An absolute must read! This book is beyond amazing. Magical and beautiful and emotional. Everything you could want in a time travel book....and more!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the the publisher for the copy of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue in exchange for my honest review.

This story was absolutely amazing!!! I am not even sure where to start. Addie is a very strong, vibrant and fun character. This story is good, bad, ugly, beautiful, right, wrong and every other opposites you can think of. An exceptional fantasy, do not miss it!!

Oh my gosh, y'all. This book. I don't even have the words yet for how much I loved it. I'm still processing. Swooning. I didn't want it to end. I'm sad that it's over. I'm happy that it turned out the way I wanted it to. I literally have so many emotions about this book I can't even express them all. I NEED A MOVIE YOU GUYS.

I don't want to say too much because, well, I don't want to spoil it for you. But I will encourage you to go and order a copy and thank me later because this book is everything you didn't know you needed.

This was my first book by Schwab and her writing is just absolutely beautiful. The character of Addie was written so poetically, her story will stick with me for a long time. Luc, Henry, all of the supporting characters were well written and developed as well. I am totally going to go back and read a bunch of her books now.

Sincere thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

When you imagine an immortal life - what does it look like?

For Addie LaRue, she has spent the last three hundred years passing through the lives of those she comes into contact with. She has been witness to history unfolding around her, the rise and fall of empires, the changing world. She remembers everything, and yet, she herself is unknown to all. Except one. That's because one night, in a moment of desperation, Addie prayed to the dark - and the dark answered. Now, in a foolishly made deal with the devil, Addie must pass through life free, but forgotten. Eventually when she grows tired of this evanescent existence, the devil will be there to reap her soul. To add to her torment, the dark visits her each year on the night of her deal to celebrate their macabre anniversary. This is the cycle of Addie's life, that is, until she meets a strange boy in a bookshop who inexplicably remembers her.

'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' was my first V.E. Schwab reading experience and I can understand why she has such a devoted fanbase. Her writing is luminous and her characters are heartfelt. Her exploration of the emotional range of her subjects is captivating. Some of the passages are so emotionally draining to read that I just have to give credit to Schwab's ability to wreck her reader's hearts. There are not too many stories that have driven me to actually tear up and sob, but 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' is one of the most cathartic books I have read this year. Much like the titular character, the book is sorrowful but there is also something so stubbornly hopeful about it that I couldn't help but fall in love with Addie's story.

Schwab lingers over the first half of the book, feeling out the peculiars of Addie's deal. We experience every ache and new joy of her transformation. Her first sip of coffee, when she teaches herself how to read, the first time she falls in love only to be forgotten in the morning. The pain of not being able to leave any mark or memory on the world. We see her come into her role as heroine and sharpen her acts of resistance against the dark. Addie is a force that will not be easily tricked again and this resolve pitches the final chapters of 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' to a satisfying and dramatic conclusion.

There is something to be said about Schwab's exploration of the role of women in history. Women who were no less sparkling but were nonetheless overshadowed by their male contemporaries. Women who lived full lives in the midst of history, but are now relegated to marginalia, a beautiful face in a painting, or glimpsed in the characters of a book. May this component of the story inspire us to continue to uncover the biographies of women.

I have only minor complaints about this book - I was disappointed that Schwab based part of her "reveal" on an art historical argument and she incorrectly referenced a painting - Vermeer painted 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' - not Rembrandt. Also, the first time she used 'Palimpsest' it was poetic and highly appropriate. However, by the eighth or ninth use it became redundant. Considering Schwab was working on this story off and on for the better part of a decade, I feel like a copyeditor should have called her on this one. I could have also done without the historical cameos of Beethoven and Sinatra. Again, these were character interjections that distracted from the narrative in the moment instead of enhanced it. Despite this, 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' receives a positive rating from me and I recommend it.

Addie LaRue is the story of a woman’s curse to be forgotten, and what happens when she finally meets a boy who remembers. The story is told through multiple timelines and tells the story of Addie as she struggles to adapt to her curse and try to overcome it, as well as deal with the devil who cursed her, and the only person who remembers her. It’s a unique perspective on history, love, and the value of memory. If you love history or romance you will fall in love with Addie and her curse and always want to remember her name.

I am completely enamored with this story. It captured my attention completely and had me neglecting everything I needed to do this weekend in favor of curling up with it. Gorgeous prose and storytelling. Somehow, I've never read anything else by V.E. Schwab and now I can't wait to dive into her other books!

Love the premise and I enjoyed reading about the main character as she moved through time. But the writing didn’t move me, it was just too long and the ending was unsatisfying. I won’t be picking up this author again.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

“Never pray to the gods that answer after dark.”

A girl strikes a desperate deal with the darkness, binding them together through time, cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, in the ironically unforgettable THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE.

V.E. Schwab delivers one of my favorite books of the year—a story beautifully poetic, deeply romantic and utterly mesmerizing.

Our story takes shape in 1714 France as Addie LaRue longs to escape her small-town fate. In a moment of desperation, she pleads to the dark for her freedom. And while her plea is answered, it’s not without a cost.

“I am stronger than your god and older than your devil. I am the darkness between stars, and the roots beneath the earth. I am promise, and potential, and when it comes to playing games, I divine the rules, I set the pieces, and I choose when to play.”

Destined to live forever (or until she surrenders her soul), Addie must live her days forgotten the moment anyone looks away.

In an incredible—and invisible—life spanning centuries and continents, we accompany Addie as she struggles to make a living, through days of devastation and war, forgotten by lovers, a muse for the world’s brightest, but inescapably and infinitely alone.

Until 300 years later, in a small New York City book shop, a boy remembers.

And everything changes.

This book is one you can’t help but devour. A spellbinding adventure brimming with joy and heartache all at once. A story about love and loss, desperation and resilience, courage and sacrifice, darkness and light. I was swept away by Addie’s story, by a million magical moments that brought Schwab’s words to life in a way that felt wonderfully visceral.

There was a gossamer, dreamy quality to the narrative and I could have endlessly reveled in its magic. It was just perfect.

“What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?”

Well, I had ridiculously high standards for this book as V.E. Schwab has nailed everything she's ever written. And this books has claimed it's place as my favourite of her works. The hype around the book is real and it's so well deserved. I loved Addie Larue and following her life and journey in the way this book was written was so well done. Henry and Luc are also great side characters and it's so interesting to see how the story unfolded especially with that ending! Wow did I cry.
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book for an honest review. I can't wait to reread it once I have my physical copy!

A breathtaking novel that readers won’t want to put down and likely will not forget. The magic of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is that it so fluidly crosses genre lines and offers something for every reader. V.E Schwab’s writing is lush and cinematic.

This is the type of novel I would encourage patrons to pick up without telling them too much about the plot for fear of spoiling their delight at letting it unfold before them as they read.

"Be careful what you wish for as you just may get it." A young girl asks for freedom from a life in a small medieval village, and her wish is granted by a dark god; with strings attached- she will never be remembered by anyone she meets. After centuries of roaming the earth, witnessing historic events and leaving a mark in the art world, she finally is remembered by another doomed soul and the results are heart-breaking, poignant, and ultimately, clever,

This book is AMAZING!

Addie is a girl who reminds me a lot of Belle from Beauty and the Beast: she's smart, she's strong-willed, and she wants more than this provincial life. Only, she's an artist instead of a reader. She was born in the small village of Villon in 1691, and like all young ladies of the day, she was expected to do nothing more in life than get married and have children. That might be fine for her friend, Isabelle, but it wasn't what she wanted. After praying and praying and praying, she finally got a god to free her from the obligation of having to marry. That obligation came with a cost, however. Although she would be able to live forever, nobody would remember her.

The story beautifully weaves two timelines: one, in 2014, where she finally meets someone that does remember her, and another which starts during her childhood. It withholds details until it's necessary to tell them, leaving you with unanswered questions that makes you want to keep on reading. What is her story? I know I wanted to keep on reading and find out more.

What would it be like to live a life where nobody remembers you? This is a key concept of this lovely book.

I'm not going to spoil the end--there are hints in the book that make me guess the ending, but I wasn't sure until the very last section. I loved it. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is as much of a work of art as Addie is herself. I highly recommend it.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of those rare books that I wanted to reread the instant I turned the final page. This book is one of those books that slowly carves out a place in your heart and settles in. And, quite fittingly, this book is one that is impossible to forget.

Although Schwab has long been once of my favorite authors, this book is on an entirely different level. It’s beautiful, lyrical, and absolutely heartbreaking. But it’s also full of hope and love and beauty.

I’d honestly recommend this book to everyone and not just fantasy lovers. There’s something for everyone in there and I dare you not to fall in love with this stunning prose.

Oh. My. God. What an experience it was to read this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Books for sending me an ARC to review. You may be thinking "Is this book overhyped? Is it really as good as everyone is saying?" And the truth is, that it depends. I know, not helpful. But I really do believe that it is worth reading at least once. It might not be your style but I entreat you to give it a chance because it was an absolute experience for me.

This was my first V. E. Schwab book and I'm not sure it was the right place to start but I'm so happy I did. Her writing here is so very present. Each sentence seems to capture a poignant feeling and memory that is almost artistic. Every word with purpose. Her style of writing lends to a specific, almost mysterious atmosphere. It places you in a setting that is both present and timeless. You are able to move moment to moment with Addie throughout her life. It was strange, but I found myself wanting to cry at some of the most simple passages in this book. They were simple and somehow profound. An epiphany through simplicity.

This book is probably not for everyone, especially if you are looking for a quick, easy read. It is extremely slow and deliberate and made for you to think on and reflect. If you are not patient it will be very hard to get through. I had trouble getting through Henry, one of the main characters, perspective but I got through it because I was invested in Addie.

All in all, what a beautiful book. It is one that holds pages and pages of purposeful writing. Every word, every line, every passage is meaningful. There's no fluff nor filler. It makes you think about life, death, every decision you make, and every connection or relationship you foster. When mortality is taken from you, what facets of humanity do you cling to and what do you live for?

I will need to read this book again, perhaps several times, to grasp all of it and absorb all its lessons and messages again. I highly recommend this book.

I have trouble characterizing this book as either fantasy, historical fiction, or fairy tale. There is a very fairy-tale like quality to the story. Addie makes a deal with a god (or demon?) who grants her the ability to live forever, but forgotten by everyone who meets her. Addie's life is complicated by the mere practicalities of living a life when no one remembers you. She must figure out how to find joy and enjoy the small moments of connection she shares with others even knowing that those moments are ephemeral and cannot be built on sustained relationships - until she meets someone who does remember her. What does it mean to live, to leave a mark on others' lives, and to have a memory that you alone remember.

What an epic journey I just had with Addie LaRue, Henry and Luc. WHAT A JOURNEY! I love that this 448 page novel has a very short synopsis and to be honest.... at first I thought this may be one of those that lulls here and there but I am so happy to have proven myself wrong. Now, we can talk about what an amazing writer this author is and how this book just proves once again that Schwab spins yet another outrageously good tale that you will fall in love with. For me, it wasn't just about that, but more so the fact that humans are complex and we all want to feel loved and have our freedom... but at what price? Always be careful what you wish for.

300 years of Addie LaRue. I thoroughly enjoyed the jumps in time lines as we get to see her through these various journeys. I felt for her so much and couldn't imagine what it would be like to consistently be forgotten... even though at times I've certainly wished I could be invisible in this oh so busy world. She is one tough woman! And then to finally be seen! FINALLY! And then story starts to really soar. I fell in love with all the characters. Even Luc. How could you not? My eyes got a bit misty towards the end and I closed the book fully satisfied but also wanting more. Ahem, Schwab.... do we get to see the next dance? Or has the curtain fallen?

This story will definitely stick with me for a long time. The main storyline is fantastic (as you can probably gleam from this review) but it's really the subtle nuances and the undercurrent of everything else that I truly found fascinating. Like finding that backbeat of a track rather than just paying attention to the loudest one that everyone else is dancing to. Really the perfect story I needed in my life at this moment.

And Addie LaRue, I promise I will always remember you. While I'm obviously rating this 5 stars, I also give it 7 beautifully placed freckles. ❤

I was holding out for the audio of this book because it is narrated by the incredible Julia Whelan. Julia was the perfect narrator to truly bring this beautiful story to life (we stan Julia in this house).

The prose in this book is so achingly beautiful and lyrical that I forgot that I was reading a fantasy at so many points.

Addie is a truly fascinating character. After sealing a deal with devil, Addie is burdened with being forgotten by everyone who encounters her. While this existence is incredibly lonely and isolating, we see Addie fight, manipulate, and steal in order to survive in a world that is oblivious to her existence. We really see the foundation of human need and existence through Addie, which is raw and heartbreaking.

My biggest criticism of the book is that the vast majority is told through Addie lens, so when we randomly get a POV from Henry (the one person who finally doesn’t forget Addie), it felt jarring and unnecessary. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why Henry was integral to Addie’s story, but I would’ve preferred it to be revealed through her lens since all other interactions were.

Overall, this was a solid 4 star read for me, and I look forward to reading more of Schwab in the future.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy. Thank you Tor Books for the review copy through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

A book with a unique premise (as far as I know). Addie LaRue is cursed with immortality, but of a particular sort. She wished for freedom, and her devil's bargain interpreted that as an inability to be remembered. She is invisible because she is unable to make any kind of permanent mark on the world. If she walks into a room everyone there thinks they are seeing her for the first time; if someone walks out and comes back in they will have already forgotten her.

This has enormous implications for Addie's everyday life. She can't have a permanent home, so she can have few possessions. She must steal to satisfy most of her needs, and she learns how to use her "invisibility" in creative ways. About half of the story takes place in 2014, when Addie turns 300 years old. The impossible has happened: she met someone (named Henry) who can remember her, which makes a real relationship possible for the first time since she was cursed. Her life started in rural France, and the narrative describes her childhood and life until she runs away from her wedding in 1714. Her desperate desire to escape leads to her deal with the dark, a being she names Luc (possibly short for Lucifer).

From here the story shifts between the 2014 present (and some earlier events) and Addie's life through the ages. Obviously this has to be done in snapshots, each jumping forward twenty years or so into the future. Schwab waits until almost the end to make crucial reveals about Henry's own bargain, and Addie's intimate relationship with Luc. It makes for an exciting conclusion, which is surprisingly satisfying. A very enjoyable read.

3.5 stars, rounded up for sheerly, unforgettably beautiful prose. And also Julia Whelan.

I have an interesting relationship with Schwab books. This is my... 8th. And I'm always enamored by the concept, engrossed by the writing, and then knocked off balance by an unexpected (and often unwelcome) change around the 50% mark in the story. This has happened in every single book. In this book, it's a change in perspective/focus from Addie to Henry, where he barrels in and tells his entire story in a rush, taking up about 10-15% of the plot. I have a really fun analogy for this, which I'll get back to in a bit.

For now, the good: Addie is a fascinating character. The concept of never being able to leave a mark, be remembered, own things... It's executed brilliantly as we flash through her greatest hits, seeing how she has to steal, how she manipulates the rules of her gift/curse, how her heart is broken, how she continues to make a mark, even though no one knows it's her. Then throwing the wrench in with two characters, opposites in all ways except how they orbit around her, who can remember her from one moment to the next. This is a book whose prose has weight, has rhythm. I actually started reading the ebook but stopped because I knew it was a book best heard (for me) so that the lyricism could really shine through.

Okay, so we're going to go back to the analogy mentioned above, because it sums up my thoughts really well. Recently, there was a new video game launched in an insanely popular, award-winning franchise (I'm not going to say which because spoilers). So we start the game with E on a quest for revenge against A. We follow E through hours of grueling decisions and horrible things - all for the sake of finding and killing A. But then, when they meet, we undergo a jarring shift and suddenly, we're flashing back to the beginning of E's hunt... but now playing as A, with none of the weapon mods, a completely different style of gameplay, and a totally unfamiliar character with different goals. And throwing us in after we've spent so long with E, learning to hate A (not exactly applicable here, because we don't hate Henry, we just don't know him), to then try to build a character from the beginning and make us care at this point that is so late in the story and we're already so invested in our other character E (or Addie). We could have seen all of A's story either as cuts between E's sections or through the lens of what E is doing (same with Addie and Henry).

All that to say... we cared about Addie, not about Henry. Henry was a rock in the stream of Addie's story. Enough to completely change the direction of flow, but we don't know him, we don't understand him the way we understand Addie. And to try to force us to really... interrupts the beauty we get from Addie's story. And we could have learned all about Henry from the way Addie sees him rather than telling us Henry's story.

Part-fantasy, part-speculative, part historical, part-metafiction, part-urban fantasy, and a full-on emotional rollercoaster. This immersive novel is a breath of fresh air.

Okay, just a warning: This novel is heavy on the romance. Just a warning for those who aren’t a fan. Romance is a core element in this novel’s narrative. You’ll see.

Does humanity genuinely want immortality or do we crave being remembered for generations long after we die? How is history made?

V. E. Schwab explores these thematic concerns through the character Addie LaRue. Born in 1691, women aren’t allowed to read, write, leave town, and expected to have babies until they die. As a girl, Addie is fascinated with her father’s travels and grew up playing in Estele’s independent, small hut. Addie is powerless as a girl in the 17th and 18th centuries, but she is stubborn. Addie refuses to follow the path laid out in front of her. So she runs away and makes a deal with one of the old gods, trading her soul away for immortality. There’s a catch, of course, because there always is. No one can remember her.

That is until she becomes an idea.

“The first mark she left upon the world, long before she knew the truth, that ideas are so much wilder than memories, that they long and look for ways of taking root.”

Brilliant!

This marks a shift in Addie’s character development when she becomes less interested in survival and more interest in historical impact/creative inspiration. Her character development echoes humanity’s artistic trajectory, hanging around different artists who work in various mediums. She becomes humanity’s muse.

This turns into an opportunity for Schwab to comment on great art, artists, and its impact. After all, what is art but the reimagination/commentary on events? In other words, art is just history that includes humanity’s biases and emotions. Schwab said it best in this novel:

“History is made in retrospect.”

Schwab continues to play with narrative structure in her latest novel. She has mastered multiple POVs and timelines after playing with that structure that she effectively utilized within the 2013 & 2018 Villains series. Schwab elevates this style by including commentary that is metafiction in nature.

I will end my review by writing this: I’ve followed V. E. Schwab since I got twitter. I’ve read her complain about writing new drafts for this novel. Schwab is not shy when talks about working on this novel for 10 years. She’s published so many books within that time. I’ve watched her start and abandon this novel for other projects that without a doubt paid her bills and flights around the globe. Schwab is the rich, successful White woman I can never be. Even with all of her privileges and opportunities, she still experiences the same imposter syndrome, doubts, fatigue, and burnout that I experience. She pulls the veil down on a romanticized career and exposes the nitty-gritty. I respect Schwab for everything she does and how she inspires writers with various experiences. And I’m proud to have seen the small snippets of Schwab’s journey creating The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. It’s been an honor and it surpassed all of my expectations.