Absinthe Moon

Volume One in the Icarus Project

By: V.R. Christensen

Narrated by: Joshua Saxon

Welcome to New Londinium, a city that developed from an enclave of stragglers who survived the culminating blast of the last world war. From beneath the lee of a mountain formed as a result of the devastation, a colony gathered and grew. After several hundred years, this post-apocalyptic city is filled to bursting, and everyone - well, nearly everyone - is struggling for a place amidst the city’s Chosen, the elite ruling faction.

Robert Mayhew, by all appearances, is a man destined to be numbered amongst these Chosen. But Mayhew is both more than and less than he appears. His unauthorized conception, and a hideous deformity that was the result of his failed termination, have left him with a bloodthirsty lust to exact vengeance on the system that conspired to kill him even before he’d drawn his first breath.

In his position as chief curator of the Absinthe Moon - the city’s center of love and leisure - and supported by the Resistance, Mayhew is in just the right position to infiltrate the Icarus Project - the executive body of the city's shadow government - and bring the whole system toppling down. So long as no one gets in his way.

Enter Emaline Newell. Utterly devoid of any evidence of the city’s taint, she is a valuable asset to the Absinthe Moon, and to Mayhew in his aims to achieve elite status. As his consort, she might give him just the advantage he needs.

Only Emaline has some ideas of her own, and perhaps a few things to teach him about love, loyalty, and the power he wishes to wield.

©2019 V.R. Christensen (P)2019 V.R. Christensen

Fascinating story, I want more

This book took a while to get into. I think I was somewhat lost for about the first third (4-5 hours) of this audiobook. It was interesting, but I did not really have a feel for the world, characters, or story, until then. But once I did, I loved it. A richly detailed world, great characters and an intriguing story. This is a great lead-in for a series, and it is clear that this is what is intended. Unfortunately, because of this, the end did not really feel complete or fully resolved. Some authors can finish up a book with a satisfying conclusion and still leave room for more. But this one was just not quite there. Because of this and the slow start, I give this 4 stars instead of 5. But I definitely want more of this series...there are just so many unanswered questions...and that is both good and bad.

The narration was great and seemed to fit the story quite well.

I look forward to he continuation of the story

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and unbiased review, and I have voluntarily left that here.

Truly outstanding audiobook!

“Absinthe Moon” is a fascinating read with well developed characters, and an interesting description of that particular society that you are instantly drawn into. In many ways it is a mirror of today as well. A captivating audiobook with a very talented reader who is delightful to listen to. If you liked “The Handmaid’s Tale”, you will love “Absinthe Moon”!

Loved and want more!

It’s stories like this that make me happy. When I can leave a short review that doesn’t have a bunch of questions/comments (relating to inconsistencies or other mistakes), it proves the author knows what he/she is doing. Plus, I get to leave the first one. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out, hopefully, it’s not too long though. I’d definitely be interested in reading more by this author.

I love the cover! I love the title! And I really love this story! I love anything with a historical aspect, and when you throw in some Steampunk that leaves me a happy camper. The story was well written, easy to follow along to, had some great descriptions, and there was obvious character development. I think my favorite part was when Robert awoke inside the shack belonging to the old woman. Her dialogue was very interesting.

Joshua Saxon did a terrific job narrating, as usual. I’m glad I came across him (I think from Audiobook Boom?) because he has skills!

Really Good

I loved this book. The story was well written, the characters interesting, and the narrator gets an A-plus. I usually listen to books in bits and spurts, while walking or knitting, but I couldn't stop listening to this story. It was playing in my car, while I cooked, in the shower - I couldn't wait to find out what happens next but also was dreading the end because I knew I would miss these characters . If you're a fan of the futuristic/dystopian genres and like a touch of romance thrown in you should give this book a try. In the end, I do find myself missing Mayhew and Emmaline and the Moon so I will be buying Book 2 as soon as it hits the Audible pages.

Enchanting and totally engrossing

This book pulls you into a world that's desolate and grand at the same time. It's got a really fantastic historical feel that fits comfortably along with a little bit of burlesque and a little bit of science fiction. If you add a few stubborn and secretive main characters, massive social stratification and a world trying to rebuild itself after total collapse and you've got Absinthe Moon.
I usually avoid romance and the like because it has a habit of getting played out, the same types of characters, the same jilted love, the same antagonists and plot, but when I was offered this book in exchange for a review I figured, eh, why not. I was more than pleasantly surprised, I actually couldn't stop listening, the world of the Moon and the society around it is vast and the storyline is filled with twists and turns that are just beyond the readers grasp. Although this story is relatively long it was over far to quickly and I will be waiting in anticipation for the next.
I am forever impressed at Joshua Saxon's narrations. His voice fits so comfortably here with these characters and adds an extra layer of absolute and haunting perfection to the way this story is presented.

absinthe moon

I really liked the story, and the performance of the narrator. it was well done, and just different enough. there were a few things I was not sure if I had just missed or were just not explained or purposely left out. Was it an alternate timeline? was it a post-apocalyptic future? what is the reason for their caste system? I have a long list of books to read, but have added part 2 to the list.

edit: it answers alot of questions in the first few sentences.... must have missed it.

Absinthe Moon

I loved this book.In a world of the tainted,purity in skin and wholeness in body are what people strive for.If you are tainted,you are nothing.This is a clockwork type of world with 'green' ideas fighting big coal and a crazy leader.It is well written and all the characters are complex and likable.I look forward to reading book 2. Joshua Saxon was a wonderful narrator. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.