Pacton’s latest queer fantasy release is perfect for fans of heists, historical fiction, and friendship. I have been a fan of Pacton’s ever since her debut, so I naturally had to pick this one up. Keep reading this book review of The Absinthe Underground for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I immediately fell head over heels into The Absinthe Underground. As someone who loves historical fantasy stories, this one is a must. It not only features a unique and detailed historical fiction setting, one that I rarely get to visit, but also combines it with the Fae. And these Fae have hidden nuances, a bit of a bite, and some lies. You know one of the first things I loved about The Absinthe Underground were the queer feels and swoons.
There is this almost tangible yearning of friends to lovers here. You can feel the care, the love, and the sacrifices they make for each other before they even confess an inkling of their feelings. Their chemistry carries the plot pacing and story throughout The Absinthe Underground. And you fall quickly into the story, the heists – we love a good heist always – and the tension. There were elements I cannot talk about which I really loved, but overall this was another winner from Jamie Pacton.
We love a good story about what we would do for power – when pressed, And the secrets, lies, and manipulation we would engage in for the ones we love.
Book links:
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About the Author
Jamie Pacton is an award-winning Young Adult and Middle Grade author who lives in Wisconsin with her family. Her YA contemporary books include Furious, Lucky Girl and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly. Her YA fantasy novels include, The Absinthe Undergroundand The Vermilion Emporium.
Author Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19025294.Jamie_Pacton
Website: https://www.jamiepacton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiepacton
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamiepacton
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