The Offering by Kimberly Derting
Synopsis:
Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.
When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.
But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost.
Review:
Queen Charlaina (Charlie) is still haunted by the former queen Sabara, while hoping to forge peace with the neighboring Queendom. And Charlie is willing to sacrifice herself for her friends and subjects. I like that the narration is clear by the chapter headings who is speaking, when it’s someone other than Charlie herself. But since it’s been a year since I read the last novel, I stumbled over some of the characters and kept mixing up several of them. But by halfway through, I was able to keep them straight – if not their love interests. I would have benefited from a recap – not of events, but just for minor characters.
The Offering is the final installment in The Pledge Trilogy. This dystopic fantasy is full of intrigue, drama, and romance. Wholly unique and unpredictable – the story is engaging and exciting. The suspense builds to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. This was an extremely charming trilogy.