Author: Ruth Frances Long
Publisher: Dial Books
Released: Aug 16, 2012
Buy: The Book Depository
"They're only trees. Only trees. Who's afraid of lonely trees?"
The fantasy world in Long’s debut novel is a familiar one. With the presence of key characters such as Oberon, Titania and Puck, The Treachery of Beautiful Things becomes another faerie book among several others. Comparisons against the more notable stories in this category are inevitable. I’m sure I’m not the only one currently thinking of Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey books, and that I wasn’t the only reader to feel the main character’s plight to locate her missing brother was oddly familiar. Slight similarities aside, Long is clearly an able writer. Her prose is as magical as her setting, and with it, I believe she did a fairly commendable job crafting together an enchanting tale. Whether or not this is an exceptional enough story to stand out against its competitors, I can’t say. What I am certain of, however, is the fact that this book is intended for a very specific audience.
The Treachery of Beautiful Things is a fairy-tale, through and through. We have the innocent damsel, the pleasant love interest, and a magical world forming the backdrop of their romantic adventure. Ruth Frances Long takes a more traditional approach with this fantasy tale – it’s old-fashioned to the core and clearly crafted in such a manner for those of us who enjoy the charm of a nice story. While happily ever afters and sweet characters may be exactly what some people are looking for – and if you find yourself nodding here, I’m confident you will appreciate this book – for a large chunk of the young adult audience, I feel it may be a little too tame. Technically, there are very few aspects that can be faulted, yet still, whatever the reason, this story failed to impress. While I can praise the world-building and appreciate the various magical aspects of this book, I wish it had left a more lasting impression.
The characters themselves are likeable, yet not particularly memorable. Jenny, the protagonist, is defined in moments of admirable bravery and remarkable innocence. While it’s safe to say she is not an infuriating character, I would have personally preferred someone with a little more fire. Jack was a fraction more intriguing with his past and his role among the trees. The mystery surrounding his position was quite appealing, yet, in the end, it was Puck, the goat-like hobgoblin, who managed to capture my interest the most. Had I been fully invested in this fairy-tale-like story, then I’m sure plenty more of the characters would have stood out to me as much as Puck did.
Although this book wasn’t momentously outstanding for me, I do believe it is a well-written and imaginative tale. The main issue here is the unfortunate truth that a reader like me probably should never have picked this up. While I did enjoy parts of it well enough, I think The Treachery of Beautiful Things is far better off in another reader’s hands. Regardless, I look forward to seeing what else this author may write in the future.
Rating: 3 stars
I've seen similar opinions about this book on goodreads. After reading The Hunger Games, I found that I lost my interest for *nice* stories. I got in touch with my more nitty gritty side. Haha. Although there are also a few instances wherein I pick up light books, like Middle Grade books. Still, as gorgeous as the cover is, I don't think I'll be reading this soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fab review, Sam :D
Hmmm, doesn't sound like it is the book for me either. While I do enjoy a "nice" story one in awhile, I generally prefer books that are more, I don't know, thrilling. The cover was really pretty and mysterious, so I was expecting something more action-packed, but it's nice to hear that it is a light story. The cover and even the title suits it well!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the books I've been waiting for like.. forever. And it's still high on my 'can't wait, must get it' list. I LOVE fairy tales, so this book is perfect to me. The covers is bloody gorgeous and from the sound of your review, I know I'm going to love it :) I'm sorry to hear that you didn't love it so much.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Sam! I love a good tradicional fairy tale, so I think I'll read this one soon :D The cover is really beautiful. I'm just sorry that you didn't like the story very much!
ReplyDelete-nods at "nice story"- Yes, one traditional fairy tale for me please! Thanks for your honest review, Sam! Was it not as memorable at all because you felt similarities to The Iron Fey? I sometimes enjoy certain books less, even unconsciously, when something like that happens. There's only one Puck in the YA world for me >_< so I'm not sure if I can handle a different "Puck". Glad to hear that the prose is all good for this debut work, though! I still think I'll give it a shot, since I love fairy tales *o* Wonderful and fair review, Sam! <3
ReplyDeleteAHHH!!! I screams because I actually got this in my haul this week :D Atleast it was well-written and imaginative! Better than no stars right? ;D Thanks for your wonderful thoughts Sam! I love to read an honest review before I dive into a book :D
ReplyDeleteShreya
Chocolate Coated Reviews
This book seems beautiful but like you, I think it won't fair well in my hands. I love fairy tales but I can only digest so much of it before I want more high-stakes or, as you pointed out, more fiery characters. But even then, I'm not a huge fan of high fantasy so there's that to consider too.
ReplyDeleteYour reviews are always so fair and well-written. Thanks again for sharing them. :)
I've heard that word used a lot while reviewing this book - tame. I'm not a huge fan of fairytale retellings and I think one which is tame would definitely not do it for me. I'm glad you still liked this one, Sam, even though it didn't astound you in any way, but I think I'll just skip this one. Thanks for the helpful review which was - as usual - absolutely terrific! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that this is a fairy-tale through and through. I sometimes enjoy reading a damsel's story, I think I'll keep this one in mind :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the majority of reviewers who read this book share your opinions, Sam. Enjoyable, but lacking that "spark", and that mature quality to make it a really great read. :) I was planning to read it (even though I hate "damsel in distress" stories, ha), so let's see how this will go... Superb review, Sam. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and you're reading Speechless! Pleaselikeitpleaselikeit. :D
Glad you enjoyed even if not memorable.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Hm, it's really too bad that the characters didn't stand out more. Those are often the most important things for me, the connection to the Characters. Plus. she sounds not like my type of heroine.. Damsel in Distress? Naive? ugh, no!
ReplyDeleteBut, still I love Faires and I do love Puck so I might have to give it a try after all!
It's weird, but I didn't really like Julie's Iron Fey series so I'm kind of scared that I'll feel the same with this! It sucks that the characters weren't all that memorable because I always think that characters are the most important thing in a book, but I'm glad that they were still tolerable. Aside from that though, I LOVE fairytales so even if it's a little 'tame,' I might still give it a try if I ever see it :) Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteIt's usually hard for me to get into books like this. I haven't even read the Iron Fey series yet... I don't know if I will, honestly. I'm probably going to sit this one out. Can't wait to see what you think of Speechless.
ReplyDeleteI think you gave this a really fair review, Sam. Sometimes it's just hard to connect with a book, but that doesn't make it a bad read and it might be a book that others love. I'm not a huge fan of books featuring fae, so I think I'll skip this one.
ReplyDelete*sigh* the cover is stunning! I know what you mean when books have some similarities it's sometimes very hard for them to stand out from the crowd. I do really like the sound of this though as I am a huge fay fan, so I prob will be picking it up in the future. Thanks for a great review as always, Sam! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review :) I am not sure if I will like this book or not. Have had it via NetGalley for many months, yet not really read it yet :p it does seem sweet. But, as you say, too much like the Iron Fey books. But I might still give it a go :) Glad you liked it a little bit, at least ;p
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sam, I have heard similar reviews that the characters were ok, and the tale good it just didn't offer enough depth. Glad you at least enjoyed it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few reviews saying the same thing about this book. I'm not really sure it's for me as well but it does sound nice. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. Nice stories are so tricky aren't they? It's like you can't find any real flaws, but yet you also can't muster up any enthusiasm for them once you're done reading. Too bad, I was really looking forward to this one and would have loved a character with my namesake to be a bit more of a spitfire:) Thanks for the review Sam!
ReplyDeleteI just love this gorgeous cover but I don't think this is a Rachel book. I'm usually not entertained by fairytale stories. Glad to see you enjoyed this and as always, wonderful review Sam. :)
ReplyDeleteUh I want to read your review badly cause I can't wait to read this book and I'm surprised why 3 stars! Cause I've seen that people mostly like it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review Sam! I wish i could write reviews like you. I love fairytales but i hate when the girl is a damsel in destress. I don't know if i should pick it up, maybe in the future i will.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm sorry this didn't work out for you Sam, when I first heard about this book I thought that it wouldn't be for me and now I think your review has proven my earlier assumptions. I think the things you found problems with, would be the same for me too, hopefully you'll enjoy your next read a lot more! Thanks for the honest review hun! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still very curious about this book, despite all these middling reviews I keep seeing--I think it's hearing the writing is good, and I like the premise. And okay, I admit it, I like the cover, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review, Sam. :)
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
Hah, it is intended for a very specific audience, and that definitely does not include me. I find these similarities with The Iron Fey series slightly disturbing, although not too much since The Iron Fey series itself isn't exactly original.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that Long proved to be a solid writer, though. Hopefully her next project will be more up my alley.
As always, such a clear and well-articulate review, Sam!
For some reason, I'm not drawn to fairy stories, and yet I love the Iron Fey series. But I only picked that up after reading so many great reviews. This doesn't sound appealing to my so I think I'll be giving it a miss. Great review Sam.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the problems with "nice" stories is that they don't feel as real. Everything works out. The girl gets the prince. With vampires and dystopian so big, it's clear that many teens are looking for something grittier in their reads. That said, I'll still read this. I enjoy a good fairy story if it's done in a way that gives it depth. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteC.J.
Sarcasm&Lemons
Yeah I'm pretty sure this would be too tame for me- give me violence and hot sex any day :-P I like a charming story but this just sounds dull to me. I will probably skip it- thanks for the great, honest review!
ReplyDeleteYou're not the only one who brought up the tame/forgettable thing! I was attracted to this book because of its cover but it seems like a hit or miss for most people. I love fairytales so I might give this one a shot anyway. Thanks for your insightful, honest review!
ReplyDeleteHmm, now I've got a dilemma: I'm a big fan of fairytales but I'm just not a fan of faerie stories. And your review suggests that this one just isn't memorable. I guess I'll hold off on reading it for now. Thanks, Sam!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read to many fairy tale stories, but I think my thoughts would be inline with yours. I like fire and action and memorable,characters. Thanks as always for your honesty, Sam!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant review as always, Sam! I always love reading your honest, thoughtful reviews. <3 This book sounds very lovely! Although I do enjoy dark fairytale with more wild side in the story, I really like the innocence of old fairytale too. <3 I think I'm going to enjoy this book, and it won't hurt to have this GORGEOUS cover in my bookshelf! <3 The plot seems like something that I've encountered a handful times though.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, my darling! You always know how to write the best reviews ever. <3
DID YOU SAY THE IRON FEY SERIES?! Okayyy so I sort of want to read this now :) But while I loveeee fairytales, only Julie Kagawa has managed to impress me with stories of faeries! Hmm...maybe I'll give this a shot..one day :) Great review Sam!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sam! I've been eyeing this one up for a while so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. There are certainly times when I enjoy a true fairytale (with the happily ever after) so I may pick this one up. However, I do have problems with faerie books...
ReplyDeleteOoh, I hadn't heard of this one before now, so I'm glad you've shown it to us! I like the sound of this and as always, I'm drawn in by the cover. I will have to check this one out soon. Thanks for sharing, Sam!
ReplyDeleteSteph @ Stepping Out Of The Page
I find 'nice' stories the hardest to review, because I just don't feel passionate either way. Not love nor hate, just.... okay. While not an OMGAMAZING novel, I'm glad there are still positive elements that are worth the read. I do prefer my stories... not so tame, I need something with a little boldness, a little darkness or that pushes the boundaries. I'm sorry it failed to make an impression on you! Fantastic review <3
ReplyDeleteI feel much the same way about this book! Although Long has a beautiful writing style, the book failed to be memorable, let alone outstanding. I am frankly quite disappointed, not just because of my high expectations.
ReplyDeleteAna @ BookSpark