The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring, #1)

Aug 22, 2010 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arc

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...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, 2011-debut-authors, arcs-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews, signed-books-arcs, 2011-release, bound-manuscript

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 t...more 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.(less)

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May 15, 2011 Ashley (Books Obsession) rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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.(less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Kristi-The Book Faery rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: debut-author-2011, fae, one-sit-reads, ya-pub-date-sep-11, epic-fantasy, macmillan, arc-2011

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...more

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Oct 25, 2011 slayra marked it as dnf

Shelves: 2011-reads, in-english, ugh-just-no, ya-uf-and-pnr, historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. WARNING: 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 che...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Precious rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

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...more 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.
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Nov 29, 2010 Katieb (MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, bound-manuscript, mundie-moms-review, debut-author-challenge, review-to-be-posted-soon, 2011-100-book-challenge

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.

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Oct 22, 2011 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, around-the-world-arc-tours, young-adult

***slight spoilers***

The Faerie Ring is not about those circles of mushrooms found in your grass nor is it about fairies dancing about, no, it is about a real ring with a red fiery stone. Tiki is lost in an Oliver Twist-like existence, living with a rag tag group of orphans in Victorian times forced to pick the pockets of the wealthy in order to survive. She has recently turned sixteen and finds herself trying to steal bread from the royal household, but instead find herself almost caught and hi...more

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May 01, 2012 Yearning To Read rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, books-of-incredible, children-s, fantasy, favorite-love-stories, historical, to-re-read, young-adult, order-hardcover, 12-and-up, reviewed, order-paperback

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton (#1)
Pages: 352
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Date Read: 2012, January 22nd-28th
Received: Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended to: 12+

SUMMARY -
Tiki is an orphan living in the slums of London. She takes care of the others - Toots, Shamus, Clara, Fiona; they're her family. When Tiki winds up in Buckingham Palace - and unknowingly steals a ring that belongs to the Queen - things get a little strange. Rieker, a very talented thief, pays Tiki more attention than is s...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Lindsi added it

Shelves: own-arc, ala-2012-dallas, books-i-own

The Faerie Ring was one of the books I was desperate to get my hands on at BEA this year, but they ran out of copies right before I made it to the front of the line. (I was crushed.) Eventually, after I was back in Texas, the elusive book was in my hands and there was no way I was going to part with it.

I absolutely loved the time period and the setting. I was introduced to an entirely new side of London. It wasn't the rich, popular crowd, but the abandoned misfits who are struggling to get by....more

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Feb 01, 2011 Kelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, 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,...more 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
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Oct 15, 2011 Gabrielle Carolina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-debut-authors, own, serious-case-of-series-syndrome

Though the plot felt slightly redundant of itself the longer it went on, and the pacing had lurches of lag, The Faerie Ring marks the start of a new Fey series sure to appeal to all those who are in need of a fix!

As is the case with many Fey novels, this first installment many prove to be the least exciting, it's sequels heating up the romance, bringing on the battles, and raising the stakes.

Book one was fair, but book two might prove to be fairer still, and you can bet I will be pining for it...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, teen

Tiki is a young thief who steals to feed her “family” of orphans. One night she ends up in what appears to be a wealthy manor home. She ends up taking a ring that one of the Lords drops. When she leaves, she realizes that she was in Buckingham Palace, and the ring she took actually belongs to Queen Victoria. Unfortunately the ring is more than just jewelry, it is the truce between the human and Fae worlds. Soon evil Fae who want the ring are after her. All Tiki wants is a way to claim the reward...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Ammi marked it as to-read

AH- YES PLEASE.
More Victorian London, of which I canNOT get enough? Teen thieves instead of society girls who want to be anything but? A girl named TIKI? And faeries! No vampires, or werewolves, or demons but FAE. I have a feeling September 2011 will make this reader a very happy girl~

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Dec 10, 2012 Shuling rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: worth-it

Um...Where do I start? Oh yeah. I'll just start with

description

WAIT! WAIT! OH, WAIT A MOMENT!

description

Okay, mum. Okay! Geez.

I think it is safe to say that I am in love with this book. I mean, come on. What's not to love? Sure, it-like every other books out there-has some flaws but I am more than willing to ignore those parts. Since they are so minor some may even not notice them.

The story
Story is set in London, 1871. We all know that back then, people's status are actually very important (well,even now apparently)...more

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May 23, 2012 Jane rated it 1 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Book Whales rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted @ Book Whales

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

After reading the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, my expectations about fairy books became high. I was a bit hesitant to read this book, but the cover blew me away so I bought it. I'm glad that I did! The way the author described Kiki's world blew me away. I was deeply pulled inside her world. The streets of Victorian London , the Palace and the slums was told in great detail in Kiki's POV. It...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

If you are looking for a YA read that is enthralling and uplifting, The Faerie Ring will surely fulfill those needs. Set in Victorian England, it is the perfect place for a story of the paranormal world of the Fey.

Kiki Hamilton fashioned a delightfully amusing book with a strange and creative premise. The characters are well written, especially with the protagonist, Tiki. She is this strong sixteen-year-old girl, who becomes the mother figure of her group of orphaned kids. You immediately feel w...more

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Jan 06, 2012 Epic YA Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Faerie Ring is definitely an Epic YA read, seamlessly blending elements of Oliver Twist, Cinderella and the paranormal Otherworld of The Fey together into a uniquely creative mystery set in Victorian England.
Sixteen-year-old Tiki at first seems to be a hardened pickpocket and the leader of a ragged group of orphaned thieves, who are living in a rickety, abandoned clock maker’s shop. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tiki isn’t what she appears to be and the children she cares f...more The Faerie Ring is definitely an Epic YA read, seamlessly blending elements of Oliver Twist, Cinderella and the paranormal Otherworld of The Fey together into a uniquely creative mystery set in Victorian England.
Sixteen-year-old Tiki at first seems to be a hardened pickpocket and the leader of a ragged group of orphaned thieves, who are living in a rickety, abandoned clock maker’s shop. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tiki isn’t what she appears to be and the children she cares for have become a family, with Tiki taking on the role of mother to Shamus, Fiona, Toots and four-year-old Clara. And when Tiki is presented with the irresistible opportunity to steal a beautiful ring from Queen Victoria, she throws caution to the wind and grabs the chance with both hands. She’s sure she’s found the way to take her family out of poverty by selling the ring. But, the ring is not simply a ring. It’s a powerful vessel, entrusted to the British royal family to conceal and protect, which holds the peace between the human and Fey worlds. A Faerie Ring.
Enter Rieker, an enigmatic fellow thief who happens to show up at unexpected times and places to rescue Tiki from fantastic and frightening creatures, and who also seems to know a great deal about the ring Tiki has stolen. There’s no question this handsome, brooding stranger has secrets that, when revealed, will surprise you. And Tiki also has secrets, some she keeps close such as the unusual birthmark that encircles her wrist, her life before she became a pickpocket and the fact that she’s drawn to Rieker even though she’s sure he can’t be trusted. Others secrets are simply hints and intuitions that Tiki initially shrugs off as her imagination. The movement of shadow out of the corner of your eye sometimes should not be ignored.
I found The Faerie Ring to be a wonderfully entertaining book with, to my mind, an unusual and original premise. I loved it, and I highly recommend it as an amazing story! The only complaint I have is that there’s still some unanswered questions about Tiki’s history, which I hope is an indication of a sequel in the works.
I agree completely with the rating of this book. I’d have no problem with my thirteen-year-old daughter reading it. Should they make this book into a movie? I’d sign the petition! I give The Faerie Ring four and a half stars!

Epic YA Reads (less)

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Nov 12, 2011 Gecky Boz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating Faeries

* ARC received from Tor|Forge Books

4 out of 5 gnomes

The Faerie Ring is a great read that's full of intrigue, mysteries, and characters with secrets and something to prove.

Tiki is not an ordinary pickpocket, she used to have a really good life but after the death of her parents and a scary living situation with her aunt, she ended up on the streets.

When we meet Tiki though she's really confident in what she does and has pretty much created a new family. She has banded togethe...more Fascinating Faeries

* ARC received from Tor|Forge Books

4 out of 5 gnomes

The Faerie Ring is a great read that's full of intrigue, mysteries, and characters with secrets and something to prove.

Tiki is not an ordinary pickpocket, she used to have a really good life but after the death of her parents and a scary living situation with her aunt, she ended up on the streets.

When we meet Tiki though she's really confident in what she does and has pretty much created a new family. She has banded together with Shamus and Fiona, the people that originally took her in and found two more outcasts to help.

The family situation that Tiki has with Clara, Toots, Shamus, and Fiona shows how dynamic her character is. You'll find yourself caring about each of them and wanting them to stay together and succeed against all odds. She's like the mother hen so when Clara who's only four gets sick she knows that she will do anything to get her better.

There's a love interest but thankfully not a love triangle because that would have been way too many complications. Rieker, who's name I kept pronouncing like Riker aka the first officer of a very famous starship, is a fellow thief who has some secrets of his own. He's kind of a Robin Hood like character who slowly shows his true character to Tiki. It's great that they don't have an instant connection but that it has to grow and they have to learn to trust each other.

There are some coincidental events that come together of course but even if you might guess what's going to happen it still makes for a great read. The story wasn't as predictable as I thought it was at first either. I had guessed the reverse of what actually turns out to be true about Tiki and her love interest.

The faerie lore is well done, I like it when faeries are unpredictable and don't have the best intentions. This story has quite the mixture of faeries and I have a feeling that the faeries will be even more prominent in the next book.

Tiki's a strong character who knows what she wants, to keep her new family together. To do this though she will have to make some hard decisions. These decisions are what make up much of the story. Her driving goal is to make sure that they are all safe and happy and by the end of the book that goal may have just been met, for now anyway. There's a lot to discover in this story and the characters are left in a situation with a happy type ending. I can't wait to see what happens next in this world and Tiki's life. (less)

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Nov 06, 2011 Reading Teen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is set back in England in the time of Queen Vic and Prince Leo and all of them. It's about a girl named Tiki, who is a pickpocket. She is daring and pretty, and smart, and best of all, she isn't afraid to stand up for the ones she loves. I liked that the book was set in Britain because it always seems as though books about British people are the best. I also really liked that the book was centered around thieves, because I always like the thieves and villains. They always seem to have...more This book is set back in England in the time of Queen Vic and Prince Leo and all of them. It's about a girl named Tiki, who is a pickpocket. She is daring and pretty, and smart, and best of all, she isn't afraid to stand up for the ones she loves. I liked that the book was set in Britain because it always seems as though books about British people are the best. I also really liked that the book was centered around thieves, because I always like the thieves and villains. They always seem to have the better weapons, plans, and sometimes they even switch sides and it makes the book a whole lot more dramatic and interesting. The romance in this book was kinda gradual, not just see each other, love at first sight, and then they kiss... and kiss... and kiss. As you can probably tell, I'm not into that kind of thing, and a lot of the people I know don't either. Anyway, I liked how the characters actually got to know each other before they fell in love. I do like it when the characters are meant for each other, and it's love at first sight, but that usually ends up being too much love and not enough action or other stuff. I think it was cool how the author wrote the book with a lot of action, like once they're at a Masked Ball, and then they're in the streets of London picking pockets the next day. Of course I can't write a review about a normal book for once, normal books are boring... what's not normal about this book? This book has faeries in it! And the faeries want to take over the earth.

The only bad thing about this book is that there is mild cussing, just one word repeated throughout the book, but it still kinda messes up the book in my opinion. I don't like how some authors write a perfectly clean book, then feel the need to add some cuss words into it. If it weren't for that I'd say even kids could read this, because there isn't anything else that's really bad or wrong.

The best good character in the book was probably Tiki, because she is a really good pickpocket, she is very independent, but at the same time she is caring and responsible. She is really good with kids and teaches them their letters and how to read because she had some education before she was forced to live on the streets, which, I think is the sweetest thing ever. After her it's probably Fiona and Prince Leopold tied for second. Fiona is really kind, and she sews and she's just a really likeable character. Leo is funny, flirty, and rich. The perfect guy of the story, even if he is a bit clueless and stubborn at times. The best evil person was a faerie named Larkin. She was the most evil thing ever but she was really cool. She liked to hurt people. I don't find that cool, but I liked how she was really good at fighting and stuff.

The bad characters of the book that I didn't like were Larkin, again, [I'm kind of bipolar about her] just because of what she did to people. She just ran around stabbing innocent people, and she took Clara, one of the kids that stayed with Tiki. I also didn't like Larkin's friend Marcus, another faerie, who kissed Tiki. Tiki gets back at him at the end of the book though. *Evil laugh* There wasn't really anybody else that was really not a good character.

Overall, this book is going in my towering pile of favorites, because it is a really good, well written, almost perfectly clean book.

Faith
readingteen.net(less)

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Oct 09, 2011 Harmony Beaufort rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Kiki blends faerie lore, historical intrigue, and good old fashioned street life into a great debut!

Tiki is an amazing heroine. Head-strong, a thief not by nature but by skill, and someone who cares deeply for everyone she loves! She is so fiercely loyal to her rag-tag group of orphans she calls family; especially since she barely has enough for herself. She's clever and gets herself wound up in so much trouble, it was addicting reading about her getting out of i...more Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Kiki blends faerie lore, historical intrigue, and good old fashioned street life into a great debut!

Tiki is an amazing heroine. Head-strong, a thief not by nature but by skill, and someone who cares deeply for everyone she loves! She is so fiercely loyal to her rag-tag group of orphans she calls family; especially since she barely has enough for herself. She's clever and gets herself wound up in so much trouble, it was addicting reading about her getting out of it!

The book takes place in 1871, and you guys know how much I adore historical! The setting is perfect for the novel and it really shows you the other side of the Victorian age you usually don't be in books -- the street orphans forced to fend for themselves. But don't think the tone of the book is sad; Tiki and the rest of the cast are determined, charming, and funny individuals that don't need any pity to get what needs to be done, done! The entire mythology behind the faerie mark, Larkin, and the ring was so fascinating and I can't wait to dive deeper into the Otherworld and everything that is going on there.

All the side-characters are so lovable. Fiona and Shamus were great friends to Tiki, and really stuck by each other when things got tough. Clara and Toots were adorable, and the whole back-story behind the entire family was endearing and made me love Tiki even more! Prince Leopold offers a more skeptical insight to the fey world and the workings it has with the royal court, which was definitely interesting to read. I liked how all three of the characters (being Leo, Tiki, and Rieker) stories were so wound up around each other and everything revealed in the end made perfect sense (and I really didn't see coming!) Speaking of Rieker, I adored him. He is protective without being overbearing (although Tiki might disagree), funny, and completely lovely. I loved him and Tiki's relationship and banter from the beginning!

The book does wonderfully as a standalone but I am SO GLAD it's a four-book series! Whew!
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Aug 02, 2011 Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 kno...more 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!(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Catarina Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesome, awesome-covers, awesome-sisters, best-series, blondie-s, favoritos, strong-female-leads, strong-second-characters, strong-story

http://storiepieces.blogspot.pt/

This book brings us a brave and innocent girl that fights to protect the ones she loves most.
Tiki is a former lady turned thief, though not by her choice. After her parents died she went to her aunt but there was something about her uncle, something in the way he gazed at her that made her uncomfortable so she had to run and the only life that accepted her and her only choice were the streets, where she meet friends for life, her family...
But when she steels a rin...more

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May 08, 2012 K. Bird rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tiki is a teenaged orphan living in an abandoned clockmaker's shop in the Charing Cross of Victorian London. She pickpockets and steals to get food for her band of fellow orphans at the shop. But no matter how long Tiki stays out in the cold, or what dangers she faces, her little family is starving, and now the littlest, Clara has a scary cough and fever.

Tiki despairs of being able to care for her family. Then, on the run from her latest pickpocket-gone-wrong, she finds herself in a carriage tha...more Tiki is a teenaged orphan living in an abandoned clockmaker's shop in the Charing Cross of Victorian London. She pickpockets and steals to get food for her band of fellow orphans at the shop. But no matter how long Tiki stays out in the cold, or what dangers she faces, her little family is starving, and now the littlest, Clara has a scary cough and fever.

Tiki despairs of being able to care for her family. Then, on the run from her latest pickpocket-gone-wrong, she finds herself in a carriage that ends up a large, beautiful house.

There she steals a mysterious, beautiful ring from the inhabitants of the house, and finds herself embroiled in a war between faerie and the human inhabitants of London. With the help of another street urchin, Rieker, who has mysterious motives of his own, Tiki must figure out how to outwit royalty and faerie alike to protect her family.

Tiki is plucky and caring, Rieker is suitably dark, mysterious, with some interesting and logical motives/backhistory, and the running-around-London action is quite fun. The historical details are just right: believeable but not overwhelming. In this world, the faerie are dark, vicious, selfish creatures that adds tension and urgency.

So why the 4 stars? Why not 5? I'm afraid it's a matter of taste. Everything was just fine, I have no quibbles with the writing, plot, or the eminently likeable characters: and therein lies the problem.

Tiki and Rieker are ripe for a Disney movie, they were too good, too clearly written for me. The hints dropped about Rieker came a bit too early for me, and so there was no pleasure for me in the big reveal. Tiki's adopted family were all plucky, likeable urchins, and so they kind of blended together in my brain, leaving no deep impression.

There is a light romance, and a bit of physical hand-to-hand combat, but nothing my eight year old daughter would be shocked by.

So all in all, this is a well done, interesting story. The problem for me is that it lacks an edge, and this may be a matter of taste, but I like a bit of real darkness to my faerie stories, and so this one just didn't dig down deep in my heart and take root.

This Book's Snack Rating: a lemon scone for the perfectly lovely characters and buttery faerie goodness, but not quite as exciting as a chocolate raspberry one.

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Mar 25, 2012 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

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 brea...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Tanja Seppä rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, kindle

I really wanted to like this book. It certainly seemed to hold a lot of promise and has plenty of excellent reviews. Usually I can tell within a few pages whether I like it or not, but this time I actually wanted to continue beyond the kindle sample. Soon thereafter I was quickly disappointed.

There are two major problems with this books. One is the setting, which is supposed to be Victorian England. You do not get the feel of the time at all, not even the tiniest bit. The presence of a couple o...more I really wanted to like this book. It certainly seemed to hold a lot of promise and has plenty of excellent reviews. Usually I can tell within a few pages whether I like it or not, but this time I actually wanted to continue beyond the kindle sample. Soon thereafter I was quickly disappointed.

There are two major problems with this books. One is the setting, which is supposed to be Victorian England. You do not get the feel of the time at all, not even the tiniest bit. The presence of a couple of horses does not qualify any book as historical fiction. It was hard to put my finger on, but everything about the setting felt off - perhaps because there was so little to feel. No thorough descriptions of anything at all. The point where prince Leopold tells the main character that "oh, you can just call me Leo" really threw me. There is such a thing as royal protocol, and I don't think there was less of it 150 years ago than now. The second problem is that all the characters are described in a terribly superficial way. Not once does the main character consider why she feels what she feels or contemplate the wretchedness of the human condition. I want to know her, but there is nothing to grab onto. There is no insight in this book, none whatsoever. These two major problems could have been mollified if the plot had some forward tension. It just moved in circles the whole book through.

The story is that of street urchin and pocket thief Tiki who steals a valuable ring after she just happens to stumble into the Buckingham Palace library. Like that's a belieavable scenario. The ring is what keeps the truce between the fairy folk and the humans. With the ring gone and plenty of evil fae out to get it, war threatens. It never does anything but threaten. There is a reward out for the return of the ring, so Tiki decides to return it in secret and then tell the royals where it is to collect the reward. She succeeds in this by attending a ball at the castle. At this point I wanted to throw my kindle in the wall, but after a 15 minute pause I managed to continue. This was just so far off the track of believability I thought I was falling of a ledge.

There is a mingle of social classes in this book which is so far beyond unlikely it's amazing the author came up with it. For example, one artistocrat decides to live on the streets as a pick-pocketer after his family dies. Muahahahaha.

I was hoping for something like "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" and a couple of fae aspects reminded of this, but not much. There is such a class difference between that book and "the Faerie Ring" that I cringe at the thought. I believed every word of "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell", which even plays out in a similar era (albeit somewhat earlier), fiction or not. Okay, okay, I'll just quite making futile comparisons. All I wanted was a book that would pick my heartstrings and play a beautiful melody. Not one that would make my brain ache in frustration.(less)

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Jan 31, 2013 Tay Lavatai-skipwith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: have-read

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this novel by chance from Barnes and noble. Mostly I just liked the cover so I thought bid give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. The setting of 19th century London is very well developed and the characters are well developed. Hamilton does a great job blending fiction with history. I had no issue going along with queen Victoria being the holder of a ring that bound the faerie world to ours.
Tiki is a relatable heroine that is clever, cou...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

The Faerie Ring is an intriguing, well written piece of historical fiction, mixed with doses of faerie lore, romance, mystery, and all set within the time period of Victorian London. I will readily admit that I was not captured by this novel until the latter portion of the book. Had I not stuck with it, I likely would have rated this book only 2 stars. However, stick with it I did and I am so glad. Despite the fact that the plot moves a little slow, there was a steadiness to the timing...more

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Nov 15, 2011 Alexandra george rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 hou...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Would Anyone Mind Summarizing?	1	6	Feb 20, 2013 09:27pm
Young Adult Ficti...: Win a copy of THE SCORPIO RACES or GRAVE MERCY or THE FAERIE RING!	1	14	Jan 06, 2013 05:56pm
Great book	5	11	Sep 07, 2012 08:36pm
Goodreads Librari...: Help with how to handle uncorrected advance reading copies	5	63	Oct 11, 2011 01:45pm

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