Honestly, I requested this book on a whim even though I haven’t read one of this author’s books since 2017 and have since realized that if I were to read them again, I wouldn’t enjoy them as much. Still, I grew enamored with the premise of this novel and thought I would like it more. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Much like the eponymous protagonist’s life, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is mostly unremarkable and honestly forgettable.

In 1714 France, Adeline LaRue wants to live a life that’s better than the one she’s expected to have; she wants it so desperately that she makes a deal with an old god, a darkness whom she’s fantasized about for years. Addie tells him she wants to be free, and he grants her her wish with one caveat: she cannot say her name and people will forget about her once she is out of eyesight. In 2014 New York City, Addie’s lived three hundred years alone, stealing and hustling, until one day she tries to steal a book and the bookseller remembers her. Henry is dealing with his own issues, but he’s quickly enamored with Addie.

This review will contain minor spoilers for this book.

I’ll start with the things I liked, because I did like some things about this book. For one, I won’t deny the writing is pretty. Schwab lends a lilting tone to the narration, a flower slowly unfurling its petals. Also, again, I liked the premise of the novel if not the execution. Addie’s curse is thought out, and there are details to it that I wouldn’t have thought of.

I suppose I liked the characters, Henry especially, otherwise I couldn’t have finished this book. (We’ll talk more about Addie’s character later.) Oh! Also, Addie has had relationships with men and women, and Henry is said to like people as a person first and gender second (which I took to mean pansexual, but it’s not actually said on-page). There are also a gay side character and a Black lesbian side character.

Now onto the things that I didn’t like; this could honestly be a whole list but I have too much to say. Again, very minor spoilers for the book below. We’ll start with the smaller issues and work our way up.

I’ve seen people say this book is about Addie having a love affair with the devil, but it’s really not? She actually resents him and only refuses to surrender her soul to him out of spite, which I admired. Otherwise, it’s mostly a hate relationship.

We get a lot of chapters with Addie learning how to steal and hustle (more on this later), and as I got deeper into the book, I found it hard to ignore that Addie pretty much shares the same characteristics as Lila Bard, the protagonist of Schwab’s previous Shades of Magic series. This didn’t necessarily bother me that much and I do dislike comparing an author’s works to their previous ones, but it was hard to ignore the fact that they were just the same character. They both want more out of life than a woman’s position, they both become thieves, they’re both a bit morally gray. It grows a bit tiring seeing the same female character in her works.

While I did say I liked the writing, I found it repetitive at times. I love motifs and parallelism as much as the next person, but it should be done subtly and not as heavy-handed as it was in this book at times. For example, there’s a metaphor about Addie being a palimpsest, a manuscript that’s written over and over. The word palimpsest is used six times in this book, and four of those times are just in the first 40%. As much as this could have been pointing to her life as being cyclical, I think the repetition of any metaphors grew too much for a 450 page book.

I’m pretty sure there’s only one character of color the entire book, and that was the aforementioned Black lesbian side character, Bea. To be fair, the book doesn’t really focus on many other people than the four characters I stated, but while I’m writing this, I’m just now realizing that we get Addie’s story in the past from 1714 to 1980. That would have covered a big history of racism, slavery, and colonialism, no?

And yet, we don’t get any mention of any of that, and Addie is French aka one of the biggest European colonizers. No one thought this was an issue? Maybe the author thought she couldn’t write about any of this because she’s white but wow, we’re not even going to get a mention? I think the biggest stance we get is that Luc, the devil character, helped Napoleon but had nothing to do with Hitler because “there’s ambition and then there’s evil.” Look at me with a straight face and tell me why colonialism and slavery couldn’t be brought up.

The issue that bothered me the most while reading is that this book is just so boring. Nothing happens for the entire first half! We get chapters set in the past, starting from when Addie makes her Faustian pact, but for the first half, it’s not balanced well at all with the present chapters. Most of the past chapters show how Addie learns to adapt to her curse, where she lives, how she learns to steal and whatnot, but I genuinely did not care.

Seriously, my entire line of thought while I was reading these chapters was just “I do not care” said over and over again much like the various metaphors in this book. I don’t care about how she interacted with various historical figures! It wasn’t necessary to any of the plot and just dragged on. Oh also, most of the past chapters were really just to establish Addie refusing to surrender to Luc, but did we really need ten variations of this? The answer is a firm no. The only reason I finished the book was because I wanted to see what happened. I did like the ending a little bit although I think we could have gotten there better.

I think I’ve realized that this author’s books are no longer for me. This is just my personal opinion, and I know that I’m in the very small minority that disliked this book. Please don’t let my opinions deter you (although I would keep in mind the whole “I’m just not going to bring up slavery and colonialism in a book that’s set during this time and that also has a protagonist from France” thing).

Overall, the premise of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was intriguing but the execution of it fell so, so flat for me. While I enjoyed some things about this book enough to actually finish it, there were so many glaring problems that I’m still surprised that I even managed to make it all the way through. I think this will be the last of this author’s works that I will read, but that’s just my personal opinion. Make of my review what you will.

How can one leave a mark upon history if no one remembers them?

In the year 1714, twenty-three-year-old Adeline LaRue is forced into a marriage she doesn't want. The only way out is to offer up a prayer to the Old Gods - a prayer to be free, to live how she wants. A Faustian deal is made that night, and Addie finds her prayers answered. The price, though, is more than she bargained for. Spanning through time and across the globe, Addie is forgotten by everyone she meets, her presence wiped from their memories the moment she's out of sight. Until, that is, three hundred years later, in a small Manhattan bookstore, someone does remember . . .

V. E. Schwab does a fantastic job imbuing Addie with all the characteristics of a smart, strong, independent protagonist. I found myself emotionally invested in Addie's trials and tribulations, watching through her eyes as she slowly learns how to navigate this strange new world that she's been forced to become a part of. I felt her disappointment of being forgotten, her sadness of saying goodbye, and her elation when someone finally remembers.

Several times throughout the story, I thought I knew what was coming next, only to have the author take it in an unexpected direction - something that I always love when reading a novel. That, along with a near-perfect ending that raised goosebumps on my arms, lets me give this an enthusiastic four-star recommendation!

It's a story about love and life and history. It's a story about a woman desperately trying to leave her mark any way she can. It's a story about the lengths someone will go to be remembered.

One thing is certain, after reading this book, you'll never be able to forget Adeline LaRue.

I read one VE Schwab book before and I wasn't a huge fan of it. I grabbed this one because the whole concept, of not being remembered, sounded really intriguing.

I did enjoy it. The writing was very good and made it easy to picture the different time periods and cities every time the story jumped around.

I liked the ending. My only criticism us that I wish we could've had even more moments with just Addie experiencing new things and new cities.

V.E. Schwab worked on this book for ten years. TEN. She’s spoken passionately about her love of these characters and their story, how its slowly simmered all these years as she’s worked on other projects. Her excitement about Addie has had me waiting with bated breath for years now and I’ve been holding on to this ARC since March, waiting for just the right moment so that I could savor the story.

Annnnnnd it was just okay.
*hangs head in shame*
I know I’m the outlier here. I’m seeing all the love for this book and all the glowing five stars and I’m thrilled that so many people have connected with the story!

France, 1714: Addie LaRue wishes only to have a life for herself; to make her own decisions and see the world. She runs away the evening of her wedding that she did not agree to, desperate; ready to give anything in order to have the life she imagines.
It is a dark god that hears her desperation and in an instant Addie has made a deal that will lead her on a journey across continents and centuries.

You see, Addie has the gift of immortality. She can live her life freely and when she’s had enough, she’ll give her soul to the devil she calls Luc. That was the deal.
But… Luc is Petty (yes, with a capital P).
What he failed to mention when he made this deal is that no one will remember Addie; as soon as they turn away from her, she is instantly wiped from their memory. She cannot speak her real name or write down her story. She wanders, witnessing history in people and places, without a single companion or a place to call home.
After 300 years, in a book shop in NYC, she meets Henry.
And Henry remembers her.
So begins a love story that feels destined to end in tragedy.

This book is a slow burn. The first 30%, I was into it, savoring it, thinking of all the time and care Schwab had taken.
But it became tedious as brief glimpses are given through the centuries of Addie’s life, never grounding itself long enough to create atmosphere. It’s simply the exact same scene, repeated: Addie slips from someone’s memory after she’s made a brief connection with them, Luc shows up randomly to be Petty and Addie refuses to surrender her soul.
When she meets Henry, I figured out pretty quickly what made their connection special before the “big reveal”. It came as no surprise the way the story ended.
I felt I was being constantly reminded of the cruelty that Addie cannot be remembered, that was the entire focus and I couldn't get around that to the heart of the story. I guess I was expecting more atmosphere, more details of all the incredible events she lived through and the part she may have played in them, more cat and mouse between Addie and Luc.
Did I just put too much pressure on this to be a top book of the year because I’ve been hearing about it for years now and building it up in my mind? Maybe.

What I loved about the book is the writing itself. I truly felt the love Schwab has for Addie and the words so carefully chosen to introduce her to readers. I wish I could’ve made a connection with Addie but I’m happy to see so many other readers have.

I’m extremely grateful to Tor Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is scheduled for release on October 6, 2020.

What a book. I loved everything about this story. It was written beautifully and in a way that makes you appreciate the concept of the story and not just the story itself. It’s a story the encompasses emotion, time, and life itself.

I really took my time with this because I wanted to savor it. I really like Victoria Schwab and her writing. When I heard the premise of this book I was elated because the idea of immortality has always been something I’ve been interested in and wanted to write about. VE Schwab really liked writing this book and you could tell.
I like the love story and how it doesn’t really end of anything, so I would love to see a continuation, but I also like how it ended and wouldn’t want more. It’s very conflicting. I will always read a VE Schwab book. Might be my fav of the year so far.
Overall it gets a 5/5

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue makes you think and wonder. It's a slower burn yet keeps the reader enthralled with the magic. I loved the strength in Addie. Strong female characters are so needed! Will be recommending this one this Fall!

Oh my. I know any review I try to write will not do this book justice. Love Addie’s story, like a fairy tale for adults. Love that she is smart while figuring out how to best live with her predicament. Love her relationship with Luc. BUT I LOVE HENRY!!! Oh sweet Henry! How my heart broke when he had dinner at his parents after his “deal” and they were all so loving and supportive and really listened to him. It was painful to feel how that affected him. Something that should have already been happening in his life.
Two big questions:

1. Are the instants of joy worth the stretches of sorrow?
2. Are the moments of beauty worth the years of pain?

Great big questions that we need to look at.

I loved this story. Just amazing.

Wow! I know this book has a lot of buzz, and deservedly so. This is not the type of book I normally gravitate to, but I loved it! In fact, I think it has already become one of my favorites. Even though the ending was satisfying, I want more! I want to know what going to become of Addie next! I might have to settle for just reading it again. ;)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the eARC.

This was amazingly imaginative, creative and unique is so many wonderful ways. I love the whole concept, the darkness, the anguish and of course the hidden obsession and underlining love story underneath it all.

Truly a stand out read that I think fans of Schwab will truly once again devour and love. She never ceases to amaze me with the stories she comes up with.

This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a long time. With lovingly described characters, vivid settings that span two continents and action taking place over three centuries, the story draws you in from the first page. You are taken on an astonishing ride with Addie as she lives her invisible life.

I do, however, have a teeny-tiny problem with the end. Something just seems a bit off, a bit out of sync perhaps. I’m not sure what it is and it’s not enough to ruin the beauty of the book or take off a star. Maybe we need a second book to make me feel better?

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

Schwab has another winner on her hands with this one! As usual, the world she created was so vibrant, her characters richly complex and the story was so different than anything I have ever read. This is why I love her books, and this was no exception!!

In the early 1700s in France, Addie LaRue longs for the freedom to live her life as she chooses. On the day of her arranged marriage, Addie runs away to the woods to pray to the old gods for freedom; the god who responds is conjured directly from Addie's romantic fantasy (Luc) and tricks her into accepting a deal that wasn't exactly what she had planned. For 300 years Addie has her longed for freedom, but at the cost of nobody remembering her. Her parents forget her existence and don't recognize her, and anytime someone loses sight of Addie they completely forget about her. For 300 years Addie wanders the earth free to do as she pleases, but cursed with no companionship and no home and constantly tempted by Luc to give in and give up her soul. Until one day she visits a bookshop and someone remembers her.

This is a story that will linger with you like the most amazing dream you've ever had. Addie LaRue is unforgettable, with characters that will stay with you long past the final sentence.

This is a wonderfully written book. I loved everything about this book. I would highly recommend this book!

A woman makes a deal with a god of darkness for a life without bounds, but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets until, three hundred years later, someone remembers.

I really enjoyed Schwab’s previous books and found the idea of this book extremely compelling, but I am honestly so disappointed. I do want to start with some positives, though. I think that Addie is likeable and well developed, and I really love the centering of a strong female during a time in history that was quite repressive for women. I like following her throughout important periods of history and thought her ability to affect and inspire artists was a clever plot point. I also found her relationship with Luc, the god of darkness, to be complex and well thought out.

Although the idea of Addie’s curse is interesting, I think the book ultimately suffered for it because the curse necessitates repetitive plot lines. We spend a huge amount of the book following Addie as she struggles to find housing, food, waits for Luc to visit, and feels near constant sadness over the fact that her lovers do not remember her. I feel the book would be better paced and more successful if there was a greater focus on her witnessing history and acting as a muse, rather than detailing the practicalities of her daily life.

Addie is an intriguing character, but the rest of the characters in the book fall flat. This is especially true of Henry, whose viewpoint is oddly inserted into a few chapters of the book. The shift from Addie’s to Henry’s perspective was incredibly jarring, and did very little to develop Henry as a person. What I find most frustrating, though, is that Henry obviously suffers from an undiagnosed mental illness and each of his choices and actions are a direct result of that illness. He does not lack access or support to finding help; he just chooses not to take responsibility for his health. I think this is a dangerous, romanticized portrayal of mental illness, especially for what will be a largely teen audience.

Overall, this book had a strong idea but is bogged down by flat, unlikable characters and a meandering plot. Schwab is a talented, imaginative writer and there are moments when her prose really shines. But, I think the pacing will make it a tough sell to my adult customers at the library and I would not feel comfortable recommending it to teens.

Thank you, Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this in exchange for an honest review! This is really a 4.5 for me if allowed a half star! The only reason it was not a full 5 star, I didn’t enjoy the first half nearly as much as the last! Some of the ending was a bit predictable but a nice surprise twist at the end! I also loved the fact that the cover really makes sense but not until the book wraps up!!! Another amazing read from an extremely talented author!!!!!#TheInvisibleLifeOfAddieLarue #Netgalley

A young woman gets immortality, but at a terrible cost. Magical and heartbreaking and yet I still am thinking about her choices and if I would/could do the same.

Readers will enjoy this latest offering from author V.E. Schwab. While many authors have tackled the Faust legend, Schwab offers readers something different.

The characters are richly developed. The interactions between Addie and her night spirit are wonderfully nuanced. Their verbal sparring manifests over time, a pas de deux that lasts centuries. There’s interest, intrigue and fascination—witty verbal plays highlighting the significance of word choice when dealing with a devil incarnate.

The verbal parries between Addie and her spirit are balanced with the supportive relationship she develops with Henry. On their own, Addie and Henry are essentially wanderers; individuals emotionally unmoored…existing or attempting to exist, struggling to find a sense of self-worth. Together, their relationship offers them a sense of stability, their stories and experiences inherently giving them strength, and more importantly, a sense of purpose.

The focus on the characters allows readers to push aside the potential inconsistencies associated with Addie’s existence, e.g. why is she able do some things, while other things are seemingly impossible? Schwab wrote this story in such a way that allows readers to forego the underlying technicalities—it really doesn’t matter. The focus is on character and how a life that’s seemingly invisible can find ways of being remembered.

If you could live forever, would you? Addie LaRue decides she does, and she makes a n=bargain with the devil to do just that in 1714; the catch is that no one she meets will ever remember her. Across the world and the centuries, Addie lives a life of solitude, until one day she meets a man in a book store who somehow remembers her. Part fantasy, part romance, part time travel, this is a book to get lost in