The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton

The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton
Release Date ~ 10/2/2012
Format ~ Paperback
Publisher ~ Self Published
Source ~ Author

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London 1872 -

A bloody escape, a deadly threat, a shocking revelation...
As an orphan who stole the Queen's ring - only to find the ring was a reservoir that held a truce between the world of Faerie and the British Court - Tiki’s greatest fear suddenly becomes all too real: the fey have returned to London seeking revenge. As war escalates in the Otherworld, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, is attacked. In order to protect her family and those she loves, Tiki needs to know the meaning of an fáinne sí, the birthmark that winds around her wrist. But will she be brave enough to face the truth?

    In Kiki Hamilton's sophomore novel, the second in her The Faerie Ring,  The Torn Wing is a full canvas, palatable, historical fantasy that blends the world of the fey, the otherworld, and Dickensian London in 1871.  Our journey takes us from the alleys to palaces to enchanted woods. In a nutshell, it's a really fun fantastical read with lots of historical accuracy mixed in.

   The main character, Tiki, is one of the best in the genre. She's very persistent and passionate about keeping her family safe and has a heart of gold.  She's kind and fiercely protective of her adoptive family, a band of orphan pick pockets who now live with Rieker/William, a guy with two identities - one as a pick pocket leader and the other as a lifelong friend of the royals. This book is filled with people with alternate identities - some are fey who have a "glamour" on when they're in the human world.

   One thing I really liked about The Torn Wing was there wasn't a ton of romance. I'm a guy who doesn't mind some (or sometimes a lot) romance in what I read, except it was a nice change in The Torn Wing. There was one kiss and a love triangle, but there wasn't a ton of sexual angst, everyone was focused on the actual problem without letting any of their romantic interests get in the way.

 Kiki Hamilton has a writing style unlike any other, it paints a large canvas picture in your mind and allows you to create your own images. You can see the Winter-y London along with the colorful (and sometimes dark) setting of the Otherworld.

    The Torn Wing is a strong, enjoyable second novel. Though Kiki has switched from publishing with Tor Teen to self publishing, it's still edited like a professional novel and should not be overlooked.

Cover Comments: 

I really like the various shades of blue on this cover! Really majestic with the snow.