Friday, July 7, 2023

Book Review: The Treachery of Beautiful Things: A Bewitching and Enchanting Fantasy Adventure

This is a fantasy week of book reviews it seems. Fantasy and a little romance. I promise, we'll get back to scifi soon. We have to be well-rounded in our reading.


I"The Treachery of Beautiful Things" by Ruth Long is a mesmerizing and magical journey into a world where enchantment and danger collide. In this review, we will explore the captivating storyline, the vivid and atmospheric setting, and the compelling characters that make this book a delightful and immersive reading experience.

A Whimsical and Perilous Fairy Tale: "The Treachery of Beautiful Things" follows the story of Jenny, a young girl whose brother is lured into the depths of the forest by a captivating and otherworldly melody. Determined to rescue him, Jenny enters a realm of enchantment and treachery, where the rules of reality are twisted and the dangers are ever-present. Ruth Long's skillful storytelling weaves together elements of traditional fairy tales, folklore, and original imagination, creating a narrative that is both familiar and delightfully unpredictable.

Vivid and Atmospheric Setting: The forest in "The Treachery of Beautiful Things" takes on a character of its own, with its dark and beguiling presence. Long's descriptive prose brings the forest to life, painting a vivid and atmospheric backdrop that captures the beauty, mystery, and inherent danger of the natural world. The author's ability to create a sense of place adds depth and richness to the story, enveloping the reader in a world where every shadow may hide an unknown peril or a hidden enchantment.

Engaging and Compelling Characters: Jenny is a strong and determined protagonist who evolves throughout the story. Her courage and resilience in the face of daunting challenges make her a relatable and engaging character. Along her journey, she encounters a cast of intriguing and often mysterious individuals, each with their own motives and secrets. From the enigmatic Jack to the seductive Puck, the characters in "The Treachery of Beautiful Things" add layers of complexity and contribute to the overall sense of enchantment and danger.

A Blend of Myth and Fantasy: Drawing on elements of mythology and traditional fairy tales, Ruth Long creates a world that is both familiar and fresh. The incorporation of Irish folklore and the seamless integration of magical creatures, such as the faeries, add depth and authenticity to the narrative. Long's ability to blend myth and fantasy creates a sense of wonder and awe, reminding readers of the power and allure of ancient tales.

Themes of Love, Sacrifice, and the Power of Stories: "The Treachery of Beautiful Things" explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the inherent power of stories. Through Jenny's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of perseverance, the value of human connection, and the enduring strength of hope. Long skillfully balances the fantastical elements with deeper emotional resonance, resulting in a narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.

"The Treachery of Beautiful Things" by Ruth Long is a bewitching and enchanting fantasy adventure that transports readers to a world of perilous beauty. With its whimsical storytelling, vivid setting, and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and folklore. Ruth Long's ability to craft a narrative that is both immersive and emotionally resonant makes "The Treachery of Beautiful Things" an enthralling and captivating reading experience that will leave readers yearning for more.





Blurb:

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.

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