If authors write about this magical, mischievous beings like this every time, it will never be a bore to read a fairie themed book.
Title: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
Pages: 352
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Published by: Tor Teen
Source: Author (thanks Kiki!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository
Summary (from Goodreads):
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…
Tara Kathleen has been living in the streets for three years now. Once a child of wealthy parents, Tiki's life changed drastically when she lost her parents to sickness. Now she's trying to survive by pickpocketing and scavenging food for the others who live with her at the old clockmaker's shop in Charing Cross. While escaping a man she stole from and a guy who seems to be following her everywhere, Tiki came across a ring that had a mysterious pull to her she couldn't help getting it. But the ring has an important role not just in her life, but the lives of all in England, for without it chaos will ensue between the humans and the faeries. Rieker, the man who follows her everywhere says she needs to hand the ring over to him. But the ring is Tiki's way to freedom and a bright future. How can she hand it back, even to to Prince Leopold, son of Queen Victoria, the original owner of the ring?
Tiki is a character that baffles me. Sometimes she shocks me for sounding mature, and at times she seems so childish. I can't blame her for thinking of her new family first before anything else. For someone who lost her own family at a young age, it's understandable. Pure of heart, and even with the countless hardships in life she had to face as a teenager, she still has that air of innocence. Tiki is still a big puzzle to solve, what with the mysterious birthmark on her wrist. I'm sure the ring ending up with her is not coincidental. She's a sassy seventeen year old with a heart of gold and a stubborn streak in her, with fierce love and loyalty for those she loves. Her and Rieker's love story seems a bit unconventional, I am not a fan of insta-love, and I'm glad that along with Riker and Tiki's personalities, their feeling developed as well. It's a wonder how Kiki seemed to have revealed a lot about her characters, but seem like they still keep quite a few secrets.
The foundation for Rieker's character is still a bit shaky for me. We get to know who he is, and I have to admit that is one part of the story that made my jaw drop, kudos to Kiki for pulling a great trick! But I'd like to read more about the role he will play in Tiki's life. It's obvious that his meeting her was not accidental. He's an unpredictable chap, I'll give him that, and such a charming guy too if he wants to be, his character will always leave the readers guessing which side he really is on. And who doesn't love a great mystery?
It's interesting how Prince Leopold's character fits into the story. I'm still curious and interested to see how he will be a part of the love triangle, or if he is a part of it. There were moments where you'll think his feeling for "Elizabeth" (Tiki) seems fleeting and shallow, and there were moments where he seems as enthralled with her as Rieker is. If it weren't for the jibes his brother Arthur keeps on throwing his way, his attraction for Tiki wouldn't seem as convincing.
The "threat" of the faeries against the humans inhabiting London was a little bit downplayed, but I'm sure it will be more obvious in the next book, as the only faerie threat Tiki and Rieker encountered weren't the most powerful ones which they talk about. It's interesting how familiar the portrayal of faeries are, but Kiki was able to re-invent them into something refreshing that fits the story of The Faerie Ring quite well.
A healthy blend of historical fiction and a vivid, lifelike setting are some of the things I loved the most while reading The Faerie Ring. With lovable characters and a gripping storyline, The Faerie Ring is quite an enchanting read! Reading The Faerie Ring is like a guessing game, a roller coaster ride through disguises, royal balls and the streets of 1871 London. You won't know who to trust. Most part of the story was spent in a thrilling race against time to get the coveted ring. Full of suspense and clever twist and turns when you least expected it, The Faerie Ring is such a promising debut!
Content (plot, story flow, character):
Stunning: Worthy of a Goddess' Praise!
Book Cover:
Don't you just love the reds and the black?
This review is part of PINOY BOOK TOURS:
Tiki seems like such a great character! :D I definitely need to read this book because the plot just sounds amazing! Great review, Kai!
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