The Absinthe Earl

July 8, 2019
Fisher opens her Faery Rehistory series, set in an alternate historical Ireland where British imperialism is replaced by the menace of fairy invasion, with this complex, creative adventure. Miss Ada Quicksilver, a student at London’s Lovelace Academy for Promising Young Women, is investigating the disappearance of fairies from Ireland. She’s heard rumors that absinthe may facilitate sightings of the parallel world where they now dwell. Her research brings her into discussion with a handsome, enigmatic Irish nobleman who offers to bring her to a recently opened fairy fort. Edward Donoghue, Earl of Meath, is plagued by visions and sleepwalking that are tamed only by absinthe. As he and Ada pursue their investigations, they learn that Edward is a conduit between mortals and fairies, and that their growing bond holds the power to open the barrier between worlds—leading to a final confrontation between the fairies and their ancient enemies. Although the quick shifts between Ada and Edward’s perspectives are distracting and disruptive, persevering readers will still enjoy Fisher’s inventive premise and the heady romance between two independent and well-matched protagonists. Fans of Gail Carriger and Leanna Renee Hieber will savor this promising series opener. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House.

September 1, 2019
In the first book of Fisher's fantasy historical romance trilogy, the Faery Rehistory, spells are woven to draw readers into a retelling of ancient Irish myths featuring the supernatural Tuatha De Danaan, legendary Fenian warrior Diarmuid, and his unwitting modern-day inheritors. Ada Quicksilver is just an English scholar looking into the faery legends behind absinthe, the wicked green draught popular in Dublin in 1882. She happens to meet the earl of Meath, Edward Donoghue, not knowing that their souls had met and notoriously fallen in love hundreds of years previously. The earl invites Miss Q on a folk quest with him to the excavation of a fairy mound that leads them both to question their knowledge of the legends told to them in their youth. It also leads them to a council with the mad Queen Isolde and a battle for Ireland herself. Anyone who loves a good supernatural story, along with a hefty dose of Irish legend and romance, will adore this new series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)