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The Absinthe Underground
Moulin Rouge meets Holly Black in a thrilling sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy!
For Sybil Clarion, the Belle Époque city of Severon is a wild, romantic dream, filled with cafés, cabarets, and glittering nightclubs. Eager to embrace the city’s freedom after running away from home, she’s traded high-society soirées for empty pockets and barren cabinets. At least she has Esme, the girl who offered Sybil a home, and maybe—if either of them dared—something more.
Ever since Esme Rimbaud brought Sybil back to her flat, the girls have been everything to each other—best friends, found family, and secret crushes. While Esme would rather spend the night tinkering with her clocks and snuggling her cats, Sybil craves excitement and needs money. She plans to get both by stealing the rare posters that crop up around town and selling them to collectors. With rent due, Esme agrees to accompany—and more importantly protect —Sybil.
When they’re caught selling a poster by none other than its subject, Maeve, the glamorous girl doesn’t press charges. Rather, she invites Sybil and Esme to The Absinthe Underground, the exclusive club she co-owns, and reveals herself to be a Green Faerie, trapped in this world. She wants to hire thieves for a daring heist in Fae that would set her free, and is willing to pay enough that Sybil and Esme never have to worry about rent again. It’s too good of an offer to pass up, even if Maeve’s tragic story doesn’t quite add up, and even if Sybil’s personal ties to Fae could jeopardize everything she and Esme have so carefully built.
Jamie Pacton, author of The Vermilion Emporium, dazzles in this lavish and decadent LGBTQ+ fantasy romance that will leave readers utterly enchanted!
For Sybil Clarion, the Belle Époque city of Severon is a wild, romantic dream, filled with cafés, cabarets, and glittering nightclubs. Eager to embrace the city’s freedom after running away from home, she’s traded high-society soirées for empty pockets and barren cabinets. At least she has Esme, the girl who offered Sybil a home, and maybe—if either of them dared—something more.
Ever since Esme Rimbaud brought Sybil back to her flat, the girls have been everything to each other—best friends, found family, and secret crushes. While Esme would rather spend the night tinkering with her clocks and snuggling her cats, Sybil craves excitement and needs money. She plans to get both by stealing the rare posters that crop up around town and selling them to collectors. With rent due, Esme agrees to accompany—and more importantly protect —Sybil.
When they’re caught selling a poster by none other than its subject, Maeve, the glamorous girl doesn’t press charges. Rather, she invites Sybil and Esme to The Absinthe Underground, the exclusive club she co-owns, and reveals herself to be a Green Faerie, trapped in this world. She wants to hire thieves for a daring heist in Fae that would set her free, and is willing to pay enough that Sybil and Esme never have to worry about rent again. It’s too good of an offer to pass up, even if Maeve’s tragic story doesn’t quite add up, and even if Sybil’s personal ties to Fae could jeopardize everything she and Esme have so carefully built.
Jamie Pacton, author of The Vermilion Emporium, dazzles in this lavish and decadent LGBTQ+ fantasy romance that will leave readers utterly enchanted!
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
December 19, 2023
2/5
Well, that was quite a disappointment. It pains me to say this because I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn't, as I felt no connection with the plot or main characters. The book was short and initially I thought it would take me a maximum of two days to complete it, not a month. So you can see how much I liked it just from that alone.
I came here for two things: the absolutely beautiful cover and the description that said it would be a fantasy book with a Sapphic romance between two best friends. It all sounded very promising, but the book felt flat and lacked some flavor. Unfortunately, the romance was boring, the plot predictable, and the writing instead of giving me these fantasy vibes, made me tired of reading it. I wish I was joking, but I was reading one or two pages a day and had to take a break for two days.
The book had potential and I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately it didn't work out.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Well, that was quite a disappointment. It pains me to say this because I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn't, as I felt no connection with the plot or main characters. The book was short and initially I thought it would take me a maximum of two days to complete it, not a month. So you can see how much I liked it just from that alone.
I came here for two things: the absolutely beautiful cover and the description that said it would be a fantasy book with a Sapphic romance between two best friends. It all sounded very promising, but the book felt flat and lacked some flavor. Unfortunately, the romance was boring, the plot predictable, and the writing instead of giving me these fantasy vibes, made me tired of reading it. I wish I was joking, but I was reading one or two pages a day and had to take a break for two days.
The book had potential and I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately it didn't work out.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Read
March 6, 2024Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC!
Barbie and the Diamond Castle if it was actually sapphic, by the way of Moulin Rouge + a D&D quest, but make it a steampunk fantasy heist with fae.
THE ABSINTHE UNDERGROUND is a quick & thrilling read with a dazzlingly atmosphere, fascinating lore, and easy-to-love characters. For a heist story, this book is wonderfully cozy and sweet. I wanted to just curl up on my couch with a cup of mint tea and a beloved pet (or stuffed animal, if I'm being honest) and read the night away. And I often did.
Though unfortunately this book is more a showcase of potential than execution. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, especially when it comes to the emotional arcs and motivations of the characters. And the plot itself is really exciting but progresses too easily, made up of more conveniences than challenges. All the elements are absolutely BRILLIANT, but just need to be tossed into a pressure cooker in order for them to properly shine. (I have SO many ideas that would make this story just blossom in ways that it isn't right now. SO many ideas.)
But I also have to give kudos where it is due, and I must say that I was engaged and invested in this story the whole way through. I read it in just about 3 sittings, and kept itching to pick it back up in-between. I was never bored or incurious about these characters and their journey, and I had a really good time reading it. It also seems to be hinting at a sequel, as many threads are left wide open, and I'm so intrigued to see how Pacton continues to expand on this enticing and intoxicating world.
CW: alcohol consumption, death of mother (past), grief, blood, imprisonment, violence, fire
(Credit to Faye for the original comp to Barbie and the Diamond Castle. And also thank you for letting me send you too many audio messages with my too many ideas about the shape this book could've taken.)
Barbie and the Diamond Castle if it was actually sapphic, by the way of Moulin Rouge + a D&D quest, but make it a steampunk fantasy heist with fae.
THE ABSINTHE UNDERGROUND is a quick & thrilling read with a dazzlingly atmosphere, fascinating lore, and easy-to-love characters. For a heist story, this book is wonderfully cozy and sweet. I wanted to just curl up on my couch with a cup of mint tea and a beloved pet (or stuffed animal, if I'm being honest) and read the night away. And I often did.
Though unfortunately this book is more a showcase of potential than execution. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, especially when it comes to the emotional arcs and motivations of the characters. And the plot itself is really exciting but progresses too easily, made up of more conveniences than challenges. All the elements are absolutely BRILLIANT, but just need to be tossed into a pressure cooker in order for them to properly shine. (I have SO many ideas that would make this story just blossom in ways that it isn't right now. SO many ideas.)
But I also have to give kudos where it is due, and I must say that I was engaged and invested in this story the whole way through. I read it in just about 3 sittings, and kept itching to pick it back up in-between. I was never bored or incurious about these characters and their journey, and I had a really good time reading it. It also seems to be hinting at a sequel, as many threads are left wide open, and I'm so intrigued to see how Pacton continues to expand on this enticing and intoxicating world.
CW: alcohol consumption, death of mother (past), grief, blood, imprisonment, violence, fire
(Credit to Faye for the original comp to Barbie and the Diamond Castle. And also thank you for letting me send you too many audio messages with my too many ideas about the shape this book could've taken.)
Read
September 30, 2023This was like if Barbie in the Diamond Castle was actually sapphic & set in the Moulin Rouge era with scheming heists & fairies, sapphic slow-burn friends-to-lovers pining, portal fantasy, Cruel Prince/fairytopia vibes & it was a cute lil time
October 31, 2023
Got this for review on Netgalley.
I found the story to be kind of a cozy to read, cute but intruiging but not very intense. In parts I felt like I wanted more, for example more exploration of the characters. But overall I found it entertaining and a good read.
I found the story to be kind of a cozy to read, cute but intruiging but not very intense. In parts I felt like I wanted more, for example more exploration of the characters. But overall I found it entertaining and a good read.
February 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an E-ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own.
Release Date: February 6, 2024 ✅
*ੈ✩‧₊˚✨🧚♂️🪻🌙*ੈ✩‧₊˚➷
The Absinthe Underground is an enchanting LGBTQ+ slow burn that tells the story of Esme and Sybil, two “best friends” living with their many cats in a clock tower. Esme and Sybil don’t have an easy life, though. They live in poverty and rely on the dangerous art of stealing posters in order to get the money they need to cover the bare minimum of supplies. However, everything changes for them when they receive a dangerous but high paying opportunity to venture into Fae to execute a dangerous heist- one that could make them so rich they’d never have to work again, or cost them their futures.
As soon as I started reading this book, I was sucked in. The Absinthe Underground features a world different from anything I’ve ever read, complete with beautiful, metaphoric writing: Even though there are two worlds in this book, the magical Fae and the non magical Severon, I still found myself enchanted by it. Even though description of the city were somewhat scarce, I still felt like I had a good picture in my mind. The city I conjured up in my head was vibrant, artistic, and filled with life. Even though there wasn’t much description, I still got a sense of what the author was trying to convey.
I also felt a similar way about Fae- even though general descriptions of the world itself were scarce, I was still able to build up an interesting picture in my head. I read a lot of Fae novels, and I was nervous that this one’s world wouldn’t be original, but I was pleasantly surprised by the unique beings, customs, and the spin on the classic “Queen Mab”.
I also thought it was really interesting to read about the poster stealing. There’s so many ways to make income for a thief living in poverty in the city, and each book takes a different approach- thieves might steal gold, wallets, or artifacts, but in this book, it’s posters. At first I was quite skeptical- how would one make any money off of a poster? They’re not that hard to steal. But again, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that posters were, in fact, not easy to steal. Poster stealing is a difficult thing to master- one must steal the poster out in the open without getting caught, and manage to bring it back to the collector who pays based off of the poster’s condition and its artist. I thought this concept was unique, and I enjoyed reading about it.
The plot of this book really starts to unfold when the owner of the business depicted on the poster Sybil and Esme have stolen finds them selling it. After inviting them to her club, The Absinthe Underground, she provides an opportunity- steal something from Queen Mab and she’ll make them rich beyond their wildest dreams.
Here is when we really learn just how different Sybil and Esme are- Sybil is an adventurous artist, and Esme is quiet and gentle, preferring to stay away from danger and tinker with clocks. I really enjoyed the two’s contrasting personalities and how it influenced their interactions. The two both have intriguing backstories that the author does a nice job placing seeds of information about- we’re provided with a hint at one of their backstories, and it always leads to new wonders and questions. However, sometimes I felt like the information was dropped too soon or too suddenly- I felt that it could have been saved for a more important scene.
While this book held such a nice concept and potential, unfortunately, it fell a little short for me. The characters I found to be a bit shallow, and I had a hard time connecting with and relating to them. They’re likable, sure, but they weren’t very fleshed out. I also felt the same about the plot. It was decent, I just don’t think it was executed quite right. It held my attention and kept me intrigued, but some elements felt disorganized and unrealistic. I also found the book at times to be a bit predictable- however, I was not able to predict the plot twist.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I definitely sensed it coming, and I got half of the concept. When the twist was revealed, I was glad to be surprised, because I definitely hadn’t predicted that happening!
Unfortunately, the characters and the plot weren’t the only things that fell a little flat for me. The romance did, too. I understand that it’s a slow burn, but I feel like there was hardly any build up. We start the book with them pining for each other, but it doesn’t really go deeper than that. They both originally had feelings for each other, and they didn’t really build as the story went on. It basically went from “I want you, but we’re just friends” to “I have you, now we’re lovers”.
I did enjoy this book, but sadly, it just felt really loose to me. The plot, the magic system, the world building… I guess that’s a personal preference, but loose stories aren’t for me. However, this was such a cozy read, and if you’re looking for something chill and fun, I would really recommend this book.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚✨🧚♂️🪻🌙*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Release Date: February 6, 2024 ✅
“‘You could never lose me. I’ll always find my way back to you, Ez.’”
*ੈ✩‧₊˚✨🧚♂️🪻🌙*ੈ✩‧₊˚➷
The Absinthe Underground is an enchanting LGBTQ+ slow burn that tells the story of Esme and Sybil, two “best friends” living with their many cats in a clock tower. Esme and Sybil don’t have an easy life, though. They live in poverty and rely on the dangerous art of stealing posters in order to get the money they need to cover the bare minimum of supplies. However, everything changes for them when they receive a dangerous but high paying opportunity to venture into Fae to execute a dangerous heist- one that could make them so rich they’d never have to work again, or cost them their futures.
As soon as I started reading this book, I was sucked in. The Absinthe Underground features a world different from anything I’ve ever read, complete with beautiful, metaphoric writing: Even though there are two worlds in this book, the magical Fae and the non magical Severon, I still found myself enchanted by it. Even though description of the city were somewhat scarce, I still felt like I had a good picture in my mind. The city I conjured up in my head was vibrant, artistic, and filled with life. Even though there wasn’t much description, I still got a sense of what the author was trying to convey.
I also felt a similar way about Fae- even though general descriptions of the world itself were scarce, I was still able to build up an interesting picture in my head. I read a lot of Fae novels, and I was nervous that this one’s world wouldn’t be original, but I was pleasantly surprised by the unique beings, customs, and the spin on the classic “Queen Mab”.
I also thought it was really interesting to read about the poster stealing. There’s so many ways to make income for a thief living in poverty in the city, and each book takes a different approach- thieves might steal gold, wallets, or artifacts, but in this book, it’s posters. At first I was quite skeptical- how would one make any money off of a poster? They’re not that hard to steal. But again, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that posters were, in fact, not easy to steal. Poster stealing is a difficult thing to master- one must steal the poster out in the open without getting caught, and manage to bring it back to the collector who pays based off of the poster’s condition and its artist. I thought this concept was unique, and I enjoyed reading about it.
The plot of this book really starts to unfold when the owner of the business depicted on the poster Sybil and Esme have stolen finds them selling it. After inviting them to her club, The Absinthe Underground, she provides an opportunity- steal something from Queen Mab and she’ll make them rich beyond their wildest dreams.
Here is when we really learn just how different Sybil and Esme are- Sybil is an adventurous artist, and Esme is quiet and gentle, preferring to stay away from danger and tinker with clocks. I really enjoyed the two’s contrasting personalities and how it influenced their interactions. The two both have intriguing backstories that the author does a nice job placing seeds of information about- we’re provided with a hint at one of their backstories, and it always leads to new wonders and questions. However, sometimes I felt like the information was dropped too soon or too suddenly- I felt that it could have been saved for a more important scene.
While this book held such a nice concept and potential, unfortunately, it fell a little short for me. The characters I found to be a bit shallow, and I had a hard time connecting with and relating to them. They’re likable, sure, but they weren’t very fleshed out. I also felt the same about the plot. It was decent, I just don’t think it was executed quite right. It held my attention and kept me intrigued, but some elements felt disorganized and unrealistic. I also found the book at times to be a bit predictable- however, I was not able to predict the plot twist.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I definitely sensed it coming, and I got half of the concept. When the twist was revealed, I was glad to be surprised, because I definitely hadn’t predicted that happening!
Unfortunately, the characters and the plot weren’t the only things that fell a little flat for me. The romance did, too. I understand that it’s a slow burn, but I feel like there was hardly any build up. We start the book with them pining for each other, but it doesn’t really go deeper than that. They both originally had feelings for each other, and they didn’t really build as the story went on. It basically went from “I want you, but we’re just friends” to “I have you, now we’re lovers”.
I did enjoy this book, but sadly, it just felt really loose to me. The plot, the magic system, the world building… I guess that’s a personal preference, but loose stories aren’t for me. However, this was such a cozy read, and if you’re looking for something chill and fun, I would really recommend this book.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚✨🧚♂️🪻🌙*ੈ✩‧₊˚
October 28, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ A lush tale of sapphic pining, heists, and a fae world that will enchant you.
I finished this days ago and haven’t known peace since. THIS IS LIVING RENT FREE IN MY BRAIN GUYS.
Unfortunately it’s extremely hard to find sapphic fae books and sapphic heist books. Pacton really said I’ve got you here’s 2 in 1. I can’t tell you how happy this book made me because it’s all my favourite themes and tropes bundled into something so captivating and best of all it’s YA. What I would have GIVEN to have had this book as a teen.
It’s friends to lovers, with a brilliantly mushy slow burn romance I adored and had me grinning away.
This is a cozy sapphic fae heist novel perfect for a rainy day when you want to curl up with a cup of tea.
The coolest part is the history behind this. Pacton was inspired by the art poster thefts in the 1800s and this book takes place around 1890. Very few books have left me googling the history behind them but this had me obsessed.
Rep// Sapphic MC bi/pan, Sapphic MC. Sapphic SC’s.
Set in // 1890s
Themes// History, Fae, Magic, Heists, Cozy.
Thank you to Peach Tree Teen for sending me a copy for an honest review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// imprisonment, death mentions (past, family member), theft themes.
I finished this days ago and haven’t known peace since. THIS IS LIVING RENT FREE IN MY BRAIN GUYS.
Unfortunately it’s extremely hard to find sapphic fae books and sapphic heist books. Pacton really said I’ve got you here’s 2 in 1. I can’t tell you how happy this book made me because it’s all my favourite themes and tropes bundled into something so captivating and best of all it’s YA. What I would have GIVEN to have had this book as a teen.
It’s friends to lovers, with a brilliantly mushy slow burn romance I adored and had me grinning away.
This is a cozy sapphic fae heist novel perfect for a rainy day when you want to curl up with a cup of tea.
The coolest part is the history behind this. Pacton was inspired by the art poster thefts in the 1800s and this book takes place around 1890. Very few books have left me googling the history behind them but this had me obsessed.
Rep// Sapphic MC bi/pan, Sapphic MC. Sapphic SC’s.
Set in // 1890s
Themes// History, Fae, Magic, Heists, Cozy.
Thank you to Peach Tree Teen for sending me a copy for an honest review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// imprisonment, death mentions (past, family member), theft themes.
January 24, 2024
3.5 stars
I wasn't entirely what kind of book Absinthe Underground would be but I'm a sucker for art nouveau and that cover is pretty spectacular.
What we get is a quasi-fairy story mixed with the history of Paris during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Instead of Paris we have Severon where the beautiful people party, go to cabaret shows and drink absinthe and if you're anybody you go to the Absinthe Underground, a new club run by a bewitching woman called Maeve, who styles herself as the embodiment of absinthe - the Green Fairy.
Our two protagonists are Sybil, a rich girl whose Fae (faerie) mother has died and whose father wants to marry her off. Sybil has other ideas and runs away to Severon to try to find her big brother, Lucien, who lives in the city.
Then there's Esme, an orphan with a love of home, her cats and clocks. While Sybil is wild and daring Esme is calm and careful. Both girls will do anything to keep the other safe and happy - both aware that love is there but not wanting to declare it in case the other does not reciprocate their feelings.
Sybil's main form of income is stealing the fashionable art advertising posters that pop up in Severon, which she sells to collectors. It is after stealing one for The Absinthe Underground that the girls meet Maeve and their lives change overnight.
This is a sweet novel about the coming of age of two girls and also a love story as the feelings Sybil and Esme have for each other grow throughout the book. We wander into the Fae world through the use of magic but the author manages to stay on the right side of magical fantasy.
When I realised where the novel was headed I thought I'd not enjoy it because I often struggle with fantasy novels but it's simply a sweet love story with a good dollop of adventure thrown in. I really enjoyed it. It's well written and easy to read and I'd recommend it to a YA audience or anyone who enjoys a fantasy/faerie novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Holiday House for the advance review copy.
I wasn't entirely what kind of book Absinthe Underground would be but I'm a sucker for art nouveau and that cover is pretty spectacular.
What we get is a quasi-fairy story mixed with the history of Paris during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Instead of Paris we have Severon where the beautiful people party, go to cabaret shows and drink absinthe and if you're anybody you go to the Absinthe Underground, a new club run by a bewitching woman called Maeve, who styles herself as the embodiment of absinthe - the Green Fairy.
Our two protagonists are Sybil, a rich girl whose Fae (faerie) mother has died and whose father wants to marry her off. Sybil has other ideas and runs away to Severon to try to find her big brother, Lucien, who lives in the city.
Then there's Esme, an orphan with a love of home, her cats and clocks. While Sybil is wild and daring Esme is calm and careful. Both girls will do anything to keep the other safe and happy - both aware that love is there but not wanting to declare it in case the other does not reciprocate their feelings.
Sybil's main form of income is stealing the fashionable art advertising posters that pop up in Severon, which she sells to collectors. It is after stealing one for The Absinthe Underground that the girls meet Maeve and their lives change overnight.
This is a sweet novel about the coming of age of two girls and also a love story as the feelings Sybil and Esme have for each other grow throughout the book. We wander into the Fae world through the use of magic but the author manages to stay on the right side of magical fantasy.
When I realised where the novel was headed I thought I'd not enjoy it because I often struggle with fantasy novels but it's simply a sweet love story with a good dollop of adventure thrown in. I really enjoyed it. It's well written and easy to read and I'd recommend it to a YA audience or anyone who enjoys a fantasy/faerie novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Holiday House for the advance review copy.
January 10, 2024
rating: 3.5
this was more firmly YA than i was expecting in terms of the simplicity of the writing/story at points. there was lots of cute sapphic yearning between best friends and roommates, sybil and esme ("and they were roommates" lol). the characters are very likable and have decent development.
the beginning had lots of beautiful descriptions that really puts you into the belle epoque setting of 1890-1910s Paris nightlife, very romantic. the absinthe underground was clearly very inspired by moulin rouge, one of my favorite movies. however, much of the book isn't set in this which was a bit disappointing for me bc the cover is what drew me in to read this.
the rest of the story plays out more like a fairy tale, which was cute but a bit simple for my taste.
overall, i think this is a good book for younger readers who like some low / portal fantasy. it was a cute story, but i think i'm older than its target demographic.
this was an honest review for an arc <3
this was more firmly YA than i was expecting in terms of the simplicity of the writing/story at points. there was lots of cute sapphic yearning between best friends and roommates, sybil and esme ("and they were roommates" lol). the characters are very likable and have decent development.
the beginning had lots of beautiful descriptions that really puts you into the belle epoque setting of 1890-1910s Paris nightlife, very romantic. the absinthe underground was clearly very inspired by moulin rouge, one of my favorite movies. however, much of the book isn't set in this which was a bit disappointing for me bc the cover is what drew me in to read this.
the rest of the story plays out more like a fairy tale, which was cute but a bit simple for my taste.
overall, i think this is a good book for younger readers who like some low / portal fantasy. it was a cute story, but i think i'm older than its target demographic.
this was an honest review for an arc <3
November 12, 2023
the absinthe underground is a short and cozy romantasy novel following two best friends who are sent on a treacherous heist by a fairy who happens to be trapped in their world. its concept is brilliant, and it also happens to have one of the most gorgeous covers i’ve ever seen, but the story itself leaves a lot to be desired.
my biggest problem with the absinthe underground is the writing style, which is surprisingly simple for a story that’s supposed to be “decadent” and “lavish.” because of it, i didn’t really feel any of the magic and wonder the author tried to convey, and a lot of the book’s more dramatic moments lost their thrill for me and ended up feeling clunky and unsatisfying. the heist the main characters are sent on is also very simplistic in general, which might’ve been less of an issue for me had the writing been more elaborate.
i was also disappointed by the romance. i love a good best friends to lovers story, but that’s mainly because i love seeing the depth of the connection between the characters involved and how they’ve grown to understand each other over time. in the absinthe underground, we don’t know much about the main characters’ history as best friends, aside from how they met, and since the book mainly takes place over the span of a few days, there wasn't much room for development in the present timeline. as a result, there was a lot of telling rather than showing, so the love story was a huge letdown for me.
overall, while this was a quick read with a cute ending, i personally wouldn't recommend it. still, the ideas behind it are very creative, and i’m excited to see what else the author comes up with.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc.
_
pre-review:
the best part of this book was the cover tbh
short rtc
my biggest problem with the absinthe underground is the writing style, which is surprisingly simple for a story that’s supposed to be “decadent” and “lavish.” because of it, i didn’t really feel any of the magic and wonder the author tried to convey, and a lot of the book’s more dramatic moments lost their thrill for me and ended up feeling clunky and unsatisfying. the heist the main characters are sent on is also very simplistic in general, which might’ve been less of an issue for me had the writing been more elaborate.
i was also disappointed by the romance. i love a good best friends to lovers story, but that’s mainly because i love seeing the depth of the connection between the characters involved and how they’ve grown to understand each other over time. in the absinthe underground, we don’t know much about the main characters’ history as best friends, aside from how they met, and since the book mainly takes place over the span of a few days, there wasn't much room for development in the present timeline. as a result, there was a lot of telling rather than showing, so the love story was a huge letdown for me.
overall, while this was a quick read with a cute ending, i personally wouldn't recommend it. still, the ideas behind it are very creative, and i’m excited to see what else the author comes up with.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc.
_
pre-review:
the best part of this book was the cover tbh
short rtc
January 7, 2024
This was an anthem to all things beautiful.
Beautiful writing. Beautiful women. Beautiful clothes. Beautiful environment and aesthetics.
If you wish to be swept away into a book combining quiet cozyness with glamorous aesthetics, the absinthe underground is the book for you. The relationship is to absolutely die for -A quiet cafe worker who enjoys plants ( particularly mint), cats, and whose favourite past time is sitting in her apartment fixing clocks or reading in her nightgown X her best friend who is the complete opposite, a troublemaking thief who seeks the highest pleasures of life. Both of these girls are bound together by a protectiveness for each other, and parents neither of whom wishes to speak about - each for different reasons-.
We have SUCH a great mix of the mortal world ( with its beautifully described clock tower apartment in which I would love nothing more than to live in, nightclubs, and beautiful posters to be stolen) and the Fae one ,( with enchanting forests, castles to be robbed, and NURSERIES FOR BABY DRAGONS-).
The magic in this book is woven in such a simple yet fabulous way. The reader doesn't get too much lore of the magic system, but rather the magical element is woven throughout the story.
The author has somehow managed to make a tale about heists so comforting to read. As other reviews have mentioned this book relies a lot more on telling rather than showing which for the most part I didn't only just not mind, but actually quite liked. This method is quite a dangerous one, as it could be proven to be tedious to read, but the author has such a talent with words that it worked out VERY well for her.Some parts could use slightly more emotion but other than that this book was excellent.
Beautiful writing. Beautiful women. Beautiful clothes. Beautiful environment and aesthetics.
If you wish to be swept away into a book combining quiet cozyness with glamorous aesthetics, the absinthe underground is the book for you. The relationship is to absolutely die for -A quiet cafe worker who enjoys plants ( particularly mint), cats, and whose favourite past time is sitting in her apartment fixing clocks or reading in her nightgown X her best friend who is the complete opposite, a troublemaking thief who seeks the highest pleasures of life. Both of these girls are bound together by a protectiveness for each other, and parents neither of whom wishes to speak about - each for different reasons-.
We have SUCH a great mix of the mortal world ( with its beautifully described clock tower apartment in which I would love nothing more than to live in, nightclubs, and beautiful posters to be stolen) and the Fae one ,( with enchanting forests, castles to be robbed, and NURSERIES FOR BABY DRAGONS-).
The magic in this book is woven in such a simple yet fabulous way. The reader doesn't get too much lore of the magic system, but rather the magical element is woven throughout the story.
The author has somehow managed to make a tale about heists so comforting to read. As other reviews have mentioned this book relies a lot more on telling rather than showing which for the most part I didn't only just not mind, but actually quite liked. This method is quite a dangerous one, as it could be proven to be tedious to read, but the author has such a talent with words that it worked out VERY well for her.Some parts could use slightly more emotion but other than that this book was excellent.
Want to read
March 24, 2024Moulin Rouge meets Holly Black in a thrilling sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy
Contrary to men, women can actually be friendly before marriage
Contrary to men, women can actually be friendly before marriage
October 4, 2023
4.5 stars
Thank you peachtree for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
A captivating transportive fantasy romance! It is the perfect blend of suspenseful action and a warm cozy embrace. Pacton truly strikes a goldilocks chord with this one.
The quiet sapphic pining for your bestie, a heist in Fae, AND the feeling of a cozy fantasy!? The Absinthe Underground gave me everything I wanted and more!
Spoiler
There were a few things I do think could have been added/ fixed. I do think if they had spent a little more time in fae and there was some larger conflict it would have made the ending impact larger.
Cw
Grief
Death of a parent(not on page)
Blood
Thank you peachtree for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
A captivating transportive fantasy romance! It is the perfect blend of suspenseful action and a warm cozy embrace. Pacton truly strikes a goldilocks chord with this one.
The quiet sapphic pining for your bestie, a heist in Fae, AND the feeling of a cozy fantasy!? The Absinthe Underground gave me everything I wanted and more!
Spoiler
There were a few things I do think could have been added/ fixed. I do think if they had spent a little more time in fae and there was some larger conflict it would have made the ending impact larger.
Cw
Grief
Death of a parent(not on page)
Blood
February 9, 2024
This is yet anotehr book that I've read this year that has some really great concepts that are just not fully explored. This book suffers from a lack of world building in the fae world, and the majority of the story is set up, making the major scenes feel rushed and uncompleted.
The set up was fantastic, I saw nothing that made me think this was going to be less than a 5 star read. Two Queer girls, living together with their hoard of cats, spending the night on Parisian streets hunting for some of my favourite posters in history to steal and sell on to pay the rent was such a good story in itself.
The fae world plot line really bogged this story down, I didn't feel like it was as richly described as the girl's own world, and we didn't spend a lot of time there. The story started hurtling to the finish line as soon as they entered the world, and for me the ending for one character I really liked felt unresolved.
The set up was fantastic, I saw nothing that made me think this was going to be less than a 5 star read. Two Queer girls, living together with their hoard of cats, spending the night on Parisian streets hunting for some of my favourite posters in history to steal and sell on to pay the rent was such a good story in itself.
The fae world plot line really bogged this story down, I didn't feel like it was as richly described as the girl's own world, and we didn't spend a lot of time there. The story started hurtling to the finish line as soon as they entered the world, and for me the ending for one character I really liked felt unresolved.
March 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Despite being such a short book at around 300 pages, I struggled to get through this quickly. It just felt like it was missing something, that spark that grabs you - I found myself not connecting to the characters. I believe that if this book had had another 50-100 pages, we could've had a lot more development and this book would've been a lot stronger. The worldbuilding needed some serious exploration especially in terms of the Fae side, and despite that being where the majority of the girls' quest takes place, we don't actually get there until halfway through the story. I think this had a great concept and great potential, but the final product doesn't live up to that. I did like Sybil and Esme, however, and I enjoyed their friendship developing into romance - I just wish that we'd had more of a development for their friendship.
Despite being such a short book at around 300 pages, I struggled to get through this quickly. It just felt like it was missing something, that spark that grabs you - I found myself not connecting to the characters. I believe that if this book had had another 50-100 pages, we could've had a lot more development and this book would've been a lot stronger. The worldbuilding needed some serious exploration especially in terms of the Fae side, and despite that being where the majority of the girls' quest takes place, we don't actually get there until halfway through the story. I think this had a great concept and great potential, but the final product doesn't live up to that. I did like Sybil and Esme, however, and I enjoyed their friendship developing into romance - I just wish that we'd had more of a development for their friendship.
November 1, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐ 4.5
The Absinthe Underground is a sapphic delight filled with charming gaslamp fae fantasy and Art Nouveau whimsy. It really was lovely reading a book where the queerness was so sweet and threaded throughout and I found myself really adoring Esme and Sybil's romantic dynamic, as well as them as separate characters. However, for a heist novel, it truly never felt dangerous or suspenseful. The tone is consistent in it's exploration of a comforting fairy tale-esque journey. But that being said, I do not think the story struggles for it! It feels purposeful and with the anchor of Esme and Sybil's beautiful love story; fulfilling.
As an aside, the incorporation of the author's love of art history and of artists such as Mucha and Toulouse was very refreshing as an art history buff myself. The story felt more special for the care given to this aspect of the thievery and setting. This is a world you would jump at the chance to exist within just to stroll down the streets and get a glance at the artistry.
If you want a cozy sapphic fairy adventure, I would highly recommend!
⭐ 4.5
The Absinthe Underground is a sapphic delight filled with charming gaslamp fae fantasy and Art Nouveau whimsy. It really was lovely reading a book where the queerness was so sweet and threaded throughout and I found myself really adoring Esme and Sybil's romantic dynamic, as well as them as separate characters. However, for a heist novel, it truly never felt dangerous or suspenseful. The tone is consistent in it's exploration of a comforting fairy tale-esque journey. But that being said, I do not think the story struggles for it! It feels purposeful and with the anchor of Esme and Sybil's beautiful love story; fulfilling.
As an aside, the incorporation of the author's love of art history and of artists such as Mucha and Toulouse was very refreshing as an art history buff myself. The story felt more special for the care given to this aspect of the thievery and setting. This is a world you would jump at the chance to exist within just to stroll down the streets and get a glance at the artistry.
If you want a cozy sapphic fairy adventure, I would highly recommend!
January 24, 2024
Queer historical YA fantasy in which two best friends become entrenched in the machinations of the faerie court. Beautiful, lush descriptions of a vivid fantasy world. Perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries, The Cruel Prince, Six of Crows, and The Starless Sea.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to Colored Pages Book Tours and Peachtree Teen for the ARC.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to Colored Pages Book Tours and Peachtree Teen for the ARC.
March 1, 2024
Thank you to Holiday House, Peach Tree, Pixel+Ink and NetGalley for an Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sapphic friends-turned-lovers romantasy with beautiful world description and intriguing and mysterious characters. Sybil is a poster thief trying to pay her portion of rent when her and her roommate Esme, who has a tendency to take in strays, cats and humans alike, are presented with a well paying heist opportunity which takes them on a journey through Fae and back.
This book had beautiful descriptions of the world that you could picture easily as you were reading. The character development was more than I anticipated from a 300-ish page book which I liked a lot. If you are a fan of beautiful prose you will enjoy this story and where it takes you.
It is my understanding that this is a standalone and there were a few plot points that I felt could’ve been tied up a little better but I wasn’t all that mad about them and it didn’t take away from the overall story telling. Overall I had a very enjoyable time with this story and the characters.
This is a sapphic friends-turned-lovers romantasy with beautiful world description and intriguing and mysterious characters. Sybil is a poster thief trying to pay her portion of rent when her and her roommate Esme, who has a tendency to take in strays, cats and humans alike, are presented with a well paying heist opportunity which takes them on a journey through Fae and back.
This book had beautiful descriptions of the world that you could picture easily as you were reading. The character development was more than I anticipated from a 300-ish page book which I liked a lot. If you are a fan of beautiful prose you will enjoy this story and where it takes you.
It is my understanding that this is a standalone and there were a few plot points that I felt could’ve been tied up a little better but I wasn’t all that mad about them and it didn’t take away from the overall story telling. Overall I had a very enjoyable time with this story and the characters.
January 4, 2024
the absinthe underground is an ode to all things beautiful. if you want to read about pretty girls in pretty dresses stealing pretty paintings, or faery galas, faery princesses, and faery forests, or glittering parisian cabarets, then this is absolutely your book. i am obsessed with the world in which this takes place—i will definitely be reading the prequel soon.
the plot and writing on the other hand. well. not to say there's no substance or plot because there is. it's just not executed very well. there's no emotion imbued in a single sentence in this book. i can't completely say i didn't care because i was hooked (mostly due to the previously mentioned faery galas and cabarets). i finished this within a one hour bus ride. so yes, it's addictive. however, it's not anything memorable or interesting—it serves its purpose as a cutesy feel-good read for when you need something on public transportation and your fingers are twitching, but not something too good in case you hit a bump and miss a page. basically heartstopper.
and maybe i'm just not the target audience right now because i would have injected this into my veins in middle school. if you like caraval or belladonna and you love gay people, this is all yours.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
the plot and writing on the other hand. well. not to say there's no substance or plot because there is. it's just not executed very well. there's no emotion imbued in a single sentence in this book. i can't completely say i didn't care because i was hooked (mostly due to the previously mentioned faery galas and cabarets). i finished this within a one hour bus ride. so yes, it's addictive. however, it's not anything memorable or interesting—it serves its purpose as a cutesy feel-good read for when you need something on public transportation and your fingers are twitching, but not something too good in case you hit a bump and miss a page. basically heartstopper.
and maybe i'm just not the target audience right now because i would have injected this into my veins in middle school. if you like caraval or belladonna and you love gay people, this is all yours.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
November 27, 2023
Four very solid stars for this YA romantic fantasy set in an AU Belle Epoque Paris (aka Severon). Sybil and Esme are roommates just managing to survive on the outskirts of society. Esme is practical-minded and interested in science. She has a life plan and she's determined to make it work. Sybil is a runaway from an aristocratic family and is flighty and artistic. She can't hold down a job so she makes ends meet by stealing art nouveau posters and selling them to collectors. One night they're approached by a faerie, the proprietress of the Absinthe Underground, a nightclub that specializes in (you guessed it) absinthe. They're given a quest by the faerie to retrieve some jewels. Like many a good quest, it involves a few steps leading up to a heist. And like nearly all faeries, La Fae Verte might not be 100% straightforward with her rewards...
This was really a delightful read! It's written in a tight third person with alternating POVs between Sybil and Esme. Their restrained passion and respect for each other is beautiful to read. They feel like young adults who have the best intentions but who may not make the best decisions all of the time. Recommended for readers who like tricksy fae and sweet love stories.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
This was really a delightful read! It's written in a tight third person with alternating POVs between Sybil and Esme. Their restrained passion and respect for each other is beautiful to read. They feel like young adults who have the best intentions but who may not make the best decisions all of the time. Recommended for readers who like tricksy fae and sweet love stories.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
January 29, 2024
This book is only 300 pages but felt so much longer. It took me such a long time to read. There was so much potential but it just… didn’t really deliver. I was pulled in firstly, by the gorgeous Alphonse Mucha-inspired cover art. Secondly, by the promise of a magical heist set partly in a world inspired by belle epoque Paris and partly in a magical fae realm, while also featuring a sapphic love story. What more could you want? To actually feel invested in the story, it seems. It has a lot of things I should like but it just wasn’t working the way I wanted it to. I feel like I’m starting to sound like a broken record because I’ve had this issue with the last 3 books I’ve read. There’s just something missing that makes me not really connect to the characters and story.
What I did really appreciate about this story was the vibes. Esme and Sybil living in a clock tower surrounded by books, old clocks and numerous cats, Esme wanting a quiet cottage to live a peaceful life with those cats, a Moulin Rouge-inspired club with patrons getting drunk on absinthe, a magical fae kingdom, dragons, queer people, queer fae, mutual queer pining, the MC’s (literally) being “roommates”. But that’s mostly what this story was, vibes. A lot of potential, but very mediocre execution 😣
⭐️⭐️.5
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc.
What I did really appreciate about this story was the vibes. Esme and Sybil living in a clock tower surrounded by books, old clocks and numerous cats, Esme wanting a quiet cottage to live a peaceful life with those cats, a Moulin Rouge-inspired club with patrons getting drunk on absinthe, a magical fae kingdom, dragons, queer people, queer fae, mutual queer pining, the MC’s (literally) being “roommates”. But that’s mostly what this story was, vibes. A lot of potential, but very mediocre execution 😣
⭐️⭐️.5
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc.
January 18, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Absinthe Underground is a delightful book that takes you through the world of poster thieves and their troubling encounters with some pesky Fae.
This was a very fun read. Before the first sentence, the dedication and quote made me feel as if I had already entered their world. It had enjoyable character introductions, though some characters, particularly Esme, felt a little flat, though this is most likely due to the fact that I typically read longer books where they have more page time to flesh out the characters.
There were a couple of wording errors, &c. that distracted me from the book at times and it was a bit predictable so I was never really surprised with where it went, but I enjoyed its direction thoroughly nonetheless.
It was a lot of fun reading about poster thieves just because that's not something I've ever heard about before, so it made for a very original plot.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but even with the originality of the plot, it felt like it was going through the motions of what a book should be at times. It has a two by my rating system but would be a three otherwise.
The Absinthe Underground is a delightful book that takes you through the world of poster thieves and their troubling encounters with some pesky Fae.
This was a very fun read. Before the first sentence, the dedication and quote made me feel as if I had already entered their world. It had enjoyable character introductions, though some characters, particularly Esme, felt a little flat, though this is most likely due to the fact that I typically read longer books where they have more page time to flesh out the characters.
There were a couple of wording errors, &c. that distracted me from the book at times and it was a bit predictable so I was never really surprised with where it went, but I enjoyed its direction thoroughly nonetheless.
It was a lot of fun reading about poster thieves just because that's not something I've ever heard about before, so it made for a very original plot.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but even with the originality of the plot, it felt like it was going through the motions of what a book should be at times. It has a two by my rating system but would be a three otherwise.
November 5, 2023
The cover, premise and characters of this story are all incredible. I was so excited for it!
The plot itself is really intriguing and main characters and subsequent slow burn romance (friends to lovers ft some incredible pining & dual POV) are all , in theory - SUPERB. But they didn’t work.
The writing itself really took me away from the story - it tried to jam too much in right away. Tell, never show. I had worked out the plot and the stress points by chapter 2 because you’re hand fed everything. It also made characters that were supposed to be suave and well versed and mysterious read a bit like a 13 year olds interpretation of those words. I didn’t buy into any of the bad guys or the mystical and dark settings because the writing kept immediately pulling me out.
The pacing is very poor, which makes the stuffed to the brim plot feel very hard to handle.
This book absolutely had all the facets of a for me book but missed the mark entirely.
The plot itself is really intriguing and main characters and subsequent slow burn romance (friends to lovers ft some incredible pining & dual POV) are all , in theory - SUPERB. But they didn’t work.
The writing itself really took me away from the story - it tried to jam too much in right away. Tell, never show. I had worked out the plot and the stress points by chapter 2 because you’re hand fed everything. It also made characters that were supposed to be suave and well versed and mysterious read a bit like a 13 year olds interpretation of those words. I didn’t buy into any of the bad guys or the mystical and dark settings because the writing kept immediately pulling me out.
The pacing is very poor, which makes the stuffed to the brim plot feel very hard to handle.
This book absolutely had all the facets of a for me book but missed the mark entirely.
Want to read
August 30, 2023"Moulin Rouge meets Holly Black in a thrilling sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy!
This lavish and decedent LGBTQ+ fantasy romance will leave fans of Divine Rivals and Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries utterly enchanted!"
This lavish and decedent LGBTQ+ fantasy romance will leave fans of Divine Rivals and Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries utterly enchanted!"
April 4, 2024
WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING?! Yes it's all caps because that was a wild ride! I cannot wait for my author interview tomorrow!!(:
I got an arc of this from the publishers and bought myself a copy of this book too!(:
I got an arc of this from the publishers and bought myself a copy of this book too!(:
Shelved as 'wishlist'
February 25, 2024This cover is gorgeous.
January 11, 2024
just finished and oh my word🥹 i could’ve spent hours reading about this version of the fae world! can’t wait to write my full review
March 19, 2024
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars rounded up)
The Absinthe Underground is a sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The romance between the two young adult ladies is very much a pure-hearted, discovering love romance (vs. a spicy romance).
Sybil is a wild, extroverted romantic who loves a night on the town and steals posters to support herself, her roommate and friend Esme, and their million cats.
She's a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants character that I loved. She's had multiple flings with girls and boys, and she's comfortable with her sexuality. Esme is an introvert who loves her cats, books, and clocks. These two sweet characters are easy to fall in love with, and they had me wishing they would just get together already!
The fantasy portion fell a little flat for me. I was hoping for an exciting fae adventure similar to Holly Black, but there wasn't as much excitement as one would want. I think this would be great for younger teen readers.
✨For more reviews find me on Bookstagram: @jay.rae.reads
February 6, 2024
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this e-copy. This is an honest opinion.
"The Absinthe Underground" by Jamie Pacton is a sapphic friends-to-lovers historical romantasy inspired by 1890s Paris. Sybil, eager to escape the constraints of high society, manages to scrape by stealing rare posters and selling them to collectors. Esme, content at home with her clocks and cats, grudgingly agrees to accompany and protect Sybil. When caught selling a poster by Maeve, the glamorous subject of the artwork, the girls are invited to The Absinthe Underground—a club Maeve owns. Maeve, a Green Faerie trapped in the human world, makes an offer that could change Sybil and Esme's lives: a heist in the Fae realm in exchange for freedom.
Firstly, this cover is epic and I adore it. I love the Art Nouveau vibes. I also really like the historical fantasy elements in the beginning and the more whimsical turn as the characters delve into the faerie world. The vibes and the atmosphere in this are top-notch. I also adore the friends-to-lovers sapphic romance that is contained within; even though sometimes they seemed so vastly different people. They have one another's hearts at the forefront of their decision-making. I also loved the cats!
However, I do think there was something left wanting by the overall depth of the world-building and the plot. Often, I was left asking why things were a certain way in the world but the answer wasn't given or was just due to "plot-reasons". There was a lot more 'telling' than 'showing', in general - which is just something I'm not fond of.
The enchantment of the settings and the VIBES were amazing, but I wanted a little bit more depth.
"The Absinthe Underground" by Jamie Pacton is a sapphic friends-to-lovers historical romantasy inspired by 1890s Paris. Sybil, eager to escape the constraints of high society, manages to scrape by stealing rare posters and selling them to collectors. Esme, content at home with her clocks and cats, grudgingly agrees to accompany and protect Sybil. When caught selling a poster by Maeve, the glamorous subject of the artwork, the girls are invited to The Absinthe Underground—a club Maeve owns. Maeve, a Green Faerie trapped in the human world, makes an offer that could change Sybil and Esme's lives: a heist in the Fae realm in exchange for freedom.
Firstly, this cover is epic and I adore it. I love the Art Nouveau vibes. I also really like the historical fantasy elements in the beginning and the more whimsical turn as the characters delve into the faerie world. The vibes and the atmosphere in this are top-notch. I also adore the friends-to-lovers sapphic romance that is contained within; even though sometimes they seemed so vastly different people. They have one another's hearts at the forefront of their decision-making. I also loved the cats!
However, I do think there was something left wanting by the overall depth of the world-building and the plot. Often, I was left asking why things were a certain way in the world but the answer wasn't given or was just due to "plot-reasons". There was a lot more 'telling' than 'showing', in general - which is just something I'm not fond of.
The enchantment of the settings and the VIBES were amazing, but I wanted a little bit more depth.
February 2, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
A cute cozy fantasy!! The vibes were immaculate and I loved the imagery when they entered faerie. While I thoroughly enjoyed the concept (sapphic friends to lovers take on a heist that brings them to faerie), it fell flat. The heist was rushed with no plot twists, problems they encountered were underwhelming, and all solved in an unsurprising manner, making it feel like there weren’t any real stakes. You’re telling me they were able to just walk into a museum, set off a distraction, grab what they came for, and run out?
The magic system was severely underdeveloped (Sybil is half fae and the only thing she can do is enter faerie?), to the point where I wondered when she was going to have her powers uncovered to save the day. This would’ve also made it a grander reveal to Esme that she was half fae, and an introduction to her family history. This secret from Esme actually held no weight, which is surprising considering they are supposed to be best friends. In actuality, they had no banter, and the only way you knew they were falling for one another was the internal dialogue saying “I love her/I want to be more than friends/what if I kissed her.” I want YEARNING!!
A smaller gripe, the author takes time introducing two new characters in faerie, but leaves their plot completely undone. This may be for the opportunity to write a sequel, but leaving the human girl in faerie seemed to go against Sybil’s character.
A cute cozy fantasy!! The vibes were immaculate and I loved the imagery when they entered faerie. While I thoroughly enjoyed the concept (sapphic friends to lovers take on a heist that brings them to faerie), it fell flat. The heist was rushed with no plot twists, problems they encountered were underwhelming, and all solved in an unsurprising manner, making it feel like there weren’t any real stakes. You’re telling me they were able to just walk into a museum, set off a distraction, grab what they came for, and run out?
The magic system was severely underdeveloped (Sybil is half fae and the only thing she can do is enter faerie?), to the point where I wondered when she was going to have her powers uncovered to save the day. This would’ve also made it a grander reveal to Esme that she was half fae, and an introduction to her family history. This secret from Esme actually held no weight, which is surprising considering they are supposed to be best friends. In actuality, they had no banter, and the only way you knew they were falling for one another was the internal dialogue saying “I love her/I want to be more than friends/what if I kissed her.” I want YEARNING!!
A smaller gripe, the author takes time introducing two new characters in faerie, but leaves their plot completely undone. This may be for the opportunity to write a sequel, but leaving the human girl in faerie seemed to go against Sybil’s character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: minor violence, alcohol.
Sybil and Esme live in Severon, a decadent, sprawling city full of nightclubs, art, and beauty. For the two girls, however, life there is not all it seems: they're struggling, barely supported by their meager jobs, each of them dreaming of a future where they can spread their wings. Sybil longs for adventure, for something beyond the boredom of her humdrum daily life; Esme, on the other hand, is only too content to work at a library and have a home filled with cats. Despite their differences, they're best friends, and when they're drawn into the world of Fae by the beautiful, mysterious Maeve, it's together. Maeve promises them riches that they can't even fathom, if they do one thing for her: steal the royal jewels from the Fae Queen.
It was the intriguing setting of The Absinthe Underground that truly made me decide to request an ARC. The story (partly) takes place in the city of Severon, inspired by Belle Epoque Paris. It's a unique idea for a story, especially when most fantasy books seem to draw their inspiration from medieval Ireland or England. Although it didn't up being quite to my tastes, I would love to see more people following Pacton's lead and giving us stories with unusual settings!
Our two heroines, Sybil and Esme, are complete opposites, but despite their differences (or perhaps because of them), they're inexplicably attracted to each other. Unfortunately, I say inexplicable because aside from small things like enjoying each other's company and finding one another attractive, there's very little character development for either of the girls -- and this impacts their relationship, too. Although I liked both of them well enough and found their narration pleasant, their individual storylines and characterization are remarkably one-dimensional. They both have a set of traits and characteristics that the author has decided for them, and they never veer far from these predetermined boxes. This ends up limiting the narrative and its ultimate conclusion. To make matters worse, the writing tells us and doesn't show us, and this prevents you from feeling totally immersed in the world.
Don't get me wrong -- their relationship is sweet, and I did enjoy their moments of flirtatiousness very much. But the lack of growth is disappointing especially because the two girls are likable. Another problem that surfaces is that tonally speaking, The Absinthe Underground reads more as middle-grade than YA (in spite of the many, many references to alcohol and drinking, which I found slightly odd). It's a little jarring, as Sybil and Esme are referred to as being seventeen several times, but they come across much younger in their POVs. This isn't necessarily a problem but, for me, it occasionally made the story disjointed.
The primary problem, however, is that everything is so convenient. This is low, low stakes, which isn't always a problem, but for a heist in Fae, it seems a little lackluster. Somehow, someway, everything always works out for Sybil and Esme, to the point where you begin to wonder what's the point of reading anyway, since you know everything will work out in the end. Some people enjoy stories like that, and I have no doubt that there will be many readers who appreciate The Absinthe Underground, but it was boring for me to watch them get into sticky situation after sticky situation only for their problems to be miraculously solved. It gets into unbelievable territory towards the end. Before the last act, I was planning on giving out two and a half stars, but that felt a bit too generous by the last page. It also suffers from everyone being painfully transparent, and you have to either believe that Sybil and Esme are extremely naive, or extremely stupid.
Ultimately, this story just wasn't for me. Again, I have no doubt that many readers, especially young ones, will find a lot to love here, but it simply wasn't my cup of tea.
Content Warning: minor violence, alcohol.
Sybil and Esme live in Severon, a decadent, sprawling city full of nightclubs, art, and beauty. For the two girls, however, life there is not all it seems: they're struggling, barely supported by their meager jobs, each of them dreaming of a future where they can spread their wings. Sybil longs for adventure, for something beyond the boredom of her humdrum daily life; Esme, on the other hand, is only too content to work at a library and have a home filled with cats. Despite their differences, they're best friends, and when they're drawn into the world of Fae by the beautiful, mysterious Maeve, it's together. Maeve promises them riches that they can't even fathom, if they do one thing for her: steal the royal jewels from the Fae Queen.
It was the intriguing setting of The Absinthe Underground that truly made me decide to request an ARC. The story (partly) takes place in the city of Severon, inspired by Belle Epoque Paris. It's a unique idea for a story, especially when most fantasy books seem to draw their inspiration from medieval Ireland or England. Although it didn't up being quite to my tastes, I would love to see more people following Pacton's lead and giving us stories with unusual settings!
Our two heroines, Sybil and Esme, are complete opposites, but despite their differences (or perhaps because of them), they're inexplicably attracted to each other. Unfortunately, I say inexplicable because aside from small things like enjoying each other's company and finding one another attractive, there's very little character development for either of the girls -- and this impacts their relationship, too. Although I liked both of them well enough and found their narration pleasant, their individual storylines and characterization are remarkably one-dimensional. They both have a set of traits and characteristics that the author has decided for them, and they never veer far from these predetermined boxes. This ends up limiting the narrative and its ultimate conclusion. To make matters worse, the writing tells us and doesn't show us, and this prevents you from feeling totally immersed in the world.
Don't get me wrong -- their relationship is sweet, and I did enjoy their moments of flirtatiousness very much. But the lack of growth is disappointing especially because the two girls are likable. Another problem that surfaces is that tonally speaking, The Absinthe Underground reads more as middle-grade than YA (in spite of the many, many references to alcohol and drinking, which I found slightly odd). It's a little jarring, as Sybil and Esme are referred to as being seventeen several times, but they come across much younger in their POVs. This isn't necessarily a problem but, for me, it occasionally made the story disjointed.
The primary problem, however, is that everything is so convenient. This is low, low stakes, which isn't always a problem, but for a heist in Fae, it seems a little lackluster. Somehow, someway, everything always works out for Sybil and Esme, to the point where you begin to wonder what's the point of reading anyway, since you know everything will work out in the end. Some people enjoy stories like that, and I have no doubt that there will be many readers who appreciate The Absinthe Underground, but it was boring for me to watch them get into sticky situation after sticky situation only for their problems to be miraculously solved. It gets into unbelievable territory towards the end. Before the last act, I was planning on giving out two and a half stars, but that felt a bit too generous by the last page. It also suffers from everyone being painfully transparent, and you have to either believe that Sybil and Esme are extremely naive, or extremely stupid.
Ultimately, this story just wasn't for me. Again, I have no doubt that many readers, especially young ones, will find a lot to love here, but it simply wasn't my cup of tea.
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