Spectacular. Devastating but uplifting. Heartbreaking but so romantic. This book was gorgeous from start to finish. Addie will break your heart but then put it all back together.

Like her heroine Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab plays the long game to her advantage. While this inventive novel's language often felt like a cliche , the story itself held a number of surprises and unexpected turns. The best part: the narrative thread about the role of a muse and the character of Henry, his mediocrity and his anxiety. I found there was room for improvement in Addie's historical adventures and the "magicked" way that she is brought one country to another felt uninspired and clumsy as a narrative device. Overall, a good read and I would recommend to fans of time travel and immortality genres.

Schwab’s outdone herself. ILoALR is an excellent book, and I cannot wait to purchase it for my library’s popular reading collection and for myself.

This book is such a work of fine art. The words were so articulate, the story so amazing. The fine details are absolutely genius.. I am blown away. I have so much love for this book. It is one of my favorite books of all time ❤️

You sell your soul to the devil. What does that little contract actually entail? Well we are about to find out..Addie chose the words but the devil chose the terms. He gave her freedom, but is it really freedom? Will she walk this earth for 300 years and leave not a trace of her existence? Everyone she meets has no memory of her...so everyday is a new day...for 300 years, a lonely existence. Until she meets someone who actually can "see" her for who she is. I don't want to give you any more details because I would hate to spoil anything for you.

Anyone who reads my reviews will probably be caught a little off guard. I usually am a little snarky or light in my reviews. This book STOLE MY HEART, so I am very emotional about it.

It had such a profound effect on me that I actually teared up at the end. I was almost distraught that my time with Addie LaRue was coming to an end. I had hung on to every word in an attempt to delay the ending. I love many books, but it is very rare that one is so special and beautiful that it tears you apart. Addie LaRue, you are one of the best books I have ever read. You will perhaps earn the spot of all time favorites in my heart.

This was my first time picking up a book by this author. I am so excited that this means I will have the chance to read her others. I am jealous of anyone that has not read this book yet, because you still have the chance to experience Addie LaRue.

Okay, now that I have poured my heart out-get your hands on this book if and when you can. Even though I have read the ecopy ARC, I will be purchasing this hardcover version when it is released. Addie needs to spot on my bookcase with all my favorites. Be still my heart Addie LaRue....I hope everyone loves her journey as much as I did.

What an amazing book. Easily one of my favorite reads so far this year.

It has been a while since a book has grabbed my attention so thoroughly that I read slowly to prolong it, and this was such a book. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and I loved the incorporation of the art pieces that resonate throughout the story. A true masterpiece on life, being remembered, what it means to be human, as well as the beauty in art and love.

It is my first book by this author but I will definitely pick up others by her.

This had everything I want in a book, including a cat named Book. Absolutely incredible story.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.

This is the kind of book that will stay with you long after you read the final page.
It was beautifully and intricately wrought, the characters were so very dear to me, and the story punched all the air from my lungs.
Schwab sure knows how to hurt you in a way you'll thank her for.
Read it. You won't regret it.

While I've enjoyed Schwab's writing in the past, I could never get fully immersed in the characters and storylines. But there was something about this one that made me give it a try, maybe the cover, the description, I don't know... and it completely rocked my world. I see why this one took the author so many years to write. It's like, you can FEEL the years when you read it. You can feel the dedication that went into this book. Schwab's skill and talent is fully realized in this beautiful, magical masterpiece. At the time I sent this review to Netgalley, there were 97 reviews before mine and every one of them is 5 stars. Incredible. You have to read it.

A million gold stars! This is my new favorite book by this author. Can’t wait to shove it in the hands of everyone I meet!

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE gripped me from the very first page. V.E. Schwab's writing is lush, and she brings to life each city and century Addie finds herself in. I was particularly affected by Addie's struggle to leave her mark, and to find meaning and connection in a world where she cannot be remembered. The ending was powerful and emotional, and my only complaint was that I wanted to live longer in Addie's world.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a dual timeline story, spanning Addie's 300+ years on earth with the larger focus being on her present day life. Schwab's writing is great, the book is very readable, even some memorable lines- but there is no real plot to speak of.
Addie's motivation comes down to spite, because it certainly doesn't seem like she's having much fun with the extra centuries she bargained for. She spends her time being painted by artists and having repetitive one-night stands. She is pretty, has 7 freckles, and... that is about it?
Henry fills the role of a Mary-Sue, a hot young thing for the immortal to fall in love with, solely because he can remember Addie - I can't see any other traits that would make him desirable to an immortal, he's a fairly standard/bland millenial character otherwise.
Even the Devil was boring - but mostly because he is never present to be tricky or charismatic, or anything.
The world building is inconsistent, especially with respect to the powers (?) the various curses imbue the cursed with. The historical timeline becomes tiresome very quickly. New York is oddly bland and touristy, especially when the characters are supposed to be locals (I'm extrapolating Addie to being a local even though she is a native of France because she has been in New York for so long),
It seemed like right at the very end Schwab was setting up for a sequel that might have a plot in it - but I'm ready to forget Addie.
Great idea, weak execution.
Thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an early copy for review.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Tor Books for the chance to read this book early.

Prior to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I'd never read a V.E. Schwab book, but as soon as I came across this blurb I couldn't resist! And my goodness, V.E. Schwab can WRITE! I absolutely wanted to absorb every word because the writing was exquisite. It's rare to come across writers who have a knack for infusing such beautiful sentiments and wisdom in their stories combined with an epic talent for writing.

I'm always drawn to inventive storylines that feature some element I've never read before. This book took the idea of immortality and put a spin on it. Every time a door was closed or from one day to the next, Addie was forgotten by everyone, until one man with a story of his own remembers her. There were a few issues with the execution of the details of Addie's curse, however. There were many times Addie was on a date with someone, but her dates never got up to go to the bathroom or visit another room. To make this aspect realistic, there should have been more instances of Addie being forgotten throughout her daily life.

While I greatly enjoyed the concept and writing, I found my enjoyment of the actual story to come in waves. There were interesting moments mixed with rather mundane daily events. My mind would wander during the slower moments and I would struggle to stay invested due to the short chapters. It took me exactly a week to finish this book which is an incredible length of time for me to spend on one novel. I think if it had been shorter, I would have enjoyed the experience exponentially more. I also would have enjoyed more characterization of Addie. She didn't seem to have many interests outside of her condition, which caused her to float from day to day. There weren't notable traits she possessed besides being forgotten and her seven freckles.

"I remember seeing that picture and realizing that photographs weren't real. There's no context, just the illusion that you're showing a snapshot of a life, but life isn't snapshots, it's fluid. So photos are like fictions. I loved that about them. Everyone thinks photography is truth, but it's just a very convincing lie."

As a personal preference, I wasn't exactly excited about the great many deviant sexual relationships throughout the middle of the book. I felt as if every character for a chunk of the story was gay or bisexual just for the sake of being so. To me, it didn't fit with the storyline and seemed done as if in an afterthought to win audiences' approval.

Despite my hang-ups, I enjoyed the artistic aspect of the story, the idea as a whole, and the ending of the novel. I think it was all tied together in an interesting way and I was excited about the pace in the latter quarter of the story. Overall, it wasn't the huge hit I was hoping for, but I'm quite glad I made the time to read about Addie's invisible life. It was a nice escape from the real world and the endless negative news in the world right now. It made our momentary trails seem like a blip in the pond in the big scheme, which is one of the many benefits of reading.

My quarantine read courtesy of NetGallery and oh my f*****g god it was soooo good. I knew that going into it I would like it ( I mean 300 year old French girl and the devil fall in love, who wouldn’t like it ) but my mind was bewildered by this masterpiece! Please for the love of Luc pick up this book when it come out! You will not be disappointed.

Coming into this having read a decent about of V.E. Schwab’s books I was ready for beautiful prose and fabulous imagery, but I was blown away by the intricate romance in the novel.

Please read this if want to absolutely fall in love with Schwab’s writing for the first time or the 45th time! I promise it will leave you wanting more.

I have to start this review (as I do with any review of a V.E. Schwab book) by stating that this book is by my favorite author. I am subject to bias, and for those who know me I hope you take this review to heart because I always try to review in as unbiased a way as possible. That being said, this is one of the finest pieces of fiction I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is far and away my favorite book from Schwab, and I genuinely cannot wait until its release so I can own several hard copies.

The love, care, and effort that went into writing this book is evident in every word on the page, and I thoroughly believe that this book is worth your time. I was swept away in the storytelling spanning 300 years, spellbound by the characterization of the God who answers after dark, and the push and pull that Addie and the other characters all have with the inevitable fate that binds them together. It's not a light read, but it's one I wish I could forget completely and re-read for the first time again (Ironic, based on the premise of the book). I don't know if you'll cry, but I certainly did. Just do yourself a favor and read this as soon as you have any possible way to read it.

I was sent an advanced reader copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have no words.
Here is a book that everyone should read.
Here is a book with masterful prose that a reader can tear into like a pastry.
Here is a book that made me cry. For Addie, and for Henry, and for myself.
Preorder this book. Read this book. I would not be surprised to find it on a classics shelf in a century.
Here is a book that is more than a book.

It’s been such a chaotic time but reading this book was like falling into a different world. The words drew me in and I fell in love with Addie and Henry. Two people so different and yet so alike too. I loved the almost lyrical nature of the writing in this book and though you can tell this is written by Schwab, it is also different too. The flow of the story feels different than her other novels. I loved this one and cannot wait for others to love it too. 🖤

Addie LaRue is desperate to keep her freedom, so she sells her soul. She's now blessed with eternity, but the cost is apparent immediately: she cannot leave any marks on the world, and people forget her as soon as they leave the room. Addie's life takes her from rural France through war and hunger and strife for three hundred years. She exists in blind spots, looking for loopholes and ways to leave her fingerprints on the awareness of others, having to be content with being a half-remembered dream instead of a person in her own right.

And then in New York, for the first time in many, many lifetimes, she finds someone who remembers her.

Schwab weaves an exquisite tale of memory, love, and longing that keeps you guessing right until the end. Completely wonderful.

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

Oh, my heart. This was phenomenal.

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE is special. It is ambitious and dreamy and painfully, tragically beautiful. It's a book about love taking on many different shapes--from romantic to platonic to self-love. It's about how to survive, about how to fight for what you want in life. It’s about a woman who just wants to live her life fullest and be remembered in some way.

This is the story of Adeline LaRue, a woman approaching her mid-twenties in 1714. Addie has always fantasized of more for her small, humble life in the French countryside cottage where she lives with her parents. Addie wishes to travel wherever her feet wander, to see things she could only dream up, to be free. Because of her age, her parents have become impatient about her marrying and starting a life as a good wife and mother, and make plans to force her into a marriage with a widower with small children of his own. Looking for a way out of this unwelcome, mundane lifestyle, Addie prays to the new gods to interfere with these plans and comes up short. And without realizing it, Addie continues to desperately pray to unknown, more infernal, entities. Except for this time, something answers in the dark.

"The old gods may be great, but they are neither kind nor merciful. They are fickle, unsteady as moonlight on water, or shadows in a storm. If you insist on calling them, take heed: be careful what you ask for, be willing to pay the price...And no matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark."

In a moment of hopelessness, Addie makes a bargain with the wrong god, trading her soul for an unlimited amount of time on Earth. Addie declares that she will give up her soul when she has sufficiently lived her life and is ready to leave it behind. But the shadowy devil now shaped like a person can't make it so easy for her. Thus, Addie LaRue is cursed to immortal life, completely free to be responsible for herself and herself only, but in which she can leave no mark, cannot be remembered at all. Addie cannot even speak or write her own name, though she repeats it in her mind as a reminder that she is an existing person who matters. The only being that can say her name is the one who cursed her to this new exhausting life. And she makes it 300 lonely, albeit free, years before someone impossibly remembers her name.

Schwab weaves this tale together with different timelines, going back and forth between the past, set all over the place as Addie travels but starting in France, and the present, set in modern New York City. The book is so carefully constructed and the prose is breathtaking. You can feel the love and care that went into every sentence. Schwab took her time telling this story, and I think a lot of my emotional response to it comes from that slow and steady building of character and history.

The scope of this book is incredible, spanning centuries. We learn about the 300 years in which Addie has had to survive second by second without anyone remembering who she is, even sometimes moments after meeting her, creating all kinds of chaos. Addie has to start over constantly and relentlessly. The story portrays how the mechanics of the curse works and how stressful it is to be a woman during this time period, how gender norms hurt, and especially when no one can remember you or where you belong. Above all, how painful it is when you just want someone to know you as you know them. To feel known at all.

Also, as an aside, we learn about her complicated relationship with the devil who cursed her and their history throughout Addie's long life. It is really, really interesting, to say the least. And as we who read Schwab knows, she is extremely good at writing morally grey, questionable, mysterious type characters. We're all going to have some really fun discussions around this particular part of the book, I can tell you now.

"Don't you remember, she told him then, when you were nothing but shadow and smoke?"

"Darling, he'd said in his soft, rich way, I was the night itself."

Over the centuries, Addie struggles to find her place amongst an ever-changing world, which is heart-wrenching but doesn't let that stop her from trying every single day. This is the kind of book that showcases what we long for, what we desire in the depths of our hearts, sometimes even unbeknownst to us. I think what stands out about this book is the perseverance of the human spirit. How we can fall down a thousand times, get back up and brush the dirt off, and keep going. How humankind as a whole has done this almost constantly, since the very beginning.

V.E. Schwab put her soul into this book, much like Addie found ways to put her soul back into the world bit by bit. Art always prevails and sustains, in spite of what goes on in the world. Though Addie is cursed to a forgotten existence, she does indeed find seemingly small ways to insert herself into history by sleight of hand, by cleverness and inspiration. Though she lives through much heartbreak and tragedy due to her curse, Addie keeps finding the light, keeps discovering joys and adventures. The hopefulness of this book made me emotional because it’s just what I needed right at this moment.

"Nothing is all good or all bad," she says. "Life is so much messier than that."

I want to say more about Addie, about the Darkness that lurks around her, about Henry, the sorrowful boy who remembers her. But, I cannot, because that would mean delving into more detail, and trust me, the mystery surrounding them is worth the wait. One thing I would like to say is how everyone of note in this book is casually queer in a way that I feel like I don't often see in literature. Both protagonists have had boyfriends and girlfriends, and it's refreshing. I really liked all the side characters, too. Everyone was delightful in their own way. I miss them all already.

And I would be remiss to not talk about the ending at all, so I will say that it was very daring and surprising and I loved it. Just. Astonishing. V.E. Schwab keeps finding ways to amaze me with her storytelling. It's one of my favorite kinds of endings, which you will all see what I mean when you read it.

This book resonated deeply. I cannot wait to hold the physical copy in my hands and hug it tight. Thank you to V.E. Schwab for writing such a moving, vulnerable, and compelling story. I feel that this is her most personal book yet, and I'm grateful for it. THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE is an absolutely stunning and sweeping achievement of love, courage, and determination. 5 dazzling stars as memorable as the constellation of freckles dotting Addie's cheeks.

I highly recommend preordering this beauty.

Thank you endlessly to Netgalley and Tor Books for providing an ARC of this beautiful book for an honest review.

Electronic ARC provided by NetGalley.

This was a beautiful story that reminded me of The Time Traveller's Wife, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, and Sandman (the comics), while also telling it's own completely new and unique story.

Adaline (Addie) LaRue is born in a small French town in the late 1600s. From childhood she wants more then what her life promises, and this desire comes to a head in 1714 when she is about to be married off to a local widower. Addie can see the rest of her life falling into place before her, and instead of submitting she runs, and as night falls she prays for something to change her life and give her the freedom she desires. The darkness answers her, in a Faustian bargain where he/it promises her life and freedom in exchange for her soul, when she no longer wants it. It's only after the bargain has been struck that Addie discovers the boundaries of her new freedom: she has time, because she will no longer age or change in any way. She has freedom because no one, including people who have known her all her life, will ever remember her. She can't speak her name, she can't write, or draw, or make any physical changes to the world, and as soon as she passes out of a person's sight they will forget she ever existed. It takes three hundred years for that to change, when Addie meets a young man named Henry in a New York bookshop for the second time, and he remembers her.

The book jumps back and forth between Addie's meandering past and the present timeline. Her story is slowly revealed, including her contentious relationship with the Darkness that cursed her (who she later names Luc). The central question of Addie's story is, how can you have a life if you can't leave any mark on the world? V.E. Schwab has done a remarkable job thinking about the details of Addie's curse, and finding solutions that someone in this situation might slowly discover. I was also impressed by the emotional impact many of Addie's interludes contained. Her story continually reminds the reader that even at its darkest, life can still offer you flashes of remarkable beauty.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from the end of the story, but the ending that we are given is perfect. I think that some people will be crying for a sequel when they finish, but I really hope that this book remains a standalone. The story is perfectly contained as is, and I would prefer to leave the ending open, and believe that anything at all could happen next.

This is my favorite V.E. Schwab book so far, and I hope other readers will be just as interested in Addie's story as I was.

As a huge Schwab fan, I had high hopes for this book. It lived up to all my expectations, and even exceeded some. I loved all of the twists and turns, and found it difficult to put down. Loved all of the New York references, and had fun spotting places I knew and had been to. Can't wait to get this book into the hands of my patrons.