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_teoeo's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
The gorgeous cover grabbed my attention instantly and the sapphic slow burn premise made it a book I was really looking forward to read next year. I'm so glad for the opportunity to read it as an ARC!
The first thing I realised while reading is that I wouldn't exactly consider it as slow burn. From the beginning of the book it is crystal clear that the two main characters are in love with each other. This is not a bad thing, but my taste is a bit slower romance. In general I have to say that the romance and relationship feels a bit flat, for we as readers can't understand why they are in love, only that they are. This could maybe be a "told but not shown"-problem. To be honest, the plot as a whole has this kind of problem, the author explains the things as they are without making them plausible to the reader.
Regardless, it's a lighthearted read and the plot is easy to follow what makes it quick and enjoyable. I liked the neurodivergent representation (even though it was subtle) and enjoyed the cozy setting. All in all I would recommend this book, especially to a younger audience.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of that book!
The first thing I realised while reading is that I wouldn't exactly consider it as slow burn. From the beginning of the book it is crystal clear that the two main characters are in love with each other. This is not a bad thing, but my taste is a bit slower romance. In general I have to say that the romance and relationship feels a bit flat, for we as readers can't understand why they are in love, only that they are. This could maybe be a "told but not shown"-problem. To be honest, the plot as a whole has this kind of problem, the author explains the things as they are without making them plausible to the reader.
Regardless, it's a lighthearted read and the plot is easy to follow what makes it quick and enjoyable. I liked the neurodivergent representation (even though it was subtle) and enjoyed the cozy setting. All in all I would recommend this book, especially to a younger audience.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of that book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcoholism
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.5
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
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
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