Book Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

RATING:

(The Faerie Ring #1)

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…

*****

HISTORICAL.

The Faerie Ring is historical fiction tinged with a faint urban fantasy theme. It has the goods, don’t get me wrong, but the fey touch was so subtle, short. The coming books in the series could be great, but I just liked (not loved) this first book.

Tiki has the heroine complex when it comes to orphans (she being one herself). She’s likeable enough, and her resolve to sold the ring so her new family can rise from poverty is venerable. However, her clashing with Rieker isnot I what i had in mind. Oh, they are quite a pair. The stubborness from her is just a little irritating. Rieker is… mysterious! I love his aloof character. I wanna see Hamilton develop him fully in the series.

I had problems with Hamilton’s writing style. The story has a London setting, but I noticed (without meaning to) that it was written by an American author. The English (European?) terms/connotations/idioms/expressions barely registered. Did you get my drift? It was difficult to remember London when most of what I encountered are words I’d normally read in an american setting. Oh, well. Maybe that’s just me.

The Faerie Ring is an okay read. The fey element only bursts through in the last pages. I expected more fantasy, but what I got is a story from Victorian era.

Publisher: Macmillan

Imprint: Tor Teen

Pub Date: 09/27/2011

Many Thanks to Kai and Precious of Pinoy Book Tours for the chance to read their ARC copy!

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.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”