Poor child. Poor, wretched child. You have no idea what you’re up against. No idea how to stop me, do you?

Though it has been months since Charlaina—Charlie—defeated the tyrant Sabara and took control of the Ludanian crown, Sabara has not disappeared. The old queen’s Essence has fused itself to Charlie’s psyche and is viciously fighting to overpower Charlie.

Balancing her new duties as Queen and battling both Sabara’s voice and a growing resistance to her rule push Charlie to the brink of exhaustion. She wants to be the same old Charlie she has ever been but now she is Your Majesty.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with the leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages is the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

I really loved reading The Pledge when it was released near the end of 2011, and it feels like it's been such a long wait to see what would happen next in The Essence! Details for the book description were finally released not too long ago and I couldn't be any more excited. I'm anxious to see how Charlie will struggle against Sabara's Essence, which still remains inside her, and how she'll handle her responsibilities as Queen. And I'm wondering who will betray her... I'm sure I'll be gasping in shock when it happens!