Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publish Date: November 15th, 2011
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Rating: 4/5 – A fantasy society based on language… ummm, yes!

Synopsis: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It’s there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she’s never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. -Goodreads

Thoughts: Somehow, I forgot to review The Pledge… really surprising considering how much I loved this book! The Pledge combines dystopia and magic while putting a special emphasis on language. So many of my favorite things thrown into one, wonderful story.

The history behind the story is what really ties the fantasy elements in so perfectly with the more standard dystopic aspects. The combination made for a really interesting escape from reality. Kimberly Derting managed to perfectly blend the lines between genres, making for a really memorable read.

Charlaina’s world is a complicated one with strict rules and customs. One slip up can mean death, which creates a really tense atmosphere for all of the characters throughout the entire novel. The writing is really well done, the plot is well crafted and the characters are far from static.

Overall, a really cool read that managed to surprise me. Highly recommended for any and all fans of YA.

Buy the book @Amazon (US) @Amazon (CAN) @The Book Depository

Second Opinions:
@Wicked Awesome Books
@Proud Book Nerd
@Stories & Sweeties