Wow, this book was a bit of a surprise, I wasn't really sure were the story would go in the second book, so it was pretty interesting and intense to see what Charlie had to go through. But first, I just have to say that I really loved The Pledge, I read the ARC and the ending left me in desperate need for the sequel, so when I started reading The Essence I was so exited, but through the first 80 pages or so I was so incredibly lost and confused. I couldn't remember the characters, if they were related, how they had met, how Charlie had defeated Sabara, Nothing!!!! I was really frustrated because there were not many reminders through the book, which could've really come in handy. 
 Aside from this issue, after the 80 pages of frustration, the book jumped right into the action and tension scenes, which were great. By this point who was related to whom didn't really matter and I was able to get into the book easily and enjoy it. Watching how Charlie's life had changed and how she was adjusting to everything was amusing and weird, in The Pledge she was more of a rebel and now she was a queen, so the contrast was big, but it was great to see her grow as a character. 
 I hated that we didn't get to see more of Max, he played such a big role in The Pledge and in The Essence he was barely there, but I enjoyed meeting the new characters in the story, and knowing more about Sabara, whom I actually liked. I'm not sure if that's weird, but I sympathized with her and I am really eager to see how things will turn out for her in the third book. 
 I knew who the traitor was form the beginning, but overall the ending was surprising - Charlie's reaction, her sister, Brook's situation among other things - It was all very stressful in a good way that left me craving for more and I really really cannot wait for the third book to come out. I want to see what happens with Queen Elena, with Charlie and Sabara and just ahh!!! I feel so giddy thinking of it and I just can't wait. I highly recommend this series to any dystopian fans, I really enjoyed The Pledge and even though The Essence was different, it didn't disappoint me. 
 Thank you so much to Simon&Schuster for sending the book and to Itching for Books for hosting this tour!