
Member Reviews

A haunting and magical tale about love, power, and what it means to be remembered. With lush descriptions and flawed (but likable) characters, this will be a book that I pick up again and again.
I’m a sucker for books with time travel, and while this doesn’t necessarily fit that description, Addie’s story is told across centuries. Little steps back in time give life to her character as she searches for meaning. And while she can’t seem to be remembered, she certainly remembers those who cross her path, especially the man who cursed her.
Schwab’s writing is lyrical and gorgeous, carrying me through the book, unable to put it down. Mesmerizing storytelling had me tearing up as the Addie went through heartbreak and wandered lonely and a little broken through 300 years.
I have a hard time saying something is my “favorite” but this was definitely one of my favorite reads of 2021 and a new favorite of all time.

Schwab sure knows how to write interesting books. The writing in this drew me in from the very first page – it’s magical, haunting, quotable and simply beautiful. It makes you want to soak up the words, to crawl into the pages and live there. And the concept is refreshingly unique!
'Time always ends a second before you’re ready. Life is the minutes you want minus one.'
Wow, that is poignant.
However, it wasn’t memorable for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit while reading, but it didn’t stick with me. I do remember being sad for Addie and the hand she’s dealt – never being remembered by anyone would really suck. She can never own anything – no home, no possessions – and has no friends or family. Unable to leave any kind of mark on the world at all. Small cost for freedom for a bargain with the devil, I suppose. Ah, the consequences of our own actions. Good little moral in there, though – be careful what you wish for, eh?
I felt disappointed in the ending, somehow. [spoilers removed] I don’t exactly know how I wanted it to go, just that I was underwhelmed by it. Also, despite being a supposed standalone, the ending is left quite open, which I wasn’t sure I cared for either.
Side note: I love that the bookstore’s resident cat was named Book!
Original review posted at Novel Heartbeat

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a stunning literary fantasy novel with breathtaking prose and an unforgettable plot. I was aching to read this book the moment it was announced and lucky enough to receive an ARC. The story itself is not rushed. Schwab takes her time exploring Addie's life, from the 1700s to present day, and each time we journey through time, it feels as though we lived Addie's life too. Evoking emotion, from tears to laughter to love to pain, is not an easy feat for an author, but Schwab makes it look easy. Without a doubt, V.E. Schwab's literary scope and talent is the envy of the publishing industry. I can't recommend this one enough!

WOW. I’m not usually at a loss for words but all I’ve got is… WOW! I absolutely adored ADDIE LARUE! It shimmered with magic and dark romance. And the final plot twist left me reeling. I went out and bought the special edition. How glorious!

This was okay! Schwab's writing is always strong, but I wasn't too into the execution of this one. Wish some characters were explored more in-depth so readers could feel better connected to them, and that some things in history had been paid respect to, but *shrugs*, overall an okay read.

This book very much lived up to expectations and I understand why this has been the hit that it has been. We'll have a wait list on Addie for a while yet.

unfortunately I had to dnf this book because the plot was entirely too slow which was disappointing because i had very high expectations

Beautiful, impactful story that I enjoyed. It was pretty slowly paced so it took me a while to get through it but I feel it was worth the read. VE Schwab is one of those authors that is just a master story teller. She knows how to create amazing characters and stories that stick with you long after you finish them. If you are looking for a unique story with heart and feels check this one out.

Words cannot express how much I loved and adored this book. V.E. Schwab is a brilliant writer and I truly hope there is a sequel to this book. This book is full of twists, turns, mysteries, and love. The characters are well written that you feel like you have known them your whole life,

I'm late to the game, but this was such a lush, rich story brimming with power and yearning. What an interesting concept that I know I can hook readers with easily when I'm recommending books to patrons. What I like about this title is that although it's fantasy, it's perfect for beginner-level fantasy readers who like literary fiction, especially those who are particular about the prose. I didn't love the romance, but the book definitely left an impact on me, and I will recommend it to readers looking for a book to get lost in.

I thought this was just a bit longer than it needed to be. The back and forth was endless. But I was surprised by the ending. I thought I knew what was going to happen and I did not. It's also a breakaway from VE Schwab's usual book themes. So I thought that was interesting as well. She can write!

I love all of this authors work, but this was a very different and unexpected read. I cried and it was beautiful.

A story about selling your soul, making deals, and what it means to be human. Schwab artfully winds her way through 300 years of history as he main character, Addie, makes a deal with the devil to live as long as she wants and be "free" but no one remembers her. And do you really live if you haven't left a mark? The story bounces between past and present (2014-ish) as Addie experiences the world, learns to survive, and finds the one person in the world who remembers her.
The writing is good, the plot solid, and the characters are engaging. Would recommend for most readers.

Usually, I love V.E. Schwas. The author has the talent pulling you into a magical world. However, I found this novel hard to get into. It was pretty slow moving, and at times confusing. Still, this book is very well-written. I recommend this fans of Life After Life. However, for V. E. Schwann fans will be left expecting more.

I love, love, love this book! So much so that I went and found other titles from the author. The story was unique and beautifully written. It is easy to become in vested in the characters (even the supporting ones!) and the ending was perfect. Endings are so hard to get right and Schwab nailed it in a way that is satisfying to the reader and realistic to the story. Easily my favorite book of the year!

I’m gonna start by saying that Schwab’s writing is beautiful. I loved “Vicious” and this is my second book by Schwab.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it. I liked it at the beginning but once I got “the idea” I lost interest. Why? Well, because some books click with you and some don’t.
Interesting story, indeed, it just didn’t hold it for me.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title.

This was interesting and a fast read. I enjoyed all of Addie's adventures over her 300 years. I did find, however, the plot a bit predictable at points and wanted it to more nuanced, less obvious. Still, I am looking forward to my book club's discussion.

V.E, Schwab's writing is always so beautiful, and while this isn't my favourite book of hers that I've read, it was definitely a treat to read.

Addie was going to be forced to marry a widower with young children, so she prayed and sacrificed to any God that would listen. Darkness appeared and made a deal to give her freedom for her soul. Years, decades, then three centuries go by while Darkness visits Addie sporadically. No one remembers her after she leaves their sight. If she sees them again, they reintroduce themselves as if they’ve never seen her before. She’s truly lonely. She also can’t keep possessions or stay in one place long. Every one of her possessions disappears except for a carved wooden ring. She wanders the world for three hundred years, experiencing famine, poverty, cruelty and love. Addie shows great strength as her character grows through her many experiences. A truly unique story of freedom, love and sacrifice, 5 stars!

Beautiful story telling with relatable characters and great world building. Feels both extremely grand and quite intimate at the same time. Would read multiple times.