**4.5-stars rounded up**

With the tagline: A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget. I should have known this was going to happen. The infamous book hangover.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an experience. I don't feel like I have ever been this beaten up by a book. It was literally like Schwab was taking an ice pick to my heart and slowly chipping pieces away the entire way through. There were times I had to set it down and step away. I couldn't be held accountable for my actions in those moments. It's all a blur.

Addie LaRue is a character who has an extraordinary story to tell, yet no way to tell it. In 1714, she entered into a Faustian bargain granting her eternal life. The downfall, she will be forgotten by every person she ever meets, unable to do even the simplest of things, like telling someone her name.

She flounders for years, trying to determine how best to live. It is a struggle. Her only connection, the dark being who granted her wish, Luc. These scenes of Addie grappling with how to survive, were hard to read. In fact, they were some of the most melancholy scenes I have ever read.

It was gripping and beautiful and painful, all at the same time. The writing was able to elicit such empathy for her position. I found it to be extremely powerful. Addie eventually develops a semi-comfortable pattern for living, until one day, in 2014 New York City, a boy in a bookstore changes everything.

He remembers.

Intricately weaving together both past and present timelines, Schwab sweeps you away in a love story centuries in the making. There's love, sacrifice and tasty bites of food for thought the entire way through.

I loved the exploration of the power of the arts to transcend space and time. There's an underlining theme of art, in many different forms, creating a sort of timeless influence. It felt like a love story to artistic expression and I was so into that whole vibe.

Overall, I think this is a very special story. One that will have a great and lasting impact on a lot of people. Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor Books and NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I will never forget Addie, or her story.

I can't put into words how much I loved this book. I already loved V.E. Schwab, but this put her at the top of my list of favorite active authors. Everyone should read this and be captured in the spell of this magnificent story.

***5 STARS***
REVIEW GOES LIVE ON LAIROFBOOKS: 12/16/2020 8AM EST

THE 411...

“𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑗𝑜𝑦𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒"

There aren’t very many books I’ve read that have moved me to tears and introspection, the last one I can recall is 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝐻𝑢𝑠𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦𝑛 𝐻𝑢𝑔𝑜. Addie is a very different read but it absolutely broke me in much the same way. I’ve had moments when I’ve felt as if life was passing me by much too quickly. When I’ve asked myself, what am I leaving behind in this world? faced fear of living a life without finding my souls purpose or simply not being seen. Not being enough. To see characters on the page who want more out of life whether by way of experience or human connection is something we can all probably relate to.

For our MC Addie, living a simple life wasn't something she could commit to. She sought a way to break free of what was traditionally expected of her but it came at a steep price. A deal struck with Lucifer aka Luc, her soul when she tires of it...immortality with a definitive ending. Addie lives many lives in the span of 3oo years, lives that take her across many countries and continents. The subject of many art pieces, songs, and unintentional heartbreak that is at once forgotten. The deal stipulates that she may have this immortality however she will not be able to form long lasting human connections. She will not be able to utter her real name or write her story...she will love a few but will quickly be forgotten. This all changes the day she meets Henry at a bookstore because unlike all the others, Henry does remember her.

CHARACTERS...

Addie Larue-I honestly feel Addie took me by the hand to experience the world through her eyes and make me understand why she would sacrifice so much. At first I just couldn't...the thought of having my loved ones forget I ever existed and therefore have to let them go seemed too much to even fathom. In truth, Addie was a young woman born in the wrong time period. She was progressive and in many ways a feminist at heart, her soul craved experiences outside of what was deemed appropriate at the time. Domesticity would've been a slow death for Addie who is able to flow through the centuries with a sense of timelessness. I wasn't expecting to love Addie by the end of my time with this story but somehow she managed to steal my heart.

Henry-the cute bisexual bookshop guy who is also in a sense trying to acquire as many life experiences as possible. However, whereas Addie is going about it at a leisurely pace...Henry feels like there just isn't enough hours in the day. Henry is the guy who you won't catch living a repetitive life, but this is just what's surface level with Henry. I connected with Henry on a soul level and I think many readers will find him most relatable.

Luc- Our master of night, the one they warn you about when they tell you not to pray once the sun goes down. Luc is always present even when Addie can't see him which kind of made me feel like I was waiting with her in anticipation for their encounters. Their relationship is very toxic seeing that it's very co-dependent because Luc has made it so. We get to know his temperamental ways & I came to fear what new ways he'd come up with to make life all the more difficult for Addie.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...

Would you trade your soul to live many lives and see/experience what the world has to offer? Would you trade your soul to finally be enough? To be loved simply for being you? these are the exact questions that ran through my mind as I read this book. Personally, that feeling of life seeming like a series of snapshots that capture fleeting moments is something I've felt deeply. I've at times struggled to connect with V.E. Schwabs other fictional characters but this book gave so much character development & atmospheric writing that I found myself carried away with the story. It's beautiful and heartbreaking, truly one that will remain imprinted in my soul.

Does anyone need to read another glowing review for this amazing book? Probably not, but I'm not going to let that stop me. This book is easy one of my top ten reads this year (I read 200ish books a year) and I've already purchased multiple copies because I like to have multiple editions of my favorite books.

What I loved about this book:

1. Even though I'm a huge YA fantasy fan, I hadn't had the chance to read any of V.E. Schwab's previous books so I was able to go into this book with zero expectations. I was completely blown away by her epic story, poetic prose, addictive writing style, and the way she efficiently built the amazing character of Addie. This definitely won't be my last book by this author and I definitely hope to get a few more Addie LaRue books.🤞🤞🤞

2. I loved how this book alternated between Addie's past and present. Obviously when someone has lived for 300 years there's a lot to know about the character and even though that may feel like a daunting task to take on, Schwab was able to give just enough of her past to understand the character. She was also able to do the alternating time lines without any confusion for the reader.

3. I loved how art was a huge focus in this book. With art programs getting cut nationwide it's important to realize the impact art can have on a person. I have certain pieces of art I love to just gaze at because it brings me immense joy and honestly who couldn't use a bit more joy these days? I also have an autistic son and drawing has been a great way for him to decompress and it really is a confidence boost to show off his work.

This book is a great mix of romance, magic, and survival and it's slow pace really made me think. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

I really enjoyed the fable/fairytale vibe of this book. The characters were interesting and well developed, and I liked seeing the different time periods that Addie went through. I kind of wish we had found out more about Henry after what happened to Addie, but I was also satisfied with the ending of the book.

Absolutely stunning. Beyond words. This story engulfed me and drowned me and spat me back out, changed. Addie is now a beloved friend and I’m devastated to be finished with her story. Such an unusual tale from Schwab, whose other novels have been hit or miss for me, but if I’d let that away me from giving Addie Larue a chance, it would have been my loss. Just gorgeous. One of my favorite reads (if not THE favorite) of the year.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Although it was hard to keep track of Addie's history at times, because of the scope of time the book covered, the book was well-paced and structured. The book felt almost cinematic-- I look forward to the very probably film adaptation.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab is a delightfully original, romantic story about one’s desire to leave a mark on the world.

Though Addie LaRue was born in France at the end of the 17th century, no one remembers that, because in order to escape an unwanted marriage arrangement, Addie makes a deal with the devil. She trades her soul for immortality, but as gods are known to do, this one's bargain comes with a bitter catch--she will be immediately forgotten by anyone she meets.

Until someone in 2014 actually does remember her. What follows is a powerful story of legacy, agency, and love in many messy forms, all coming together to weave a story about a girl no one can remember, but who no reader will soon forget.

This was my first time reading V.E. Schwab, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. Schwab writes in prose, but her words are incredibly poetic and run together like a stream. There are some truly incredible quotes in this book.

Addie herself is a fantastic character. She has grit and determination, but she’s also quite vulnerable, and I really felt like I existed beside her as she travelled throughout the centuries. We grow attached to the heroine, which is why for me, though this book is often described as a romance, that isn’t the most important part here. I believe Schwab wants us to develop a relationship with Addie ourselves, rather than have us grow attached to any of her relationships with other characters, as she outlives many of them. And while I was originally frustrated by certain events unfolding as they did, I have faith in the heroine and her perseverance (Too ambiguous? Sorry—it’s a spoiler free joint over here.)

I watched an interview with Schwab where she stated that while everyone believes she must equate herself to Addie, the author is actually more like Henry. I felt like that, too. Henry’s clear suffering from depression and anxiety was all too relatable, and while others may wind up frustrated with some of his decisions, I think a lot of readers will understand them. I appreciated the representation of mental illness in this book, as I think we need more of it to help diminish the stigma and start conversations.

As a quick note on the characters: One of my favorite aspects of this book was the effortless representation of bisexuality with Addie and Henry. Adult fiction has a long way to go with LGBTQ+ representation, but I am glad that with such strong stories as Addie, there are strides being made. It was lovely to see how each of Addie's relationships are unique, even as her curse turns them heartbreaking and sour.

An incredibly unique component of the novel was the relationship between this book and art. There is no doubt that art is a visually powerful platform, and Addie harnesses this to leave small footprints throughout history. It was an extremely clever way to convey Addie's determination to be remembered.

Without giving too much away, I also like that we, as readers, are involved in the story as we become the very thing that Addie fights so hard to have--people to remember her and her legacy. As readers finish and discuss Addie, and talk about the novel with their friends, it makes me oddly happy to know that we are making Addie's most fervent desire come true. Because to me, there is no doubt that Addie LaRue will be unforgettable for many readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the opportunity to review this ARC!

I loved the main character Addie and the way she dealt with her curse. We had so many things in common it was easy to connect with her. Not only are we both dreamers longing for adventure, but we were born days apart making us both Pisces, we share the same native language, and we're both attracted to multiple genders. I felt the depth of her loneliness as she tried making friends with people who would never remember her. Since all she could do is live in the present, she became very good at making the most of every moment and taking pleasure in the simple things. The cat and mouse relationship she had with the god of darkness was interesting. I cant imagine anything good coming from a god who only cares about collecting souls, but I loved how she decided not to give up and forfit her soul just to spite him for giving her such a bad deal.

I didnt care as much for Henry point of view but I still liked him as a character. He's a sensitive soft bi boy and I really enjoy those kinds of love interest, but he was a little too melancholic and dramatic at times. I know his family isnt big on the encouragement and support but he makes his family out to be worse then they actually tare. It just didnt feel completely authentic to me. The self medicating with drugs and alcohol did ring true though. I felt like both him and Addie benefited from their relationship. I thought their connection gave Addie some much needed direction and hope for the future while it helped Henry live in the moment instead of being stuck in his head worrying all the time. I liked Henrys art student friend Bea and how she kept it real with him while still being very supportive and kind.

The plot was mostly about Addie figuring out the confines of her curse and just trying to make the most of everyday until she meets the one person who doesnt forget who she is. It was nice seeing the impact Addie has had on art over the centuries. I liked both time lines but I felt like none of them really had a sense of purpose. Since Addie didn't really have any kind of goal to move the plot foward it was more of a character study. There was still some tension as I waited for the other shoe to drop once Addie found happiness with Henry. We also got a sense of danger as Addie tries to survive on the streets of France after she was first cursed. The pace was slow but the writing made it an engaging and quick read. It had some fantastic descriptions, memorable quotes and a nice flow.

The historical France setting was very immersive but New York was definitely my favorite. I loved all the different hidden places Addie was able to find. The maze of streets, the rooftop gatherings, the nightlife. It was all so atmospheric. The way the author explained March weather was so on point they were able to put not only the tempermental experience into words but the feeling that comes with it. This didnt have much magic besides the deal with the devil element but I really enjoyed the whole concept of being given immortality only to be forgotten by everyone she meets the moment she's out of eyesight. Forever unable to leave a mark on the world or share her story with anyone. It was very thought provoking. I dont read adult books often but Im glad I picked this one up.

What a beautiful book. Very reminiscent of Morgenstern's The Night Circus, but still very much it's own beast. This is probably, in my opinion, Schwab's most well written and thoughtful novel thus far.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an epic that spans decades. Part historical fiction, part romance, part fantasy. Schwab writes books that are compulsively readable, and perfect for hesitant and picky readers. The characters are natural and dynamic. You would follow Schwab's characters anywhere. The writing is whimsical but not dense. This book was so successful in bringing something new to genre and classic stories/archetypes you love.

A sweeping novel taking place over 300 years, "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is V.E. Schwab's newest foray into her magical world. Unhappy protagonists, romance, and deals with the devil abound throughout Addie's long life, and the reader follows the span of her nearly invisible existence with a definite air of sadness sprinkled with hope.

When it came to this book, it took me about 1/3 of the way to really get into this book. It definitely was a slow start (I put the book down twice and came back to it months later to try again). I'm so glad that after my third shot at this book, I stuck with it. This book was AWESOME!

I couldn't finish this book, though I tried several times. We just weren't a good fit. I kept losing interest with the timeline and narrator switches.

While 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' isn't your normal VE Schwab fare, it's no less intricately plotted and absolutely beautifully written than her other works. Addie has called out to the darkness in order to escape a life trapped and Darkness himself answers giving her the choice to live forever. Her catch is that no one will ever remember her... One day, hundreds of years later, Addie meets a boy who remembers her. If I had to describe the book with one-word I think I might go with "quotable." Truly a masterpiece.

I was in a reading slump for a long time, and like always, V.E. Schwab and her books bring me out of it. Addie is everything I wish I could be; resilient, determined, gratuitous. Her outlook on life, her determination to see the good in things, to be a good person when she doesn't have to be, when literally no one is watching is inspiring, especially having read this during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Schwab's descriptions of the places Addie has traveled, the people she's met resparks my love of travel, of learning about different walks of life. Addie yearning for more from life reminds me of my favourite line from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere". The decade it took for Victoria to be ready to tell Addie's story was well worth the wait.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020, and I’m so excited that it is now on shelves so other readers can share in the experience of reading it. The book introduces readers to a young woman who makes a bargain to live forever, but be forgotten by everyone who meets her. Beginning in 1714 in France, the story tracks Addie across the centuries of her life until she meets someone who remembers her. This is a book nearly 10 years in the making, and you can feel the love V.E. Schwab has for this book and these characters on every single page. Her passion for this story is palpable, and it transforms the reading experience into something that feels rare and special. My advice to readers is to savor this book. It is truly a masterpiece.

Addie LaRue, you clever fox!


Henry was struggling to find his place in the world where you're expected to have a life plan by age 18. The feeling of being left behind was drowning him. Whereas Addie just wanted to do what she wanted and leave a mark on the world. They come together and it's all just very.. real. For a fantasy book, there was so much just every day life and the humdrum struggles we deal with.

It took me awhile to get into this book just because she has such a sad back story. I think I was about 40% in when I really got sucked into the story.

I loved the little glimpses of time. I loved her fire and stubbornness. However, I didn't actually like Henry. He was a very believable character, but I didn't find him a good romantic interest. What he wanted most seemed very shallow.

I always enjoy Schwab's writing and this book is a perfect example of her ability to draw you into a story. The book was actually a pretty quick read. The timeline changes were well balanced, however, I did enjoy the modern timeline more than the historical timeline. It felt like the historical timeline had a bit more depth when we got to know the people in Addie's life as well as her encounters with people after her wish for immortality is granted. As the book goes on, we get less of her life and more of her interactions with Luc, which felt a bit repetitive at times. I still don't feel like we really got to know Addie's personality as much as we could have.

Henry, on the other hand, was a great and well crafted character. I found his chapters to be extremely personal and emotional. It really felt like Schwab put a lot of heart into showing us what a character with depression feels and is going through. His appearance in the book definitely brought the book to a more personal level and I enjoyed it all the more for his character and his friendships.

This is probably the most stirring and emotional book that Schwab has produced so far and I'm excited to see what she produces next.

Wow. I did not know I could love V.E. Schwab any more than I already did, but she has outdone herself with Addie LaRue. What a beautiful and poignant read. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.