The Treachery of Beautiful Things

By Ruth Frances Long

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803735804
• ISBN13: 9780803735804
• Release Date: August 2012
• Publisher: Dial Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.5" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Where Myth Meets Magic and Love Leaves You Breathless

There are some books you enjoy, some you admire, and then there are the rare ones that completely wrap themselves around your heart and refuse to let go—this was one of those stories. From the very first page, I was swept into a world brimming with magic, mystery, and wonder. The author has an extraordinary way of bringing mythical elements to life, painting such vivid imagery that every creature felt tangible—like they had stepped straight out of childhood legends and into these pages. It wasn’t just a story; it was an experience, one that felt both enchanting and haunting all at once. What truly made this book unforgettable, though, was the emotional depth. The twists and turns were nothing short of heart-wrenching, pulling me in deeper with every chapter. Just when I thought I understood where the story was heading, it shifted, leaving me breathless and completely invested in the characters’ fates. And the characters—what a beautifully crafted cast. Each one had their own distinct voice, filled with wit, charm, and complexity. Their personalities leapt off the page, making their journeys feel incredibly real and personal. You don’t just read about them—you feel with them, ache with them, and ultimately grow alongside them. At the heart of it all is a love story that is profound, tender, and deeply moving. It’s the kind of love that lingers long after the final page, reminding you why stories like this matter so much. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who finds joy in magic, mythology, mystery, and adventure—but especially to those who believe in the power of young love. This story is a beautiful reminder that even in the most fantastical worlds, it’s the emotions that feel the most real.