The Pledge

2013 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection

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"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... Derting (Desires of the Dead) is right on when depicting the bonds of family, friendship, and first love."
   —Publishers Weekly (read the full review)

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"...gripping dystopian fantasy... More great suspense from a prolific new writer with a vibrant imagination."
   —Kirkus (read the full review)

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"...fast-paced and engrossing."
   —VOYA

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"...an imaginative, well-written page-turner full of twists and guaranteed to please fans of dystopian literature. It will leave them clamoring for the sequel... and hoping for a movie version."
   —Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

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"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

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"...a dark and magical book with a unique concept ... an interesting departure from Derting's other works, but it is a promising one."
   —Figment Blog (read the full review)

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The Essence

"Readers who enjoyed the first book... will love following Charlaina's growth from a vendor girl to a queen...[This book] will intrigue readers with a taste for dramatic dystopian romance."
   —VOYA

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"Defeating evil queen Sabara at the conclusion of The Pledge (2011) was only the beginning for Charlie, now Queen Charlaina of Ludania. Derting's follow-up casts Charlie in an untenable circumstance that only her inner strength can defeat."
   —Booklist Online

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"Fans will be delighted to return to Derting's fantastical and amazing world, filled with spunky, brave and lovable characters."
   —RT Book Reviews

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The Offering

"No anticlimactic ending here, as the final book in the Pledge trilogy has its fair share of exhilarating and heart-stopping moments." 4 stars (out of 4.5)
   —RT Magazine (read the full review)

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"Derting offers a cast of strong, independent women, which will entice young readers hungry for powerful female role models."
   —School Library Journal