This week’s book review is another final book in a series I began a few years ago. (Why does it seem like all the book series I’ve been reading have been ending all at once?) ‘The Offering’ by Kimberly Derting brings ‘The Pledge’ series to a close, and has been a book I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while now.
The plot: (Spoilers – beware) At the start of book 1, the scene is set sometime in the future, in the country of Ludania. There are very distinct classes among the people, and they are separated by language – something punishable by death, if one dares to speak outside of their class. Charlaina – known as Charlie by her friends – however, can mysteriously understand all languages and has worked her whole life to keep it a secret. In a country ruled by a tyrant queen, Charlie meets a handsome boy who speaks a language unknown by all others – one she alone can understand. As crisis envelopes her country, he does what he can to keep her safe, as he discovers her true identity. As Charlie’s secret becomes known, the evil queen dares to take Charlie’s life, but the young girl is successful in defeating the queen, taking the throne herself.
Book 2 picks up with Charlie on the throne, but she keeps the secret that the evil queen – Sabara – did not die, but resides inside her, continuing to attempt to rule through the young girl. As she strives to bring peace to her country, she must travel to an annual summit of fellow leaders of nearby Queendoms where she discovers the ultimate betrayal. Will Charlie survive the plot against her life, to remain on the throne or will Sabara gain control once more?
Book 3 – the final book – opens just after the summit, when the peace agreement between Ludania and a nearby Queendom – Astonia – falls apart. The evil queen, Elena, offers Charlie an option – come to her and offer up the spirit of Sabara, to save the country of Ludania from war. Charlie chooses to travel there in secret, hoping to avoid panic within her own country, but she doesn’t realize she’s walking into a trap.
The short: Glad I finished the series, although this wasn’t my favorite book of the three.
The long: When I read the first novel, I was completely hooked with this story. I loved the idea behind it – the class differences with language, the secret royal bloodline having magical powers that sets them apart and makes them true rulers. I couldn’t put book 1 down and was champing at the bit to get to the next. Then came book 2. It was ok, but I didn’t love the storyline, thinking that it simply suffered from the ‘middle book’ syndrome. Sadly, I had a hard time concentrating on this book, as well. I didn’t dislike the storyline, and I did like how the author wove separate character lines together, but it just didn’t capture my attention. I finished the book just so I could say I’d finished the series and to find out how Charlie finally got rid of Sabara’s essence within her.
Rating: 3.5 Stars – although I wish I could give it more, because the plot is so intriguing.
Have you read this series? What were your thoughts? Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below! 🙂
Happy reading, friends!
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