to my computer.
6. (+) Not What I Expected - I sort of predicted what the ending was going to be after the 2nd? chapter, but that didn't stop me from reading... and didn't stop me from being surprised by all the intricacies. Nothing is what it seems--each character has something mysterious going on... I loved peeling back the layers to this story.
7. (+) The Ending - Beautiful. It was complete... and then Derting added a little bit of unresolved tension--not enough to ruin the ending, not like a cliffhanger. No, just enough for me be like wow, that sounds like it would make for a fantastic sequel should she decide to develop it. Please tell me this is a part of a series. Damn, Goodreads doesn't have it listed. Hmm...
8. (+) The Writing - An issue I had with The Body Finder was some of the character descriptions... but The Pledge makes it clear how much Derting's writing has matured. I called Charlaina smart. I'd say this writing is smart. Derting alludes to the secrets you find out about the characters in such subtle ways-- I sort of shrugged off the hints and continued reading... until I came across another revelation and thought back to the brilliant foreshadowing...I already mentioned her talent for suspense building... and Derting's descriptions are also fantastic (see world-building comment above!). Also, my God! What an explosive Prologue. Great beginning to the story. Great writing all around.
9. (+) Pacing - I was immersed in this novel. At one point -- when I was 30 pages from the end - my brother came into my room to discuss Game of Thrones or something; really, all I could think was: ssshhh, John, I need to finish this book. I didn't put my computer down until I had finished reading.
10. (+) The Cover - How isn't this cover beautiful? I love the dark theme and the little slit for Charlaina's head and the font and even the big, all encompassing letters... and can I say how much I love the title and how Derting used it as a theme throughout?
Yes, all of them are likes. I really can't think of anything which I majorly disliked -- I mean I mentioned the intense romance & the way the villain finds out about Charlie bothered me & maybe that the book's inciting incident was a bit later than I expected, but those were all very minor things.
On the whole, I seriously loved this book -- it's chock full of suspense, danger, and romance and is altogether a must read for fall 2011. Mark your calendars, guys. November 15th isn't a date you'll want to miss ;).
Ten Likes/Dislikes:
1. (+) Charlie, the Protagonist - Right off the bat, Charlie gets my sympathy. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to conceal her power all the time-- at the threat of death! -- even when the upper class bullies at school are such bitches. And then there's the fact that she's so loving and loyal with her family and friends, working after school to help her parents manage their restaurant. More so than that, she's practical and smart. I can't think of a single time I felt frustrated with her.
2. (+) World-building - There is so much to love about this story world. Ludania's history and the oppressive society and the gender divide in the Royal family and the pending war with the rebellion and the languages and the difference in voices, pitches and the clubs and the class system. Admittedly I haven't been able to get into some dystopians just because I can't picture that sort of society ever existing, but that is definitely not the case here. I mean, with the harsh rules about the class system -- take a look at the caste systems and Victorian England and whatnot. Maybe the Queen's power and Essence part can't possibly exist but a society functioning on all this? Yes, I believe so. And I savored every last detail Derting had to offer. Fantastic world-building.
3. (+) Side Characters - Oh my goodness. I loved the relationships Charlie has with everybody -- Aron, Brooklyn, Angelina, her parents (her dad's devotion--so heartbreaking!), even Sydney. I was a little weary of Xander though; I don't want to spoil anything for you guys, but I just thought that his past seemed at odds with his behavior towards Charlie. But that by no means detracts from the rest of the relationships. Friendships and her family dynamics were wonderfully complex and laced with secrets I was dying to know. Seriously loved all of these characters and am glad only necessary characters were introduced.
4. (+) Romance - My initial reaction: too intense too quickly. And too many mentions of his eyes and their greyness and beauty and staring into them and whatnot (reminds me too much of paranormal insta-love!). And why exactly does Max find her intriguing if not for her powers as he claims? I looked back at their original conversation and couldn't really figure that out.... But the romance grew on me because it was sweet and builds throughout the novel (on the side) and Charlie's reactions were wonderfully appropriate; she didn't know whether or not to trust him so she didn't court the danger--she walked away. Yes! Thank you for a strong, logical female response, despite the fact that this is the first boy she takes interest in. Also, neither character claims to be in love by the end. They're strongly attracted to each other... Still, what really clinches the deal with Max for me is this note he writes to Charlie--it's so sweet and romantic and fitting for this novel & its theme.
5. (+) Alternating Perspectives - As in The Body Finder, we get multiple perspectives--Charlie's first person POV and third person POV accounts from the Queen, Max, and Xander. Personally would've loved to see more of the villain's perspective--thought that one was the most intriguing of them--and I wanted to know more about the villain. But in general I loved the alternating perspectives because they were a great suspense builder and kept me hooked to my computer.
6. (+) Not What I Expected - I sort of predicted what the ending was going to be after the 2nd? chapter, but that didn't stop me from reading... and didn't stop me from being surprised by all the intricacies. Nothing is what it seems--each character has something mysterious going on... I loved peeling back the layers to this story.
7. (+) The Ending - Beautiful. It was complete... and then Derting added a little bit of unresolved tension--not enough to ruin the ending, not like a cliffhanger. No, just enough for me be like wow, that sounds like it would make for a fantastic sequel should she decide to develop it. Please tell me this is a part of a series. Damn, Goodreads doesn't have it listed. Hmm...
8. (+) The Writing - An issue I had with The Body Finder was some of the character descriptions... but The Pledge makes it clear how much Derting's writing has matured. I called Charlaina smart. I'd say this writing is smart. Derting alludes to the secrets you find out about the characters in such subtle ways-- I sort of shrugged off the hints and continued reading... until I came across another revelation and thought back to the brilliant foreshadowing...I already mentioned her talent for suspense building... and Derting's descriptions are also fantastic (see world-building comment above!). Also, my God! What an explosive Prologue. Great beginning to the story. Great writing all around.
9. (+) Pacing - I was immersed in this novel. At one point -- when I was 30 pages from the end - my brother came into my room to discuss Game of Thrones or something; really, all I could think was: ssshhh, John, I need to finish this book. I didn't put my computer down until I had finished reading.
10. (+) The Cover - How isn't this cover beautiful? I love the dark theme and the little slit for Charlaina's head and the font and even the big, all encompassing letters... and can I say how much I love the title and how Derting used it as a theme throughout?
Yes, all of them are likes. I really can't think of anything which I majorly disliked -- I mean I mentioned the intense romance & the way the villain finds out about Charlie bothered me & maybe that the book's inciting incident was a bit later than I expected, but those were all very minor things.
On the whole, I seriously loved this book -- it's chock full of suspense, danger, and romance and is altogether a must read for fall 2011. Mark your calendars, guys. November 15th isn't a date you'll want to miss ;).
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An intriguing dystopian fantasy with great characters and an innovative premise
November 28, 2012
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This has been on my to read list for a while, and I'm glad I finally picked it up!
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting is set in a post apocalyptic world with a little fantasy mixed in where the Queen rules all and language is a barrier that if broken is punishable by death. Charlaina is different-- she has a secret that can destroy her family. She can somehow understand all languages, so she has to hide this fact and pretend that she doesn't understand. To make matters worse (or better, depending on how you look at it), she has met a gorgeous, mysterious stranger named Max, who is definitely out of her league and could get her into a lot of trouble. Mix in a couple of best friends and intrigue, and you've got this book!
I really enjoyed all the twists that Derting swings our way-- I definitely didn't predict most of them, so I just let her take me for a ride. Charlie is a very likeable protagonist and even more, the one dimensional characters become very three dimensional in the end, even the most unlikely ones. The pacing was very good, and the plot very fast paced. I was hooked until the end.
There were a couple of issues I had with this book. My main problem was the fact that when people spoke in a different language, it was put in italics. I understand the reason for doing this, and it made it very clear when people were speaking in a different language, but to me, it felt like I was getting shouted at-- kind of like if she used all caps. Also, Derting did a pretty good job at jumping perspectives without it being too jolting, but it's still not my favorite way to read a story-- and I'm not sure how much it added since I feel like I got the whole story from Charlie's perspective anyway.
Overall, though, this book compelled me in a way that Derting's previous work did not, and the world is fascinating. I definitely will pick up the next one to see where the story goes from here.
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting is set in a post apocalyptic world with a little fantasy mixed in where the Queen rules all and language is a barrier that if broken is punishable by death. Charlaina is different-- she has a secret that can destroy her family. She can somehow understand all languages, so she has to hide this fact and pretend that she doesn't understand. To make matters worse (or better, depending on how you look at it), she has met a gorgeous, mysterious stranger named Max, who is definitely out of her league and could get her into a lot of trouble. Mix in a couple of best friends and intrigue, and you've got this book!
I really enjoyed all the twists that Derting swings our way-- I definitely didn't predict most of them, so I just let her take me for a ride. Charlie is a very likeable protagonist and even more, the one dimensional characters become very three dimensional in the end, even the most unlikely ones. The pacing was very good, and the plot very fast paced. I was hooked until the end.
There were a couple of issues I had with this book. My main problem was the fact that when people spoke in a different language, it was put in italics. I understand the reason for doing this, and it made it very clear when people were speaking in a different language, but to me, it felt like I was getting shouted at-- kind of like if she used all caps. Also, Derting did a pretty good job at jumping perspectives without it being too jolting, but it's still not my favorite way to read a story-- and I'm not sure how much it added since I feel like I got the whole story from Charlie's perspective anyway.
Overall, though, this book compelled me in a way that Derting's previous work did not, and the world is fascinating. I definitely will pick up the next one to see where the story goes from here.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
There is always a gamble when beloved authors start new series in different genres. There are going to be differences. Sometimes those differences prove just how talented an author is, other times they reveal hitherto unknown weaknesses. I'm sorry to say that the latter is true in THE PLEDGE.
The worldbuilding is excellent and unique in the sea of other dystopian novels that have flooded book stores of late. There is oppression, injustice, and powerful villains that make readers seethe to read about. The most fascinating aspect of this world is that language is the barrier that divides people. The classes all have there own distinct language and, on pain of death, are forbidden to speak or understand languages of those above them. As you can imagine, there is gross abuse of this system.
But the overall writing is not as impressive as it should have been (not nearly as impressive as in THE BODY FINDER). The character relationships are also very rushed. I didn't even realize that there was a love triangle here until Charlie made some `why am I thinking about [name] all the time' statement. The main romance with Max felt equally fast. I didn't for a second buy how quickly they were consumed with each other. Considering the war, murder, and destruction going on around them, romance really should have been the last thing on their mind.
I also noticed a lot of logical inconsistences. Too many things happened without a plausible reason, or worse, plans were made with glaringly obvious weaknesses that were of course exploited by the enemy. Honestly, it just made all the main characters look stupid or at the very least painfully naďve. Not really the qualifications that leaders in a revolution need to possess. I really wanted to like this book since I'm such of fan of Derting's The Body Finder series, but THE PLEDGE just isn't as good as it's promising premise.
Sexual Content:
Kissing
The worldbuilding is excellent and unique in the sea of other dystopian novels that have flooded book stores of late. There is oppression, injustice, and powerful villains that make readers seethe to read about. The most fascinating aspect of this world is that language is the barrier that divides people. The classes all have there own distinct language and, on pain of death, are forbidden to speak or understand languages of those above them. As you can imagine, there is gross abuse of this system.
But the overall writing is not as impressive as it should have been (not nearly as impressive as in THE BODY FINDER). The character relationships are also very rushed. I didn't even realize that there was a love triangle here until Charlie made some `why am I thinking about [name] all the time' statement. The main romance with Max felt equally fast. I didn't for a second buy how quickly they were consumed with each other. Considering the war, murder, and destruction going on around them, romance really should have been the last thing on their mind.
I also noticed a lot of logical inconsistences. Too many things happened without a plausible reason, or worse, plans were made with glaringly obvious weaknesses that were of course exploited by the enemy. Honestly, it just made all the main characters look stupid or at the very least painfully naďve. Not really the qualifications that leaders in a revolution need to possess. I really wanted to like this book since I'm such of fan of Derting's The Body Finder series, but THE PLEDGE just isn't as good as it's promising premise.
Sexual Content:
Kissing
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Story, Poor Execution
For more information, visit my blog, Such A Novel Idea.
http://suchanovelidea.wordpress.com
Why You Should Buy It
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http://suchanovelidea.wordpress.com
Why You Should Buy It
Although the jury is still out on this... Read more
Published 12 days ago by heartJESS
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mediocre at best. Mary sue and instalove abound in this book.
This was not a good book. It might be a mediocre one. Maybe. I went back and forth between 1 and 2 stars...it really deserves 1.5. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Emily
5.0 out of 5 stars
Girlfriend Adored this Novel
I was very much looking forward to The Pledge. The idea of a fantasy with dystopic vibes based on an evil monarchy had my geek senses tingling. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Eric J. Spencley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
I loved this book! It was different then any book I have ever read before. Just when you think you have things figured out, Oh guess what not only are you wrong but you are... Read more
Published 21 days ago by sherri kearley
3.0 out of 5 stars
It was okay
Sometimes a story is only as good as its bad guy. Life sucking old lady just felt weird haha. It was interesting enough to finish but just okay.
Published 23 days ago by Laurie
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved the book
It was a page turner, there were suspense, action, romance all mingled together. It was well written, and when I finished the book, I wanted the story to continue, and to read... Read more
Published 24 days ago by Liliane Saadeh
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Pledge - 4 Stars
I love Kimberly Derting. The Body Finder is one of my favorite YA series. Her titles are so well written, and the stories draw you in. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Endless Reads
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic read
Kimberly Derting has done it again with this amazing tale. I was a fan of the body finder series before this & thought the premise of The Pledge sounded intriguing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jamie Tinsbloom
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Unique Dystopian World
Kimberly Derting has created an amazing dystopian world through her book `The Pledge'.
Ludania is a country that has been ruled by its queen generation after generation. Read more
Ludania is a country that has been ruled by its queen generation after generation. Read more
Published 3 months ago by b00k r3vi3ws
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book
This is certainly for the pre-teen/teenage genre but as a young adult I still enjoyed the story. The plot is interesting enough to follow but the twists are rather predictable to... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kari Stobert
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