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The Faerie Ring #1
The Faerie Ring
The year is 1871...
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 is a reservoir that holds a truce between the English royals and the world of the Fey. But there are many who want the ring, including the mysterious Rieker, a handsome pickpocket who has been watching Tiki, and a rebel group of UnSeelie fey who would do anything to break the truce...
A delicious blend of urban fantasy and heart-stopping suspense, the story of THE FAERIE RING takes you from the gritty slums of London to the glittering ballrooms of the Royal Palace to the menacing Otherworld - in a spellbinding tale of mystery and suspense where nothing is what it seems...
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 is a reservoir that holds a truce between the English royals and the world of the Fey. But there are many who want the ring, including the mysterious Rieker, a handsome pickpocket who has been watching Tiki, and a rebel group of UnSeelie fey who would do anything to break the truce...
A delicious blend of urban fantasy and heart-stopping suspense, the story of THE FAERIE RING takes you from the gritty slums of London to the glittering ballrooms of the Royal Palace to the menacing Otherworld - in a spellbinding tale of mystery and suspense where nothing is what it seems...
343 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
71 people are currently reading
18801 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Hamilton
17 books672 followersKiki Hamilton is the award-winning author of THE MIDNIGHT SPY-named One of the Best Books of 2015 by Kirkus Reviews; THE FAERIE RING series and several contemporary novels. Kiki lives near Seattle, though she loves to travel and is most likely plotting her next adventure - in more ways than one! :-)
Visit her website at: www.kikihamilton.com
Visit her website at: www.kikihamilton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 590 reviews
May 20, 2016
I felt a little bad about giving a book one star. I seriously considered giving it two, but then I remembered that I didn't really like anything about it, so I stopped feeling guilty. The reviews for this book are overwhelmingly positive on Goodreads, though, so maybe I'm just crazy.
I was really on the fence about deciding to read The Faerie Ring, too. The cover is just awful. The inside flap made it seem intriguing. I decided to go for it anyway, since it seemed like I was piling up a stack of YA fantasy books in my to-read pile.
You should note, as I did, that the protagonist goes by the nickname Tiki and the author's name is Kiki. I don't want to say "self-insert" or anything so distasteful, but it certainly doesn't bode well that the two names bear striking similarities and that neither is particularly commonplace.
The novel starts off all right. I like Victorian London and pickpockets. We cool. But then the problems start to arise.
Tiki sees a ring in the Buckingham Palace that turns out to be a fragile peace treaty between British monarchs and the faerie realm. I'm not going to go into analyzing the unlikely scenario of a street urchin managing to wiggle her way undetected into a royal library. Tiki makes the spur-of-the-moment decision to take the ring, which has a very distinctive red stone. I know that she and her friends live in extreme poverty and that the wealth the jewel promises must be very tempting. Yet Tiki is also supposed to be a highly skilled and street smart thief, and even I can see that it would be very unwise to steal a ring that is so easily recognizable. You can't eat rings and you can't spend rings like coins. No, you're going to have to find a jeweler or a pawn shop or a middleman to trade. If you've got ordinary-looking rings, it's not a problem. But if you've stolen a ring set with a brilliant red stone that looks like it has internal flames, well. You're going to have trouble getting rid of that without arousing attention and then it's Newgate for everybody.
What's more, the author could have sold me on Tiki stupidly taking the ring if there had been some mention of how the ring reminded her of something she remembered from her comfortable days as a barrister's daughter or whatever. I don't know. Something. Tiki just takes the ring like an idiot, and that doesn't make sense to me.
Another issue for me is that the ring symbolizes a pact between the faeries and the England. There's some mumbo-jumbo about how the faeries are mad that humans are taking over the world with industrialization and so the ring prevents faeries from walking freely and screwing up the human realm. Neat enough, I suppose. The truce only stays in effect if someone from the royal family knows where the ring is. There is no mention of there being similar agreements between the faeries and other governments in the world. I realize that The Faerie Ring is the first in a series, so I'm willing to give the author the benefit of doubt, but I thought it was clumsy of her not to discuss this issue. Because, um, couldn't the faeries just run amok in other parts of the world, especially since most of the world isn't as industrialized anyway? Or is the agreement between Britain and the faeries extended to the whole world? Because that kind of smacks of anglocentrism and possibly white supremacy, which would actually be fine and totally relevant to the Victorian era if it had been addressed.
Surprisingly, The Faerie Ring is also kind of light on the action. Most of the important and plot-propelling stuff is simply relayed to Tiki by her street thief sometimes-buddy, Rieker. Nothing much happens, honestly. It's just a lot of arguing between characters, a lot of angst about "What should I do? Whom can I trust?" and a lot of info-dumping from Rieker. While the book sets itself up well for the sequels, I feel like it accomplishes very little as an individual work. Nothing significant happens or gets resolved.
While I was grateful that Tiki did not spend a lot of page space mooning after Rieker (the obligatory love interest), I really didn't feel like they had much chemistry at all. Within a few chapters it became painfully apparent to me that these two characters were going to get together at some point, but I didn't find their budding romance to be compelling or convincing. It's clear that they're supposed to have this Belligerent Sexual Tension thing going on ("I'm doing it to protect you!" "I don't need protection!" "Stop doing stupid things!" "Oh, hey, you're injured. Let me patch you up!"), but when Tiki contemplates something along the lines of "OMG, I can't believe I'm falling in love with Rieker!" I was thinking, "I hear you, Tiki. I can't believe it either."
One of the main characters is Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's youngest son. He is portrayed as extremely friendly and jovial-- so much, in fact, that he freely consorts with characters who are far, far below his station ("Call me Leo! No need for titles!"). It just seems very unlikely. I performed a Google search to check, just in case Leopold really was well known for consorting with commoners. Nothing came up. He did, however, have hemophilia and very delicate health, which didn't factor in at all in the book. I, for one, would find it very interesting if the author had claimed that hemophilia was a result of faerie meddling instead of royal inbreeding.
What further pissed me off is that the three main characters-- Tiki, Rieker, and Prince Leopold-- were all educated people, even though the book sells itself as being about low-class thieves. Tiki and Rieker might be street brats, but they are both literate and speak without the Cockney accents gracing the dialogue of Tiki's urchin friends, who honestly serve as little more than background props. That bothered me.
Tiki's middle-class parents died of fever a few years ago, leaving her to live with her aunt and creepy uncle. She ran away from said creepy uncle to seek shelter with her mother's friend, who turned out to have also died of fever. That's how Tiki fell into pickpocketing. I don't know, man. Even as an orphan without means, Tiki is well-educated, and her father was a barrister. Surely Tiki's parents had some surviving friends who would be willing to give her a recommendation for a governess position or a maid or something. I don't see why she felt she had no other options but to turn to the streets.
I am not usually the kind of person who gets really annoyed at anachronistic language and details in historical fiction. I'm not exactly an expert on that sort of thing anyway. But there are moments in The Faerie Ring where the language sounds jarringly modern-- or American-- to the point where it did feel noticeable.
Additionally, all the faerie words in the book were Gaelic. I dunno what Gaelic faeries were doing in London, since the Gaels never spread that far. But since Ireland was under control of the British crown at the time, I'm letting this one slide. Yes, I had to look that stuff up. I'm not that smart, unfortunately.
Oh hey! Remaining complaints contain spoilers.
I was really on the fence about deciding to read The Faerie Ring, too. The cover is just awful. The inside flap made it seem intriguing. I decided to go for it anyway, since it seemed like I was piling up a stack of YA fantasy books in my to-read pile.
You should note, as I did, that the protagonist goes by the nickname Tiki and the author's name is Kiki. I don't want to say "self-insert" or anything so distasteful, but it certainly doesn't bode well that the two names bear striking similarities and that neither is particularly commonplace.
The novel starts off all right. I like Victorian London and pickpockets. We cool. But then the problems start to arise.
Tiki sees a ring in the Buckingham Palace that turns out to be a fragile peace treaty between British monarchs and the faerie realm. I'm not going to go into analyzing the unlikely scenario of a street urchin managing to wiggle her way undetected into a royal library. Tiki makes the spur-of-the-moment decision to take the ring, which has a very distinctive red stone. I know that she and her friends live in extreme poverty and that the wealth the jewel promises must be very tempting. Yet Tiki is also supposed to be a highly skilled and street smart thief, and even I can see that it would be very unwise to steal a ring that is so easily recognizable. You can't eat rings and you can't spend rings like coins. No, you're going to have to find a jeweler or a pawn shop or a middleman to trade. If you've got ordinary-looking rings, it's not a problem. But if you've stolen a ring set with a brilliant red stone that looks like it has internal flames, well. You're going to have trouble getting rid of that without arousing attention and then it's Newgate for everybody.
What's more, the author could have sold me on Tiki stupidly taking the ring if there had been some mention of how the ring reminded her of something she remembered from her comfortable days as a barrister's daughter or whatever. I don't know. Something. Tiki just takes the ring like an idiot, and that doesn't make sense to me.
Another issue for me is that the ring symbolizes a pact between the faeries and the England. There's some mumbo-jumbo about how the faeries are mad that humans are taking over the world with industrialization and so the ring prevents faeries from walking freely and screwing up the human realm. Neat enough, I suppose. The truce only stays in effect if someone from the royal family knows where the ring is. There is no mention of there being similar agreements between the faeries and other governments in the world. I realize that The Faerie Ring is the first in a series, so I'm willing to give the author the benefit of doubt, but I thought it was clumsy of her not to discuss this issue. Because, um, couldn't the faeries just run amok in other parts of the world, especially since most of the world isn't as industrialized anyway? Or is the agreement between Britain and the faeries extended to the whole world? Because that kind of smacks of anglocentrism and possibly white supremacy, which would actually be fine and totally relevant to the Victorian era if it had been addressed.
Surprisingly, The Faerie Ring is also kind of light on the action. Most of the important and plot-propelling stuff is simply relayed to Tiki by her street thief sometimes-buddy, Rieker. Nothing much happens, honestly. It's just a lot of arguing between characters, a lot of angst about "What should I do? Whom can I trust?" and a lot of info-dumping from Rieker. While the book sets itself up well for the sequels, I feel like it accomplishes very little as an individual work. Nothing significant happens or gets resolved.
While I was grateful that Tiki did not spend a lot of page space mooning after Rieker (the obligatory love interest), I really didn't feel like they had much chemistry at all. Within a few chapters it became painfully apparent to me that these two characters were going to get together at some point, but I didn't find their budding romance to be compelling or convincing. It's clear that they're supposed to have this Belligerent Sexual Tension thing going on ("I'm doing it to protect you!" "I don't need protection!" "Stop doing stupid things!" "Oh, hey, you're injured. Let me patch you up!"), but when Tiki contemplates something along the lines of "OMG, I can't believe I'm falling in love with Rieker!" I was thinking, "I hear you, Tiki. I can't believe it either."
One of the main characters is Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's youngest son. He is portrayed as extremely friendly and jovial-- so much, in fact, that he freely consorts with characters who are far, far below his station ("Call me Leo! No need for titles!"). It just seems very unlikely. I performed a Google search to check, just in case Leopold really was well known for consorting with commoners. Nothing came up. He did, however, have hemophilia and very delicate health, which didn't factor in at all in the book. I, for one, would find it very interesting if the author had claimed that hemophilia was a result of faerie meddling instead of royal inbreeding.
What further pissed me off is that the three main characters-- Tiki, Rieker, and Prince Leopold-- were all educated people, even though the book sells itself as being about low-class thieves. Tiki and Rieker might be street brats, but they are both literate and speak without the Cockney accents gracing the dialogue of Tiki's urchin friends, who honestly serve as little more than background props. That bothered me.
Tiki's middle-class parents died of fever a few years ago, leaving her to live with her aunt and creepy uncle. She ran away from said creepy uncle to seek shelter with her mother's friend, who turned out to have also died of fever. That's how Tiki fell into pickpocketing. I don't know, man. Even as an orphan without means, Tiki is well-educated, and her father was a barrister. Surely Tiki's parents had some surviving friends who would be willing to give her a recommendation for a governess position or a maid or something. I don't see why she felt she had no other options but to turn to the streets.
I am not usually the kind of person who gets really annoyed at anachronistic language and details in historical fiction. I'm not exactly an expert on that sort of thing anyway. But there are moments in The Faerie Ring where the language sounds jarringly modern-- or American-- to the point where it did feel noticeable.
Additionally, all the faerie words in the book were Gaelic. I dunno what Gaelic faeries were doing in London, since the Gaels never spread that far. But since Ireland was under control of the British crown at the time, I'm letting this one slide. Yes, I had to look that stuff up. I'm not that smart, unfortunately.
Oh hey! Remaining complaints contain spoilers.
October 2, 2011
The Faerie Ring is an intriguing, beautifully written, blend of historical fiction, mixed with the perfect dose of romance, mystery, and faerie lore, all set within the time period of Victorian London. I was completely enraptured with the story that I couldn't devour this debut novel fast enough. I absolutely loved reading this! Kiki Hamilton's writing is spellbinding and her story completely mesmerizing. The way Kiki mixed historical London with faerie lore was masterfully done, making this a truly unique YA book.
The Faerie Ring has a refreshing, fast paced, exciting plot that not only brought the historical parts of the story to life, but it introduced me to characters I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. I was intrigued with the mystery that surrounds some of them, and totally surprised with the well written romance that develops perfectly as the story goes on. Kiki wrote her characters in such a way that allowed me to connect with them on an emotional level. I couldn't help but become invested with them, their surroundings, and what was going on with each of them. I wanted to know more about them and for me as a reader that is huge in bringing a story to life.
The story is centered on Tiki, a character I really grew to admire. She's not been dwelt the best hand in life, but she's made do with what she has, which makes her such an enduring character. She's a compassionate, strong character and someone I quickly connected with. She does what she has to survive, which means turning to pick pocketing and living with a group of misfits who all look after each other, regardless of how they ended up in the situation they're in. It's through Tiki's pick pocketing that she finds 1) the Faerie Ring, 2) that Faeries really do exist and she's been thrust into their world at the wrong time and 3) she meets Riecker.
I loved the way Riecker's character is introduced into the story. There's such an air of mystery surrounding him. I was really intrigued with what his motives were for wanting to help and protect Tiki, and his tie to the Faerie Ring. The way he treats Tiki is completely sigh worthy! It didn't take me long to fall in love with him.
I adored the story's setting! It really felt like a character in itself. I liked the way Kiki introduces the two different parts of Victorian London, which is done through Tiki's life in the slums and Rieker's life of wealth. The streets of Victorian London really came to life for me through Kiki's vivid details, and her descriptions of places that still exist to this day. If London wasn't already at the top of my list of cities to visit before I die, it would have been added after reading this book. There's also a map that's found in the published book which will allow readers to see the various places where the story takes place.
If you enjoy a story with a beautiful Victorian setting, that includes orphans, adventure, faeries, magic, mystery, characters with secrets and of course romance, than I highly recommend picking up this enthralling story tomorrow when it's out officially released! This book has been at the top of my must have reads since I read last year! It's a fantastic YA paranormal/historical read. I'm really looking forward to reading many more of Kiki's books.
The Faerie Ring has a refreshing, fast paced, exciting plot that not only brought the historical parts of the story to life, but it introduced me to characters I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. I was intrigued with the mystery that surrounds some of them, and totally surprised with the well written romance that develops perfectly as the story goes on. Kiki wrote her characters in such a way that allowed me to connect with them on an emotional level. I couldn't help but become invested with them, their surroundings, and what was going on with each of them. I wanted to know more about them and for me as a reader that is huge in bringing a story to life.
The story is centered on Tiki, a character I really grew to admire. She's not been dwelt the best hand in life, but she's made do with what she has, which makes her such an enduring character. She's a compassionate, strong character and someone I quickly connected with. She does what she has to survive, which means turning to pick pocketing and living with a group of misfits who all look after each other, regardless of how they ended up in the situation they're in. It's through Tiki's pick pocketing that she finds 1) the Faerie Ring, 2) that Faeries really do exist and she's been thrust into their world at the wrong time and 3) she meets Riecker.
I loved the way Riecker's character is introduced into the story. There's such an air of mystery surrounding him. I was really intrigued with what his motives were for wanting to help and protect Tiki, and his tie to the Faerie Ring. The way he treats Tiki is completely sigh worthy! It didn't take me long to fall in love with him.
I adored the story's setting! It really felt like a character in itself. I liked the way Kiki introduces the two different parts of Victorian London, which is done through Tiki's life in the slums and Rieker's life of wealth. The streets of Victorian London really came to life for me through Kiki's vivid details, and her descriptions of places that still exist to this day. If London wasn't already at the top of my list of cities to visit before I die, it would have been added after reading this book. There's also a map that's found in the published book which will allow readers to see the various places where the story takes place.
If you enjoy a story with a beautiful Victorian setting, that includes orphans, adventure, faeries, magic, mystery, characters with secrets and of course romance, than I highly recommend picking up this enthralling story tomorrow when it's out officially released! This book has been at the top of my must have reads since I read last year! It's a fantastic YA paranormal/historical read. I'm really looking forward to reading many more of Kiki's books.
August 23, 2010
The Faerie Ring is an enchanting novel, woven with dramatic adventure, intriguing faerie lore and a charming love story! I couldn’t stop turning the pages even though I didn’t want the story to end!
There is a little bit of everything in this novel. There's the historical aspect which is beautifully depicted! The not to glamorous streets of Victorian London and the oh-so-glamorous Royal Palace.... you feel like you're right there with Tiki. So, magnificent descriptions... check. Kiki did a great job at depicting the time period accurately. The dress, the dialect, it was perfect. There is a scene in the novel, where Tiki crashes a party at the palace.... I was a little skeptical because here's this orphan dressing up in this borrowed dress.... will anyone really believe that she belongs there. But there is a comment that one of the characters makes about her attire later on and I couldn't help but spout out giggles, and that comment made that scene realistic enough that my skeptical mind was at bay.
What about the characters? I loved Tiki. And I especially loved the interactions with her 'family' and all that she did to take care them. She's such a compassionate character, you can't help but have a fondness for her. Then of course there is the mysterious and alluring Rieker. I have to say that I had Rieker pegged from the beginning... well I didn't exactly know what was going on initially, but I knew there was something more under that cool exterior. All the characters were very well developed, even the band of orphans that compose Tiki's family.
This story will definitely keep you on your toes, who can Tiki trust? What exactly is the Faerie ring and what the heck is the story behind Tiki's birthmark! I think it took me all of a day to read this novel, because I HAD to know! And I wasn't disappointed in the adventure that ensued.
What a fabulous debut novel!
There is a little bit of everything in this novel. There's the historical aspect which is beautifully depicted! The not to glamorous streets of Victorian London and the oh-so-glamorous Royal Palace.... you feel like you're right there with Tiki. So, magnificent descriptions... check. Kiki did a great job at depicting the time period accurately. The dress, the dialect, it was perfect. There is a scene in the novel, where Tiki crashes a party at the palace.... I was a little skeptical because here's this orphan dressing up in this borrowed dress.... will anyone really believe that she belongs there. But there is a comment that one of the characters makes about her attire later on and I couldn't help but spout out giggles, and that comment made that scene realistic enough that my skeptical mind was at bay.
What about the characters? I loved Tiki. And I especially loved the interactions with her 'family' and all that she did to take care them. She's such a compassionate character, you can't help but have a fondness for her. Then of course there is the mysterious and alluring Rieker. I have to say that I had Rieker pegged from the beginning... well I didn't exactly know what was going on initially, but I knew there was something more under that cool exterior. All the characters were very well developed, even the band of orphans that compose Tiki's family.
This story will definitely keep you on your toes, who can Tiki trust? What exactly is the Faerie ring and what the heck is the story behind Tiki's birthmark! I think it took me all of a day to read this novel, because I HAD to know! And I wasn't disappointed in the adventure that ensued.
What a fabulous debut novel!
did-not-finish
October 25, 2011WARNING: this rant is HEAVY ON SPOILERS (for what I've read anyways)
I was really thinking of droping this book for now (page 144 of 343). Maybe it's me, maybe I'm not in the mood for this. Or it may be the violent disregard of one of the most essential rules of storytelling: make it believable. This isn't believable, and believe me, it's not because of the faeries. Tiki (rhymes with Kiki) is just dumb and annoying and comes up with the most complicated, cockamamie plans ever... like buying a cheap dress to pretend to be a noble girl; or going to a royal ball. Of course the author comes up with pretty unbelievable things herself: like the heroine entering Buckingham Palace in the back of a carriage; or a prince just dropping a Crown Jewel on a rug. Or even the heroine entering the palace a second time with her cheap dress and no invitation (let's not forget the heroine is a street urchin). Not to mention some guy the heroine doesn't trust telling her... "that ring belongs to the faeries" and the heroine like... totally believing him without the slightest persuasion needed.
I think I'll finish this just to be able to write a fair review, but I think this is one book that is simply not for me. The concept is good and everything (London, Victorian era, a tough main character and mysterious ring!) but since the actions of the heroine make me guffaw disgustedly in disbelief at every turn... well, it's going to be difficult. :P
EDIT (now on page 192): Forget it. No way. The whole thing was about the ring being unsafe because it wasn't in the palace; faeries can't steal the ring when it's in the palace. But... now the heroes have to steal the ring from the palace (Tiki went to the ball to put it back) because the faeries have infiltrated the palace? Erm... if it was that easy why didn't the faeries infiltrate the palace before this? No, I'm not reading any more. I just... *snort*
I was really thinking of droping this book for now (page 144 of 343). Maybe it's me, maybe I'm not in the mood for this. Or it may be the violent disregard of one of the most essential rules of storytelling: make it believable. This isn't believable, and believe me, it's not because of the faeries. Tiki (rhymes with Kiki) is just dumb and annoying and comes up with the most complicated, cockamamie plans ever... like buying a cheap dress to pretend to be a noble girl; or going to a royal ball. Of course the author comes up with pretty unbelievable things herself: like the heroine entering Buckingham Palace in the back of a carriage; or a prince just dropping a Crown Jewel on a rug. Or even the heroine entering the palace a second time with her cheap dress and no invitation (let's not forget the heroine is a street urchin). Not to mention some guy the heroine doesn't trust telling her... "that ring belongs to the faeries" and the heroine like... totally believing him without the slightest persuasion needed.
I think I'll finish this just to be able to write a fair review, but I think this is one book that is simply not for me. The concept is good and everything (London, Victorian era, a tough main character and mysterious ring!) but since the actions of the heroine make me guffaw disgustedly in disbelief at every turn... well, it's going to be difficult. :P
EDIT (now on page 192): Forget it. No way. The whole thing was about the ring being unsafe because it wasn't in the palace; faeries can't steal the ring when it's in the palace. But... now the heroes have to steal the ring from the palace (Tiki went to the ball to put it back) because the faeries have infiltrated the palace? Erm... if it was that easy why didn't the faeries infiltrate the palace before this? No, I'm not reading any more. I just... *snort*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2012
THE FAERYS VIEW
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton is one of my very favorite books of all time. I’ve read it a total of 4 times and I think the reason that The Faerie Ring stole my heart was that it literally transports me to another time and place. By this I mean the entire book is literally a Faerie Tale combined with a wonderful historical setting that is just so easy to get lost in-it's better than the bath salts that say "TAKE ME AWAY", for that it does! Enmeshing myself in The Faerie Ring is quite easy to do; I can picture myself in Tiki and Riekers world, it is escapism at its absolute finest. The Faerie Ring held me captivated by the enchanting world that Kiki created, the charismatic characters so vividly portrayed by Kiki, all of whom I soon came to care about and the Faery Folklore that is such a refreshing view using old time wisdom and insight. I fell in love with The Faerie Ring and it has taken me over a year to write a review because I felt there was no way I could do it justice! For this I am deeply ashamed because Kiki Hamilton and The Faerie Ring deserved much better from me.
The story is set in 1871 Victorian London and it revolves around Tiki, a teenage orphan who along with 4 other children of various ages live in a gritty almost Dickenson like setting. The get by, barely, by picking pockets and stealing but together they are family in their little hideaway in Charing Cross. When Tiki happens across the Queens ring by accident she can’t believe her good fortune after only a moment’s hesitation she takes it-weighing the options-Newgate Prison or Security/Food/Shelter/Medication for her ragtag family. Tiki’s family’s needs win in the end but Tiki gets so much more than she bargained for; she gets caught in the middle of a truce between the Royal Family and the Fae to keep humanity safe and she becomes a pawn to the Fae that will do anything to get their hands on ‘The Faerie Ring’ for their own nefarious purposes.
Tiki is considered one of the best pickpockets and is rivaled only by Rieker; Rieker is suddenly very interested in Tiki, and Tiki can’t help but to be both flattered and suspicious of his motives-flattered because he is one of the better looking ‘blokes’ and Tiki’s heart beats a little faster when he’s nearby and suspicious because he’s never really paid her much attention before. Tiki has a plan for the ring, a plan that will ensure comfort and security for her and her family but sometimes things don’t always work out the way you planned. When a mysteriously beautiful woman appears in both Tiki’s life and Rieker’s-Tiki has seen them together once-more trouble ensues! Rieker is a mystery, indeed!
He always seems to be there when Tiki is in trouble and she isn’t sure just what to make of him and neither did I most of the time but he is an enigma and a handsome one at that!
So many wonderful things happen in The Faerie Ring, one of my favorites is the Ball but you’ll need to read it to find out about this magical event but bad things happen in The Faerie Ring, too.
Reading ‘The Faerie Ring’ is one sure way to soothe your questions and to introduce yourself to one of the best books The Book Faery has ever had the pleasure to read!
Out of the mouth of one of my favorite secondary characters, Mamie, who was a Lady in Waiting for the Queen and great entertainment to the Princes came this bit of sparkling wisdom:
Kiki writes The Faerie Ring as if she lived and breathed it; her imaginative writing skills making it a extraordinary get away for the reader. Kiki skillfully weaves a magical setting along with Dickensonian-like characters set in Victorian England in such a way that every page is not only a joy to read, it is pure enchantment. The historical setting, the nods to Dickens himself and the faerie lore is seamless and authentic, as only Kiki Hamilton can be. The Faerie Ring is the first book to get my unique One-Sit-Read which is the highest honor this reviewer can give.
THE FAERY SAYS THE FAERIE RING BY KIKI HAMILTON ROCKED MY WINGS !!!
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton is one of my very favorite books of all time. I’ve read it a total of 4 times and I think the reason that The Faerie Ring stole my heart was that it literally transports me to another time and place. By this I mean the entire book is literally a Faerie Tale combined with a wonderful historical setting that is just so easy to get lost in-it's better than the bath salts that say "TAKE ME AWAY", for that it does! Enmeshing myself in The Faerie Ring is quite easy to do; I can picture myself in Tiki and Riekers world, it is escapism at its absolute finest. The Faerie Ring held me captivated by the enchanting world that Kiki created, the charismatic characters so vividly portrayed by Kiki, all of whom I soon came to care about and the Faery Folklore that is such a refreshing view using old time wisdom and insight. I fell in love with The Faerie Ring and it has taken me over a year to write a review because I felt there was no way I could do it justice! For this I am deeply ashamed because Kiki Hamilton and The Faerie Ring deserved much better from me.
The story is set in 1871 Victorian London and it revolves around Tiki, a teenage orphan who along with 4 other children of various ages live in a gritty almost Dickenson like setting. The get by, barely, by picking pockets and stealing but together they are family in their little hideaway in Charing Cross. When Tiki happens across the Queens ring by accident she can’t believe her good fortune after only a moment’s hesitation she takes it-weighing the options-Newgate Prison or Security/Food/Shelter/Medication for her ragtag family. Tiki’s family’s needs win in the end but Tiki gets so much more than she bargained for; she gets caught in the middle of a truce between the Royal Family and the Fae to keep humanity safe and she becomes a pawn to the Fae that will do anything to get their hands on ‘The Faerie Ring’ for their own nefarious purposes.
Tiki is considered one of the best pickpockets and is rivaled only by Rieker; Rieker is suddenly very interested in Tiki, and Tiki can’t help but to be both flattered and suspicious of his motives-flattered because he is one of the better looking ‘blokes’ and Tiki’s heart beats a little faster when he’s nearby and suspicious because he’s never really paid her much attention before. Tiki has a plan for the ring, a plan that will ensure comfort and security for her and her family but sometimes things don’t always work out the way you planned. When a mysteriously beautiful woman appears in both Tiki’s life and Rieker’s-Tiki has seen them together once-more trouble ensues! Rieker is a mystery, indeed!
"Rieker's gaze was incredulous, searching, as if trying to see into her very thoughts. She couldn't help but notice how long his dark lashes were, framing his smokey eyes. A strange nervousness started to flutter in the pit of her stomach...pg. 17
He always seems to be there when Tiki is in trouble and she isn’t sure just what to make of him and neither did I most of the time but he is an enigma and a handsome one at that!
Rieker talking to Tiki "And I have to say that you were certainly the most beautiful and interesting girl at [withheld spoiler]. Enough so to make Leo drop is glass of wine, which I can assure you has never happened before." pg.222
So many wonderful things happen in The Faerie Ring, one of my favorites is the Ball but you’ll need to read it to find out about this magical event but bad things happen in The Faerie Ring, too.
Reading ‘The Faerie Ring’ is one sure way to soothe your questions and to introduce yourself to one of the best books The Book Faery has ever had the pleasure to read!
Out of the mouth of one of my favorite secondary characters, Mamie, who was a Lady in Waiting for the Queen and great entertainment to the Princes came this bit of sparkling wisdom:
Dear [withheld spoiler], I don't believe faeries are real. I know they are." pg. 198
Kiki writes The Faerie Ring as if she lived and breathed it; her imaginative writing skills making it a extraordinary get away for the reader. Kiki skillfully weaves a magical setting along with Dickensonian-like characters set in Victorian England in such a way that every page is not only a joy to read, it is pure enchantment. The historical setting, the nods to Dickens himself and the faerie lore is seamless and authentic, as only Kiki Hamilton can be. The Faerie Ring is the first book to get my unique One-Sit-Read which is the highest honor this reviewer can give.
THE FAERY SAYS THE FAERIE RING BY KIKI HAMILTON ROCKED MY WINGS !!!
May 15, 2011
The story is set in London, 1871. Tiki is a sixteen year old orphan living in an abandoned shop behind the railway station. She pickpockets wealthy people on the streets in order to survive and also takes care of four friends who she considers her family: Shamus, a boy her age, Toots and Fiona, the young ones, and Clara, the little sick one who Tiki cares fondly about. When Tiki steals a beautiful red ring, which she hopes to trade for a bundle of money, she quickly finds out that it's the queen's ring! After the handsome Rieker, a well-known pickpocket, discovers that Tiki has the ring, he tells her that it's more than just a ring. It actually holds an ancient truce for peace between the faeries' and human royals' courts. It must always be guarded by the royals since the faeries want to destroy it and the truce. Along with whoever has it in their possession...
I started reading this book with low expectations since I haven't read anything from this author before and usually aren't too fond of faerie books and historical fiction. Could I have been more wrong? Wow this book was magnificent! First, the setting...genius: Victorian London set in the 1800s. It was the perfect set-up and the author played by the rules. I hate when historical fiction books aren't accurate, whether by the way the characters talk, dress, or interact. But Kiki nailed the dialogue just right and included real places in London where events in the book took place.
I grew so fond of Tiki's brilliant character: she was determined, honest, mature, courageous - overall a great protagonist. Being a sort of leader of her 'orphan family', she truly cared about the others living with her and would stop at nothing to help heal little Clara, the four year old girl with croup. Each of the orphan characters were developed and I got to know them so well. So kudos to the author for her fabulous and memorable characters that felt so real. I also liked how she was able to put the reader on the fence about whether or not to trust Rieker. He and Tiki start having feelings for each other, but she doesn't know if she can fully trust him or not - whether he just wants the ring for himself. I continuously jumped back and forth with my opinion about him.
From page 153
Her fingers tingled with an unusual warmth when they brushed his skin. Surprised, her eyes darted to his face to see if he had felt the same thing. Expecting his usual aloof expression, instead his smoky eyes were locked on her face and the walls that he usually hid behind were gone. There was something that almost looked like longing in his expression.
The novel had a little bit of everything sprinkled into it: historical fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, realistic - I loved every page of it! Kiki has a beautiful way with words. Her writing was descriptive, vivid, and realistic (minus the faeries). I felt like I was right beside Tiki throughout the story. The book was deeply imaginative and creative. I was instantly absorbed into Tiki's mysterious world. This was definitely the best faerie book I ever read, and actually answered many of my questions. Nevertheless, I'm still confused about some things, but hopefully they will be answered in the second book. The climax of the book was nail-biting and I had to stay up until 2 a.m. to finish the book because I was desperate to know how it ended. It wrapped up nicely and left room for more, just how I like it.
I started reading this book with low expectations since I haven't read anything from this author before and usually aren't too fond of faerie books and historical fiction. Could I have been more wrong? Wow this book was magnificent! First, the setting...genius: Victorian London set in the 1800s. It was the perfect set-up and the author played by the rules. I hate when historical fiction books aren't accurate, whether by the way the characters talk, dress, or interact. But Kiki nailed the dialogue just right and included real places in London where events in the book took place.
I grew so fond of Tiki's brilliant character: she was determined, honest, mature, courageous - overall a great protagonist. Being a sort of leader of her 'orphan family', she truly cared about the others living with her and would stop at nothing to help heal little Clara, the four year old girl with croup. Each of the orphan characters were developed and I got to know them so well. So kudos to the author for her fabulous and memorable characters that felt so real. I also liked how she was able to put the reader on the fence about whether or not to trust Rieker. He and Tiki start having feelings for each other, but she doesn't know if she can fully trust him or not - whether he just wants the ring for himself. I continuously jumped back and forth with my opinion about him.
From page 153
Her fingers tingled with an unusual warmth when they brushed his skin. Surprised, her eyes darted to his face to see if he had felt the same thing. Expecting his usual aloof expression, instead his smoky eyes were locked on her face and the walls that he usually hid behind were gone. There was something that almost looked like longing in his expression.
The novel had a little bit of everything sprinkled into it: historical fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, realistic - I loved every page of it! Kiki has a beautiful way with words. Her writing was descriptive, vivid, and realistic (minus the faeries). I felt like I was right beside Tiki throughout the story. The book was deeply imaginative and creative. I was instantly absorbed into Tiki's mysterious world. This was definitely the best faerie book I ever read, and actually answered many of my questions. Nevertheless, I'm still confused about some things, but hopefully they will be answered in the second book. The climax of the book was nail-biting and I had to stay up until 2 a.m. to finish the book because I was desperate to know how it ended. It wrapped up nicely and left room for more, just how I like it.
November 27, 2011
Tiki lost her parents young and ran away from her Aunt and Uncle's home. She lives with four other orphans, Shamus, Toots, Fiona, and Clara. They survive by stealing food and pick pocketing. Tiki also has another thief friend named Rieker that helps her out of some of her thieving jams. While Tiki is out one night she hops on the back of a carriage that ends up taking her to the palace. Tiki goes in without even realizing it at first to steal food. After she grabs some food she goes to hide in a library. While she is there, Prince Leo comes in and leaves a ring. Tiki grabs it to sell for money. Clara is really sick and desperately needs care that they can't afford.
The beginning was super slow. The middle was too. This book took me forever to get through. I didn't like any of the orphans. They all bugged me. I didn't even get into Tiki's character. The only person in the book I actually liked was Reiker. He was interesting and actually had quite a back story. Although I still don't understand why it took him so long to come out with it. He still annoyed me too even though he was my favorite.
The ring itself has fire in the stone and an inscription that means, For the sake of peace, we agree. The idea around the ring was not fully developed enough for me. It holds a faerie truce and for some reason if the royals don't have it protected the truce is over. The book also barely has any faeries. Halfway in Tiki grabs someone and realizes they have wings. I swear in my mind for a second I thought, what are they an angel?! That is how much I forgot this book was even about faeries. Toward the end there are two evil faeries hunting Tiki to get the ring back. Apparently they want the truce over but I can't even remember why.
The ring was aggravating. Tiki steals it, then puts it back, and then wants to steal it again. It was also rather easy for her to continually steal it and put it back. She just attends a party at the palace and puts it back. While under disguise the prince tells her how she could get the money for it. But then Clara is taken hostage so Tiki wants to just hand over the ring to the faeries. She also has a faerie mark on her wrist and is connected to them but never believes it herself. I just didn't enjoy this. I probably just had too of high expectations of a very adventurous faerie story. But it was a slow story of an orphan girl stealing a ring over and over.
The beginning was super slow. The middle was too. This book took me forever to get through. I didn't like any of the orphans. They all bugged me. I didn't even get into Tiki's character. The only person in the book I actually liked was Reiker. He was interesting and actually had quite a back story. Although I still don't understand why it took him so long to come out with it. He still annoyed me too even though he was my favorite.
The ring itself has fire in the stone and an inscription that means, For the sake of peace, we agree. The idea around the ring was not fully developed enough for me. It holds a faerie truce and for some reason if the royals don't have it protected the truce is over. The book also barely has any faeries. Halfway in Tiki grabs someone and realizes they have wings. I swear in my mind for a second I thought, what are they an angel?! That is how much I forgot this book was even about faeries. Toward the end there are two evil faeries hunting Tiki to get the ring back. Apparently they want the truce over but I can't even remember why.
The ring was aggravating. Tiki steals it, then puts it back, and then wants to steal it again. It was also rather easy for her to continually steal it and put it back. She just attends a party at the palace and puts it back. While under disguise the prince tells her how she could get the money for it. But then Clara is taken hostage so Tiki wants to just hand over the ring to the faeries. She also has a faerie mark on her wrist and is connected to them but never believes it herself. I just didn't enjoy this. I probably just had too of high expectations of a very adventurous faerie story. But it was a slow story of an orphan girl stealing a ring over and over.
February 1, 2011
I am so glad I had the chance to read The Faerie Ring. It was a mix of my favorite book topics: history, faeries, and romance. It was incredibly well written and the characters were all developed and likable.
Tiki, a pickpocket living with four fellow orphans by Charing Cross railway station, is a brave, innovative, and kind person. She works hard to keep her and her "family" alive and is determined to get them better living conditions. I loved all of her fellow pickpockets. Clara, Toots, Shamus, and Fiona. They all had great personalities and worked hard to help each other.
When Tiki accidentally enters Buckingham Palace and takes Queen Victoria's ring, she thinks all their problems are solved. All she has to do is figure out how to return the ring and claim the reward without getting arrested for stealing it in the first place. Tiki is a really creative girl, and her ideas and adventures are exciting and entertaining. Things take a turn for the worse when a fellow pickpocket, Rieker, informs Tiki that the ring is actually an ancient truce between faeries and humans. Since it is no longer being protected by the royal family, the evil faeries have crossed over and will stop at nothing to claim the ring and destroy anyone that gets in their way.
The plot was fast paced and exciting. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The Faerie Ring was packed with historical details- both about the royal family and the lower class (like pickpockets). I loved being able to read about London back in the 1800s. What an experience! Kiki Hamilton transported me back in time from the first page and I really felt like I was living there with Tiki, experiencing everything with her.
The faerie aspect was so creative and original. I was terrified that something was going to happen to one of the characters (especially Tiki, Rieker, or Clara) or that the faeries would get the ring and a war would break out. Fans of historical fiction will love this novel, and the faerie angle adds so much to the story. Tiki and Rieker's involvement in it is especially interesting.
I loved watching Tiki and Rieker's relationship grow. They were perfect for each other and I loved how Rieker had more to him then met the eye... and still loved Tiki.
The Faerie Ring was an overall amazing, mysterious, and romantic debut that will have readers eager to read more by Kiki Hamilton.
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tiki, a pickpocket living with four fellow orphans by Charing Cross railway station, is a brave, innovative, and kind person. She works hard to keep her and her "family" alive and is determined to get them better living conditions. I loved all of her fellow pickpockets. Clara, Toots, Shamus, and Fiona. They all had great personalities and worked hard to help each other.
When Tiki accidentally enters Buckingham Palace and takes Queen Victoria's ring, she thinks all their problems are solved. All she has to do is figure out how to return the ring and claim the reward without getting arrested for stealing it in the first place. Tiki is a really creative girl, and her ideas and adventures are exciting and entertaining. Things take a turn for the worse when a fellow pickpocket, Rieker, informs Tiki that the ring is actually an ancient truce between faeries and humans. Since it is no longer being protected by the royal family, the evil faeries have crossed over and will stop at nothing to claim the ring and destroy anyone that gets in their way.
The plot was fast paced and exciting. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The Faerie Ring was packed with historical details- both about the royal family and the lower class (like pickpockets). I loved being able to read about London back in the 1800s. What an experience! Kiki Hamilton transported me back in time from the first page and I really felt like I was living there with Tiki, experiencing everything with her.
The faerie aspect was so creative and original. I was terrified that something was going to happen to one of the characters (especially Tiki, Rieker, or Clara) or that the faeries would get the ring and a war would break out. Fans of historical fiction will love this novel, and the faerie angle adds so much to the story. Tiki and Rieker's involvement in it is especially interesting.
I loved watching Tiki and Rieker's relationship grow. They were perfect for each other and I loved how Rieker had more to him then met the eye... and still loved Tiki.
The Faerie Ring was an overall amazing, mysterious, and romantic debut that will have readers eager to read more by Kiki Hamilton.
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
October 2, 2011
Dangit! I had such high expectations for this one... and it started out well too.
Tiki is a thief who had taken it upon herself to care for some other kids like her. I liked her at first with her fiery go at it attitude, but little by little I felt something was missing. What went wrong exactly? Nothing... and maybe that's what was wrong. Basically, the story was too pat.
To start, anything bad that could happen, did happen. Her parents die, leaving her an orphan shuffled to an aunt and a shady uncle. Having run away, she ends up homeless only to turn to thievery to survive. And yet despite all that, Tiki turns into a thief with a heart o' gold, taking in an orphan or two, and stealing from not so upstanding fellows. Plus, she had someone (a couple of someones) watching over her. Am I nitpicking? Maybe I am. But I simply felt no connection to her... it didnt help that tears tended to spill out every so often. As to the others, I felt there absence and could never have formed connections with any of them (though Fiona did have potential.)
I had also hoped more from Reiker/Rieker(?) but I was let down there as well. His story is another sob story, yet I found myself shrugging out a 'So?'
The more interesting bits had to do with Prince Leo. I felt his reactions to be the most appropriate. He was suspicious, perplexed but managed to put two and two together eventually. As opposed to Tiki and Reiker's own reactions which I felt to be so-so.
Ah, well, if this were MG, I'd say it's an OK read, but still...
2/5
Tiki is a thief who had taken it upon herself to care for some other kids like her. I liked her at first with her fiery go at it attitude, but little by little I felt something was missing. What went wrong exactly? Nothing... and maybe that's what was wrong. Basically, the story was too pat.
To start, anything bad that could happen, did happen. Her parents die, leaving her an orphan shuffled to an aunt and a shady uncle. Having run away, she ends up homeless only to turn to thievery to survive. And yet despite all that, Tiki turns into a thief with a heart o' gold, taking in an orphan or two, and stealing from not so upstanding fellows. Plus, she had someone (a couple of someones) watching over her. Am I nitpicking? Maybe I am. But I simply felt no connection to her... it didnt help that tears tended to spill out every so often. As to the others, I felt there absence and could never have formed connections with any of them (though Fiona did have potential.)
I had also hoped more from Reiker/Rieker(?) but I was let down there as well. His story is another sob story, yet I found myself shrugging out a 'So?'
The more interesting bits had to do with Prince Leo. I felt his reactions to be the most appropriate. He was suspicious, perplexed but managed to put two and two together eventually. As opposed to Tiki and Reiker's own reactions which I felt to be so-so.
Ah, well, if this were MG, I'd say it's an OK read, but still...
2/5
November 25, 2011
Kiki Hamilton's THE FAERIE RING was an excellent piece of historical fiction. I loved the descriptions of London, and particularly enjoyed that it opened inside The World's End, which is the only pub I ever go to in Camden Town.
Though there are plenty of things going on here: faerie danger, royal intrigue, a romance with a mysterious (is he helpful, or a duplicitous ass?) rake, I think my favorite part of the story was the survival element of the pickpocketing ragamuffins. They were definitely the story's heart. I liked their scrappiness, their resourcefulness, and their tendency to get way too excited over a wheel of cheese. Brought back flashes of The Boxcar Children ("my pink cup, my pink cup, oh I'm so excited about my pink cup!" Benny. For pete's sake shut the hell up about your pink cup already!).
The writing is rich, textural and detailed. It'll make you say things like, "Good show, Hamilton!" and "pip pip, cheerio, why am I talking this way?"
Though there are plenty of things going on here: faerie danger, royal intrigue, a romance with a mysterious (is he helpful, or a duplicitous ass?) rake, I think my favorite part of the story was the survival element of the pickpocketing ragamuffins. They were definitely the story's heart. I liked their scrappiness, their resourcefulness, and their tendency to get way too excited over a wheel of cheese. Brought back flashes of The Boxcar Children ("my pink cup, my pink cup, oh I'm so excited about my pink cup!" Benny. For pete's sake shut the hell up about your pink cup already!).
The writing is rich, textural and detailed. It'll make you say things like, "Good show, Hamilton!" and "pip pip, cheerio, why am I talking this way?"
May 4, 2017
I had hoped this would be a new favorite... no such luck since I wished it would be awesomer than it was and some of it annoyed me; however I did enjoy it, largely because Rieker is awesome... and it's a historical fantasy set in 1871 London with creepy Faeries and street thieves, with mention of Tam Lin as historical, and a dash of not-really-but-almost-Cinderella. So. Not a new favorite because of reasons, but I did enjoy it okay.
April 8, 2025
Pros
Premise: The Faerie Ring has a lot of positive qualities. For one thing, Tor Teen knows how to write a synopsis that draws in a reader: "Prince, pauper, thief...all must work together to secure the treaty..." As soon as I read this last sentence, I was hooked. I had to get my hands on this book. And the premise was very interesting. I'm sure we've all read faerie books before, but I can't name another one off the top of my head that takes place in Victorian London and attempts to create a shaky relationship between the British crown and the faerie courts. I would say that the story's setup was rather original (no modern-day teenage girl finding out she's a faerie princess, in other words). In fact, the whole setup was very promising and I was resolved, no matter what, to see this story through to the end. More on this later.
Readability: It was clean. I can recommend it to avid readers of all ages. Enough said.
Cons
The more I delved in to this, the more convoluted and "messy" the plot became. About 100 pages from the end, I had no idea who had this dadgum ring that everybody's chasing around, and I didn't really care, either. I just wanted it to end. That's rarely a good thing for a reader to say, and yet that's how I felt. It's hard to describe without going into spoilery details, but it seemed like the characters - heroine Tiki in particular - just started taking 1 chapter to do something that she could've done in 1 page's worth of time. And may I add that it was about 100 pages from the end before I even SAW a faerie. For a book about some magical faerie ring, there was a whole lotta 'woe is me I'm a street urchin' and not a lot of anything else. And the whole 'street urchin' angle wasn't believable enough to be interesting!
But the main thing about the plot had to do with believability. I just couldn't totally climb on board with a lot of things that happened in this novel because they seemed so far-fetched. Tiki comes from a middle-class family and knows how to read (at a high reading level, I might add) and dance and is skilled in etiquette, yet through totally random circumstances she finds herself a street urchin pick-pocketing with a family of other orphans to make ends meet. I never felt enough desperation for her circumstances. They always made stole just enough money, had just enough food...they seemed like a very functional family. At one point, the orphans find a dress so that Tiki can 'go undercover' (for lack of a better phrase) at a royal ball held at Buckingham Palace. With a bath, a cute hairdo, and a dress that's been hemmed just right, Tiki manages to fool everybody (including two princes) into thinking she's part of the landed gentry. Um, really...? I nearly flung the book across the room and ended the whole thing when it was revealed that a principal character was really an aristocrat in disguise!.
So much of this 300+ page novel just seemed like a stretch to believe. Everything was a little too easy, a little too convenient. And as for the setting...it was very mediocre. This is why I stay away from historical fiction: most authors, I believe, have only a "bare essentials" knowledge of the time-period in which their story takes place. That's not me trying to be rude, it's me trying to say that creating a believable story set in another COUNTRY in another CENTURY is hard. And if authors aren't trying to Elmers-glue their own contemporary mores onto their period characters, they're trying to create a setting that just doesn't quite make it. Characters sounded and acted like they were from 21st century America rather than 19th century England. It just wasn't believable. That's my mantra here, it would seem. Just because Tiki lives among orphans doesn't automatically endear her to me or make me sympathize. I need a little more than that. For the most part, I just flipped through the pages, reading about things Tiki said and Tiki did and Tiki feels this...without having any sort of connection whatsoever. And once again, the author tries to avoid 'instalove' not by creating a solid respect-filled friendship first but by having Tiki shun and judge the love interest, Rieker, for basically no reason. I still have no idea why Tiki had such a chip on her shoulder about this guy: she was convinced he couldn't be trusted when he did nothing but bend over backwards for her...I'll never understand it.
But that's me. I've lost count of how many books I've read since August 2009 when I joined Goodreads. I feel like I've read it all before, and as a result, it takes a lot more to hold my attention.
Let me be clear: there's nothing really WRONG with this book. It just wasn't that solid or memorable, in my opinion.
But I'm older, I'm pickier, and I've got major issues with concentration, so unless there's genuinely well-written dialogue, or a fight scene involving a sword, or SWEET romance (not inappropriate and not clean-but-crabby) or talking mice...I get distracted.
Original thoughts:
Premise: The Faerie Ring has a lot of positive qualities. For one thing, Tor Teen knows how to write a synopsis that draws in a reader: "Prince, pauper, thief...all must work together to secure the treaty..." As soon as I read this last sentence, I was hooked. I had to get my hands on this book. And the premise was very interesting. I'm sure we've all read faerie books before, but I can't name another one off the top of my head that takes place in Victorian London and attempts to create a shaky relationship between the British crown and the faerie courts. I would say that the story's setup was rather original (no modern-day teenage girl finding out she's a faerie princess, in other words). In fact, the whole setup was very promising and I was resolved, no matter what, to see this story through to the end. More on this later.
Readability: It was clean. I can recommend it to avid readers of all ages. Enough said.
Cons
The more I delved in to this, the more convoluted and "messy" the plot became. About 100 pages from the end, I had no idea who had this dadgum ring that everybody's chasing around, and I didn't really care, either. I just wanted it to end. That's rarely a good thing for a reader to say, and yet that's how I felt. It's hard to describe without going into spoilery details, but it seemed like the characters - heroine Tiki in particular - just started taking 1 chapter to do something that she could've done in 1 page's worth of time. And may I add that it was about 100 pages from the end before I even SAW a faerie. For a book about some magical faerie ring, there was a whole lotta 'woe is me I'm a street urchin' and not a lot of anything else. And the whole 'street urchin' angle wasn't believable enough to be interesting!
But the main thing about the plot had to do with believability. I just couldn't totally climb on board with a lot of things that happened in this novel because they seemed so far-fetched. Tiki comes from a middle-class family and knows how to read (at a high reading level, I might add) and dance and is skilled in etiquette, yet through totally random circumstances she finds herself a street urchin pick-pocketing with a family of other orphans to make ends meet. I never felt enough desperation for her circumstances. They always made stole just enough money, had just enough food...they seemed like a very functional family. At one point, the orphans find a dress so that Tiki can 'go undercover' (for lack of a better phrase) at a royal ball held at Buckingham Palace. With a bath, a cute hairdo, and a dress that's been hemmed just right, Tiki manages to fool everybody (including two princes) into thinking she's part of the landed gentry. Um, really...? I nearly flung the book across the room and ended the whole thing when it was revealed that a principal character was really an aristocrat in disguise!.
So much of this 300+ page novel just seemed like a stretch to believe. Everything was a little too easy, a little too convenient. And as for the setting...it was very mediocre. This is why I stay away from historical fiction: most authors, I believe, have only a "bare essentials" knowledge of the time-period in which their story takes place. That's not me trying to be rude, it's me trying to say that creating a believable story set in another COUNTRY in another CENTURY is hard. And if authors aren't trying to Elmers-glue their own contemporary mores onto their period characters, they're trying to create a setting that just doesn't quite make it. Characters sounded and acted like they were from 21st century America rather than 19th century England. It just wasn't believable. That's my mantra here, it would seem. Just because Tiki lives among orphans doesn't automatically endear her to me or make me sympathize. I need a little more than that. For the most part, I just flipped through the pages, reading about things Tiki said and Tiki did and Tiki feels this...without having any sort of connection whatsoever. And once again, the author tries to avoid 'instalove' not by creating a solid respect-filled friendship first but by having Tiki shun and judge the love interest, Rieker, for basically no reason. I still have no idea why Tiki had such a chip on her shoulder about this guy: she was convinced he couldn't be trusted when he did nothing but bend over backwards for her...I'll never understand it.
But that's me. I've lost count of how many books I've read since August 2009 when I joined Goodreads. I feel like I've read it all before, and as a result, it takes a lot more to hold my attention.
Let me be clear: there's nothing really WRONG with this book. It just wasn't that solid or memorable, in my opinion.
But I'm older, I'm pickier, and I've got major issues with concentration, so unless there's genuinely well-written dialogue, or a fight scene involving a sword, or SWEET romance (not inappropriate and not clean-but-crabby) or talking mice...I get distracted.
Original thoughts:
October 2, 2011
(originally reviewed on starmetal oak book blog)
As you can see, I didn't have much luck with this book despite it being on my most anticipated reads from BEA this year. I really wanted to be absorbed into Victorian London and experience through the eyes of Tiki, the main character, but it never worked out. Tiki is a street kid living in an abandoned shop with a few other orphaned children. They have to steal to live and often go hungry. I liked that the author chose to tell this story from that angle, rather than the more common tale from the point of view of nobility. However, I never really feared for them, since they always managed to steal enough money or objects for their plans, such as Tiki going to a ball. I thought this was a little hard to believe, and undermined the potential grittiness. However, the bigger issue I had and the reason I set the book aside was that by page 176, barely anything had happened. We only see glimpses of the fey and we spend more time reading about Tiki think about what to do to help her friends and what to do with the ring (which doesn't really have any effect on the story by then anyway).
This book has gotten great reviews so far and it seems I'm in the minority. I just couldn't invest more time after feeling like the story was going on and on without any action or movement of the main plot. I wish there had been more magic in the first couple hundred pages.
Review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
As you can see, I didn't have much luck with this book despite it being on my most anticipated reads from BEA this year. I really wanted to be absorbed into Victorian London and experience through the eyes of Tiki, the main character, but it never worked out. Tiki is a street kid living in an abandoned shop with a few other orphaned children. They have to steal to live and often go hungry. I liked that the author chose to tell this story from that angle, rather than the more common tale from the point of view of nobility. However, I never really feared for them, since they always managed to steal enough money or objects for their plans, such as Tiki going to a ball. I thought this was a little hard to believe, and undermined the potential grittiness. However, the bigger issue I had and the reason I set the book aside was that by page 176, barely anything had happened. We only see glimpses of the fey and we spend more time reading about Tiki think about what to do to help her friends and what to do with the ring (which doesn't really have any effect on the story by then anyway).
This book has gotten great reviews so far and it seems I'm in the minority. I just couldn't invest more time after feeling like the story was going on and on without any action or movement of the main plot. I wish there had been more magic in the first couple hundred pages.
Review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
September 28, 2011
I had very high expectations going into THE FAERIE RING, and I'm delighted to say it did not disappoint. This is one of those books you want to read curled up in your bed while the blustery wind blows outside. (And yes, I did read the book curled in my own bed while the autumn winds blew.)
Tiki, the main character, is tough and endearing--the sort of gal you instantly root for--and her gang of orphaned pickpockets is just as lovable. (I totally wanted to join their happy family.) The swoon-worthy Rieker has a secret history I didn't see coming at all, and the Fey are deliciously wicked. Oh, and Prince Leopold--what a fun addition to the cast!
The setting was so vivid and well-drawn, I can imagine 1871 London perfectly. I really liked the addition at the end about how you can still see all the places in the book--nice touch!
One thing I especially loved about THE FAERIE RING was how all the different elements subtly hinted at during the start of the book came together for a big KAPOW at the end.
All in all, this was a great fantasy I'd highly recommend to fans of Jaclyn Dolomore's MAGIC UNDER GLASS or Erin Bow's PLAIN KATE. If you like fantasy, intrigue, or Victorian London, then be sure to pick up Kiki Hamilton's THE FAERIE RING.
Tiki, the main character, is tough and endearing--the sort of gal you instantly root for--and her gang of orphaned pickpockets is just as lovable. (I totally wanted to join their happy family.) The swoon-worthy Rieker has a secret history I didn't see coming at all, and the Fey are deliciously wicked. Oh, and Prince Leopold--what a fun addition to the cast!
The setting was so vivid and well-drawn, I can imagine 1871 London perfectly. I really liked the addition at the end about how you can still see all the places in the book--nice touch!
One thing I especially loved about THE FAERIE RING was how all the different elements subtly hinted at during the start of the book came together for a big KAPOW at the end.
All in all, this was a great fantasy I'd highly recommend to fans of Jaclyn Dolomore's MAGIC UNDER GLASS or Erin Bow's PLAIN KATE. If you like fantasy, intrigue, or Victorian London, then be sure to pick up Kiki Hamilton's THE FAERIE RING.
May 19, 2011
This isn't a full review but I was lucky enough to read it early and provide a blurb. Here it is!
"A delicious blend of urban fantasy, heart-stopping suspense and sizzling romance - THE FAERIE RING rocks! Pulsing with excitement this high-stakes adventure catapults you through the gritty slums of Victorian London, the glittering balls of the Royal Palace, and the menacing Otherworld, in a thrilling tale where no one and nothing is what it seems. Deception, twists, diabolical faeries, a gutsy heroine and a sexy love interest all woven into a spectacular wild ride. You'll devour every page - compelled to finish but never wanting it to end!"
"A delicious blend of urban fantasy, heart-stopping suspense and sizzling romance - THE FAERIE RING rocks! Pulsing with excitement this high-stakes adventure catapults you through the gritty slums of Victorian London, the glittering balls of the Royal Palace, and the menacing Otherworld, in a thrilling tale where no one and nothing is what it seems. Deception, twists, diabolical faeries, a gutsy heroine and a sexy love interest all woven into a spectacular wild ride. You'll devour every page - compelled to finish but never wanting it to end!"
November 29, 2010
The Faerie Ring is an intriguing, beautifully written, blend of historical fiction, mixed with the perfect dose of romance, mystery, and faerie lore, all set within the time period of Victorian London. I was completely enraptured with the story that I couldn't devour this debut novel fast enough. I absolutely loved reading this! I will be sharing my full review closer to the release date next year.
June 27, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: You will be captivated by the world that Hamilton has built and be enchanted by the romance of the story.
Opening Sentence: “You won’t be here pickin’ pockets, would you?”
The Review:
Kiki Hamilton’s The Faerie Ring is set in 1871 London. She has created a world that I want to be a part of. While Hamilton portrayed a time filled with problems and poverty, she also described a world of secrets and enchantment.
Tara Kathleen, or Tiki, lost her parents at an early age. She then ran away from the home of her aunt to escape the creepy watch of her uncle. Now she has left comfort only to live in poverty, stealing her way for survival not only for herself, but for the orphans that she considers to be her new family. The only memories she has left are the faerie stories that her mother told her as a child. While looking for a warm meal to bring home to a sick orphan, Clara, Tiki steals a ruby ring. Tiki is instantly memorized by the beauty and decides that selling this ring is the only way to cure Clara. But of course, it’s never that easy, is it? The ring belongs to the Queen of England, herself! There is more to the ring than meets the eye. A well-known person on the streets is Rieker, who befriends Tiki. He explains that the ring represents a truce between the faerie world and the human world. Now that the ring is out of royal protection, everyone will be seeking the ring.
Secrets unfold and truths are revealed in this historical world. Not only does the tale of the ring unfold, but so does Tiki’s past. Like the ring, there is more to our little Tiki.
I love Tiki and her large heart. I enjoyed how she was written and every detail that went towards her character. Tiki is an example of a well-rounded protagonist. Her strengths and weaknesses compliment the story in an amazing way. I also loved the promise of her future, of who she could become and where it would take the story. Even if this was just a stand a lone book, but I am glad it’s not, I would have been happy.
And then there is Rieker. I did not expect to fall in love with him as much as I did. He is endearing, but also mysterious and captivating. He is the kindred soul that balances Tiki’s broken heart. Their relationship blossomed as each page passed and I was caught in the romance. But the secrets that he holds? Who saw them coming? The brilliance of Hamilton’s genius and creative mind is that she gave us an amazing story and added a little extra without going over the top.
Hamilton did such a fantastic job writing The Faerie Ring. The story was paced so well that it was so easy to get lost in this world. The images were so detailed that I could see the scene play in my mind. The scenes were so well thought out that everything said was believable. I started in the morning and finished at night. I just simply couldn’t put it down.
Everyone has to read this, now, if you haven’t already. You will be captivated by the world that Hamilton has built and be enchanted by the romance of the story
FTC Advisory: Tor Teen/Macmillan provided me with a copy of The Faerie Ring. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: You will be captivated by the world that Hamilton has built and be enchanted by the romance of the story.
Opening Sentence: “You won’t be here pickin’ pockets, would you?”
The Review:
Kiki Hamilton’s The Faerie Ring is set in 1871 London. She has created a world that I want to be a part of. While Hamilton portrayed a time filled with problems and poverty, she also described a world of secrets and enchantment.
Tara Kathleen, or Tiki, lost her parents at an early age. She then ran away from the home of her aunt to escape the creepy watch of her uncle. Now she has left comfort only to live in poverty, stealing her way for survival not only for herself, but for the orphans that she considers to be her new family. The only memories she has left are the faerie stories that her mother told her as a child. While looking for a warm meal to bring home to a sick orphan, Clara, Tiki steals a ruby ring. Tiki is instantly memorized by the beauty and decides that selling this ring is the only way to cure Clara. But of course, it’s never that easy, is it? The ring belongs to the Queen of England, herself! There is more to the ring than meets the eye. A well-known person on the streets is Rieker, who befriends Tiki. He explains that the ring represents a truce between the faerie world and the human world. Now that the ring is out of royal protection, everyone will be seeking the ring.
Secrets unfold and truths are revealed in this historical world. Not only does the tale of the ring unfold, but so does Tiki’s past. Like the ring, there is more to our little Tiki.
I love Tiki and her large heart. I enjoyed how she was written and every detail that went towards her character. Tiki is an example of a well-rounded protagonist. Her strengths and weaknesses compliment the story in an amazing way. I also loved the promise of her future, of who she could become and where it would take the story. Even if this was just a stand a lone book, but I am glad it’s not, I would have been happy.
And then there is Rieker. I did not expect to fall in love with him as much as I did. He is endearing, but also mysterious and captivating. He is the kindred soul that balances Tiki’s broken heart. Their relationship blossomed as each page passed and I was caught in the romance. But the secrets that he holds? Who saw them coming? The brilliance of Hamilton’s genius and creative mind is that she gave us an amazing story and added a little extra without going over the top.
Hamilton did such a fantastic job writing The Faerie Ring. The story was paced so well that it was so easy to get lost in this world. The images were so detailed that I could see the scene play in my mind. The scenes were so well thought out that everything said was believable. I started in the morning and finished at night. I just simply couldn’t put it down.
Everyone has to read this, now, if you haven’t already. You will be captivated by the world that Hamilton has built and be enchanted by the romance of the story
FTC Advisory: Tor Teen/Macmillan provided me with a copy of The Faerie Ring. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 1, 2011
Hamilton presented a London that had so many abandoned children, orphans and pickpockets. It was a fragile and problematic time wherein money was hard to earn and food came scarcely. I was entirely sold out to how the world was built. It seemed real, complete with all the drama of everyday life in the streets. I found it easy to sympathize with the street urchins of The Faerie Ring because here in my country, there are a handful of them too. Their situation was really heartbreaking.
Tara Kathleen, aka Tiki, was one of a kind. Born into a well-off family, she had luxuries as a child. She was well-loved and taken care of. But everything changed when her parents died. She wound up in the streets, penniless, hopeless and lost. She met Fiona and Shamus, two cousins who lived in the streets, striving to live and getting money from pickpocketing. Fiona and Shamus, among two other children – Clara and Toots, were Tiki’s new family. They were unfortunate victims of fate but they tried to make the most out of their situation. They were not related by blood but they lived together and helped each other.
Tiki had found Clara in a pile of trash, almost dead. She struggled to nurse Clara back to health. But with the lack of food, lack of clean clothes and water, Clara kept getting worse. But with Tiki’s amazing find, the Queen’s ring, she might just be able to get enough money to pay Clara’s hospital bills, bring her home, buy a house and supply enough food for her family. But it turned out, getting the money was going to be difficult.
Rieker, a known name among pickpockets, bumped into Tiki a couple of times. He had noticed the strange birthmark on her wrist – a swirl of vines and leaves – and had become intrigued with her. With his handsome face and his charm, he was easy to admire. But Tiki was worried about his interest in the Queen’s ring. Tiki did not trust him. Could Rieker prove that his intentions were good before it’s too late?
The Queen’s ring held the fire of the treaty between the royal family of London and the fey. With it gone missing from the palace, anyone (any fey) could easily get rid of it and then the treaty would be broken. War will set loose. The fey could conquer London.
As usual, there were two fey courts: Seelie and Unseelie. However, only Unseelie fey appeared in The Faerie Ring. They wanted to break the treaty, get back what was once theirs – London. Hamilton portrayed them as vicious, hot-tempered and unpredictable creatures donning human skin. Larkin, the blonde fey, was absolutely intriguing. Even though I hated her, I have to admit that her character kept me reading on.
The Faerie Ring is a perfect fusion of historical fiction and urban fantasy – the best of both worlds, outstanding in tragedy, suspense, peril and magic. Enthralling, dark, mysterious – the story took my breath away with every passing shadow, every budding doubt and every unearthed secret.
Tara Kathleen, aka Tiki, was one of a kind. Born into a well-off family, she had luxuries as a child. She was well-loved and taken care of. But everything changed when her parents died. She wound up in the streets, penniless, hopeless and lost. She met Fiona and Shamus, two cousins who lived in the streets, striving to live and getting money from pickpocketing. Fiona and Shamus, among two other children – Clara and Toots, were Tiki’s new family. They were unfortunate victims of fate but they tried to make the most out of their situation. They were not related by blood but they lived together and helped each other.
Tiki had found Clara in a pile of trash, almost dead. She struggled to nurse Clara back to health. But with the lack of food, lack of clean clothes and water, Clara kept getting worse. But with Tiki’s amazing find, the Queen’s ring, she might just be able to get enough money to pay Clara’s hospital bills, bring her home, buy a house and supply enough food for her family. But it turned out, getting the money was going to be difficult.
Rieker, a known name among pickpockets, bumped into Tiki a couple of times. He had noticed the strange birthmark on her wrist – a swirl of vines and leaves – and had become intrigued with her. With his handsome face and his charm, he was easy to admire. But Tiki was worried about his interest in the Queen’s ring. Tiki did not trust him. Could Rieker prove that his intentions were good before it’s too late?
The Queen’s ring held the fire of the treaty between the royal family of London and the fey. With it gone missing from the palace, anyone (any fey) could easily get rid of it and then the treaty would be broken. War will set loose. The fey could conquer London.
As usual, there were two fey courts: Seelie and Unseelie. However, only Unseelie fey appeared in The Faerie Ring. They wanted to break the treaty, get back what was once theirs – London. Hamilton portrayed them as vicious, hot-tempered and unpredictable creatures donning human skin. Larkin, the blonde fey, was absolutely intriguing. Even though I hated her, I have to admit that her character kept me reading on.
The Faerie Ring is a perfect fusion of historical fiction and urban fantasy – the best of both worlds, outstanding in tragedy, suspense, peril and magic. Enthralling, dark, mysterious – the story took my breath away with every passing shadow, every budding doubt and every unearthed secret.
November 15, 2011
so far I'm liking it, although I really dislike the cover. it's black, with a huge hand and the ring looks like and engagement ring.... the plot moves at a good pace, which is always nice... review to come soon.
so here is the review
Tiki lives in Victorian London, she is 16 years old and she is a thief.
Anxious about the other orphans that are in her care, and desperate, she finds herself one night in a lavish house, stealing a golden ring with a red stone. Little does she know that the lavish house was the palace and the ring belonged to Queen Victoria, binding an ancient truce between her (the Queen) and a world of vindictive faeries.
So begins a race against time, against sickness and despair and hunger, and a race against the most violent faeries you have ever read about.
Let me just say first, the cover up close was a real let-down.
It's black, with a huge abnormal hand, that can't possibly belong to the heroine, who is slender and starving, or to one of the graceful and beautiful faeries. The ring, also, couldn't be further from what it's described to be in the book, thick with swirlings and writings on it. This one looks like an engagement ring. And not a pretty one at that.
Anyway, you open the cover and are immediately engrossed withing the dark alleys of London, panting, running for your life, glimpsing dark faerie-like shadows from the corner of your eye.
The pacing of the story flows nicely, although the writing isn't very good. Sometimes there are repetitions, sometimes there are awkward phrases and sometimes there are important omissions.
However, the adventure and the mystery kept me turning the pages.
The romance was real and tender and intense, the kind that I like.
I loved how the heroine had to overcome her mistrust of men in general to trust him (I won't say who he is, because that's a surprise too.)
And this brings us to another part I liked, and that was the surprises.
By the end of the book, I'm sure my eyes had grown two sizes larger from being surprised so much and from all the discoveries. I just love it when the story slowly unfolds itself and you discover little by little the whole picture of which you could only see tiny bits before.
This was excellently done.
I had, however, one rather important problem with this book.
The main character, Tiki, appears to have somewhat loose morals, to none.
She is a petty thief. You know, petty.
She is so cruel and selfish and narrow-minded in her pocket-picking at the beginning of the book, that I found I couldn't respect her for the rest of the book.
We are told that she has a kind heart, that she cares for other orphans, that she was driven out of a good home by her uncle's sexual advances to which, of course, she wouldn't give in. All this is good. We are told she has saved the life of more than one starving child, we are told that she cares for a sick little girl. Well done.
But she has no morals elsewhere.
She doesn't have strong ethics.
And a girl like that, a girl who has let what happened to her change her morals, if ever she had any, and make her steal from strangers instead of begging, for example, or something, a girl who would break into a random house and pick up a ring she had just heard was the most important thing in the possesion of its owner... Well, I'm sorry but that is not a girl I like to call 'heroine' in life or in a book.
No matter how many orphans she feeds, no matter how many faeries she defeats.
There are some paralleles drawn between this book and Oliver Twist.
This is actually done by the author herself, and I would rather she didn't force her parallels and influences down my throat by making Tiki and her friends compare themselves to the book over and over again, but rather let me decide for myself whetherTiki reminded me of Oliver or not.
However, the thing is this.
Tiki did not resemble Dickens' orphan in the least.
Tiki appeared happy to rob people. She didn't want to leave the streets because what she was doing was wrong, but because she was cold. Tiki hadn't just fallen in with the wrong crowd. She was the wrong croud that influenced younger children.
Oh, Tiki.
The times have changed since Charles Dickens, the morals as well.
And a character like Tiki seems to have changed with them.
She actually pictures herself as 'cool' for doing what she does and getting away with it.
No remorse.
Yes, that bad.
Rating: 3/5
so here is the review
Tiki lives in Victorian London, she is 16 years old and she is a thief.
Anxious about the other orphans that are in her care, and desperate, she finds herself one night in a lavish house, stealing a golden ring with a red stone. Little does she know that the lavish house was the palace and the ring belonged to Queen Victoria, binding an ancient truce between her (the Queen) and a world of vindictive faeries.
So begins a race against time, against sickness and despair and hunger, and a race against the most violent faeries you have ever read about.
Let me just say first, the cover up close was a real let-down.
It's black, with a huge abnormal hand, that can't possibly belong to the heroine, who is slender and starving, or to one of the graceful and beautiful faeries. The ring, also, couldn't be further from what it's described to be in the book, thick with swirlings and writings on it. This one looks like an engagement ring. And not a pretty one at that.
Anyway, you open the cover and are immediately engrossed withing the dark alleys of London, panting, running for your life, glimpsing dark faerie-like shadows from the corner of your eye.
The pacing of the story flows nicely, although the writing isn't very good. Sometimes there are repetitions, sometimes there are awkward phrases and sometimes there are important omissions.
However, the adventure and the mystery kept me turning the pages.
The romance was real and tender and intense, the kind that I like.
I loved how the heroine had to overcome her mistrust of men in general to trust him (I won't say who he is, because that's a surprise too.)
And this brings us to another part I liked, and that was the surprises.
By the end of the book, I'm sure my eyes had grown two sizes larger from being surprised so much and from all the discoveries. I just love it when the story slowly unfolds itself and you discover little by little the whole picture of which you could only see tiny bits before.
This was excellently done.
I had, however, one rather important problem with this book.
The main character, Tiki, appears to have somewhat loose morals, to none.
She is a petty thief. You know, petty.
She is so cruel and selfish and narrow-minded in her pocket-picking at the beginning of the book, that I found I couldn't respect her for the rest of the book.
We are told that she has a kind heart, that she cares for other orphans, that she was driven out of a good home by her uncle's sexual advances to which, of course, she wouldn't give in. All this is good. We are told she has saved the life of more than one starving child, we are told that she cares for a sick little girl. Well done.
But she has no morals elsewhere.
She doesn't have strong ethics.
And a girl like that, a girl who has let what happened to her change her morals, if ever she had any, and make her steal from strangers instead of begging, for example, or something, a girl who would break into a random house and pick up a ring she had just heard was the most important thing in the possesion of its owner... Well, I'm sorry but that is not a girl I like to call 'heroine' in life or in a book.
No matter how many orphans she feeds, no matter how many faeries she defeats.
There are some paralleles drawn between this book and Oliver Twist.
This is actually done by the author herself, and I would rather she didn't force her parallels and influences down my throat by making Tiki and her friends compare themselves to the book over and over again, but rather let me decide for myself whetherTiki reminded me of Oliver or not.
However, the thing is this.
Tiki did not resemble Dickens' orphan in the least.
Tiki appeared happy to rob people. She didn't want to leave the streets because what she was doing was wrong, but because she was cold. Tiki hadn't just fallen in with the wrong crowd. She was the wrong croud that influenced younger children.
Oh, Tiki.
The times have changed since Charles Dickens, the morals as well.
And a character like Tiki seems to have changed with them.
She actually pictures herself as 'cool' for doing what she does and getting away with it.
No remorse.
Yes, that bad.
Rating: 3/5
October 6, 2011
In The Faerie Ring, debut author Kiki Hamilton blends historical fiction with the paranormal in the story of a stolen ring that holds the key to peace between the faery realm and the rulers of England. Tiki only stole the ring out of desperation to provide food for her orphan family, but now she is caught in the middle of a high stakes battle over the treaty, and her own mysterious past comes to play in the negotiations for it’s return. With the ring missing, the faeries are free to roam the streets of Victorian London, bringing mischief and chaos and threatening war. Fellow thief Rieker seems to know a lot about the significance of the ring, but is he a trusted ally or a master of deceit? The author spins a magical tale of adventure, romance and suspense in this fast paced and action packed urban fantasy.
I’m always a bit wary about reading books about faeries, but the historical aspect of this one intrigued me and does set it apart from other books. The faeries we meet are the devious sort that keeps you looking over your shoulder. We get a taste of the faery world that left me wanting to learn more about them.
In terms of the setting, I liked seeing the contrast of Tiki’s rough life as a pickpocket trying to scrape by to the extravagant, privileged occupants of Buckingham Palace. Familiar landmarks such as Charing Cross, Covent Garden, and Hyde Park become a character in the book and provide a scenic backdrop to the events of the story. The vivid descriptions brought me right to Victorian London and made me feel like I was part of the action.
Although I loved the setting of the book, my favorite part of the story was the characters. Tiki is kind, protective and scrappy and will do anything for her adopted family. The youngest member of the family, Clara, is very ill and that is the motivation for Tiki to earn money to provide a better life for her. Tiki also has a strange birthmark on her wrist that seems to be familiar to those in the royal family as well as to the faery folk. Rieker is another thief in Tiki’s circles that starts to pop up more and more once he discovers that she has the faery ring. He is mysterious and seems to know more than he is letting on. All of the orphans in Tiki’s family and the royal princes she meets are compelling characters that add interest to the story. There is some romance in the story, but it is not a major part. I also liked that it is a gradual romance and I look forward to seeing how it develops in future books.
The book flows smoothly throughout with an effortless writing style. It is pleasant to read and with an entertaining, easy to read and even pace. The story is told through third person POV that suits the story well. The dialogue of the character’s rings true to the historical time period as well.
I think this book will appeal to those that enjoy fantasy books, and also to YA historical fiction fans. The Faerie Ring is filled with adventure, excitement and romance and is a strong kickoff to a new four-book series. Look for the sequel The Torn Wing to hit stores in 2012.
I’m always a bit wary about reading books about faeries, but the historical aspect of this one intrigued me and does set it apart from other books. The faeries we meet are the devious sort that keeps you looking over your shoulder. We get a taste of the faery world that left me wanting to learn more about them.
In terms of the setting, I liked seeing the contrast of Tiki’s rough life as a pickpocket trying to scrape by to the extravagant, privileged occupants of Buckingham Palace. Familiar landmarks such as Charing Cross, Covent Garden, and Hyde Park become a character in the book and provide a scenic backdrop to the events of the story. The vivid descriptions brought me right to Victorian London and made me feel like I was part of the action.
Although I loved the setting of the book, my favorite part of the story was the characters. Tiki is kind, protective and scrappy and will do anything for her adopted family. The youngest member of the family, Clara, is very ill and that is the motivation for Tiki to earn money to provide a better life for her. Tiki also has a strange birthmark on her wrist that seems to be familiar to those in the royal family as well as to the faery folk. Rieker is another thief in Tiki’s circles that starts to pop up more and more once he discovers that she has the faery ring. He is mysterious and seems to know more than he is letting on. All of the orphans in Tiki’s family and the royal princes she meets are compelling characters that add interest to the story. There is some romance in the story, but it is not a major part. I also liked that it is a gradual romance and I look forward to seeing how it develops in future books.
The book flows smoothly throughout with an effortless writing style. It is pleasant to read and with an entertaining, easy to read and even pace. The story is told through third person POV that suits the story well. The dialogue of the character’s rings true to the historical time period as well.
I think this book will appeal to those that enjoy fantasy books, and also to YA historical fiction fans. The Faerie Ring is filled with adventure, excitement and romance and is a strong kickoff to a new four-book series. Look for the sequel The Torn Wing to hit stores in 2012.
December 18, 2011
www.booksforcompany.com
In Short
- Although I don't like historical books I found that it was an advantage to The Faerie Ring that it was in the past
- All the characters were very easy to like
- The main character, Tiki, was someone I connected with straight away
- I finished this book with a smile on my face
In Long
When I was asked to be part of The Faerie Ring UK Book Tour I was so excited! I have had my eye on this book for a while. I have to admit that I was first drawn to it by the cover, which is gorgeous and really suits the story. When I read the blurb I was pleased to discover that it not only looked good but judging from the blurb, it also sounded good!
Let me just mention that I am not a big fan of historical books, I like knowing about historical things but not from books. Therefore I was a bit unsure of this side of The Faerie Ring. Luckily it was the sort of book which is in the past but not all about the past, Kiki didn’t focus too much on the history factor but instead of the characters and storyline. The fact that the book is written in the past is always addressed but in a subtle way, not in a way where the book almost becomes a history lesson. This therefore didn’t spoil the book for me but in fact added to it.
Kiki is a great author and this is apparent from very early on in the book. She quickly made me feel connected to the main character, Tiki. I really enjoyed getting to know Tiki and loved how Kiki went back in time so I could learn about Tiki’s past. The other characters were all unique and added to the storyline in their own way. Rieker, another main character, was a character who I became to have a ‘soft side’ for. Although some of his actions kept me guessing what they meant.
A little thing which I did pick up through this book (I may be being a bit picky) is that sometimes things were repeated on the next page. For example when explaining Tiki’s hard past it was often repeated/referred to later on when explaining something else, I felt I could have ignored this if it was a one off but it happened throughout the book.
The storyline is one which intrigued me throughout the book and I was always excited about picking this up and reading it again. I do think that is more credit to Kiki’s writing than the actual twists in this book, which I felt were lacking a little. I wasn’t really ever left guessing and when something was revealed I often felt a bit confused as to what it actual meant to the storyline and characters. Because of this at the end I wasn’t really in a ‘rush’ to find out how things had ended.
Final Thoughts
The Faerie Ring was a nice surprising read for me. I really enjoyed ‘meeting’ all the characters in this book and felt Kiki really did a great job with making all the characters easy to like. The storyline was an imagination one and although it never truly ‘gripped’ me I finished this book with a smile on my face.
In Short
- Although I don't like historical books I found that it was an advantage to The Faerie Ring that it was in the past
- All the characters were very easy to like
- The main character, Tiki, was someone I connected with straight away
- I finished this book with a smile on my face
In Long
When I was asked to be part of The Faerie Ring UK Book Tour I was so excited! I have had my eye on this book for a while. I have to admit that I was first drawn to it by the cover, which is gorgeous and really suits the story. When I read the blurb I was pleased to discover that it not only looked good but judging from the blurb, it also sounded good!
Let me just mention that I am not a big fan of historical books, I like knowing about historical things but not from books. Therefore I was a bit unsure of this side of The Faerie Ring. Luckily it was the sort of book which is in the past but not all about the past, Kiki didn’t focus too much on the history factor but instead of the characters and storyline. The fact that the book is written in the past is always addressed but in a subtle way, not in a way where the book almost becomes a history lesson. This therefore didn’t spoil the book for me but in fact added to it.
Kiki is a great author and this is apparent from very early on in the book. She quickly made me feel connected to the main character, Tiki. I really enjoyed getting to know Tiki and loved how Kiki went back in time so I could learn about Tiki’s past. The other characters were all unique and added to the storyline in their own way. Rieker, another main character, was a character who I became to have a ‘soft side’ for. Although some of his actions kept me guessing what they meant.
A little thing which I did pick up through this book (I may be being a bit picky) is that sometimes things were repeated on the next page. For example when explaining Tiki’s hard past it was often repeated/referred to later on when explaining something else, I felt I could have ignored this if it was a one off but it happened throughout the book.
The storyline is one which intrigued me throughout the book and I was always excited about picking this up and reading it again. I do think that is more credit to Kiki’s writing than the actual twists in this book, which I felt were lacking a little. I wasn’t really ever left guessing and when something was revealed I often felt a bit confused as to what it actual meant to the storyline and characters. Because of this at the end I wasn’t really in a ‘rush’ to find out how things had ended.
Final Thoughts
The Faerie Ring was a nice surprising read for me. I really enjoyed ‘meeting’ all the characters in this book and felt Kiki really did a great job with making all the characters easy to like. The storyline was an imagination one and although it never truly ‘gripped’ me I finished this book with a smile on my face.
October 11, 2011
Well, I was enjoying this book until I got to the middle. I loved reading about Tiki’s and her makeshift family’s thieving exploits. The enjoyment lasted until I got to the part where Tiki was able to put the stolen ring back to the palace…quite easily. But that’s not the only thing that I had trouble with. I thought that even when Tiki and the kids were swiping food or coal or money, it was conveniently easy. But let's not focus on that. After all, there are other elements in this book that were palatable.
Perhaps I’ve read enough fairy books in my short lifetime. I just can’t summon enough interest about these fantastical beings anymore. Fairies, much like vampires, have worn out their welcome mat in my bookshelf. But that’s just me. So let me grumble some more about this book.
I liked reading about historic England; at a time when titles such as Lords, Dukes, Duchess, Princes, Princesses and yes, King and Queen still exist - it still does. Now this book is heralded as a fairy tale fashioned with a combination of Oliver Twist and Cinderella. But the entirety of the book was really focused on the fairie element, particularly the fairie ring that held the peace pact between the human world and the Otherworld. I have read countless of fairie books where these beings were portrayed as evil fiends and the MCs somehow ended up having blood lineage to the fairie courts. My point I guess, is that there was no sense of surprise here.
Let me get to the likable parts of the book:
I enjoyed reading about Tiki’s plight - not because I'm a sadist who likes to read about someone's sufferings. She was a strong character who had to do what she had to do. Tiki got dealt with a lot of bad cards: she became an orphan at an early age – only to fall under the machinations of an uncaring aunt and a dubious uncle. Homeless, she learned the arts of pick pocketing, thievery and living life on the streets. I liked her tender heart and her constant need to take in children who were orphans much like her. I love her unflinching devotion to those who she considered as family.
I also loved the world this book was set in. Historical fiction sometimes bore me but this book also fantasy mixed in so it was hardly a wearisome read.
But in the end, this book was just an okay read for me and personally found that it dragged a bit toward the middle. The romance was nothing to swoon over. Tiki’s constant waffling about whom to trust sort of irked me as well. But I understood why.
I’d like to commend the author though, for combining all these fairy tale elements that readers would like.. just not this reader. Incidentally, I’m a minority in this so…you know what to do – judge for yourself.
Perhaps I’ve read enough fairy books in my short lifetime. I just can’t summon enough interest about these fantastical beings anymore. Fairies, much like vampires, have worn out their welcome mat in my bookshelf. But that’s just me. So let me grumble some more about this book.
I liked reading about historic England; at a time when titles such as Lords, Dukes, Duchess, Princes, Princesses and yes, King and Queen still exist - it still does. Now this book is heralded as a fairy tale fashioned with a combination of Oliver Twist and Cinderella. But the entirety of the book was really focused on the fairie element, particularly the fairie ring that held the peace pact between the human world and the Otherworld. I have read countless of fairie books where these beings were portrayed as evil fiends and the MCs somehow ended up having blood lineage to the fairie courts. My point I guess, is that there was no sense of surprise here.
Let me get to the likable parts of the book:
I enjoyed reading about Tiki’s plight - not because I'm a sadist who likes to read about someone's sufferings. She was a strong character who had to do what she had to do. Tiki got dealt with a lot of bad cards: she became an orphan at an early age – only to fall under the machinations of an uncaring aunt and a dubious uncle. Homeless, she learned the arts of pick pocketing, thievery and living life on the streets. I liked her tender heart and her constant need to take in children who were orphans much like her. I love her unflinching devotion to those who she considered as family.
I also loved the world this book was set in. Historical fiction sometimes bore me but this book also fantasy mixed in so it was hardly a wearisome read.
But in the end, this book was just an okay read for me and personally found that it dragged a bit toward the middle. The romance was nothing to swoon over. Tiki’s constant waffling about whom to trust sort of irked me as well. But I understood why.
I’d like to commend the author though, for combining all these fairy tale elements that readers would like.. just not this reader. Incidentally, I’m a minority in this so…you know what to do – judge for yourself.
June 27, 2012
3.5 stars.
Who loves faeries? Cheer with me! (the boisterous crowd erupts in a deafening wave of cheers) Yes! Now I have my minions!
So, these faeries, how did you like them? (crowd acknowledges with nods, enthusiastic clapping, blank faces, and jeers) Well, my people, I’m sorry to disappoint you all but I enjoyed them. Sure, they’re your standard fare stunningly beautiful creatures of magic but I must defend myself and say that I like how they’re totally nasty mofos who are vindictive, manipulative, angry, and maybe just a bit dense.
(crowd sits back down disgruntledly)
(one of them yells out loudly about the ridiculous plot devices)
Yes, I must agree. There is a real need for a suspension of belief because some of this stuff is just ridiculous and too forced. Come on, if I could sneak into Buckingham Palace multiple times and steal stuff from them so easily I sure wouldn’t stop there! I’d go nuts and take the crown jewels for myself and pull a Loki! The plot twists can be a bit obvious but at least they’re painless to read.
Don't deny you're loving this!
(but the characters, what about the characters? one woman says softly)
Ah, yes. Tiki. You, woman. I don’t know how you guys feel about it but her name, nickname or not, is quite similar to the author’s own. In fact, it’s only one letter off. For me, I would name my main character something far and away different from my own because well, it’s just awkward and confusing if I didn’t. At least she’s decent. Got a bit of spine and is able to make her own decisions and fend for herself.
(hey! the romance is the best part, another female says from the back, overshadowing the others)
Of course, of course. What is a YA book without romance? While it’s obvious and relatively trouble free, it’s kind of something fun and yummy to lap up. Especially since they take their time to get together throughout the course of the book. Although, I must confess, I want her to have a bit of fun with the Prince. (blasphemy!) Both of them are nice guys without any of those nasty traits we all hate and despise.
(wrap it up, woman!)
Sheesh, we have a tough crowd here tonight. Anyway, Kiki Hamilton’s writing is swift, fluid, and great at drawing details in your mind. I really loved the contrast between the rich and the poor, and also the magic in the Victoria era she’s set this in.
I think of this book as delicious chocolate. Not very nutritional but so damn good you can’t stop yourself from stuffing your face.
Who loves faeries? Cheer with me! (the boisterous crowd erupts in a deafening wave of cheers) Yes! Now I have my minions!
So, these faeries, how did you like them? (crowd acknowledges with nods, enthusiastic clapping, blank faces, and jeers) Well, my people, I’m sorry to disappoint you all but I enjoyed them. Sure, they’re your standard fare stunningly beautiful creatures of magic but I must defend myself and say that I like how they’re totally nasty mofos who are vindictive, manipulative, angry, and maybe just a bit dense.
(crowd sits back down disgruntledly)
(one of them yells out loudly about the ridiculous plot devices)
Yes, I must agree. There is a real need for a suspension of belief because some of this stuff is just ridiculous and too forced. Come on, if I could sneak into Buckingham Palace multiple times and steal stuff from them so easily I sure wouldn’t stop there! I’d go nuts and take the crown jewels for myself and pull a Loki! The plot twists can be a bit obvious but at least they’re painless to read.
Don't deny you're loving this!
(but the characters, what about the characters? one woman says softly)
Ah, yes. Tiki. You, woman. I don’t know how you guys feel about it but her name, nickname or not, is quite similar to the author’s own. In fact, it’s only one letter off. For me, I would name my main character something far and away different from my own because well, it’s just awkward and confusing if I didn’t. At least she’s decent. Got a bit of spine and is able to make her own decisions and fend for herself.
(hey! the romance is the best part, another female says from the back, overshadowing the others)
Of course, of course. What is a YA book without romance? While it’s obvious and relatively trouble free, it’s kind of something fun and yummy to lap up. Especially since they take their time to get together throughout the course of the book. Although, I must confess, I want her to have a bit of fun with the Prince. (blasphemy!) Both of them are nice guys without any of those nasty traits we all hate and despise.
(wrap it up, woman!)
Sheesh, we have a tough crowd here tonight. Anyway, Kiki Hamilton’s writing is swift, fluid, and great at drawing details in your mind. I really loved the contrast between the rich and the poor, and also the magic in the Victoria era she’s set this in.
I think of this book as delicious chocolate. Not very nutritional but so damn good you can’t stop yourself from stuffing your face.
August 3, 2011
I have never read any story that involved a faerie until I read The Faerie Ring. Well, unless you count Tinkerbell. Even then, I only did it because my daughter must have REALLY wanted me to. See, I was never a big “faerie” girl…until now.
I started the book with a bit of reluctance, to be completely honest. Thankfully I new I had a deadline otherwise I probably would have put off reading it just based on my assumptions of faeries. I was absolutely hooked from the moment I started reading. I know, that phrase can often be overused, but I can’t help but say I was hooked. I felt like I had been drawn right back to London in 1871. So much so, that I swear I could hear the hooves of the horses clacking and feel the moist, cool air on my face.
While reading this book I felt the full spectrum of emotions. I could feel the pain and sadness of Tiki losing her parents and the anger, fear and disgust of dealing with a wretched uncle. The amount of love, compassion and gratitude that was shared with Tiki and her Charing Cross family was pouring from the pages. Each character brought such tangible characteristics without having spent and enormous amount of energy telling each individual story. I was amazed (and grateful) and how well the story flowed. There wasn’t ever a time in the story that I ever questioned how I got there or had to look back and wonder where I had just been for pages.
Reiker brought a new element to Tiki’s story and personality. It was obvious that he was to play a very significant role in Tiki’s future, but I was very uncertain what that role would be. I was very certain that he would end up being her adversary and found myself getting rather irritated at his presence. But, oh wait, no but, I would hate for this to be a spoiler of any kind, so if you really want to know what Reiker does or doesn’t do, you should pick up the book…
Anyway…The Faerie Ring turned out to be an incredibly delectable read. I guess if I had to describe it I would have to say it was a story with a soul. It was certainly more than just words on paper telling of a story. If you are looking to escape for a while, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Faerie Ring!
I started the book with a bit of reluctance, to be completely honest. Thankfully I new I had a deadline otherwise I probably would have put off reading it just based on my assumptions of faeries. I was absolutely hooked from the moment I started reading. I know, that phrase can often be overused, but I can’t help but say I was hooked. I felt like I had been drawn right back to London in 1871. So much so, that I swear I could hear the hooves of the horses clacking and feel the moist, cool air on my face.
While reading this book I felt the full spectrum of emotions. I could feel the pain and sadness of Tiki losing her parents and the anger, fear and disgust of dealing with a wretched uncle. The amount of love, compassion and gratitude that was shared with Tiki and her Charing Cross family was pouring from the pages. Each character brought such tangible characteristics without having spent and enormous amount of energy telling each individual story. I was amazed (and grateful) and how well the story flowed. There wasn’t ever a time in the story that I ever questioned how I got there or had to look back and wonder where I had just been for pages.
Reiker brought a new element to Tiki’s story and personality. It was obvious that he was to play a very significant role in Tiki’s future, but I was very uncertain what that role would be. I was very certain that he would end up being her adversary and found myself getting rather irritated at his presence. But, oh wait, no but, I would hate for this to be a spoiler of any kind, so if you really want to know what Reiker does or doesn’t do, you should pick up the book…
Anyway…The Faerie Ring turned out to be an incredibly delectable read. I guess if I had to describe it I would have to say it was a story with a soul. It was certainly more than just words on paper telling of a story. If you are looking to escape for a while, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Faerie Ring!
Read
January 6, 2012I've been looking forward to reading The Faerie Ring FOREVER, so you can imagine my delight in delivering this message to you: it is MORE than just a breathtakingly stunning cover. I think I have found a new favorite author in Kiki Hamilton. Her writing style is pretty and flowy and she perfectly depicts 19th century England. Or at least what I'd imagine it to be.
Tiki is a lovable, frustrating MC. Sometimes I wanted to wring her neck a little for being stupid, but I'd rather dislike her SOMETIMES than end up hating her because she always makes the right move.
The lore that surrounds the book's namesake, The Faerie Ring, is pretty frickin' fabulous. Anyone who knows me knows I would marry faerie books. I want to BE a faerie, but perhaps not in this world because these faerie are ten kinds of scary. Like, slice you up a little and steal-your-children-then-laugh-at-you scary. I can only hope we get a further glimpse into the Otherworld with book two. Where art thou, book two?!
If you love faerie books, do yourself a favor (and me, so we can talk about it!) and check this out. I mean hey, if nothing else, you can always just snuggle up with the cover and tell it how beautiful it looks tonight. If you're going to romance a book, this is the one to woo. Because it has a boy named Rieker. And he's kind of stunning.
There is SO MUCH more to be told in this series and I am cuckoo bananas waiting for more.
Tiki is a lovable, frustrating MC. Sometimes I wanted to wring her neck a little for being stupid, but I'd rather dislike her SOMETIMES than end up hating her because she always makes the right move.
The lore that surrounds the book's namesake, The Faerie Ring, is pretty frickin' fabulous. Anyone who knows me knows I would marry faerie books. I want to BE a faerie, but perhaps not in this world because these faerie are ten kinds of scary. Like, slice you up a little and steal-your-children-then-laugh-at-you scary. I can only hope we get a further glimpse into the Otherworld with book two. Where art thou, book two?!
If you love faerie books, do yourself a favor (and me, so we can talk about it!) and check this out. I mean hey, if nothing else, you can always just snuggle up with the cover and tell it how beautiful it looks tonight. If you're going to romance a book, this is the one to woo. Because it has a boy named Rieker. And he's kind of stunning.
There is SO MUCH more to be told in this series and I am cuckoo bananas waiting for more.
October 26, 2011
Before I tell you my thoughts on The Faerie Ring, I wanted to share my experience with you about Kiki Hamilton, the author. I have a special place in my heart for this author. Back when I started this blog, I saw The Faerie Ring on goodreads and was immediately taken in by the cover. I decided to get up the nerve to send an email to Kiki and she was sweet enough to send a reply. She was the first author I had ever contacted and she also sent me my very first swag. Since she was so sweet to me, I really hoped that her book was a success and that it was as good as I wanted it to be.
I am very satisfied to say- it was excellent. I loved the story and thought the pacing was excellent. I really had time to get to know each of the characters and found the relationships between them completely believable. I am so glad that the story wasn't rushed- I learned so much about Tiki (not as much her heritage, but who she WAS) through the story. I love that the fae were (and still are) very mysterious and that the readers weren't told everything off the bat.
I enjoyed seeing England's monarchy involved in the story. I loved the parts where Tiki got to be the "lady" that she was bred to be. I hope there are more parts to the second book where Tiki can step out of her trousers and into a ballgown.
If you are a fan of fantasy, fae, or sitting down and reading a book that will have you daydreaming about it and burning your dinner- read The Faerie Ring. You won't regret it!
I am very satisfied to say- it was excellent. I loved the story and thought the pacing was excellent. I really had time to get to know each of the characters and found the relationships between them completely believable. I am so glad that the story wasn't rushed- I learned so much about Tiki (not as much her heritage, but who she WAS) through the story. I love that the fae were (and still are) very mysterious and that the readers weren't told everything off the bat.
I enjoyed seeing England's monarchy involved in the story. I loved the parts where Tiki got to be the "lady" that she was bred to be. I hope there are more parts to the second book where Tiki can step out of her trousers and into a ballgown.
If you are a fan of fantasy, fae, or sitting down and reading a book that will have you daydreaming about it and burning your dinner- read The Faerie Ring. You won't regret it!
November 29, 2011
3.5 Stars. This has everything I like in a book: a historical setting, a brave and gutsy heroine with a softer side, a mysterious brooding hero with a big secret, and a little bit of magic. Ms. Hamilton takes Victorian London and gives it a bit of an alternate history, giving Queen Victoria two sons in the process and a precarious truce with the fae world.
When, Tiki, a pickpocket who steals to help feed the little troop of urchins she's taken in under her wing, hitches a ride on a carriage that stops at the royal palace, she can't help but sneak inside to take a peak. She ends up stealing an unusual ring and setting a dangerous chain of events in motion. With the help of Reiker, a fellow thief who's always been a bit too interested in Tiki, she discovers the existence of a dangerous new world, and that she is at the center of an epic fight between humans and fae, in more ways than one.
This was an enjoyable read, but it trends a bit younger than I prefer. The little orphaned urchins up the cutesy factor, and though Tiki can take care of herself, she's rather naive in the ways of the world. The vibe is more innocent than gritty. But the historical setting with a magical twist is wonderfully rendered and the story is imaginative and exciting. It's got a sweet ending and three more books are planned in the series. Worth a try for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.
When, Tiki, a pickpocket who steals to help feed the little troop of urchins she's taken in under her wing, hitches a ride on a carriage that stops at the royal palace, she can't help but sneak inside to take a peak. She ends up stealing an unusual ring and setting a dangerous chain of events in motion. With the help of Reiker, a fellow thief who's always been a bit too interested in Tiki, she discovers the existence of a dangerous new world, and that she is at the center of an epic fight between humans and fae, in more ways than one.
This was an enjoyable read, but it trends a bit younger than I prefer. The little orphaned urchins up the cutesy factor, and though Tiki can take care of herself, she's rather naive in the ways of the world. The vibe is more innocent than gritty. But the historical setting with a magical twist is wonderfully rendered and the story is imaginative and exciting. It's got a sweet ending and three more books are planned in the series. Worth a try for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.
October 14, 2011
This is not your average Faerie Tale. The fact that the main character is living in an abandoned shop, stealing from others to feed the family she has made for herself, all while dressed as a boy, certainly sets a different tone. It also takes place in a time when tuberculosis was rampant and shortly after the first TB sanatorium was opened. While this wasn’t a large part of the story, it was interesting to me because I am a nursing student, though it does fuel the reasons why Tiki steals the ring.
The mystery surrounding Tiki and the mark that Prince Leopold is intrigued by continues on and this story isn’t over yet. There is so much more to be revealed about Tiki and the fae and the involvement of the rulers of England. Some of Tiki’s family members are so intriguing, I just wish they were featured more often. Rieker’s story is the only one that really unfolds in this book, and it is an interesting one. I look forward to reading where these characters go from here and just how the two worlds will fit together.
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
The mystery surrounding Tiki and the mark that Prince Leopold is intrigued by continues on and this story isn’t over yet. There is so much more to be revealed about Tiki and the fae and the involvement of the rulers of England. Some of Tiki’s family members are so intriguing, I just wish they were featured more often. Rieker’s story is the only one that really unfolds in this book, and it is an interesting one. I look forward to reading where these characters go from here and just how the two worlds will fit together.
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
December 25, 2014
Set in Victorian London, The Faerie Ring is an adventure-filled, fulfilling and wonderfully relaxing read. In order to help support a group of orphaned street children, Tiki must pilfer and pick pockets. During one such escapade, into a royal palace no less, Tiki steals a ring; a ring reminiscent of the One Ring that could endanger a country and shape her destiny.
I simply couldn't put this brilliantly original page-turner down. The realistic combination of history, enchanting characters, and fantasy kept me enthralled.
The characters are fleshed out and wonderfully complex. Appearing first as a dirty street urchin, gentle Tiki, who cares so deeply for her orphan charges, grew on me. Extremely loyal, Tiki will do anything to keep her loved ones safe while deep down yearning to be loved herself.
Although Rieker seems to look out for Tiki, he appears to be a rather mean character, that is, until his true identity is revealed. All the supporting characters are well-crafted and realistic.
For a captivating read with a tender and absolutely enchanting dash of truly old-world romance, I recommend The Faerie Ring as a must-read. (Ellen Fritz)
I simply couldn't put this brilliantly original page-turner down. The realistic combination of history, enchanting characters, and fantasy kept me enthralled.
The characters are fleshed out and wonderfully complex. Appearing first as a dirty street urchin, gentle Tiki, who cares so deeply for her orphan charges, grew on me. Extremely loyal, Tiki will do anything to keep her loved ones safe while deep down yearning to be loved herself.
Although Rieker seems to look out for Tiki, he appears to be a rather mean character, that is, until his true identity is revealed. All the supporting characters are well-crafted and realistic.
For a captivating read with a tender and absolutely enchanting dash of truly old-world romance, I recommend The Faerie Ring as a must-read. (Ellen Fritz)
September 6, 2011
Ever since Kiki announced her book deal back when we were in The Enchanted Inkpot together, I couldn't wait to read it. I was lucky enough to meet Kiki in real life at ALA this past June and get my own signed ARC. And now that ARC can be yours (actually, I'm giving away a friend's signed ARC because I want to keep mine for myself).
3 Things you will love about THE FAERIE RING:
1) The romance blossoms. I wasn't sure in the first part of the book who the main love interested would be, and this kept me guessing throughout the story. And then when the romance came through, it really clicked. Right in place.
2) Real consequences for the characters. With orphans and sickness and poverty and evil faeries, each page had me quickly turning it by to see what would happen next.
3) Yes, it's faeries. But with its historical setting, it's so rich and different from other faerie stories on the market.
Trust me: You have to read this book!
3 Things you will love about THE FAERIE RING:
1) The romance blossoms. I wasn't sure in the first part of the book who the main love interested would be, and this kept me guessing throughout the story. And then when the romance came through, it really clicked. Right in place.
2) Real consequences for the characters. With orphans and sickness and poverty and evil faeries, each page had me quickly turning it by to see what would happen next.
3) Yes, it's faeries. But with its historical setting, it's so rich and different from other faerie stories on the market.
Trust me: You have to read this book!
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