The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
pages: 352
released: September 2011
publisher: Tor Teen
cover love: ♥♥♥♥♥
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood. Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty. (from Goodreads)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 12/26/2011 ON BOOKSLIKESTARS.NET
Review:
When it comes to stories about fairies, mermaids and angels, I tend to be a bit hesitant about reading them. I usually don’t enjoy these as much as other stories about magical creatures. So, The Faerie Ring. The Royals of Buckingham Palace and a band of thieves versus the Fey in London, 1871? How did it par…?
It parred pretty freakin’ well!
Yes, I loved it.
Tiki is a homeless orphan living in an old clockmaker’s shop trying to survive day to day by pickpocketing crowded train stations and wherever else she can get a few coins and food to eat. After one particular heist, she falls asleep on the back of a carriage and ends up in Buckingham Palace. While hiding there, she comes across an enchanting ring, red with a live flame burning inside it. She takes the ring, planning to pawn it for its wealth. Once the ring leaves the palace, Tiki notices strange things happening. The weather is unexpectedly fierce, shadows of faces play around her; one minute there, next minute gone. A beautiful girl always staring at her. And another pickpocket, Rieker, hints that he knows what she’s hiding and wants it from her. From him she learns the true nature of the ring, a truce between humans and faeries. If the ring isn’t returned to the palace, the Feys will make war upon them. Tiki doesn’t know what to believe or if she should trust him. She knows she needs the ring to make a better life for her and the other orphans she lives with.
This book had me intrigued from start to finish. With all its mysteries and twists, it was an adventure all the way through. I stayed up ’til 2 a.m. finishing it, I just had to know what happened to everybody. I know it’s part historical, part fantasy but I’m glad the faeries weren’t overly involved in the story. Mostly, it revolved around Tiki, the ring and her orphan family. It takes place in the most historic sections of London and there’s a map in the front of the book but I only glanced at it once or twice. You don’t really need it, to follow the story. Tiki and her family really pulled me in, it broke my heart to watch little Clara grow sicker and there was nothing they could do for her. Tiki would do anything for her to live a healthy life, even if it meant a war. She’s strong and determined, dressing like a boy and taking risks out in the filthy streets but you see another side of her too, the side that wants dance at lavish balls and wear beautiful dresses. Rieker is added bonus to the mix, he’s very flirty and so damn perplexing. I think I wanted to get to the end of the book just to finally find out who the hell he actually was.
Overall, I was deeply impressed by Kiki Hamilton’s debut and very eager to start The Torn Wing, the second installment in the series, which will be released next year.
4
