The Pledge by Kimberly Derting – Review

The Pledge
by Kimberly Derting
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
ISBN: 9781442422018
336 Pages
Young Adult: Fantasy/Dystopian

Publisher’s Description:

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 Opinion:

The Pledge is a compelling and fast-paced futuristic young adult story. Charlaina, the main character of the story, has special language skills that no one else around her seems to possess. Society has split apart along economic lines, with people of different trades and social statuses speaking different languages, and the people aren’t even supposed to acknowledge that others are speaking different languages, much less understand them. Even looking at someone from a higher status while they are speaking in their language can result in a death sentence, so it is imperative that Charlaina not reveal her skill.

The style of writing and type of story reminded me in part of Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy. There were some similar  elements, like special powers and an underlying social structure based on fantasy. On the other hand, The Pledge differs in that it has a slightly dystopian ambiance with a world history that resembles our own. I also think that it will appeal more to older teens because of its harsher moral environment.

What do I mean by harsh moral environment? Well not only does Charlaina make some very poor choices when it comes to who she hangs out with, she also puts herself into dangerous situations in order to be with cute boys (accepting a drugged tattoo as the price to get into a party, for example).  She’s flippant about the dangers of being alone with strange men while under the influence of the drug tattoo, and then manages to fall in lust with two hunky guys who are both mysterious and dangerous, and that appeals greatly to her.

So, I guess in some ways it is really typical naive teenager behavior, even if it isn’t the best example of what to do. But what really surprised me was that she was willing to let herself become even a little out of control (via the drugged tattoo) when she knew her life was at stake if she showed the slightest sign of being able to understand other languages.

It has a different twist on the whole dystopian genre because it is a post-apocalyptic tale based in our world, but with the addition of a bit of magic and fantasy. That magic seems to be part of the reason for why the masses can’t understand each other’s languages, but not a whole lot of background is given as to how the society came to be the way it is or how the queen gained the power she has (don’t get me wrong, there is a small explanation, just not a whole lot of detail – a lot is left to the imagination).

There is an interesting twist at the end, leaving an opening for a sequel, but not making a sequel a necessity. Really there was a nice balance between wrapping up the various plot lines and leaving the reader with thoughts to ponder about Charlaina’s future.

The Pledge is a very fun read if you suspend disbelief and just take it for what it is. Those who enjoy young adult fantasy should love it.

Rating: 4/5

I received a free electronic copy of this book for review.

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