This is the third book in the series and one of the best! Tiki and Rieker must make several trips to attempt to rescue others, Tiki is never where she really wants to be, and the suspense is unbearable at times. Loved it! THE FAERIE RING Series one of my favorite fantasy series. ( )

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: A great faerie world filled with vivid imagery and a fantastic, detailed story.

Opening Sentence: Firelight flickered from wall-mounted torches in the small chamber off the Great Hall as the Winter King and his court of UnSeelie advisors– Bearach, Sullivan, Cruinn and Scathach—gathered in a circle.

The Review:

Kiki Hamilton has always been one of my favorite authors. From reading The Faerie Ring, I was instantly hooked with her style of storytelling. With each book, she adds a level of darkness, slowly uncovering the truths behind the glamour. The Seven Year King is the anticipated third book of the series. Hamilton brings the evil and terrifying side of the UnSeelie Court to the forefront. I absolutely loved the attention between the two worlds, and you might also.

Tiki is an enjoyable character. She once was a street rat, fighting her way around to survive. Now she is the Queen of the Seelie Court, newly discovered and rightfully crowned. Tiki has grown from the time I first met her. She now allows others into her life, accepting and trusting those she cares about. And while I partially miss her former life, I enjoy this new personified Tiki. She hasn’t completely accepted the challenge of being a Queen, but I believe she is a natural leader. Tiki has proven it again and again in the first two books.

Hamilton brings the supporting characters to the forefront in The Seven Year King. Whether it is the King of the UnSeelie court, or a hobgoblin protecting his land, Hamilton makes sure to showcase who they are. I never felt that there was a character out of place. I felt that each character added to the plot, bringing another detail that made the world more real.

Hamilton talks about an interesting subject matter within the pages of The Seven Year King. She talks about loyalty to one’s people, loyalty to friends, and most importantly, loyalty to one’s self. Loyalty has always been a topic of the books, and it’s creative the way she did it. Tiki battles with herself in regards to her past and future. She constantly questions and debates about how she would want to rule the Seelie Court while balancing the ones that she cares for back home.

While I enjoyed this story, at times, I felt that there were scenes in the book that could have been left out. The Seven Year King had a many transitional moments, most which were most likely necessary. I felt that the scenes were ones that ensured Tiki’s journey as a queen, showcasing the similarities and differences of who she was then with whom she was now. There was a moment where I felt like the subplots were battling with each other, vying for my attention. It distracted me for only a moment, but it was still there.

I’m glad that The Faerie Ring series isn’t a trilogy. Hamilton’s world is too interesting to stop after three books. There is so much uncharted territory and so many characters yet to be introduced that I haven’t yet met.

I enjoyed The Seven Year King for the unique fae world and Hamilton’s take on the culture. It’s intricate and detailed; something that I thoroughly enjoy.

Notable Scene:

Tiki’s heart tripped in her chest as a sense of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a weighty mantle. An image of the little man who had spoken at Westminster Abbey when the stone had roared filled Tiki’s head. ‘Donegal’s killed our loved ones, our families. He’s taken our homes and possessions. Enslaved some of us. We don’t want peace,’ he had said. ‘We want revenge. This is war.’

Tiki took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. The Stone of Tara had roared – she was the rightful Queen of the Seelie Court. Now she needed to claim her throne.

FTC Advisory: I purchased this copy of The Seven Year King. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. ( )