Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang

26 reviews

lizziegracereads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is an atmospheric historical fictionn. It is set in Gilded age New York City with a series of murders that look suspiciously like vampires are the culperates. 

Tilly as an interesting character as she struggles in the upper class society she is raised in and to just exist  as herself  when her individuality is crushed by the societal expectations. Tilly wants to be a reporter like Nellie Blye but she is expected to marry and be a well behaved and well mannered young lady even though she is struggling with the death of her sister and wants to have answers. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed. 

I found the representation of addiction and substance use to be well done and humanizing as well as relatable. One part of the story that I appreciated was how Tilly's use of opium is tied to her family try to control her and her behavior which they do not approve of. 

The plot twist was unexpected and well done at the end. I also appreciate that Nellie Blye made an appearance in the story. 
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noblecharley's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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lanid's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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gquintana's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

In 1899's New York City, eighteen-year-old Tillie Pembroke’s older sister, Lucy, has just been found murdered, her body drained of blood & with two puncture wounds on her neck. Tillie can't help but think this bears a resemblance vampire killings alluded to in Bram Stoker’s new novel, Dracula which has just been published. Her grandmother & mother seem to want to forget it ever happened, & the police have run out of ideas, so taking inspiration from her favourite journalist 'Nellie Bly', Tillie decides to investigate. She soon meets up with a newsie, Tom, (a young man who sells newspapers on street corners) who also has an interest in the case. Trouble rears its head in the form of Tillie's growing addiction to opium, originally prescribed for an injured shoulder, & the fact that Lucy's fiancé, James, now seems to have set his sights on Tillie.

This would have been a 4 star read if it hadn't been for the main character. I found her a bit tiresome to be honest. She is supposed to be eighteen but acts younger, in some ways she is very naïve. I can tell you that if my sister's fiancé tried to pay court to me after she had just been murdered, I would not be flattered in the slightest. The story itself is rather good, with some darker elements, & the hesitant romance between Tom & Tillie is quite sweet. 
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sandy50689's review against another edition

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3.0

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moiralyle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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hnnh_bug's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It's a fun book and a fairly quick read. I would classify it as a historical mystery with a good dose of wholesome romance. Though it deals with heavier themes (drug abuse, murder, SA), the naive and curious perspective of the protagonist gives the book more of a lighthearted, and at times a YA feel. A great vacation book. 
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bookish_afrolatina's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark informative mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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bec_97's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Modern writing for a victorian America which made the scene come to life. Kang created her characters to both be likeable and tolerable in cases of some. Kept guessing til the very end revelation. Would like to read others by her
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