Review: The Faerie Ring
Series: The Faerie Ring # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Historical/Supernatural
Author: Kiki Hamliton
Publisher: Tor Teen/Macmillian
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Book: I Read Banned Books Book Tours
“Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…”
I can’t began to tell you how much I love stories such as this one. Stories filled with a great plot, amazing characters and best all, great fantasy. What really got me hooked about this book is the great story line. I loved that it began fast, fresh, and pick pocketing??? I was immediately hooked as the reader and fell into Tiki shoes. The story line is filled with non-stop action, twist and turns, and several surprises that even I failed to see.
The main character Tiki, I love her. Her strength amazed me. Her selflessness awed me. I loved how she protect the ones that she loved and never gave up. She did what she had to do and that made my heart turn. Tiki also has a few surprises in her own back round history that as the reader, I found it a great element added to the story. I like it when a character is lost in who they are and them BAM! They figure out that they a greater then what they thought.
The fantasy in this book is at a great level. Not too much Fae, not too little. I loved reading the story and devouring the history of the Faerie Ring. I, the reader, was immediately intrigue by such a story that it really seemed liked I was in the story fighting to keep the ring safe. Now when an author can make me feel like I am Tiki stealing, fighting, and running past enemies, you know that this is a great book.
My only gripe is the love interest. I know most of you know me and I am sucker for romance. I say that all of time. The romance in this book is not at the level I expected it to be. For me it was like they just meet, and fall in love. I was really hoping for more between these two people.
Overall, The Faerie Ring is one heck of a debut. I simply adore reading every inch of the book and falling into Tiki shoes. I must say that the Fae history is so good in the book that you devouring every bit it.
I give it 4 BITES!
Happy Reading!
Special Thanks to Jen from I Read Banned Book for the Book Tour!
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I’m drooling over this title for quite sometime now and now,your review made me want it even more!
Great review 🙂
You’ve GOT to be intrigued when the heroine’s name is Tiki AND she’s a pick-pocket. I’m so glad that this one is a wonderful debut. I’ve been after this since the cover was first released. My excitement is a tad hampered by the mention of insta-luv–is there no escape? Perhaps, a better-developed romance will come in book two…?
~ Asher (from Paranormal Indulgence)
Sometimes the insta love bugs me and sometimes it doesn’t. Hopefully now that I know it won’t! I want to read this one and it looks like I won’t be disappointed! Yep… needs this one.
Yay! I’ve been hyping this book in my head for months! I’m so, so happy you liked it. The way you describe it makes it sound so fantastic. Except, eh, more insta-love? Bleh. At least it sounds like the plot and Tiki make up for it. Thank you for your review! 🙂
Tiki seems very loyal and admirable. And I’m with Melissa. I can buy into insta love in some books better than others. Seems like the romance here would have had me hoping for more too.
Awesome review! Tiki sounds like an awesome character…I’m even more excited for this one now! 🙂
@Anna, happy to make you want more books!
@A knight- Yeah her name right off is cool. And the pick pocketing even better. That girl got some quick hands!
@Small review, insta love is okay sometimes, but I like to see the characters grow together
@Missie, she is! She grows on you fast. Plus her attuide is cool! Don’t mess with her!
@Ya Book Queen, read it!
Your review is just making me want to read this book more. I’m so sad I didn’t manage to grab a copy at BEA, hah! Great review, though. I’ll definitely be picking up a copy as soon as it hits the shelves.
Tara @ Hobbitsies
Sounds great! I like that this starts out with a bang. And that the fantasy is there but not too much. It’s nice to have a balance between a fantasy backstory and strong plot. Too bad about the love interest although that’s not crucial for me.
Oh wow, this definitely makes me want to jump onto the BD and pre-order my copy for sure!
@Tara, Jealous you went to BEA. I was lucky enough to get on a book tour for it.
@Allison, Love interest for me is something crucial, cause I just like love. But it did okay, I still like the book nonetheless.
@SheknownasJess, DO IT!
Definitely adding this one to the TBR pile! I love an action-heavy plot with an otherworldly twist…this sounds perfect for me. 🙂
Definitely sounds like something I want to read. Love that there are so many “traditional fantasy” elements involved. 🙂 Thanks for the great review.
Thank you again for reading!