"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… " ~goodreads
For some reason the synopsis of this book didn't grab me but the cover and great reviews did. I can't fathom why though, I love Historical Fiction and Fantasy and this book has both. Victorian London is such a great setting for a book like The Faerie Ring and Kiki Hamilton does a great job transporting us there. Not only does she do a great job describing the setting, there is a map provided at the beginning of the book and in the Authors notes at the end she tells you that you can visit the sites if you happen to be in London. If it were possible I would be on the next plane so I could I hang out in St. James Park and look for the fey.
Tiki was a great protagonist. She was strong and witty from the beginning and an expert at picking pockets. Which I have a suspicions that more about her talents will be revealed in later books. I felt like she was a more well rounded character. Her desire for a better life and sometimes just wanting to be a girl in pretty dresses. We see some sparks of jealousy that make her do silly things. Of course it always easy to bond with a character who spends her time in a bookshop. Rieker is of course dark and mysterious, who doesn't love that. I like the way he interacts with Tiki and that you can tell he is somewhat enchanted with her, even if he doesn't blatantly show it. The way the characters play off each other is what makes it believable. One of my favorite parts is when Tiki is trying to explain an argument that she has with him. Leo, Fiona, Shamus and Clara add depth to the story. I enjoyed the characters different qualities as well.
The plot flowed seamlessly. I had a hard time putting the book down. I would find myself reading over a hundred pages without even realizing it. Then I would be sad realizing I was getting close to the end. I'm so glad there are more books in the series otherwise I would be devastated. The way Kiki wraps up this book makes it so if you don't want to read the rest of the series you don't really have to. There was a good balance of unanswered questions and resolution but I'm not sure why anyone would want to stop. I'm excited to find out more about Tiki's life. In London and in the Otherworld. Now I just have to anxiously wait for the next book.