Mundie Moms

Monday, September 26, 2011

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway, The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Welcome to the first stop in our The Faerie Ring Blog Tour! I'm so excited to be kicking off the tour for Kiki's debut book, which will be out TOMORROW! Through out the two week tour there will be spoiler free reviews posted, giveaways, author interviews and more. You can find out all the tour information here.

Published by: Tor Teens
To Be Released on: September 27th, 2011 TOMORROW
Source: ARC from publisher to review
5 stars- I Loved It! Go Pick It Up


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… quoted from Goodreads


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.


The Faerie Ring blog tour continues tomorrow on Teens Read and Write. Be sure to go HERE to follow the rest of the blog tour.

GIVEAWAY TIME! Thank you to Kiki I've got 5 signed book marks I'm giving away.

To ENTER, please leave me a comment with your email address. I'll email the 5 winners when this giveaway closes on October 8th, 2011. 1 email per person please. This is open INTERNATIONALLY!

62 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great review. I am SO excited for Kiki. She's such an awesome writer.

    I'll let someone else win the bookmarks. I'm interviewing Kiki today at Literary Rambles and giving away an ARC of THE FAERIE RING.

    Natalie
    http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/

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  2. I'm so looking forward to reading this, I feel like I have had my copy pre-ordered for ever. I would love a signed book mark - Lesley1567 AT gmail DOT com

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  3. This book is on my to-read list.Your review is great ! Can't wait to read this ! Thanks a lot for the awesome bookmark give-away <3

    starlight023 AT hotmail DOT com

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  4. I'm so looking forward to The Faeri Ring! I actually first heard of the book thru MMs! :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    maidenveil(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. great great review! :) I definitely have this on my TBR file:) can’t wait to read it! (I even have the button on my page:))

    Jenna
    jenna_jcm@yahoo.com
    www.coffeebooksandme.blogspot.com

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  6. A GREAT review as always. I'm looking forward to reading this. Reading your review makes me want to read it now. She seems to capture the favourite things I'm looking forward when reading a book; A a protagonist that would grow into us, a fast-paced story, a Victorian London setting, and of course, fairies

    waylandmellark@gmail.com

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  7. This one is on my list to get tomorrow(release day) whoot! I love the trailer. Thanks so much for the chance for a cool bookmark *squee* :)

    supagurlheather@gmail.com

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  8. I have been looking forward to reading this book for some time now! Thanks for the giveaway :-)

    karissae(at)gmail.com
    Karissa

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  9. Thanks for this giveaway! My email is Bucky83(at)aol(dot)com.

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  10. Awesome! I'm soo excited about this book!
    Thanks.
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

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  11. You guys are so welcome! Good luck to all of you!

    Natalie- I'm coming over to your site to check out your FR post!

    My Keeper Shelf- I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It's such a fabulous read.

    Ifrah- Thank you so much and you're so welcome!

    Maidenveil- YAY!! I'm so excited to hear that!

    jennachristy- Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy meeting Riecker and Tiki!

    I am a lost rabbit- THANK YOU so much! :) She did a wonderful job at capturing all the elements I look for in a great read as well. I'm excited for you to read it.

    SupaGurlbooks- You're so welcome and Happy reading!

    Karissa- You're welcome!! I hope you enjoy reading it.

    Becky- You're welcome!

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  12. Christa- You're welcome! I'm excited for it to be out tomorrow.

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  13. I really like the idea of a blend of historical fiction and faerie lore mixed together. It sounds like it is a very good book.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  14. This looks like a really awesome book and I'm super excited to check it out. Thanks for the giveaway!

    vi3ti3abe at gmail.com

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  15. Awesome giveaway! Book looks awesome!
    benjikenworthy@gmail.com

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  16. Wow! I was a bit nervous about this one, but I'm glad you loved it! I'm actually relieved to see your 5 stars review!:)) Victorian era, magic, faeries, romance, mystery? Definitely a book right up my alley! But it's always important to connect with the characters, so I can't wait to read it! Great review!;)

    Oh, and thank you for the giveaway and for making it International!
    xoxo

    andreea.c88[at]gmail.com

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  17. Debbie- It's a fabulous blend!

    Vivian- You're so welcome and I highly recommend picking it up.

    Benji- You're welcome!

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  18. I am very excited about the release of Kiki's book and cannot wait to get a copy. Thanks for the chance to win one.

    RoseD
    rosalinddickinson1@gmail.com

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  19. Great review. I'll definitely be picking this book up. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Nakoya
    alias.known.yo at gmail dot com

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  20. YAY, for The Faerie Ring!!! I'm giving away a copy tomorrow, too : ) LOVE this book!!

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  21. I look forward to reading this book SO much!!! It was the trailer that got me hooked. This is the third time I watch it!

    super_girl7@msn.com

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  22. This sounds like an awesome book :D Can't wait to read it. Would also love a signed bookmark. <3
    Love, Carina ~ carina-olsen@hotmail.com

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  23. I've had my eye on this for a while. I've read and re-read the synopsis and I'm finally convinced that I will like it and I really want to read it.

    Thanks for the (international :D) giveaway,

    - Megan
    meganconwy@gmail.com

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  24. This book looks like one of really awesome ones. Always when I see something new about it, the book moves higher on my to-buy list.

    Thank you for this giveaway, I love bookmarks! :)
    trskovahanka@gmail.com

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  25. Wow! Great review, even though it's long, but I guess that makes it better. I so can't wait to buy this book.

    Thanks for the Book Mark Giveaway!
    taylorswiftfan103@gmail.com

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  26. Cool! this book sounds great read!

    Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway!

    kyo.chan31@gmail.com

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  27. Nice!

    andreakelley16 at gmail dot com

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  28. Oh, I so NEED this book. It's been on my wishlist for awhile now, ever since I first heard about it!! Would love the chance to win it!!

    --Christina Wofford
    TinaLynn510@gmail.com

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  29. Five stars! I'm even more excited now! Thanks!

    amber.hrkns at gmail dot com

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  30. I cannot wait to read The Faerie Ring. Thank you so much for this giveaway!!

    ajiehuang1997 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  31. I'm really excited for this one. I think it sounds really good!

    themgowl at gmail dot com

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  32. I'm usually not drawn to historical fiction, but this sounds amazing. The title typography is jaw-dropping. Thanks for the giveaway!

    candicerjames [at] gmail [dot] com

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  33. Absolutely going on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Susan Light
    books4susie@aol.com

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  34. Rose- You're so welcome. Good luck! :)

    Nakoya- Thank you!

    Paula- YAY!!! Cheers to TFR giveaways!

    Zeinab- Isn't the trailer fabulous! I'm so glad you have enjoyed. Just wait till you start reading the book.

    Carina- It's fabulous! :)

    Megan- You're so welcome and I think you need to pick it up too ;)

    Willinda- It is an awesome read! I highly recommend it.

    BBurton- Thank you. Sometimes I can't help myself with the long reviews. Thanks for reading through it.

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  35. Tal- You're so welcome!

    Christina- It's definitely a must have. The giveaway isn't for the book, but the bookmarks.

    Amber- Thank you!

    Angie- You're so welcome!

    Jill- It's so good. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

    Candice- You're welcome. The historical fiction in the story is fabulous! I think you'll enjoy it.

    Susan- You're welcome!

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  36. Thanking you for this review ~ I am always on the lookout for new YA books to give to my teenage daughter.... she gets her reading obsession from me *g*

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  37. oops i forgot my email address - xander_316@hotmail.com

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  38. Thanks you so so much! I'm so excited! Wish me luck. :)
    Email: osnapitzAngiex3@aol.com

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  39. Great review :)
    lizolson3d@aol.com

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  40. missymyt@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Another AMAZING review and giveaway! Thank you soo much!

    PelcianJL@hotmail.com

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  42. Thanks for posting this incredible review and video. I want to read this one for sure! Also, thanks so much for hosting the giveaway.

    rickijill@gmail.com

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  43. Um...I want this. Please. Love the trailer and the cover is gorgeous! Thanks for the giveaway!
    andreat78@yahoo.com

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  44. This book sounds terrific and I am SO psyched to read it!! Awesome giveaway :)

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  45. Awesome review!

    jeanbooknerd [at] gmail [dot] com

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  46. This is great! Been wanting to read this! Awesome Book and Giveaway!

    jamellamedrano@yahoo.com

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  47. I can't wait to read this book! It feels like I've been waiting forever and it seems everyone but me got a copy yesterday lol. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
    irishstar_83(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  48. Thanks for the great giveaway!!!!! I can't wait o read this book :D.
    nadia(dot)j(dot)c(dot)matthews(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. I really want to read this book! The cover is so pretty. :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    Sophia
    mashimaro401[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  50. this is really interesting

    =)

    regards,

    maidenhealer@hotmail.com

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  51. Freedom to Read! <3
    F[READ]OM!! :D

    gora_sabina@yahoo.con

    Thank You,
    Sabina

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  52. I have heard wonderful things about this book. It sounds like a page turner. Thank you for the giveaway.
    Gaskell dot Elizabeth at gmail dot com

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  53. Sounds wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway!!

    askbrittanyroshelle at gmail dot com

    -Brittany Roshelle

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  54. I would love to know where authors come up with their characters names. THe ones in The Faerie Ring are so unique.

    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

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  55. Thanks for this giveaway!!! This book is on my to-be-read list and I can't wait to get my hands on it!! =D

    Jolainne

    jdesouza1310@gmail.com

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  56. Pretty excited. Sounds great!

    mayo_oz02@hotmail.com

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  57. Oh I thought I had already commented but I guess not. Anyways this book is on my wishlist and I would love to have a bookmark!

    miss.smileygirlie at gmail dot com

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  58. Thanks for the opportunity.
    I'm a new follower :)

    tiffanyhollett(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. Thank you to everyone who's entered!!

    Welcome Tiffany! Thank you for following us :)

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  60. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  61. What an awesome giveaway! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    Rmswa07(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Also,I'm a new follower. You can check out my blog here if you want :)
    http://rachelbrookswrites.blogspot.com/

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  62. This book keeps on showing up on my "recommend" lists, so if I don't win, I will still go out and buy it, but thanks for the chance!

    duchess_mommy@yahoo.com

    duchess(underscore)mommy(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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