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The Faery Rehistory #1
The Absinthe Earl
They crossed centuries to find each other. Their love will shatter worlds.
Miss Ada Quicksilver, a student of London's Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women, is spending her holiday in Ireland to pursue her anthropological study of fairies. She visits Dublin's absinthe bars to investigate a supposed association between the bittersweet spirit and fairy sightings.
One night a handsome Irishman approaches her, introducing himself as Edward Donoghue. Edward takes absinthe to relieve his sleepwalking, and she is eager to hear whether he has experience with fairies. Instead, she discovers that he's the earl of Meath, and that he will soon visit a mysterious ruin at Newgrange on the orders of his cousin, the beautiful, half-mad Queen Isolde. On learning about Ada's area of study, he invites her to accompany him.
Ada is torn between a sensible fear of becoming entangled with the clearly troubled gentleman and her compelling desire to ease his suffering. Finally she accepts his invitation, and they arrive in time for the winter solstice. That night, the secret of Edward's affliction is revealed: he is, in fact, a lord in two worlds and can no longer suppress his shadow self.
Little does either of them realize that their blossoming friendship and slowly kindling passion will lead to discoveries that wrench open a door sealed for centuries, throwing them into a war that will change Ireland forever.
Miss Ada Quicksilver, a student of London's Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women, is spending her holiday in Ireland to pursue her anthropological study of fairies. She visits Dublin's absinthe bars to investigate a supposed association between the bittersweet spirit and fairy sightings.
One night a handsome Irishman approaches her, introducing himself as Edward Donoghue. Edward takes absinthe to relieve his sleepwalking, and she is eager to hear whether he has experience with fairies. Instead, she discovers that he's the earl of Meath, and that he will soon visit a mysterious ruin at Newgrange on the orders of his cousin, the beautiful, half-mad Queen Isolde. On learning about Ada's area of study, he invites her to accompany him.
Ada is torn between a sensible fear of becoming entangled with the clearly troubled gentleman and her compelling desire to ease his suffering. Finally she accepts his invitation, and they arrive in time for the winter solstice. That night, the secret of Edward's affliction is revealed: he is, in fact, a lord in two worlds and can no longer suppress his shadow self.
Little does either of them realize that their blossoming friendship and slowly kindling passion will lead to discoveries that wrench open a door sealed for centuries, throwing them into a war that will change Ireland forever.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
153 people are currently reading
3104 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lynn Fisher
15 books567 followersSharon Lynn Fisher writes mash-ups of fantasy, mystery, and slow-burn romance set in lush and atmospheric worlds. Her current series of stand-alone novels (which began with Salt & Broom) features cozy gothic fantasies set in Victorian England.
Sharon's books have been published by Tor, Random House, Blackstone, and 47North. They've been praised and recommended by Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, and RT Book Reviews, among others.
Sharon's witchy Jane Eyre retelling, Salt & Broom (47North), was selected as an Amazon First Read in November 2023 and became a Top 25 Kindle Store Bestseller. Grimm Curiosities, about a young woman who inherits her father's haunted curiosity shop in York, England, was a New York Times pick for holiday reads. Her next book, Tea & Alchemy, is scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
Sharon's books have been published by Tor, Random House, Blackstone, and 47North. They've been praised and recommended by Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, and RT Book Reviews, among others.
Sharon's witchy Jane Eyre retelling, Salt & Broom (47North), was selected as an Amazon First Read in November 2023 and became a Top 25 Kindle Store Bestseller. Grimm Curiosities, about a young woman who inherits her father's haunted curiosity shop in York, England, was a New York Times pick for holiday reads. Her next book, Tea & Alchemy, is scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 22, 2019
This is another book I was sent for a possible cover blurb. I was a little hesitant at first because I overdosed on fairy/fey books back when they were super popular and haven't been keen to return. However, this one intrigued me as the main character is studying the legends of the Irish fey and she discovers that people who drink absinthe have the ability to see these fairy creatures. She meets the Earl, who drinks absinthe to sleep at night, otherwise he sleep walks (or in his word, "night walks").
I really liked both characters and the story was fun and fast paced and there was plenty of action and some romance! If you like Gail Carriger's books, you'll like this one as well.
Here's my blurb: "Charming and filled with intriguing characters, dangerous enemies, and hidden desires, The Absinthe Earl hooked me from the start."
I really liked both characters and the story was fun and fast paced and there was plenty of action and some romance! If you like Gail Carriger's books, you'll like this one as well.
Here's my blurb: "Charming and filled with intriguing characters, dangerous enemies, and hidden desires, The Absinthe Earl hooked me from the start."
October 15, 2019
Title: The Absinthe Earl
Series: The Faery Rehistory #1
Author: Sharon Lynn Fisher
Release date: October 15, 2019
Genre: fantasy, romance
I'm going to be completely honest: I had an extremely difficult time getting the smallest bit invested in this story, and once I was able to get drawn in, there were moments I strongly considered throwing in the towel. I probably should have just admitted defeat, as it took me quite a few days of struggling to finish. This is not to say that the story was frustrating or made me angry, I think many others will find that they connect better with the writing, especially if they are into Celtic mythology. However for me, there was something missing that made it difficult to care for the characters.
At the start of the book, we meet Ada Quicksilver, a student at Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women. She studies Celtic mythology and she's researching abroad in Ireland for her thesis on the "gentle folk" (or the fae.) More specifically, whether or not the highly potent liquor Absinthe really does have a connection to the sightings and stories. She meets Edward Donoghue, earl of Meath in a bar one night and he's behaving very strangely. She isn't sure if it's wise to take him up on his invitation to visit a burial mound in Newgrange, but she can't resist the temptation of such a rare wealth of information she could find there. I should have felt some excitement or thrill over their first interaction, but sadly their formal and polite dialogue was so incredibly dry. It did nothing towards the development of creating intriguing characters that I would want to know more about. There was a definite bland and generic quality that made their personalities feel lacking.
One of the things I did like was the fact that Ada was a self-supported woman and independent for her time. It was rare that a woman was not financially dependent on anyone else, and the fact that she was such a scholar at that level was refreshing to read. In the beginning I thought she may be a little bit mousy or timid, but as the book wore on, she really came out of her shell more and displayed a huge amount of courage. She went on the trip with Edward believing it would be a simple detour on her vacation, having no idea what kinds of shocking revelations would be revealed along the way. Or how she was tied to this man in ways she couldn't imagine.
I have a huge weakness for fae fantasy, but it seems I've finally found one that didn't excite me the way I had hoped. The heavy Celtic mythology that lost me along the way, but I think someone who has a love for the subject or at least a fascination with it will find this the perfect book for them. The mystery regarding Edward's sleepwalking and blackouts had a bizarre, though original explanation. I can't say I've seen anything remotely like that in a book before, so I give the author credit where it's due.
Overall, I thought the plot was highly creative, and though I didn't fall in love with the story it did have a pretty exciting conclusion in the end. I'm glad I stuck it out to see how it all came together.
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October 21, 2019
Rating: 3.5 faerie stars rounded up to 4 stars
This was a good start to a new paranormal series centering around faeries. It is a bit of alternative history, steampunk, romance and adventure with all manner of faerie creatures included in the story. While this started out just a little slow for me, the action soon picked up after our heroine, Ada Quicksilver and hero, Edward Donoghue the Earl of Meath, met in an absinthe bar in 1882 Dublin, Ireland. An erratic queen rules this Ireland. The potato famine never occurred, and the faeries have been banished from Ireland for centuries.
What ensues is well-plotted but sometimes confusing world inhabited by all manner of creatures. Ada and Edward enter the faery world spurred on by their own ancient ancestors who have been star-crossed lovers for centuries. At first, the recounting of the Irish myths and the world building sometimes distracted from moving the plot along. However, the deeper I got into the book’s strange world, the more all the elements made sense. That early information enabled the full understanding of why the story progressed as it did.
I won’t spoil the ending here by giving away main plotlines. I loved that Ada was nobody’s fool and could stand toe to toe with Edward. I hate a vapid heroine. This is a promising start to a new series. Initially I didn’t think that pulling so many different genres together in one book would work, but the author has done a good job of making it work here.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Blackstone Publishing; and the author, Sharon Lynn Fisher; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good start to a new paranormal series centering around faeries. It is a bit of alternative history, steampunk, romance and adventure with all manner of faerie creatures included in the story. While this started out just a little slow for me, the action soon picked up after our heroine, Ada Quicksilver and hero, Edward Donoghue the Earl of Meath, met in an absinthe bar in 1882 Dublin, Ireland. An erratic queen rules this Ireland. The potato famine never occurred, and the faeries have been banished from Ireland for centuries.
What ensues is well-plotted but sometimes confusing world inhabited by all manner of creatures. Ada and Edward enter the faery world spurred on by their own ancient ancestors who have been star-crossed lovers for centuries. At first, the recounting of the Irish myths and the world building sometimes distracted from moving the plot along. However, the deeper I got into the book’s strange world, the more all the elements made sense. That early information enabled the full understanding of why the story progressed as it did.
I won’t spoil the ending here by giving away main plotlines. I loved that Ada was nobody’s fool and could stand toe to toe with Edward. I hate a vapid heroine. This is a promising start to a new series. Initially I didn’t think that pulling so many different genres together in one book would work, but the author has done a good job of making it work here.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Blackstone Publishing; and the author, Sharon Lynn Fisher; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
The story begins in the 1800s where Miss Ada Quicksilver, a student of London’s Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women, is spending her holiday in Ireland. She is working on research for her thesis. She believes there is a link between the bittersweet spirit, absinthe, and fairy sightings.
A chance encounter with Edward Donoghue, the Earl of Meath, soon has her traveling with him to visit a mysterious ruin at Newgrange on the orders of his cousin, the beautiful, half-mad Queen Isolde.
*Claps Hands* The Winter solstice revealed secrets and soon had us slipping into the faery realm. Magic, secrets, discoveries, pending war and a sizzling romance ensued.
I loved both Edward and Ada. Fisher fleshed them out as they dealt with the troubles in faery and their own roles.
The Irish lore and realm were fantastic from the rules to the creatures. I loved the creatures! I thought the world-building was delightful and loved slipping into this alternate world.
I would call this romantic fantasy as there are plenty of heated romantic elements equally served alongside the war and threats.
I loved getting both the POV of Edward and Ada, particularly with their inner struggles. It delighted me that the audio gave each their own narrator. Alison McKenna and Alan Smyth did a wonderful job with the characters, tone and pacing. They worked well together and added another layer of enjoyment. I think they enhanced the telling. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
A chance encounter with Edward Donoghue, the Earl of Meath, soon has her traveling with him to visit a mysterious ruin at Newgrange on the orders of his cousin, the beautiful, half-mad Queen Isolde.
*Claps Hands* The Winter solstice revealed secrets and soon had us slipping into the faery realm. Magic, secrets, discoveries, pending war and a sizzling romance ensued.
I loved both Edward and Ada. Fisher fleshed them out as they dealt with the troubles in faery and their own roles.
The Irish lore and realm were fantastic from the rules to the creatures. I loved the creatures! I thought the world-building was delightful and loved slipping into this alternate world.
I would call this romantic fantasy as there are plenty of heated romantic elements equally served alongside the war and threats.
I loved getting both the POV of Edward and Ada, particularly with their inner struggles. It delighted me that the audio gave each their own narrator. Alison McKenna and Alan Smyth did a wonderful job with the characters, tone and pacing. They worked well together and added another layer of enjoyment. I think they enhanced the telling. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
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June 12, 2019AUTHOR NOTE - Readers from NetGalley and Edelweiss, thank you so much for your early interest in The Absinthe Earl, the first book in The Faery Rehistory series. This is the book I've been wanting to write since I was a girl and my mom gave me my first fairy picture book. It has...
- A Celtic mythology scholar from the Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women
- A charming but troubled Irish earl who is much more than he seems
- An eccentric Irish queen with a pirate, a goddess, and Queen Elizabeth in her ancestry
- Fae creatures galore
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! And if you are able to take a moment to leave a review, I shall be eternally grateful.
- A Celtic mythology scholar from the Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women
- A charming but troubled Irish earl who is much more than he seems
- An eccentric Irish queen with a pirate, a goddess, and Queen Elizabeth in her ancestry
- Fae creatures galore
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! And if you are able to take a moment to leave a review, I shall be eternally grateful.
November 14, 2021
This felt like an absinthe induced intoxication of magic, Celtic mythology and romance.
The story revolves around silver haired Ava and Edward. Ava meets Edward whilst on a holiday in Ireland where she is studying fairies. They become smitten with one another and find themselves traveling to the land of the fae. Fun right?
Sharon’s prose is so beautiful and whimsical. The highlight for me was the weaving in of Celtic mythology and I enjoyed all of the references to various goddesses and creatures that I know of. Sharon’s love for the natural world and mythology was very evident through her world building.
Ada is an independent and determined woman with a thirst for knowledge. Her passion for mythology was inspiring. I enjoyed the romance between her and Edward and it slotted into the storyline well without overpowering the main plot.
Overall I found it to be a unique contribution to the already saturated world of the fae and an enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of The Absinthe Earl. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
The story revolves around silver haired Ava and Edward. Ava meets Edward whilst on a holiday in Ireland where she is studying fairies. They become smitten with one another and find themselves traveling to the land of the fae. Fun right?
Sharon’s prose is so beautiful and whimsical. The highlight for me was the weaving in of Celtic mythology and I enjoyed all of the references to various goddesses and creatures that I know of. Sharon’s love for the natural world and mythology was very evident through her world building.
Ada is an independent and determined woman with a thirst for knowledge. Her passion for mythology was inspiring. I enjoyed the romance between her and Edward and it slotted into the storyline well without overpowering the main plot.
Overall I found it to be a unique contribution to the already saturated world of the fae and an enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of The Absinthe Earl. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
September 9, 2019
See this review at Whispers & Wonder
“We have been dreaming until now...We need only awaken.”
Time is of little consequence to immortals, but a passion brewing for centuries is about to force the hands of two strangers and alter the courses of their lives forever. The paths of a scholarly orphan and a tormented earl inevitably cross on a crisp and chilled winter evening, greatly drawn to each other despite the gap between their social stations. Agreeing to accompany each other on an investigation of a mysterious uncovered cairn, they’re soon heaved into a magical story of their own, as a long-lost history begins to resurface, and horrors threaten to reclaim the island of Ireland. An oath vowed in another time and place dictates the future as the fate of all hangs in the balance.
The Absinthe Earl is the first installment in The Faery Rehistory series, and my personal introduction to Fisher’s work, and what an introduction it has been. This is a charming and immersive tale of believing – believing in the things we cannot see; believing in fate; believing not only in others, but in ourselves, as well. A compelling narrative with a strong focus on kindness and understanding, and placing your trust in another to guide you from the darkness when facing hardship. The saga of Ada Quicksilver and Edward Donoghue, while a fiction of the present, feels as if it’s a legend of old, and one whose echoes will surely roam well into the future.
Diving into this book is comparable to traversing through a portal into Victorian Ireland and beyond. Detailed by the need to adhere to socially acceptable behavior, and a style of dialogue one would expect of this period so skillfully executed, readers are fully submerged within the first few pages. The beautiful blend of known historical aspects and Irish mythology make for a unique and alluring read I wished would continue on once the final page was turned. We carefully descend into ancient burial mounds hosting hidden secrets, we race across the captivating Irish countryside astride creatures of myth, and we find ourselves on mystical vessels piloted by pirates in between the worlds of man and fae. Fisher intelligently weaves a yarn using two separate first-person POVs, allowing us to witness events from alternating perspectives throughout the entirety of this breathtaking and emotional adventure through time.
The story of us.
At its heart, The Absinthe Earl is of a romance that has been written in the bright and glittering stars across a clear winter sky. It’s no coincidence Ada and Edward meet by a rustling fire within the walls of a particular house of absinthe deep within the Emerald Isle. What begins as an innocent conversation of myth and legend quickly transforms into a slow-burn romance, where a man and a woman both attempt to mask their true affections for one another. Each contains an otherworldly beauty the other finds compelling and unable to ignore, and as feelings begin to intensify, we learn of a powerful and eternal love spanning centuries between their ancestors. The organic nature of the progression of their relationship is so deftly crafted, and such an exquisite thing to watch unfurl.
The underlying plot of impending war brings forth all manner of nail-biting action that often sent shivers flittering down my spine. Edward, a naval officer, is accustomed to, yet unprepared for what’s to come without the aid of someone or something he has spent his adult life attempting to repress. Ada, more comfortable within the safe confines of a library, must bolster her resolve in order emerge unscathed from the grasp of ancient foes. The reclamation of Ireland is central as all factions of man and fae clash, and aid from beings of lore, kings of old, and influential deities must surely turn the tide, or the human population may face annihilation. The ultimate battle within the final chapters, occupying land, sea, and sky, was a non-stop whirlwind that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author’s ability to manage and easily portray so many moving pieces in a way to keep readers fully engaged is just marvelous.
I initially began this book expecting an account of a steamy love affair, but I was presented with so much more. Fisher’s elegant writing style and sharp attention to detail wonderfully capture the essence of not only 19th Century Ireland, but also of the magical lore that defines the history of the area. While this story ties up nicely, I’m thrilled it’s just the start of our journey and I have more of Ada and Edward (I hope!) to look forward to in the future. The Absinthe Earl is for those seeking an absorbing expedition of the heart while roving a quaint countryside blanketed by snow and secrets, and one I highly recommend. Available October 15, pre-order now.
Note: A huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“We have been dreaming until now...We need only awaken.”
Time is of little consequence to immortals, but a passion brewing for centuries is about to force the hands of two strangers and alter the courses of their lives forever. The paths of a scholarly orphan and a tormented earl inevitably cross on a crisp and chilled winter evening, greatly drawn to each other despite the gap between their social stations. Agreeing to accompany each other on an investigation of a mysterious uncovered cairn, they’re soon heaved into a magical story of their own, as a long-lost history begins to resurface, and horrors threaten to reclaim the island of Ireland. An oath vowed in another time and place dictates the future as the fate of all hangs in the balance.
The Absinthe Earl is the first installment in The Faery Rehistory series, and my personal introduction to Fisher’s work, and what an introduction it has been. This is a charming and immersive tale of believing – believing in the things we cannot see; believing in fate; believing not only in others, but in ourselves, as well. A compelling narrative with a strong focus on kindness and understanding, and placing your trust in another to guide you from the darkness when facing hardship. The saga of Ada Quicksilver and Edward Donoghue, while a fiction of the present, feels as if it’s a legend of old, and one whose echoes will surely roam well into the future.
Diving into this book is comparable to traversing through a portal into Victorian Ireland and beyond. Detailed by the need to adhere to socially acceptable behavior, and a style of dialogue one would expect of this period so skillfully executed, readers are fully submerged within the first few pages. The beautiful blend of known historical aspects and Irish mythology make for a unique and alluring read I wished would continue on once the final page was turned. We carefully descend into ancient burial mounds hosting hidden secrets, we race across the captivating Irish countryside astride creatures of myth, and we find ourselves on mystical vessels piloted by pirates in between the worlds of man and fae. Fisher intelligently weaves a yarn using two separate first-person POVs, allowing us to witness events from alternating perspectives throughout the entirety of this breathtaking and emotional adventure through time.
The story of us.
At its heart, The Absinthe Earl is of a romance that has been written in the bright and glittering stars across a clear winter sky. It’s no coincidence Ada and Edward meet by a rustling fire within the walls of a particular house of absinthe deep within the Emerald Isle. What begins as an innocent conversation of myth and legend quickly transforms into a slow-burn romance, where a man and a woman both attempt to mask their true affections for one another. Each contains an otherworldly beauty the other finds compelling and unable to ignore, and as feelings begin to intensify, we learn of a powerful and eternal love spanning centuries between their ancestors. The organic nature of the progression of their relationship is so deftly crafted, and such an exquisite thing to watch unfurl.
The underlying plot of impending war brings forth all manner of nail-biting action that often sent shivers flittering down my spine. Edward, a naval officer, is accustomed to, yet unprepared for what’s to come without the aid of someone or something he has spent his adult life attempting to repress. Ada, more comfortable within the safe confines of a library, must bolster her resolve in order emerge unscathed from the grasp of ancient foes. The reclamation of Ireland is central as all factions of man and fae clash, and aid from beings of lore, kings of old, and influential deities must surely turn the tide, or the human population may face annihilation. The ultimate battle within the final chapters, occupying land, sea, and sky, was a non-stop whirlwind that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author’s ability to manage and easily portray so many moving pieces in a way to keep readers fully engaged is just marvelous.
I initially began this book expecting an account of a steamy love affair, but I was presented with so much more. Fisher’s elegant writing style and sharp attention to detail wonderfully capture the essence of not only 19th Century Ireland, but also of the magical lore that defines the history of the area. While this story ties up nicely, I’m thrilled it’s just the start of our journey and I have more of Ada and Edward (I hope!) to look forward to in the future. The Absinthe Earl is for those seeking an absorbing expedition of the heart while roving a quaint countryside blanketed by snow and secrets, and one I highly recommend. Available October 15, pre-order now.
Note: A huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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April 30, 202030 April 2020: $1.99 on Kindle
December 19, 2020
DNF at 45% I just couldn’t get into the story. I was losing interest and got bored. Bummer.
October 2, 2019
This is the first book in the Faery Rehistory series and it was okay. I liked the historical Victorian setting in Ireland and enjoyed some of the Irish fae mythology. However, the writing was a bit disjointed and I had trouble following some of the story.
Ada is a student doing research on Irish fairies and, while visiting an absinthe bar, she runs into the Earl of Meath who has a keen interest in the history of faeries as well. They end up journeying together to an archeological fairie site when things start to get strange. They are drawn to each other in more than an academic way, but the Earl of Meath has periods where he doesn’t seem to be himself.
The writing didn't flow very well throughout the book, and I thought the actions and settings of the characters were very hard to picture and imagine. I really struggled with some parts of this and found myself rereading parts a lot.
Additionally, there are so many Irish mythology names thrown around it was hard to keep track of who is who. A lot of the characters are two people (current day and mythological one) and it got confusing who was talking when and what reality we were in.
Overall I was very excited to read this, it ended up being okay but was not as good as I had been hoping. It's a very neat idea and the first half of the book was well done. As the story continued it got confusing and hard to follow. I don't plan on reading any more of this series.
Ada is a student doing research on Irish fairies and, while visiting an absinthe bar, she runs into the Earl of Meath who has a keen interest in the history of faeries as well. They end up journeying together to an archeological fairie site when things start to get strange. They are drawn to each other in more than an academic way, but the Earl of Meath has periods where he doesn’t seem to be himself.
The writing didn't flow very well throughout the book, and I thought the actions and settings of the characters were very hard to picture and imagine. I really struggled with some parts of this and found myself rereading parts a lot.
Additionally, there are so many Irish mythology names thrown around it was hard to keep track of who is who. A lot of the characters are two people (current day and mythological one) and it got confusing who was talking when and what reality we were in.
Overall I was very excited to read this, it ended up being okay but was not as good as I had been hoping. It's a very neat idea and the first half of the book was well done. As the story continued it got confusing and hard to follow. I don't plan on reading any more of this series.
February 7, 2021
As a scholar of Irish mythology and the anthropological signs of fairies, Miss Ada Quicksilver is spending her Christmas holiday in Ireland hoping to finish her thesis. She begins her research in absinthe bars, hoping to examine a hypothesized connection between the consumption of the spirit and the ability to see fairies. It is in such a bar that she meets the very attractive Irishman Edward Donoghue, more properly the Earl of Meath. She is intrigued to learn that he's visiting a ruin near Dublin on behalf of his cousin, Queen Isolde, so when he invites Ada to join him, she eagerly accepts in hopes of furthering her research.
Edward relies on nightly doses of absinthe to alleviate his sleepwalking and Ada wants to learn of his own experiences with fairy sightings. She longs to ease his suffering even as she is leery of growing too attached to him. Soon it becomes apparent that Edward is torn between two worlds and can no longer fully suppress this other side of himself. Unbeknownst to either Ada or Edward, their fast-growing friendship and developing passion lead them to a different world and a battle that could change Ireland and its people forever.
This book was very different from anything I've read before and I really enjoyed that. I loved the re-imagination of history and the incorporation of so much Irish folklore. It's left me wanting to learn more about Celtic mythology now. I think this book definitely warrants a second read just because there was so much going on that I feel like I probably missed some things. Either way, this turned out to be a beautiful love story full of lovely, flawed, relatable characters, plus action, adventure, and fantasy. This was way out of my normal comfort zone and I'm glad I decided to give it a try. I'm looking forward to the future installments in this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Edward relies on nightly doses of absinthe to alleviate his sleepwalking and Ada wants to learn of his own experiences with fairy sightings. She longs to ease his suffering even as she is leery of growing too attached to him. Soon it becomes apparent that Edward is torn between two worlds and can no longer fully suppress this other side of himself. Unbeknownst to either Ada or Edward, their fast-growing friendship and developing passion lead them to a different world and a battle that could change Ireland and its people forever.
This book was very different from anything I've read before and I really enjoyed that. I loved the re-imagination of history and the incorporation of so much Irish folklore. It's left me wanting to learn more about Celtic mythology now. I think this book definitely warrants a second read just because there was so much going on that I feel like I probably missed some things. Either way, this turned out to be a beautiful love story full of lovely, flawed, relatable characters, plus action, adventure, and fantasy. This was way out of my normal comfort zone and I'm glad I decided to give it a try. I'm looking forward to the future installments in this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
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September 21, 2021Too slow moving for me. DNF. No rating
October 15, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Absinthe Earl by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a historical fantasy romance that brings in elements of Celtic mythology. Ada, a Trinity College student, is researching the connections between drinking absinthe and seeing the fey when she meets Lord Edward who happens to see a banshee near her as she interviews him. Lord Edward is determined to save her from the potential death threat that the banshee represents, so he asks for her to help him on a job for the queen and on that mission they uncover a bigger threat to the wider world. Fisher's world-building is my favorite aspect of this series opener. It's clear that she's done a lot of research with all of the detail in Ada's world, plus all of the Irish mythology that it features. The romance stuff wasn't really for me, but I liked Ada and Lord Edward together especially their banter. Overall, I liked The Absinthe Earl but I would have preferred it to be a little heavier on the fantasy than on the romance. I am looking forward to reading book two of The Faery Rehistory series from Sharon Lynn Fisher, it could become a favorite.
The Absinthe Earl by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a historical fantasy romance that brings in elements of Celtic mythology. Ada, a Trinity College student, is researching the connections between drinking absinthe and seeing the fey when she meets Lord Edward who happens to see a banshee near her as she interviews him. Lord Edward is determined to save her from the potential death threat that the banshee represents, so he asks for her to help him on a job for the queen and on that mission they uncover a bigger threat to the wider world. Fisher's world-building is my favorite aspect of this series opener. It's clear that she's done a lot of research with all of the detail in Ada's world, plus all of the Irish mythology that it features. The romance stuff wasn't really for me, but I liked Ada and Lord Edward together especially their banter. Overall, I liked The Absinthe Earl but I would have preferred it to be a little heavier on the fantasy than on the romance. I am looking forward to reading book two of The Faery Rehistory series from Sharon Lynn Fisher, it could become a favorite.
June 14, 2019
4.25 stars! I loved the mix of Irish mythology, folklore, and history that make up the backdrop and an integral part of the story. The romance between Edward the Earl of Meath and Miss Ada Quicksilver was interesting; I enjoyed it but had a cumbersome feel. The verbiage used for the romance portions reminded me a lot of the 80s and 90s romances and I feel those parts could have been stronger, especially for something being classified as an Irish Fantasy Historical Romance.
Sharon Lynn Fisher did a great job at setting the scene and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book after a slow start. I'm excited to read more in The Faery Rehistory Series and see what new things I learn and what adventures await us in Faery!
Sharon Lynn Fisher did a great job at setting the scene and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book after a slow start. I'm excited to read more in The Faery Rehistory Series and see what new things I learn and what adventures await us in Faery!
November 22, 2021
I did not expect to like or finish this book, so I’m pleased to say that I found it as charming as any Kleypas or Hoyt romance, and as engaging as Sarah Maas’ Courts of Fire/Fury. While some time is spent on world-building vocab, it’s not too distracting. A great escape that adheres to romance genre demands.
I liked the integration of the scholar who studies Irish mythology, and I was intrigued by the mystery of Absinthe as a conduit for transformation. Great cast of villains.
If you can suspend disbelief for fairies, and you don’t mind mild (but steamy) liaisons between them, I’d recommend this one for you. And enjoyable, engaging listen. Great narrator, too.
I liked the integration of the scholar who studies Irish mythology, and I was intrigued by the mystery of Absinthe as a conduit for transformation. Great cast of villains.
If you can suspend disbelief for fairies, and you don’t mind mild (but steamy) liaisons between them, I’d recommend this one for you. And enjoyable, engaging listen. Great narrator, too.
December 9, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a free copy. This is an honest review.
Romance with a sc-fi twist this book had an interesting premise and a promising start. The folklore mentioned was great. Too bad the book got a little disjointed and uninteresting. I originally liked this book but then the characters went from being interested to being in love. There was no build up. I ended up not finishing this book at 60% after over month of trying to finish this book.
Romance with a sc-fi twist this book had an interesting premise and a promising start. The folklore mentioned was great. Too bad the book got a little disjointed and uninteresting. I originally liked this book but then the characters went from being interested to being in love. There was no build up. I ended up not finishing this book at 60% after over month of trying to finish this book.
September 13, 2019
DNFed this one early, which would ordinarily mean I don’t review. But it’s getting 2 stars for unbearably stilted dialogue.
It took me four days to get to 10% because it’s an unpleasant reading experience. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the plot or characters, but the prose really needs some work.
It took me four days to get to 10% because it’s an unpleasant reading experience. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the plot or characters, but the prose really needs some work.
July 6, 2019
The Absinthe Earl signals a new direction for award-winning SFR author Sharon Lynn Fisher. But from all indications, she’s not having any difficulties switching gears with this venture into the new territory of historical fantasy/paranormal romance.
This first book in a projected series is set in an alternate Ireland of the late 1800s, one ruled by its own queen, rather than England’s Victoria. But the real power may lie in the faery realm, as university student heroine Ada Quicksilver discovers. Ada is in Ireland on an unusual project to research the effects of the addictive liquor absinthe on ESP abilities, particularly the ability to see fairies. She gets more than she bargained for when she meets hero Edward Donoghue, the Earl of Meath, who takes absinthe to cure his habit of “sleepwalking.”
Of course, Edward is hiding deeper secrets, which Ada discovers as she accompanies him on a trip into the Irish countryside. All the many creatures of Irish myth—fairies, water horses, banshees and more—come to life as they seek out Edward’s high-born cousin, Queen Isolde, and agree to take on a mission to preserve the balance of the world.
I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Author Fisher accomplishes the twists and turns of this plot with aplomb and weaves in a slow-building romance, too. It’s all a lot of fun for readers who love their paranormal fantasy with a romantic Irish brogue and an air of misty suspense.
This first book in a projected series is set in an alternate Ireland of the late 1800s, one ruled by its own queen, rather than England’s Victoria. But the real power may lie in the faery realm, as university student heroine Ada Quicksilver discovers. Ada is in Ireland on an unusual project to research the effects of the addictive liquor absinthe on ESP abilities, particularly the ability to see fairies. She gets more than she bargained for when she meets hero Edward Donoghue, the Earl of Meath, who takes absinthe to cure his habit of “sleepwalking.”
Of course, Edward is hiding deeper secrets, which Ada discovers as she accompanies him on a trip into the Irish countryside. All the many creatures of Irish myth—fairies, water horses, banshees and more—come to life as they seek out Edward’s high-born cousin, Queen Isolde, and agree to take on a mission to preserve the balance of the world.
I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Author Fisher accomplishes the twists and turns of this plot with aplomb and weaves in a slow-building romance, too. It’s all a lot of fun for readers who love their paranormal fantasy with a romantic Irish brogue and an air of misty suspense.
November 23, 2023
Good in theory I liked the concept. Didn't love the execution.
March 18, 2022
2.5 - 3.0 ***
Hoopla audio.
I thought this book was rather boring. Character repetitive internal ramblings took precedence over real dialog. Everything happened very slowly and I was quickly bored.
Hoopla audio.
I thought this book was rather boring. Character repetitive internal ramblings took precedence over real dialog. Everything happened very slowly and I was quickly bored.
April 1, 2020
3.5 stars
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and to the editor.
I have to admit that starcrossed lovers isn’t my favorite trope, even more so because it is always connected to the instant love one, and I like this one even less, so I was a bit skeptical about this book.
But rest assured, we get so much more from this book, that this was not a big issue, in the end. Yes, I wasn’t so happy about it, but in the end, it didn’t bugger me too much.
Miss Q. is a good character, and from time to time she reminded me of Alexia Tarabotti. Without the irony and the sharp wit of Carriger’s character, but I was happy to see something reminiscing of her in this new character. She is strong-willed, she is determined and competent in her field. And I think that she is evenly matched with the Earl. He is fascinating, and he is a good person. And this is a thing that I appreciated a lot. And sure, the fact that he is dashing helped along the way, what can I say, I am a shallow girl!
Aside from them, we have some other characters, but they are not so well characterized as the main ones. Duncan, Queen Isolde, and others could have been a bit more developed, but they weren’t just plain, so they were good too. I liked Isolde from the start, even if I somewhat changed my mind during the reading. It’s not that I come to dislike here, but I didn’t like her as much as I was liking her at the beginning of the story. But I think that this is more depending on my personal taste than on any other things. And I hope to see more of Duncan around, because he is an interesting character with the potential to become something more, too!
And let’s not forget about the setting. This story is mainly set in Ireland. I said mainly because our characters are moving both through the real Ireland and the Faery land, but we get to see quite a lot of the ruins and the bogs and it was fascinating. I think that this was a thing that I enjoyed a lot. Even more so, because while I was reading it, comfortably sat on my couch, with a hot mug of scented tea, outside was frigid and rainy. So I get the perfect weather for the reading and it has added something to the experience.
The story was enthralling and never boring. I founded myself more than once starting to read with the intention of reading just a chapter before doing something else, and instead finding myself going into the infamous loop of “just one more page”. And we all know how that would end, right??
Anyway, the story was interesting, and the part about the real history of our world, and the influence of the fairies on that was a point of merit. It is original and it is quite well developed.
I have to confess that I found some things a tad forced, not all flew smoothly if this makes sense to you, but it wasn’t a big issue. I just founded it strange, because this is not the first book of the author, and instead it made me think of a debut book more than once. But this was just a personal feeling, and I have enjoyed the reading nonetheless.
And last, but not least, the sequel is coming out this year, so this is another reason to start this book and lose yourself in these pages!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and to the editor.
I have to admit that starcrossed lovers isn’t my favorite trope, even more so because it is always connected to the instant love one, and I like this one even less, so I was a bit skeptical about this book.
But rest assured, we get so much more from this book, that this was not a big issue, in the end. Yes, I wasn’t so happy about it, but in the end, it didn’t bugger me too much.
Miss Q. is a good character, and from time to time she reminded me of Alexia Tarabotti. Without the irony and the sharp wit of Carriger’s character, but I was happy to see something reminiscing of her in this new character. She is strong-willed, she is determined and competent in her field. And I think that she is evenly matched with the Earl. He is fascinating, and he is a good person. And this is a thing that I appreciated a lot. And sure, the fact that he is dashing helped along the way, what can I say, I am a shallow girl!
Aside from them, we have some other characters, but they are not so well characterized as the main ones. Duncan, Queen Isolde, and others could have been a bit more developed, but they weren’t just plain, so they were good too. I liked Isolde from the start, even if I somewhat changed my mind during the reading. It’s not that I come to dislike here, but I didn’t like her as much as I was liking her at the beginning of the story. But I think that this is more depending on my personal taste than on any other things. And I hope to see more of Duncan around, because he is an interesting character with the potential to become something more, too!
And let’s not forget about the setting. This story is mainly set in Ireland. I said mainly because our characters are moving both through the real Ireland and the Faery land, but we get to see quite a lot of the ruins and the bogs and it was fascinating. I think that this was a thing that I enjoyed a lot. Even more so, because while I was reading it, comfortably sat on my couch, with a hot mug of scented tea, outside was frigid and rainy. So I get the perfect weather for the reading and it has added something to the experience.
The story was enthralling and never boring. I founded myself more than once starting to read with the intention of reading just a chapter before doing something else, and instead finding myself going into the infamous loop of “just one more page”. And we all know how that would end, right??
Anyway, the story was interesting, and the part about the real history of our world, and the influence of the fairies on that was a point of merit. It is original and it is quite well developed.
I have to confess that I found some things a tad forced, not all flew smoothly if this makes sense to you, but it wasn’t a big issue. I just founded it strange, because this is not the first book of the author, and instead it made me think of a debut book more than once. But this was just a personal feeling, and I have enjoyed the reading nonetheless.
And last, but not least, the sequel is coming out this year, so this is another reason to start this book and lose yourself in these pages!
October 3, 2019
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The nitty-gritty: Another winner from Sharon Lynn Fisher, The Absinthe Earl is a delightful historical romance, meticulously researched and full to the brim with unexpected fantasy elements and a fast moving plot.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Sharon Lynn Fisher comes up with the most unusual ideas, and she incorporates these ideas into thrilling stories with elements of mystery, intrigue and of course, romance. In Ghost Planet, every person on the planet of Ardagh 1 has an alien spirit attached to them, identical to someone in their life who has died. In Echo 8, “Echoes” from alternate universes must steal energy from humans in order to survive, and in The Ophelia Prophecy, the main character encounters an alien who has both insect and human DNA—and falls in love with him! Now in her latest, Fisher has created a delicious scenario in which the souls of an ancient fairy warrior and his lover are able to inhabit the bodies of an Irish mythology scholar and an Earl, causing all sorts of havoc. I’m thrilled that The Absinthe Earl is the start of a series, because I enjoyed this world so much.
The story takes place in 1882 Ireland. Ada Quicksilver is a student studying Celtic mythology at Trinity College in Dublin. She's currently researching the connection between the fey and absinthe, after interviewing people who claim to have seen fairies while drinking the strong, green alcohol. Her research leads her one evening to an absinthe bar called The Green Fairy, where she strikes up a conversation with a handsome man. He introduces himself as Lord Edward, the Earl of Meath, who turns out to be related to the queen of Ireland. But Edward is a little odd. He wears green tinted spectacles and acts as though he’s seeing things that aren’t there.
It turns out, he is. Edward can see spirits and fairies when he drinks absinthe, and wearing the glasses blocks them from his vision. But while talking to Ada, Edward removes his glasses, and he sees something terrifying. Hanging around Ada is a vision of a banshee, which Edward interprets as a death threat against his new friend. Determined to save her from a terrible fate, he convinces Ada to accompany him on an errand for the queen. At least if they’re together, Edward will be able to see any otherworldly dangers and prevent Ada from getting hurt.
But on their journey, they discover there’s an even bigger threat. An immortal fairy warrior named Diarmuid has managed to use Edward’s body as a gateway between our world and the world of Faery, and Diarmuid’s lover Cliona is also able to cross the gateway through Ada, much to her chagrin. Long ago, Diarmuid cast a spell that exiled all of faery from Ireland. But the spell is starting to break down, and a war between the Tuatha De Danaan (fairies) and their enemies, the Fomorians, is brewing.
This is quite the intricate plot, and I don’t want to go into too much more detail because it’s best to let things unfold as you read. Fisher has done an amazing amount of research to bring her story to life. I love that she chose to set her story in the late 1800s, which gives it a wonderful historical vibe. And I’m sure that one of her core ideas—that absinthe and seeing fairies are somehow connected—fits nicely in a time period when drinking absinthe was all the rage. This time period also sets the tone for the relationship between Ada and Edward, a time when women were still under the protection of husbands and chaperones and certain behaviors were expected from them. That’s not to say that Ada follows those constraints herself, but more on our heroine later.
In addition to the historical elements, I loved all the details about Ireland and the world of Faery mythology. Fisher brings ancient monsters into her tale to spice up the plot, like the Irish water horse, a púca, and even a bog man! She also incorporates a real life tragedy from Ireland’s past, the Great Famine of Ireland, and comes up with an alternate history that involves fairies. All these details and more gave the story an extra, vivid layer that really brought the characters to life.
I really enjoyed Ada and Edward, and they definitely had the sizzling chemistry and witty banter necessary for a believable, romantic couple. Edward is more of the traditional male love interest, always trying to protect Ada from the danger that seems to be lurking around every corner. Luckily, Ada wants none of that! “Miss Q,” as Edward calls her, is intelligent, headstrong, and independent, and despite her unusual silver hair and almost otherworldly beauty, she’s much tougher than she appears and holds her own very well. Let’s just say their relationship is going to be on her terms, and I loved her for that.
But for me, the meatiest part of the story, and the element that gave me the most food for thought, was the way Fisher introduces Diarmuid and Cliona and has them interact with Ada and Edward. I mentioned before that the author has a knack for coming up with unusual romantic situations, and she certainly didn’t let me down with this book. As the two become more and more attracted to each other, the big question is whether their feelings for each other are real, or whether the interference of Diarmuid and Cliona is influencing those feelings. Fisher raises the question of whether they’ll ever be able to have a normal relationship with two immortals barging into their lives unexpectedly, and I thought she did a great job of resolving that conundrum by the end of the story.
We do get to visit the Faery realm eventually, but I would have liked to see even more of the story take place on that side. The final and inevitable battle scene felt a little rushed at the end, but I did love the way Fisher brought out some truly terrifying mythological creatures for our characters to fight against. There’s a lot I haven’t talked about in this review (pirates, for example!), but I’ll leave you to discover those elements for yourselves. The ending was just perfect and actually gave me goosebumps! The story wraps up neatly without a cliffhanger—thank goodness—and I’m very curious to see where Fisher takes her story in the next book. Fans of lively historical fantasy romance are not going to want to miss this book.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy
I stared wide-eyed and then dropped into a drunkard's curtsy, blushing like a lovesick maiden. "Your Majesty," I murmured. I closed my eyes, pressing my lips together, feeling the mortification wash over me. I'd just been discovered by the queen of Ireland, half-dressed, with torn undergarments and in the arms of a bare-chested earl who just happened to be her cousin.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Sharon Lynn Fisher comes up with the most unusual ideas, and she incorporates these ideas into thrilling stories with elements of mystery, intrigue and of course, romance. In Ghost Planet, every person on the planet of Ardagh 1 has an alien spirit attached to them, identical to someone in their life who has died. In Echo 8, “Echoes” from alternate universes must steal energy from humans in order to survive, and in The Ophelia Prophecy, the main character encounters an alien who has both insect and human DNA—and falls in love with him! Now in her latest, Fisher has created a delicious scenario in which the souls of an ancient fairy warrior and his lover are able to inhabit the bodies of an Irish mythology scholar and an Earl, causing all sorts of havoc. I’m thrilled that The Absinthe Earl is the start of a series, because I enjoyed this world so much.
The story takes place in 1882 Ireland. Ada Quicksilver is a student studying Celtic mythology at Trinity College in Dublin. She's currently researching the connection between the fey and absinthe, after interviewing people who claim to have seen fairies while drinking the strong, green alcohol. Her research leads her one evening to an absinthe bar called The Green Fairy, where she strikes up a conversation with a handsome man. He introduces himself as Lord Edward, the Earl of Meath, who turns out to be related to the queen of Ireland. But Edward is a little odd. He wears green tinted spectacles and acts as though he’s seeing things that aren’t there.
It turns out, he is. Edward can see spirits and fairies when he drinks absinthe, and wearing the glasses blocks them from his vision. But while talking to Ada, Edward removes his glasses, and he sees something terrifying. Hanging around Ada is a vision of a banshee, which Edward interprets as a death threat against his new friend. Determined to save her from a terrible fate, he convinces Ada to accompany him on an errand for the queen. At least if they’re together, Edward will be able to see any otherworldly dangers and prevent Ada from getting hurt.
But on their journey, they discover there’s an even bigger threat. An immortal fairy warrior named Diarmuid has managed to use Edward’s body as a gateway between our world and the world of Faery, and Diarmuid’s lover Cliona is also able to cross the gateway through Ada, much to her chagrin. Long ago, Diarmuid cast a spell that exiled all of faery from Ireland. But the spell is starting to break down, and a war between the Tuatha De Danaan (fairies) and their enemies, the Fomorians, is brewing.
This is quite the intricate plot, and I don’t want to go into too much more detail because it’s best to let things unfold as you read. Fisher has done an amazing amount of research to bring her story to life. I love that she chose to set her story in the late 1800s, which gives it a wonderful historical vibe. And I’m sure that one of her core ideas—that absinthe and seeing fairies are somehow connected—fits nicely in a time period when drinking absinthe was all the rage. This time period also sets the tone for the relationship between Ada and Edward, a time when women were still under the protection of husbands and chaperones and certain behaviors were expected from them. That’s not to say that Ada follows those constraints herself, but more on our heroine later.
In addition to the historical elements, I loved all the details about Ireland and the world of Faery mythology. Fisher brings ancient monsters into her tale to spice up the plot, like the Irish water horse, a púca, and even a bog man! She also incorporates a real life tragedy from Ireland’s past, the Great Famine of Ireland, and comes up with an alternate history that involves fairies. All these details and more gave the story an extra, vivid layer that really brought the characters to life.
I really enjoyed Ada and Edward, and they definitely had the sizzling chemistry and witty banter necessary for a believable, romantic couple. Edward is more of the traditional male love interest, always trying to protect Ada from the danger that seems to be lurking around every corner. Luckily, Ada wants none of that! “Miss Q,” as Edward calls her, is intelligent, headstrong, and independent, and despite her unusual silver hair and almost otherworldly beauty, she’s much tougher than she appears and holds her own very well. Let’s just say their relationship is going to be on her terms, and I loved her for that.
But for me, the meatiest part of the story, and the element that gave me the most food for thought, was the way Fisher introduces Diarmuid and Cliona and has them interact with Ada and Edward. I mentioned before that the author has a knack for coming up with unusual romantic situations, and she certainly didn’t let me down with this book. As the two become more and more attracted to each other, the big question is whether their feelings for each other are real, or whether the interference of Diarmuid and Cliona is influencing those feelings. Fisher raises the question of whether they’ll ever be able to have a normal relationship with two immortals barging into their lives unexpectedly, and I thought she did a great job of resolving that conundrum by the end of the story.
We do get to visit the Faery realm eventually, but I would have liked to see even more of the story take place on that side. The final and inevitable battle scene felt a little rushed at the end, but I did love the way Fisher brought out some truly terrifying mythological creatures for our characters to fight against. There’s a lot I haven’t talked about in this review (pirates, for example!), but I’ll leave you to discover those elements for yourselves. The ending was just perfect and actually gave me goosebumps! The story wraps up neatly without a cliffhanger—thank goodness—and I’m very curious to see where Fisher takes her story in the next book. Fans of lively historical fantasy romance are not going to want to miss this book.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy
September 17, 2019
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone a little. The Absinthe Earl was that for me. The cover suggested a very romance heavy book, not quite my cup of tea as you know. However the title and the synopsis convinced me to give it a try. The combination of Absinthe and Fae I found interesting.
The start of the book was slow. It is set during the 1800s and as such the author does have to deal with what is the norm at that point. However it was interesting as our main character is an orphan and student to an academy of promising young woman and she is working on her thesis, as you will. This is about Fae and Absinthe. She’s come to Ireland to get more proof. When she goes into a pub she meets Edward, cousin to the queen.
At about page 80-100 we suddenly get tossed into a world of Fae and we never recover the slow pace of the start. I loved every minute of that. I can’t quite judge the use of some of the Irish folk legend regarding Fae as they are used here as that is not my area of expertise but what I do know from it, it seemed to keep close to it. And there is still room to discover more so I am curious to see how that will play out in the next book.
Writing was it was mostly fine. I had some problems with the switching between first person point of view in chapters. In some cases the cross worked really well and it didn’t bother me, in other parts it jolted my out of the story.
As said I knew what I was getting into with the romance. I’m not going to judge that part in regards to the star rating because I knew what kind of book I was picking up. It was quick, there was sex, there was a virgin who had no pain the first time she had sex. However I will say this. I think the whole book the relationship between the characters, they were questioning regarding some of the romance with the plot elements. There was also a respectfulness from the man to the woman that you don’t often see in this time period, especially when the woman is very used to taking care of herself. The jealousy and the I am the man bits were dealt with by talking about it and reflection on them, and she never did back down from him.
All in all I enjoyed this book for what it was. A fantasy historical romance with Fae abound. It is not ground breaking. It doesn’t have to be
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone a little. The Absinthe Earl was that for me. The cover suggested a very romance heavy book, not quite my cup of tea as you know. However the title and the synopsis convinced me to give it a try. The combination of Absinthe and Fae I found interesting.
The start of the book was slow. It is set during the 1800s and as such the author does have to deal with what is the norm at that point. However it was interesting as our main character is an orphan and student to an academy of promising young woman and she is working on her thesis, as you will. This is about Fae and Absinthe. She’s come to Ireland to get more proof. When she goes into a pub she meets Edward, cousin to the queen.
At about page 80-100 we suddenly get tossed into a world of Fae and we never recover the slow pace of the start. I loved every minute of that. I can’t quite judge the use of some of the Irish folk legend regarding Fae as they are used here as that is not my area of expertise but what I do know from it, it seemed to keep close to it. And there is still room to discover more so I am curious to see how that will play out in the next book.
Writing was it was mostly fine. I had some problems with the switching between first person point of view in chapters. In some cases the cross worked really well and it didn’t bother me, in other parts it jolted my out of the story.
As said I knew what I was getting into with the romance. I’m not going to judge that part in regards to the star rating because I knew what kind of book I was picking up. It was quick, there was sex, there was a virgin who had no pain the first time she had sex. However I will say this. I think the whole book the relationship between the characters, they were questioning regarding some of the romance with the plot elements. There was also a respectfulness from the man to the woman that you don’t often see in this time period, especially when the woman is very used to taking care of herself. The jealousy and the I am the man bits were dealt with by talking about it and reflection on them, and she never did back down from him.
All in all I enjoyed this book for what it was. A fantasy historical romance with Fae abound. It is not ground breaking. It doesn’t have to be
February 23, 2020
Meh. It wasn't bad, but I also thought it was fairly shallow. Everyone was just so darned nice all the time that I felt very little tension. Yes, there was the whole Ireland/Faerie war bit. But even it was essentially just dropped on the reader. It was never given the buildup it needed to give it the importance it needed. Lastly, I hated that D & C were not given their chance t, even if only once. I felt like the reader was denied satisfaction. But I also doubt D would give up so easily. [That is left purposefully vague to avoid spoilers.]
The writing itself was fine, however. And other than some over-formality, the dialogue flowed well enough and I had no issue with the editing.
All in all, an OK read. I'd pick up another of Fisher's book. But I'm not rushing out to buy them either.
The writing itself was fine, however. And other than some over-formality, the dialogue flowed well enough and I had no issue with the editing.
All in all, an OK read. I'd pick up another of Fisher's book. But I'm not rushing out to buy them either.
May 8, 2021
DNF after 64%
I couldn't go on after this, tbh. The Absinthe Earl started promisingly but after they leave Ireland and become guests of Queen Isolde, it becomes sort of muddy and boring, yet also too much info dumping too soon. Ada was interesting until she learns her identity (won't spoil though) and Edward was always as boring and stiff as a wooden stick. I truly didn't enjoy his POV at all.
Thank you, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I couldn't go on after this, tbh. The Absinthe Earl started promisingly but after they leave Ireland and become guests of Queen Isolde, it becomes sort of muddy and boring, yet also too much info dumping too soon. Ada was interesting until she learns her identity (won't spoil though) and Edward was always as boring and stiff as a wooden stick. I truly didn't enjoy his POV at all.
Thank you, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
dnf
August 14, 2021I ended up DNFing this about 2 hours in. It wasn't really bad - I was actually a little curious about everything going on - but the constant ''after you, my lady'' ''no, you first, my lord'' made it drag, and the MC being such a... well, she's a classical MC without much else to her. At least not that I noticed within those 50-ish first pages.
So, because I felt like it was so slow, I DNFed it. If I don't find anything better to listen to, I may reconsider, to be honest.
So, because I felt like it was so slow, I DNFed it. If I don't find anything better to listen to, I may reconsider, to be honest.
September 24, 2019
Full review coming soon.
I will add that this story is as lush, richly detailed and mysterious as the cover promises it will be, shot through with Irish legend and history, and flavored with Absinthe--a spirit also known as The Green Fairy. An exciting first book in a brand new series!
I will add that this story is as lush, richly detailed and mysterious as the cover promises it will be, shot through with Irish legend and history, and flavored with Absinthe--a spirit also known as The Green Fairy. An exciting first book in a brand new series!
sample
October 22, 2019I was intrigued by the blurb and the sample was fine but the story (writing?) did not grip me right away - I might wait for a price drop because but no insta-buy for now.
January 25, 2022
So good
This book was fun to read!
*Romance *Fairies *Action *Historical Romance vibes *Fantasy *Fated Mates/Instalove (but explained in a good way)
This book was fun to read!
*Romance *Fairies *Action *Historical Romance vibes *Fantasy *Fated Mates/Instalove (but explained in a good way)
January 13, 2020
I did like the premise and set up of this story of Edward, an Irish Earl who believes he needs to drink absinthe every night or he sleep walks and sometimes wakes up somewhere other than where he started. He meets Ada, a student studying Faery history, who has silver hair, at an Irish pub, and impulsively asks her to accompany him to a Faery-based dig site.
However, a lot of the romance gets overwhelmed by the Irish Faery history and legends and creatures and fae ancestors sharing bodies with living mortals so that it gets hard to figure out what is happening and even who is speaking. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook of this because I don't believe I would have been able to finish the book otherwise. If the story was getting too in-depth in fae legends or battles, I would zone out for a bit and wait until I understood what was going on again.
Also, just to let other readers know, this story is written in first-person, with Ada and Edward taking turns being the POV. I got used to it after a while even though I usually read third-person POV.
However, a lot of the romance gets overwhelmed by the Irish Faery history and legends and creatures and fae ancestors sharing bodies with living mortals so that it gets hard to figure out what is happening and even who is speaking. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook of this because I don't believe I would have been able to finish the book otherwise. If the story was getting too in-depth in fae legends or battles, I would zone out for a bit and wait until I understood what was going on again.
Also, just to let other readers know, this story is written in first-person, with Ada and Edward taking turns being the POV. I got used to it after a while even though I usually read third-person POV.
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