Reviews with content warning for Confinement - The Absinthe Underground

Reviews tagging 'Confinement'

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

5 reviews

jasper_is_atypical's review against another edition

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Honestly was very disappointing. For characters that were supposed to be smart, they did a lot of stupid shit (fair in some circumstances, slightly mind-boggling in others.) It felt like most of what they did was so the plot could go the way the author wanted it to and not because it made much sense. Felt cramped and not at all exciting like promised. Instead of rooting for the main romance I was rooting for Esme to leave Sybil and their frankly unhealthy relationship behind. She is obviously uncomfortable and unhappy, only going along because she cares about Sybil and feels an obligation to protect her. Now I don't really see this as a spoiler, but I'll hide it anyways...

The reason they need to do the job is because they are poor and behind on rent. The only reason they are behind is because Sybil, who came from a rich background, gets too bored at her jobs to keep them for long. Literally stated.

For this reason and for the way she treats Esme as a whole Sybil is extremely unlikable and comes off as snobbish and uncaring about others. She chases her own excitement at Esme's cost, which is made even more appalling by the fact that Esme took her in off the streets and is doing everything in her power to take care of her as a charity case. Just. No.

I wanted this to be good so bad. The idea of a heist in fae with a sapphic romance sounds wonderful, but the execution left me wanting.

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princegene95's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

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yuri_rum_raisin's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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cozyscones's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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atlastheninth's review

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thanks to NetGalley and the PeachTree Teen for the ARC.

This is a cozy sapphic fae heist romance. I had to like it. And it was indeed very cute and I very much enjoyed reading it.

I found the setting and the story to be very original and the characters were adorable. Friends to lovers with mutual pining? That’s hard not to like. Also Sybil and Esme feel very ADHD and autism coded respectively. A bit stereotypical maybe but not too much. (Sybil reads a bit too selfish for my taste and Esme a bit too naïve but they are still very lovable).

The writing was rather simple so it’s a very light read. You do not need to think while reading it, the book tells you everything.

The story, especially the heist, is also very simple. It’s a bunch of tasks they have to fulfil and the solution is always just around the corner. So even when there is a bit of trouble you know it won’t be there long.

Now are these pro’s or con’s for the book? I can’t decide but I did have a nice time.

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