The Faerie Ring

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Overview

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.

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…

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Hamilton’s debut gracefully mixes fantasy, Dickensian London, and a dash of romance. Orphaned and forced to flee her predatory uncle, 16-year-old Tiki has been squatting near Charing Cross Station and picking pockets to feed herself and her collected family of unwanted children. When a beautiful bauble falls within her reach, Tiki grabs it and runs, only to learn the ring belongs to Queen Victoria and its loss has set off a dangerous chain of events. The ring is the key to peace with the faeries, and if the truce is broken, the fey will be free to hunt and drive out the humans who are encroaching on their land. Tiki wants to return the ring and collect the reward so she and her friends can leave the streets, but she is being hunted by faeries while a handsome and secretive thief tries to protect her. Hamilton wears her literary inspirations (Oliver Twist; Cinderella) on her sleeve as she melds disparate elements into a cohesive whole. Although the story ends abruptly (a series is planned), Tiki is an admirable heroine in an enjoyable tale. Ages 13–up. (Oct.)

VOYA

Life in 1871 London is hard for street orphans. Sixteen-year-old Tiki and her rag-tag family know this firsthand. Picking pockets is dangerous but it is their only option for survival. By chance, a ring falls within Tiki's grasp that is so mesmerizing she is compelled to steal it at risk of her very life. Only after she escapes does she realize that the danger she feared pales in comparison to the chain of events she unwittingly loosed on all of England. As a renegade group of faeries closes in, Tiki must decide whether or not to trust Rieker, a highly-regarded thief whose mysterious past gives her reason to pause. Is he really protecting her as he claims, or is he just another thief looking for an easy mark? Hamilton has created likeable and engaging characters. Tiki is a strong, fiercely loyal protagonist. The plot-driven story immediately immerses readers into the underworld of old London. The early tension between Tiki and Rieker, followed by their slowly evolving romance, lends interest without overwhelming the fantastical element. The faerie clashes are exciting and mildly suspenseful. The satisfying closure enables The Faerie Ring to be a successful stand-alone novel, although this is the start of a planned series. Attention to Rieker's past, however, is overworked and the story drags until that mystery is sufficiently resolved. Overall this story will satisfy fans of the genre. Reviewer: Kimberly Bower

More Reviews (1) Fewer Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up—Tiki, 16, is a pickpocket who lives with a group of other orphans near Charing Cross Station in London. One evening she flees a mark by jumping on the back of a cab, only to fall asleep from exhaustion. Tiki wakes to find herself at a grand house in an unfamiliar part of the city and can't resist sneaking in, hoping to steal a bit of food. She's forced to hide in the house's library from two brothers and finds a ring that one drops when they are called away by their mother. The ring might be worth enough to pay for medicine for little Clara and take all the orphans away from the streets. Tiki learns that this is no ordinary ring but one that binds a truce between the Faerie realms and the royal family. The house she invaded is Buckingham Palace. Both the fey and the royals are eager to get their hands on the ring. Before the story ends, Tiki must decide in whom to place her trust. In this Victorian orphan story with a twist, Hamilton places the conflict between humanity and the Seelie and Unseelie courts in a new time period, neither medieval nor modern. Tiki is an engaging heroine and, while the novel concludes satisfyingly, the door is definitely left open for further tales.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780765327222
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Publication date: 9/27/2011
Edition description: First Edition
Edition number: 1
Pages: 352
Sales rank: 58,017
Age range: 13 - 18 Years
Product dimensions: 5.90 (w) x 8.54 (h) x 1.16 (d)

Meet the Author

Kiki Hamilton

Kiki Hamilton believes in faeries. And magic. Though she has a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University and has run a business with her husband for many years, as well as worked in a variety of management positions for other companies, her first love is writing young adult stories of fantasy and adventure. Kiki lives near Seattle, Washington, where it only rains part of the time. She is a member of The Class of 2k11, The Elevensies and also blogs at The Enchanted Inkpot.

Read an Excerpt

Chapter One

LONDON, DECEMBER 1871

“YOU wouldn’t be here pickin’ pockets, would you?”

Tiki jumped as the dark figure loomed over the corner where she sat, pretending to be half-asleep. Thick, black hair hung low over the figure’s forehead, shadowing his eyes. The glittery light of the pub illuminated his face as he leaned toward her, and the fear that bubbled in her stomach dissipated as she recognized him.

“Rieker.” Tiki spoke in a low voice. “What are you doing here?” His timing couldn’t be worse. “Are you following me again?” She’d identified her mark and was just waiting for the right moment to make her move.

“Me follow you?” Rieker gave an arrogant snort. “Now why would I do that?” He jingled the coins in his pocket as if to taunt her. “I’ve been workin’ the World’s End for a few months now.” He leaned an elbow on the plank table, a mug of ale clutched in his hand. “Maybe you’re followin’ me.” He looked her up and down with a mocking gaze. “Because I’d swear I’ve never seen your pretty face in here before.”

Tiki forced an insincere smile. “Maybe you weren’t looking hard enough.” She tugged the bill of her cap down to hide her features. Dressed in breeches and a man’s oversize jacket, Tiki was perfectly disguised—no one but Rieker would have known she was a sixteen-year-old girl. And even he hadn’t known until two months ago.

She’d spotted him coming out of a clockmaker’s shop in King’s Cross with both hands shoved into the pockets of his tattered black coat. The cautious way he’d glanced around had made her wonder what he’d nicked. Curious, she’d followed him.

Rieker was a thief who had made a name for himself throughout the slums of London. Stories about him stretched from Bishopsgate in the East End, to Charing Cross in the heart of the City, all the way to King’s Cross here in the North End.

As if the weight of her stare had tapped him on the shoulder, Rieker had glanced back at her. Before she could react, his gaze had skipped from her face to something behind her. Without a word, he’d turned and run. Instinct had made Tiki run, too. That’s when the bobby had shouted at them to stop.

Fear had fueled her feet, for she didn’t know the nooks and crannies of King’s Cross well enough to be confident of escape. She’d followed Rieker until he’d dashed through an archway, rounded a corner, and simply disappeared. Tiki had slowed in surprise. The bobby had just latched on to the back of her loose jacket when she’d spotted Rieker motioning to her from a narrow corridor.

With a jerk, she’d slipped her arms from the sleeves—revealing long braided hair and a shape that couldn’t belong to a boy—and raced into the shadows of the brick hallway. She’d never forget the look on Rieker’s face that day.

“What are you doing up north here in Camden Town?” Rieker’s voice brought her back to the present. “Bit far from Charing Cross, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” Tiki kept her tone even. “But the biggest pub in all of London is worth the trip.”

Rieker pulled one of the chairs away from the table, the wooden legs scraping against the floor. “Are you here alone?”

Tiki put out a hand to block him. “Don’t sit down—you’re not staying. And it’s none of your business who I’m with or where I go.” Irritated, she turned back toward the crowd. Where was her mark?

A smoky cloud hung in the room above the motley crew of sailors, chandlers, coal porters, and dustmen who filled the pub. She recognized Bilby the rat catcher, and Mr. Bonfield the costermonger from up round Covent Garden Market, but where was MacGregor?

For weeks she’d been watching the big, ruddy Scotsman, following him in the evenings from pub to pub. He owned clothing shops in Seven Dials and Petticoat Lane and loved to drink his profits, especially on a Friday night. When he drank he got careless. Tiki’s fingers itched in anticipation. It was hardly a challenge for someone of her skills, but she had grown to dislike his swaggering and the way he bullied the barmaids. It would be a pleasure to lighten his pockets. Had she missed her chance?

“Last call!” The bartender’s voice cut across the noise of the room. “Drink up, fellers, pub’s closin’.” The World’s End had a packed house tonight. The wooden plank floor of the pub was slick with spilled ale, and the rich, yeasty smell of beer hung thick in the air.

A row of sailors sat shoulder to shoulder along the wooden bar, hunched over their drinks. Big mirrors lined the walls, etched with the names of ales or whiskeys, reflecting the bright lights in the room as well as the cloud of tobacco smoke. Barmaids and prostitutes, their skirts partially tucked up in their waistbands, worked their way through the crowd smiling and joking with the customers. The tinkling notes of a piano were a backdrop to the cacophony of accents that clashed above it all.

Tiki’s eyes stopped on the silhouette of a tall man with a large, bulbous nose.

There he was.

A meaty-looking fellow with shoulders like a bull underneath his worn brown jacket, MacGregor looked in fine form tonight. Red-faced, he was belting out a raunchy tune as he waved his mug of ale in time to the song.

Rieker followed Tiki’s gaze. “No. Not MacGregor.”

Tiki let out an impatient breath. “Why in bloody hell not? I’ve been watching him half the night.” She started to slide out of her chair, but Rieker’s hand clamped down on her wrist, pinning her to the table.

“He’s too drunk,” he warned. “If he catches you, there’ll be no mercy.”

“Take your hand off me,” she gritted through clenched teeth. Tiki yanked away and shot out of her chair. Fiona might chatter on about how handsome Rieker was with his tall, rugged build and elusive air, but Tiki found him insufferable.

The corners of Rieker’s mouth quirked, his smoky eyes dancing.

“Just like a kitten pretending to be a lion,” he said. “Except I don’t think your claws are sharp enough to hurt anyone, little kitten.”

Tiki reacted without thinking. She jabbed her finger into his chest.

“Listen to me, Rieker. I’m not your ‘kitten’ or anybody else’s. I’ll do what I please, and I’ll thank you to leave me the hell alone.”

Fast as a cat, he grabbed her arm. A look Tiki couldn’t decipher crossed his face. “What’s this?” he asked, holding up her wrist.

Rieker’s grip was so tight that her fingers began to tingle. Tiki winced, swallowing a gasp.

“Rieker, stop it. You’re hurting me.”

His grip loosened, but he didn’t let go. “Tiki, where did you get this mark?”

Rieker’s strange reaction made Tiki glance down at her arm where her birthmark was exposed. Delicate lines twisted and turned like a tangle of vines, dark against her pale skin.

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 smoky eyes. A strange nervousness started to flutter in the pit of her stomach when MacGregor’s drunken bellow for more ale cut through the noise in the pub and broke the spell.

“I. Said. Let go!” With a great surge, Tiki jerked her arm back, sending Rieker’s mug of ale directly into the face of a nearby sailor. The stunned man shook his head, his bleary eyes searching the crowd for the culprit.

Tiki turned just in time to see the sailor drop his head and plow his shoulders into an innocent chimney sweep. Still covered in coal dust, the chimney sweep went flying backward into the crowd. Mayhem broke loose as sailors and tradesmen shoved back with fists and feet.

Tiki stepped away from the table and slid sideways through the crowd, head down so the bill of her cap shadowed her face. Usually she wouldn’t take such a risk on her last pick of the night, but she wanted to prove Rieker wrong.

“Tiki, wait,” Rieker called after her.

Tiki glanced back, but Rieker was stuck in the crowd, unable to stop her. She smiled to herself in satisfaction. She could handle MacGregor. Plus, a few more coins to line her pockets would certainly warm the long, cold ride home to the abandoned clockmaker’s shop adjoining Charing Cross.

Tiki took a deep breath as she neared her mark, dodging the arms and legs swinging wildly around her. MacGregor was engrossed in the brawl, red-faced and hollering encouragement in a hoarse roar. His face shone with excitement, a large bead of sweat hanging from the tip of a nose that had seen more than a few fights.

She slithered close and slipped her hand into his pocket. Just as she’d hoped, MacGregor was carrying a load of money. She pinched several of the coins together and started to pull her hand free.

The big man jerked around and squinted his red-rimmed eyes in her direction.

“Wot you be about, boy?” he growled.

“N-nuthin’, guv’nor,” Tiki stammered. She tried to back away but was hemmed in by the mass of bodies.

“Wot you got in your hand?” He snatched for her with a big, meaty paw. “Show me.”

Tiki slapped her hands together to mask the sound of the coins dropping and held her palms up, wiggling her fingers to distract him as the coins slid down her sleeve. “Nuthin’, sir, I swear.”

There was another surge in the crowd, and a large man, dressed like a coal porter, collided with MacGregor. The man’s black hat flew off as MacGregor’s glass of ale hit the wooden floor with a resounding crash.

This was trouble.

MacGregor roared with rage. Tiki swung her right elbow back as hard as she could, hitting a soft belly.

“Umphf,” a voice gasped as her elbow made contact. “What the bloody hell?” The man behind her stepped back, opening a small space in the crowd. In a blink, Tiki darted through the gap.

“Come back ’ere, you little thief,” MacGregor yelled.

Tiki cut her way through the crowd. She reached the heavy plank entry door and yanked it open just enough to slip out into the chill winter air. Her breath came in short gasps, her chest heaving with exertion. Where could she hide? She only had a moment before MacGregor would catch her.

In the distance, the brisk clip-clop of a lone carriage working its way up the cobblestone lane echoed in the cool night air. Blast. It was so late that there were few cabs about, and this coach was headed in the wrong direction.

She took a step toward the street, peering right and left, looking for any other means of escape. Behind her, the pub door creaked open.

“Where is he?” a thick voice cried.

Tiki’s breath caught in her throat. It was MacGregor. She pushed away from the building and ran. The carriage was just turning the corner onto the lane.

“You there,” MacGregor cried. “Stop!”

Tiki darted out of the shadows and raced toward the back of the carriage. With a burst of speed, she placed a hand on one of the rear struts and jumped lightly onto the boot where the luggage was usually stored. Wedging herself into the corner of the little shelf situated behind the wheel box, she watched as MacGregor lumbered down the cobblestone lane, his head swiveling back and forth in confusion.

“Where’d he go?” he bellowed.

Behind him, just exiting the pub, Tiki recognized Rieker’s tall silhouette before the carriage creaked around a corner, and the pub disappeared from view. “And that’s how you pick MacGregor’s pocket,” she whispered.

Tiki repositioned herself on the small shelf with a tired sigh, settling in for the ride back to Charing Cross. She fingered the solid weight of the coins she had stashed in her pocket and pressed her lips together in a small, satisfied smile. There would be enough to pay the muffin man and to buy a chunk of cheddar big enough for all of them.

Tiki thought of how excited the others would be. Food had been scarce lately. Shamus and Fiona had been giving part of their portions to the younger ones, Toots and Clara, and even with that, four-year-old Clara was painfully thin. Tiki tried not to think of the persistent cough that had been racking the child lately. Maybe she could find some milk for Clara to soak her bread in as well.

Wrapping her arms tight around her knees to ward off the chill, Tiki eyed the black swirls on her wrist and wondered again about Rieker’s strange reaction to her mark. She usually made an effort to keep her wrist covered, not wanting to draw attention to the odd birthmark. When she was younger, her mum had teased her and told her she’d been marked by faeries. Her mother’s whispered words came back to her now: They’re around us. Pay attention and you’ll see them.

A pang of longing twisted inside at the memory of her mum. She pushed the painful thoughts away. She had more important things to think about now, like finding enough food to fill their stomachs each day. Tiki leaned her head back and closed her eyes, listening to the staccato rhythm of the horse’s hooves echoing in the night.

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Icecream18

Posted September 18, 2011

Live To Read

The adjective used with this book is spellbinding and spellbinding it is. Many readers will not be able to put the book down, finishing it in under four hours. The plot is one of the best spins on faeries that most readers will have seen for a long time. The events are fast-paced and exciting, particularly in the middle and the characters are so fun to read about.

The historical setting enriches the whole faerie theme, making the story slightly different from other novels with a similar theme. The romance isn't the main focus, but it develops at all the right times and is believable. The love interest actually isn't that obvious until further on in the book, the reader will be content to guess and wait though-there is more than enough going on that this part isn't missed.

The author writes very smoothly, the transitions are not the least bit choppy and everything falls neatly into place. The reader will experience the same emotions that the main character feels over certain events in the story-a large range of them too...this is, of course, a mark of a good author if she can evoke emotions in the reader. The sadder events in the book-poverty, orphans, death, etc...-are written clearly and plainly. The author handles these qualities very well, she doesn't gloss over them.

Reiker is probably the most interesting character. The reader will not be quite sure what role he is to play until further into the novel. He is enigmatic, somewhat protective, and his intentions are never quite clear. Tiki, the main character, is impressive. She literally works with what she has...and she doesn't have all that much. She is very likable and will connect with the reader easily. This book is recommended to teens/young adults/adults who enjoy escaping into a meshed world of fantasy and realism.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous

Posted December 29, 2011

Great Faerie Book

This book is one of those books that you think you know what is going to happen but then Tiki does something to save her "family". I am in love with this book! Highly recommended for people that was some action, suspense, romance and a lot of faeries.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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pagese

Posted November 19, 2011

more from this reviewer

Review: The Faerie Ring

There were lots of things that drew me to this novel. I've found that I enjoy a number of books that involve fairies, so this was sounded good on that fact alone. But, I'm also drawn to books set in historic England (Tudor usually but also enjoy regency). So this book became a must read for me.

I really enjoyed Tiki's character. I liked the background of coming from money, but willing to live on the streets instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop by living with family. I think it shows strength of character. Especially when she makes it her mission to help other on the street. She may not be able to provide them with the same opportunities she once had, but she's going to give them the best life possible.

I was intrigued by the rest of the cast of character. Rieker is an interesting sort, especially when we learn of the double roll he plays. I really did not see that one coming. It makes him that much more endearing. Turns it out, he has a lot in common with Tiki and it make his devotion to her that much more sweet. I love Prince Leo in this story. I was kind of hoping he would be the love interest, but happy with the roll he plays in the story. I also like the little family of orphans that Tiki takes care of. They are there for each other no matter what.

I really liked the story line. The ring has been part of the royal family for centuries and its ties to the faerie realm are interesting. I do feel like the story has just barely touched on this element though. It seems most of the story takes place in the real world, with just a glimpse of the other. I'm hoping the next book in the series really gets into the folklore behind the ring and what Tiki really is.

If your looking for a combination of paranormal mixed with historical fiction, this is it. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next installment!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous

Posted May 17, 2012

I love a good faerie tale

So of course growing up I was always the 'Fairy Tale' kinda girl. Well, now that I'm supposedly grown-up, I adore a good 'Faerie Tale'. Kiki did NOT disappoint! The story was amazing, fast paced & full of intrigue. I related to Tiki trying to figure out who she could trust as well as her protective mothering nature. The entire storyline was phenomenal however, I think Kiki did a great job wrapping up the story yet leaving enough unfinished/unresolved so that you are desperate for more.....
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cindylb

Posted April 13, 2012

more from this reviewer

Excellent book, can't wait for the rest of the series. Really ke

Excellent book, can't wait for the rest of the series. Really kept my interest.
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Anonymous

Posted February 22, 2012

Just ok

Decent book, but i had trouble "getting into it".....
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Anonymous

Posted February 2, 2012

Great read

Great story about the Fae. Nice to read about Fae and their personalities. Not. All faries are like childhood stories.
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FuzzyCoffeeBooks

Posted January 31, 2012

Enjoyable if not predictable

What I Liked: 1) I liked Tiki. I thought she was a well-written and very personable main character. Her relationships with Shamus, Fiona, Toots and Clara were very strong and familial, and as a big sister myself, I definitely related to her protective nature to her adopted siblings. 2) Reiker. I wasn't sure what to make of Reiker in the beginning, there is a mystery surrounding him that I never understood until it smacked me in the face. Okay, not literally, but I didn't figure it out until Miz Hamilton spelled it out for me. I enjoy that kind of mystery and always appreciate it when an author can make me feel foolish for not figuring it out sooner! 3) The setting. Set in London, it's easy to visualize and understand where everyone is going, and what they are doing. I'm pretty certain that every place that was described was a real place, and things like that always make faerie tales feel more real to me. 4) Accurate Faerie myths. There are many myths about faeries, but there are some that everyone knows. And it's always obvious to me when an author does his or her research well enough to know what those are, but is also able to put their own spin on things. And Miz Hamilton does that very well.

What I Didn't Like: I expected more about the faeries, honestly. Because of the word faerie being in the title, I expected much more involvement along that story line. But the title isn't wrong. It's called The Faerie Ring, and the ring of the Faeries is truly the main connection from Faeries. We did meet a few though, so I expect that in the future books, there will be more Faerie involvement.

Overall thoughts: The Faerie Ring was an unexpected and fun story. The characters were all very real and personable, and the setting made the story all the more interesting. I still have some questions about who, what, when, where, why and how regarding the faeries, but I'm intrigued enough to know I want to read the next book, The Torn Wing, slated to come out sometime in 2012.
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BookFlame

Posted January 8, 2012

more from this reviewer

Loved It

4.5 Stars

I absolutely loved the setting of The Faerie Ring. Victorian Era is one of my favorite time periods to read about now add that in with some very wonderful characters this made for a very quick read. I literally flew through The Faerie Ring because I got so wrapped up in Tikis world.

Hamilton did a wonderful job with all the characters to where I couldn't help but care for each and every one of them even one of the antagonist. She did an excellent job with Tiki. I loved how she was such a strong character and with the things the world threw at her instead of growing cold and hard she still found time to take care of her "family" other orpahaned kids just like her. Honestly how can you not care for the group of orphans that we are introduced to, each one helping in taking care of each other and trying to survive the gritty slums of London.

Reiker is the love interest, and at first I didn't know what to think of him. Was he someone to trust or was he gaming Tiki. He remained a mystery, everytime I thought I knew what he was about his actions made me second guess myself. Learning about him was half the fun.

The book had alot of twists and turns that had me guessing,not to mention discovering the secrets of the characters right along side with them. I like how the main focus wasn't really the faeries but it was about Tiki, her orphan family, and of course the faerie ring which in this case really is a ring and not a circle of mushrooms.

Overall this was a refreshing read for me and looks like a start to a very promising series. I can't wait for the next book in the series although this could have been a standalone with the satisfying ending but I have a feeling there will be a few things touched in the upcoming books that was left a slight mystery.
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EpicYAReads

Posted January 6, 2012

Uniquely Creative Story - Loved It!!!

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!
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Anonymous

Posted January 4, 2012

Great Book

Read it in 2 days.
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Anonymous

Posted December 21, 2011

Best book

She keeps you hooked tovthe end i hope there will be a sequel :D

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous

Posted December 7, 2011

Not what I thought it would be like

Hamilton illistrated her character, Kiki as a sweet hearted (spunky) teen.

The story started out great, yet as it progressed the theme got a bit dark. I did like how the reader never could quite besure which side some of the characters were on. I read this book once. At first, I hated it,but strangely it grew on me.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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WordSpelunking

Posted November 14, 2011

Magical and Enchanting! A MUST read!

I¿ll admit that I wasn¿t expecting to fall in love with Kiki Hamilton¿s The Faerie Ring as much I did, but now after reading it, I totally get why I did. Hamilton¿s stunning debut has everything you could want- mystery, excitement, fantasy, heart, romance *wink wink*, compelling characters, and a completely captivating story. I read The Faerie Ring in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. I was absolutely captivated and enchanted by its magic. Hamilton has created a spellbinding and riveting story that is beautifully executed and masterfully weaved. The fantasy is fun, the characters are engaging, and the writing is superb. The story is fast paced and exciting, but never feels rushed or overwhelming. The world Hamilton creates in this book is extremely well developed, layered, and vivid. The world of 19th century London simply comes alive within the pages of this book and feels incredibly real. From the gritty slums of the city to the grand ballroom of Buckingham Palace to the otherworldy realm of the Fae, I saw every scene and every aspect of the setting clearly and easily in my head. And I felt like I was a part of it all! The dialogue, clothes, setting, history, etc are so very authentic that I really did feel like I had been swept away to Victorian London for a few hours. Yet, despite the setting and time period of this book, it possesses a great refreshing, modern feel as well. The fantasy elements in this book are wonderful and delightful! I loved Hamilton¿s take on the world of faeries. The faeries in this book aren¿t your adorable Tinkerbells. They¿re dangerous, powerful, and vengeful, but completely captivating. Hamilton creates a very intricate and complex history surrounding her faeries that really impressed me. The life of a pickpocket orphan makes for a thrilling story. I really enjoyed stalking the grimy streets of London with Tiki has she followed her marks and deftly stole from them. There¿s something so exciting about knowing that what these characters are doing (stealing) is wrong, yet not caring at all and being ready to loyally defend their actions if needed. And there is something so magical and compelling about a ragtag group of orphans who have banded together and formed a surprisingly loving, tight family. The love and compassion between this little group of orphans is so touching and heartwarming. The last quarter of the book is climactic and gasp-worthy, with unexpected twists, turns, and revelations. The ending made me smile (and maybe even tear up a bit) and left me wanting more. Hamilton¿s characters are so awesome! They really make this book spectacular. I absolutely love Tiki. She¿s smart, feisty, brave, loyal, and compassionate. She has such heart and strength, and the way she loves her new family is breathtaking. Tiki is a great example of a female YA protagonist done right! She¿s easy to relate to and impossible not to root for. Rieker *swoons a little*¿aww Rieker. This handsome, mysterious fellow is so intriguing. Even from his very first appearance, you get the feeling that there is so much more to him than what he simply lets on. But I love that even though he¿s keeping secrets and isn¿t always honest with Tiki, he¿s always himself. Even when his secrets are revealed, his personality never changes¿and thank goodness for that! I¿ve fallen in love with Kiki Hamilton¿s The Faerie Ring! This is an awesomely fantastic debut of what looks to be a phenomenal series.
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MeiDiver

Posted October 14, 2011

Quick, Involving read!

Synopsis

Tiki's memories of her comfortable childhood are fading. She's made a new family and she'll do anything to protect them. Even take on evil faeries and magic that she doesn't understand.

Review

This book grabbed me in the first chapter and managed to hold my attention, a rare occurrence these days. Tiki was an interesting character, and if I occasionally wanted to beat her over the head and point out what was going on, well, that's a pretty normal thing for me.

The story is involving, and you find yourself cheering on the love story. The language is not overly involved, as can sometimes be the case in period pieces. Kiki Hamilton's writing focuses on the meat and bones of her story and doesn't get caught up on tangents or minutia. I hope that Tiki continues to have interesting adventures while discovering what, exactly, she it.

My Recommendation

I really enjoyed it, I hope you will too! 5/5 - Worth full price.
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BookSakeBlogspot

Posted October 14, 2011

more from this reviewer

Great Start, Wonderful Characters

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.

Review by Jessica for Book Sake.
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harstan

Posted September 25, 2011

more from this reviewer

, young teenage readers will enjoy visiting Kiki Hamilton's Dickensian fantasy realm.

Following the deaths of her parents and needing to avoid her odious uncle, teenager Tiki lives on the streets of London. She and other street urchin pick pockets while they reside in a dump near Charing Cross Station.

In December 1871, Tiki grabs a ring. However this bauble is not just an ordinary piece of jewelry. The ring belongs to the rulers of England and symbolizes the peace between the humans and the fey. If lost, the fey no longer are bound to idly observe the encroachment of the mortals into their realm. Tiki learns the truth and wants to return the ring to Queen Victoria in order to collect the reward that will enable her and her orphans to leave the streets. However, the faerie stalk her as they want the ring so that the truce ends with her blood as the catalyst in a dark magical assault on mankind. Only Rieker the thief as a sort of guardian angel and her urchin comrades have her back; while Prince Leopold stunned by the "ring" he sees etched around Tiki's wrist wants to know who she really is.

With an in your face gleeful nod to Oliver Twist (Rieker is even reading the book) and the Prince and the Pauper, but starring a Cinderella heroine, readers will appreciate this engaging historical fantasy. Tiki is a super protagonist who cares deeply for her "children" while Rieker is an enigmatic thief who seems to always have her back. Although the ending feels more like a setup for future tales rather than a climax, young teenage readers will enjoy visiting Kiki Hamilton's Dickensian fantasy realm.

Harriet Klausner
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BookHounds

Posted September 24, 2011

BookHounds

***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 hides in a library where two men come in and discuss a ring. The ring is dropped and like any good thief, she pockets it. Little does she know that her world may come tumbling down because of this ring and it has special significance to her.

Tiki is street smart and care deeply for her newly found collection of friends that soon turns into a family of sorts. In her quest to support them and keep them well, she is forced to make decisions that may turn out to be a life or death situation. There are charming characters, page turning chases, evil versus good and some humor thrown in to even everything out. Reiker is an older, adult pick pocket who knows more than he lets on. He is definitely one to watch since I am still not sure which side of the fence he is on. He seems to rescue Tiki at her most vulnerable times but at the same time poses something that might harm her. I hope the next installment answers the question of exactly what he is to TiKi. Overall, a nice visit to the land of faery, even though we only see a few glimpses of them in this book.
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BooksWithBite

Posted July 14, 2011

more from this reviewer

Great book!

I can't began to tell you how much I love stories such as this one. Stories filled with a great plot, amazing characters and best all, great fantasy. What really got me hooked about this book is the great story line. I loved that it began fast, fresh, and pick pocketing??? I was immediately hooked as the reader and fell into Tiki shoes. The story line is filled with non-stop action, twist and turns, and several surprises that even I failed to see.

The main character Tiki, I love her. Her strength amazed me. Her selflessness awed me. I loved how she protect the ones that she loved and never gave up. She did what she had to do and that made my heart turn. Tiki also has a few surprises in her own back round history that as the reader, I found it a great element added to the story. I like it when a character is lost in who they are and them BAM! They figure out that they a greater then what they thought.

The fantasy in this book is at a great level. Not too much Fae, not too little. I loved reading the story and devouring the history of the Faerie Ring. I, the reader, was immediately intrigue by such a story that it really seemed liked I was in the story fighting to keep the ring safe. Now when an author can make me feel like I am Tiki stealing, fighting, and running past enemies, you know that this is a great book.

My only gripe is the love interest. I know most of you know me and I am sucker for romance. I say that all of time. The romance in this book is not at the level I expected it to be. For me it was like they just meet, and fall in love. I was really hoping for more between these two people.

Overall, The Faerie Ring is one heck of a debut. I simply adore reading every inch of the book and falling into Tiki shoes. I must say that the Fae history is so good in the book that you devouring every bit it.
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Anonymous

Posted March 16, 2012

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Live To Read

Great Faerie Book

Review: The Faerie Ring

I love a good faerie tale

Excellent book, can't wait for the rest of the series. Really ke

Just ok

Great read

Enjoyable if not predictable

Loved It

Uniquely Creative Story - Loved It!!!

Great Book

Best book

Not what I thought it would be like

Magical and Enchanting! A MUST read!

Quick, Involving read!

Great Start, Wonderful Characters

, young teenage readers will enjoy visiting Kiki Hamilton's Dickensian fantasy realm.

BookHounds

Great book!