Love story between a French girl and the devil over 300 years... SOLD!

I tried to go into this book with low expectations considering romance isn't my genre and... Wow, this has to be V. E. Schwab's best book!

I've always liked her writing but this character-driven, slow-paced story really works for her. It's closer to literary fiction than her other work and her characters are much stronger.

Frankly, I recommend you go into it knowing nothing else.

This is an amazing book. From the second I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It's truly a work of art and absolute genius, which left me wanting to read more and more until it was over. I will highly recommend this book to everyone I meet, as it deserves a chance from everyone.

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget. This is the tag line for the The invisible life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. But it doesn’t quite live up to to it.

I had high hopes for this story after reading the blurb and then finding out how long the author spent writing this tale. It brought thoughts of another book I read and couldn’t put down, but somehow while the story was okay I was disappointed. Even the ending wasn’t a surprise for me...I saw it coming.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and her life will play out across centuries and continents, as she tries to find herself and get someone to remember her.
But after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. Can she find love and save her soul? Or will she end up with darkness forever.

The two problems I had with this was the constant flashbacks, in this book, there was just too many of them. The bigger one for me though was the “faux” love triangle. I won’t go into details due to spoilers. But there are plenty of people who loved it so try it if you feel like it. 21/2 stars rolled up to 3

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Absolutely loved this book. Over the years, Schwab has become one of my favorite authors. I love ADSOM, Holland in particular. I love This Savage Song. Vicious is one of my favorite novels. But Schwab really outdid herself here. This isn't my favorite of her novels. That honor still belongs to Vicious. But this book is a completely elevated version of Schwab. The prose was just magnificent. On the sentence level, she's doing things she's never done before. It was, technically, so well executed. I loved the rhythm and how some of her sentences just seemed to cut to the quick of me. Some of the things she wrote were just so true.

This story is, at its core, a story about life. I took this book in so slowly. It took me almost exactly two months to read. Because I could feel it doing things to me. In every moment, it felt so human. There were highs and there were lows, but the whole time, it was incredibly real and true to the human spirit and that is what I liked about it the most. This book gave me words to keep forever. "How do you walk to the end of the world? One step at a time." I love that the book says that what you do with your time is far more important than how much time you have. And that a full life happens in every moment, not in some far off future.

I don't care to talk about the characters, though I liked Addie and Henry and I especially loved Luc. To me, they were just vehicles for the spirit of the story, and its the spirit that made such an impression on me. This book is a shout into the void to live. To live fully and defiantly and without fear. I love it for that. It has a soul.

Again, I must say, ALL THE STARS!!!!! I cannot stress enough how much I loved this novel! The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is the story of a girl who barters her soul in a deal with the devil (or the Darkness, if you will), so that she may be free to live her own life in a time when all women must be held to a certain standard. But in the deal she has made, the darkness curses Addie to be forgotten by everyone she has ever known and everyone she will ever meet. She cannot say her name, nor write it. There are no photographs of her through the years. However, Addie finds a way through art to leave a mark through the years. And after 300 years she meets a boy who remembers....
This book gave me all the feels! You will end up cheering & routing for Addie through all her struggles in life and with the darkness. The ending was damn near perfect. And I'm sorry it had to end.
*Special thanks to NetGalley for advanced copy. :)

After a long wait that was entirely my own fault, I finally read THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by VE Schwab and it blew me away. Total 5 star read. Haunting, beautifully written, gloriously explored. Shooo dog, I get it now.


Okay, it's hard to classify this book so I won't try too had, but I'd call it light-fantasy literary fiction.

In 1714, Addie LaRue makes a deal with the darkness for her freedom--freedom from her provincial life and her impeding marriage. Now, she's eternally 23, eternally young and healthy and free, but cursed to never be remembered.

Told in two timelines, we follow Addie from 1714 onward a she lives through history, interacts with the darkness, and struggles with the curse. In 2014, we see Addie finally meet someone who remembers her, but he has his own darkness.

As Addie lives the live she never expected, falls in love, is forgotten, and inspires art, the reader is gasping for more and more and loving every moment of the glorious prose. Short, beautiful chapters, fascianting characters, I loved this book.

I loved Addie. I loved Henry. I even loved Luc in his own way. I loved the dual timelines and the PROSE was intoxicating. Schwab is clearly well-traveled and worldly, and it shows in this book without showing off. It's a slow-burn, but it doesn't move slowly, if that makes sense.
God, I hope this book gets its due and not being from a big 5 publisher doesn't hurt it. I would LOVE to see this be a BOTM pick or from one of the celebrity book clubs. I cannot wait to recommend this book all around!

To know Addie is impossible— a ghost, a vague memory, a muse. For three hundred years, she has seen the rise and fall of humans. She remembers everything, yet nobody remembers her.. except, of course, the darkness following closely behind her.

Hauntingly beautiful read, perfect for the fall.

I'm a huge Schwab fan, so I knew I was going to like this book, but if you go into this thinking it's like A Darker Shade of Magic, or even Vicious, you'll be surprised. While the realistic setting matches the Vicious vibe, the tone is less . . . dramatic and more lyrical. 

We get a blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery through Addie's story and I loved it. It was a blend of three of my favorite genres perfectly working together to tell me what's happening and why. Plus, we get to see the evolution of Addie's relationship with Henry and Luc as well as her life through the ages. There's no dramatic fighting scenes or battles to the death, like her other books. This story is about mental resilience - how well you can play the game, trick the trickster, and get away with living forever.

I aspire to be Addie's level of strength and pettiness. To look the devil in the eye and get away with it made my jaw drop. Watching them battle is like watching a beautiful, coordinated dance as each player makes their move. Simultaneously working for their own goals and ambitions while pissing the other off is *chef's kiss* so beautiful. I couldn't help but be dazzed and in awe as I watched them play with their words, their actions, and their wishes so gracefully. 

And let's not forget Victoria's strong suit - her expert storytelling. Not only can Victoria give me a book that made me laugh, cry, and cringe all at the same time, but she does it so beautifully. While this isn't the fast paced, adventure novels we've seen before, I wasn't bored. In fact, I was so enamored by the characters and how they got to their place in this story, that I had to put the book down so it wouldn't stop. Along with an interesting story, we have gorgeous imagery that left me gasping from tears. I admire Schwab's ability to take a simple idea/concept and turn it into an emotional event on every page. There's no getting through this book without shedding a tear. 

Overall, I love the mix of genres, the storyline, the dialogue, the characters, the plot, the writing - everything! Victoria always has a way of taking a story and making it something we've never seen before. And, at the same time, making me wish I could live in that world, even for just a moment. It's like magic. 

A life no one will remember. A story you will never forget. And I will never forget this book. 5 // 5 stars.

A glorious story. Magical realism is my favorite genre of all time and the subtleness of its inclusion in this book was breathtaking.

It is hard for me to put into words, that make sense, how much Addie LaRue's story means to me. It just covers SO much and I feel as if talking about it takes away some of the magic.

Go into this blind. You won't regret it. Just know it is a stunning work of art.

Did V. E. Schwab make a Faustian deal of her own in order to make this masterpiece? I would believe it!
There is so much about this book that I loved. Schwab’s style of writing is gripping and I felt transported. The characters are developed well and I feel that the overall character arcs worked SO well.
As I got closer to the end I began to get nervous I wouldn’t be completely satisfied with how it would end. I imagine some people may not be in love with how it all works out, but I truly thought it was perfect. I didn’t predict how it would end, but was ultimately very satisfied with how things wrapped up.

Ultimately, the theme of being truly seen by someone really resonated with me, and made my heart ache. The relationships made me analyze my own and how “seen” I feel, and how I well I am “seeing” my loved ones.

This is a gorgeous book. I think it’s my favorite of the year.

I fell in love with V.E. Schwab's storytelling and lyrical prose with the Shades of Magic series, and I was thrilled when this new book was announced! From the publisher's description: "In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets." Addie's story is, at times, sad and full of challenges but watching her move through the centuries--facing hunger, cold, and war but also discovering novels, operas and love--is addicting to read.

"Were the instants of joy worth the stretches of sorrow?
Were the moments of beauty worth the years of pain?
And she turns her head, and looks at him, and says, "Always.""

I finished this book late last night and I am still processing it. This was a slow start for me but it got to a point when I could not put it down until I finished. This book had me feeling pretty much every emotion but sadness and melancholy were the ones that stayed with me, even though the ending is hopeful. This is a story about love, time, connection, loss, and most importantly, being remembered. It's about that longing we have to matter to someone, to leave our mark on the world, even if it's just one person, to love and be loved.

This book is so richly descriptive. V.E. Schwab transports the reader through 300 years of time, from little villages in France to modern day New York City. Every aspect of the story is intricately detailed from the clothing to the food to the locations. I could picture Addie's childhood village so perfectly in my head, could smell the woods, could feel the rain, heat and snow. I felt like I'd been transported through time and space while staying warm and comfortable at home. That's really the mark of a fantastic book - when you're truly able to escape into the world and the story because of the author's use of words.

There's so much more I wish I could say here but I don't want to give anything away. There is love and hope in this story but there is also loss and sadness. The ending of the story is not what I expected but it felt exactly right. It broke my heart a little as well. 300 years with Addie were not enough and I didn't want her story to end. Reading the last sentence felt like a loss for me because I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a must read.

Thank you to Tor Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review. Quote is taken from an ARC and is subject to change.

This book is amazing. It is so magical, and I can't find a better word to describe it. The pacing changed drastically about three quarters into the book, but it was done so well and was so necessary that I can't complain.

Firstly, thanks so much Tor and NetGalley for my copy! It was greatly appreciated, and gave me a wonderful moment of joy and exercise when I ran laps around my house in excitement.
.
.
Before I get into my thoughts, something I took note of and was delighted by was the capitalization of Black when referring to Black people. There were a few times when Black wasn't capitalized that I figured was an error and will be corrected, but little things like that mean a lot coming from a Black reader as myself.
.
.

On to my thoughts! While I ended up enjoying the book overall, there were definitely a few moments where I struggled. Many times we are reminded that there is no one on earth like Addie LaRue. She’s special and different and not like other girls and I can’t lie, I rolled my eyes a few times, but I got over it.

I also had a bit of trouble with the pacing, as we are, like Addie, in this for the long haul. We constantly go from past to present and a few times I wondered if we really needed to (we did, in the end, but why so much). Sometimes the hopelessness, the fleeting moments of joy tainted with underlying despair, the two steps forward, nine steps back journey Addie takes is tiring not just to her, but to us readers (at least for me it was), but Schwab has such an amazing way with words and I greatly enjoyed what came from the buildup. For a while, I wondered where this was going, but when we got there?

Ouch.

Actual 0-100.

I do wish we had a bit more time to make the romance more believable, as we got a good chunk of backstory where it could have been further developed. It was a little sudden as the hatred between the two is so intense. This seems like a lot of complaining but please rest assured, I enjoyed it. Addie LaRue is a book I had to be patient with, but when things picked up, THEY PICKED UP. I love a story about a woman who refuses to back down.

Cheers to another good read from Victoria Schwab!

I loved this book. This was such an interesting way to frame the "deal with the devil" idea. I particularly enjoyed the way the author played with timelines and dates to bring pieces of the story together. It didn't feel like I was being told a story but rather like I was uncovering something that already existed, bit by bit. Usually I find it jarring when an author switches settings so frequently but because the characters themselves were so well written, they provided the context and continuity to make the transitions feel natural.

This is the first V.E. Schwab book that I have read and I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to give this one a try. I will be reading more of V.E. Schwab in the future.
The invisible life of Addie Larue blew me away. I loved all the characters and the historical references as Addie had to navigate through as well as learning how to live with her new “life”. Even though I figured out a few of the twists It did not ruin the book for me. Funny enough I think I enjoyed her relationship with the antagonist than I did with her love interest.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a tough review for me. I went into this book with my expectations lowered, only because it's been a weird year for books and a lot of my favorites have let me down. I'm glad I did though, because this one... wasn't for me.

A lot of what I didn't like about this book essentially boils down to taste. I noticed right away that the writing style was beautiful, But pretty, flowery prose isn't something I enjoy very much of. And this book is absolutely full of it. Every sentence is quotable. For me, that takes away from a story, and instead of a few parts that really stand out as special, it all ends up blending together in my head.

I found myself getting bored, but forced myself to power through. That was probably a mistake on my part. I think this book would benefit greatly from being read slowly, over time. Maybe with gaps in between reading sessions. It's a book that should be savored, and maybe not read to be critical, but instead to just be swept up in the story.

I kept hoping that the ending would really hit me, that it would make me fall in love with Addie's story. But when I finished reading I only felt unsatisfied. I can see logically where this ending is going to hit home for a lot of readers, but it didn't for me. I think maybe I just don't fundamentally agree with the message of the book, legacy and being remembered are things that I never spare a thought for.

So see what I mean? All of the reason's I didn't enjoy this book are reasons that someone else is going to love it. And that's the beauty of stories, there are ones out there for all of us. This book is beautiful, elegant, and one of the most heartfelt stories I've ever read. I hope that so many other readers who need it find it and fall in love with it.

Unfortunately I had to stop reading this book about a quarter of the way through because it triggered my anxiety; I love V.E. Schwab and this is a beautifully written book that I hope to return to eventually. Addie makes what amounts to a deal with the devil in 18th century France - she wants to get out of an arranged marriage and she wants to live forever. The unexpected result is that, while she does achieve immortality, no one can remember her. So if she leaves the room and comes back, the person she was with has no memory of her. I’m not sure why but this made me extremely anxious to the point that I had to put it down. Someday, I hope to be able to finish Addie’s story.

**Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is so magical! From the first page of this book I was drawn into the story, It seriously took me only a few sentences for me to know I would love it. As the synopsis will tell you.. in 1714 France our main character Addie makes a devilish deal in a moment of desperation, and ends up sealing the deal on a bargain that isn't quite what she had intended. To live forever, but be forgotten by everyone.
Addie's story weaves us back and forth through present and past on the many ways she has learned to push the boundaries to leave her mark on a world that forgets her. I loved the how Addie's life unfolds, how she learns to survive, her sheer stubbornness to continue living and not give in to the loneliness of constantly being forgotten. This book was just incredible and easily one f my top reads of 2020.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is hands down one of my favorite books of the year. Matter of fact it is one of my favorite books of all time. This novel is going on my constant reread shelf. Addie is a very well rounded and complex character. As someone who is forgotten and not in the most ideal situations she is a strong female character. I loved all the characters of this novel. Luc is one of my favorite characters of all time. I really enjoy books with short chapters and this books has though. It makes it so easy to keep flipping pages. Even though I say that know that this is a slow burn and a book you want to savor. I really enjoyed the back and forth between timelines. And learning all the parts of Addies life. Remy and Estele are two extremely important people in this novel. As they help shape Addie before and after she has made her deal. And Henry oh Henry! What a sweet man! Though Addie is forgotten her freckles leave marks across history. There are so many things I could say I love about this novel, but just read it! A book this good deserves to bless your eyes (or ears if you listen to audiobooks)! A beautiful and magically well crafted book.