Thursday, August 16, 2012

Review: The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long

Title: The Treachery of Beautiful Things
Author: Ruth Frances Long
Release Date: August 16th 2012
Publisher: Dial Books
Rating: 3.75 stars

A darkly compelling mix of romance, fairy tale, and suspense from a new voice in teen fiction

The trees swallowed her brother whole, and Jenny was there to see it. Now seventeen, she revisits the woods where Tom was taken, resolving to say good-bye at last. Instead, she's lured into the trees, where she finds strange and dangerous creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with secrets of his own. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack's help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where stunning beauty masks some of the most treacherous evils, and she's faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice--and not just her own. (taken from Goodreads)

Those who know me know that faerie-themed books don't usually work for me. I think the only fae series I finished and really liked was the Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa. Maybe because I started with a very good one that I tend to base my expectation on it. Fortunately, The Treachery of Beautiful Things did work for me. Although not as mind blowing as I would have hoped for but still it was a nice and decent read with an engaging plot and characters. I was actually surprised that I ended up liking and enjoying it. 

It didn't start well with me though. I can't seem to get into it during the first parts that I kept on putting it down after a few chapters only to picked it up again because I feel bad about it. The fourth time I picked it up I decided I'll finish it then. And I'm glad I did because as the story progressed it started getting really interesting and I soon find myself pretty invested with the story and its characters. 

Jenny was a character I didn't exactly think would be tough and strong-willed. She appears to be bit too "damsel in distress" especially during the earlier parts. But I'm glad that over the course of the story her character developed and I saw that she could be a independent and strong character too despite being naive sometimes. 

Jack surprises me quite a lot in here too. Clearly, I had the wrong first impressions in most of the things here. I thought Jack would be this too good boring hero who would do anything to save the day. Something that easy and predictable. But I was surprised to find a multi-layered and complex character in him. I love the mysterious side in him and I enjoyed figuring it out. 

There were holes in this book that prevented me from giving it a higher rating. Things that I think were left unexplained or should've been discussed more. Thus making some parts of it a bit confusing and disorienting. Nonetheless, the last parts, I think, was actually pretty good and even touching. The ending was cute, sweet and satisfying although I wish it was explored a little more since I felt like it was dropped a bit too convinient. 

Overall, the plot line was intriguing and engaging and the characters were likable. Just a little bit more explaining in some parts becuase there were moments that I did feel lost. Despite its flaws I think this is a nice and lovely read. It took me a while to get into it but as soon as it started getting really interesting I kept wanting to know what's gonna happen next. I recommend this.

*Thank you Netgalley and Dial Books for providing a review copy of this book.

14 comments:

  1. Oooh, I'm going to be giving The Iron Fey a go soon! Knowing that you enjoyed it gives me more confidence that I will, too.

    Jack sounds enticing [sorry if I keep repeating that, btw. It's my new favourite word, or something. :P].<3 Jenny sounds like somebody who would really annoy me at first, but as she becomes strong, I would really like her!

    I love how this got a 3.75! That's such a good idea-- sometimes I'm completely torn between giving a book a 3.5 or a 4!

    And, that cover? SO pretty.<3

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  2. I know what you mean, fairy-themed books don't work for me either. I actually got hold of a library copy of The Iron King today so I'll start it soon and hopefully fall in love with it as much as everyone else! I'm glad though that overall, the characters were happy surprises and that the plot managed to keep you engaged once you got stuck in. Lovely review, E! :)

    PS - I agree with Ria - that cover really is adorable. ;)

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  3. Oh definitely! The ending was way too convenient and HEA. I don't think I understood it to be quite honest. I did enjoy this book mostly, but found it lacked spark overall. I was writing up a review for this yesterday and struggled to write much as I don't feel like I have a lot to say about this book. This is a lovely review though! I think we have quite a few similar feelings on this. :)

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  4. Fae and fairytale are two types of stories I have a hard time with. I wasn't even all that thrilled with The Iron Fey series. I do like the Wings series (still have to read the last book). I don't know that I'd pick this up after reading your review. It seems from Sam's comment above that she didn't get on well with this either. Nicely review Eunice. :)

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  5. I love the cover, even though the girl has a "oh!" *insert soft gasp* expression on her face that I think corresponds with what you said of her personality- the "damsel in distress" type. I'm glad you were a fan of this novel overall, in spite of your minor issues with it, Eunice! It sounds quite intriguing, so I may result in picking it up. :) Lovely review! :)

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  6. Oh, dear, that cover is so alluring. I jad a good feeling about this, but I should have known not to trust a pretty exterior. I don't think I could handle Jenny's damsel in distress attitude. It would be too much for me. When you also take those plot holes into account, I do believe I'll pass, unless I'm really without better things to read at some point.
    Lovely review, Eunice! Thanks for taking one for the team.

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  7. Such a beautiful cover I'm sorry it fell short for you in places. I'm not typically a fae book person either, I still have to finish off Kagawa's series! :(. But this does sound to be promising in places, I'm glad the second half did eventually pick up for you! Lovely review hun! :)

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  8. I think it's very hard for me to fully enjoy any fey book because I read and adored the Iron Fey series and I can't help but compare them to that master piece.
    You and I had a similar reaction to the book. I enjoyed it, but it lacked something. I also agree about the ending being too convenient. :/
    Lovely review, Eunice. Thanks for the honesty! :)

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  9. I haven't had much like with fae book either, but I was intrigued by this one. It's a shame it fell flat for you in some places, but glad you enjoyed it overall.

    Great review!

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  10. :) Fae books are a hit and miss for me. Like you I love Iron fey, but know so many fae books that i disliked. FAntastic review Eunice! I liked how honest you were. Thanks for informing me that their are plot holes, they can be so frustrating sometimes.
    I glad you enjoyed this book for the most part!!!! ;0

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  11. GReat review! the book cover is gorgeous thats probably how it hooked you into buying it!LOL.
    Follower!
    http://thecrossbreeds.blogspot.com/

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  12. I've seen some mixed reviews of this book, so you're definitely not alone in your not-quite-4 rating. I really do like the premise (and mysterious boys :D ) though, so I think I'm still going to check this out at some point! Damn my weakness for pretty covers...

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  13. I'm a glad a fae non-fan liked this, even if it didn't totally work out for you! I do love me some fae, so I cannot wait for my copy to arrive. :)

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  14. The Treachery of Beautiful Things will capture your interest from page 1 and string you along throughout the book. It's as devious and manipulative as the fey themselves and it may sound familiar, but Treachery is original and fresh, a definite twist on fey lore. This is definitely one to buy if you're a fan of faeries or fantasy!
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