Title: The Treachery of Beautiful Things
Author: Ruth Frances Long
First published August 16, 2012
366 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780803735804 (ISBN10: 0803735804)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
Ruth Frances Long’s The Treachery of Beautiful Things is a dark and captivating tale of love, magic, and danger. Jenny’s world was turned upside down when her brother was swallowed by the trees, and now, years later, she’s determined to find him.
But the forest is full of secrets and dangers, and Jenny soon finds herself pulled into a world of faeries and monsters. Along the way, she meets Jack, a mysterious and alluring figure with secrets of his own.
Together, they navigate a treacherous world of beauty and darkness, where every step could mean the difference between life and death. With breathtaking prose and heart-pounding action, The Treachery of Beautiful Things is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and YA fiction.
About the Author
Ruth Frances Long is an accomplished author of young adult fantasy novels. Her works include The Treachery of Beautiful Things (Dial, 2012) and A Crack in Everything (O’Brien Press, 2014), the first installment of a trilogy set in a world populated by demons, angels, and fairies that coexists with modern-day Dublin.
The series continues with A Hollow in the Hills (2015) and A Darkness at the End (2016).
Under the pseudonym Jessica Thorne, Long also writes fantasy and space opera novels for Bookouture. Her titles include The Queen’s Wing (2018), The Stone’s Heart (2019), which was nominated for the RNA Fantasy Romantic Award in 2020, as well as Mageborn (2020) and Nightborn (2020).
In 2015, Long won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy. She resides in Ireland and is employed at a library that houses a collection of rare, unusual, and sometimes peculiar books.
To learn more about Ruth Frances Long, visit her Twitter account at @RFLong or her website. She is represented by Sallyanne Sweeney of Mulcahy Associates in London.
Editoral Review
In her 2012 debut novel, The Treachery of Beautiful Things, Ruth Frances Long weaves a captivating tale of magic, betrayal, and adventure. Long, an Irish writer and editor, brings her rich cultural heritage to the forefront in this young adult fantasy novel.
The story follows the journey of two siblings, Jack and Jenny, who become trapped in the world of Faerie, where nothing is as it seems. Amidst the lush and deadly trees of the enchanted forest, the siblings must navigate the treacherous Fae and their own troubled past in order to find their way back home.
With elements of Irish folklore and fairy tales woven throughout the story, Long creates a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and terrifyingly dangerous. Long crafts complex characters that readers will root for and fear in equal measure.
Jack is a flawed and relatable protagonist, struggling with the weight of his past and the responsibility to protect his sister. Jenny, on the other hand, is a fierce and independent young woman who refuses to be defined by the men in her life.
Together, they navigate a world that is both alien and familiar, as they confront their own demons and the darkness that lurks within the enchanted forest. Long’s writing is lush and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Faerie with vivid descriptions and a lyrical style.
The pacing of the novel is steady, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. While the novel is a work of fantasy, it is not without its flaws.
The rules of magic and the hierarchy of the Fae are never fully explained, leaving some readers feeling a sense of confusion and frustration. Additionally, the novel’s climax feels rushed and somewhat anticlimactic, failing to fully deliver on the promises made earlier in the story.
Despite its flaws, The Treachery of Beautiful Things is a captivating read for fans of young adult fantasy. Long’s skilled writing transports readers to a world that is both enchanting and perilous, making for a memorable reading experience.
Ultimately, The Treachery of Beautiful Things is recommended for those who enjoy tales of magic, adventure, and sibling bonds. While not without its flaws, Long’s debut novel showcases her talent as a writer and a storyteller.
For these reasons, I would give The Treachery of Beautiful Things a 3.5 out of 5 rating.
