3.5 rounded down!

It’ll be hard to say much about this book in a spoiler free way given the way the first book ends but I will do my best🫡

I’ll start off by saying this isn’t a bad book by any means!! However, I think the plot could’ve used *a lot* of tightening and streamlining. There were some good ideas but the execution wasn’t fully there.

The way the first book leaves off sets up pretty well for the plot in the second book….or so I thought! When this book begins, it appears to basically throw away and divert from the set up book one gave and although a reason is given, it’s not very convincing!! Then, you’re left to figure out where the plot is going and what the point of the book is because I’d say the first approximately 30% of this book is a whole lot meandering and nothing really going on.

Things did start to pick up though and there were aspects of the book that I enjoyed. I like Hazel as a main character for the most part, I enjoyed how well history was woven into the fabric of this story, and I really enjoyed Charlotte’s plot line and story.

However, this wasn’t enough to make me feel super excited or fall in love with the book. I had some problems with the way the last 25-30% of the book played out. Although it made for a nice ending, certain choices made by certain characters didn’t make sense. Two characters in particular (the main character and someone I cant even hint at because again, spoilers) seemed pretty rooted in their original decisions and opinions about some things I can’t talk about because of spoilers, and then they both do a complete 180 at the end of the book. Sure, it *can* be explained away I guess, but not in a satisfactory way and the book didn’t even take the time to try and do that. And these aren’t small decision, I’m talking life!! Altering!! Decisions!! They were on completely different pages and then they magically both changed their positions and it just wasn’t very well executed.

If I’m being honest, I don’t think this series really needed to be a series. I think the ending of book one was better and made more sense for the characters than the ending of book two. I love a good love story, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t love a main character suddenly abandoning their beliefs for the sake of a happy ending. If anything, I think there could’ve been a novella that took a different route to get to a happy ending.

In summation, it really wasn’t a bad read by any means, I’m happy to have read the duology but it’s not something that stands out to me or something I’d reach for to read again.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC!!

Title: Immortality: A Love Story
Author: Dana Schwartz
Genre: YA
Rating: 4 out of 5

Hazel Sinnett is alone and half-convinced the events of the year before—the immortality, Beecham’s vial—were a figment of her imagination. She doesn’t even know whether Jack is alive or dead. All she can really do now is treat patients and maintain Hawthornden Castle as it starts to decay around her.

When saving a life leads to her arrest, Hazel seems doomed to rot in prison until a message intervenes: She has been specifically requested to be the personal physician of Princess Charlotte, the sickly daughter of King George IV. Soon Hazel is dragged into the glamor and romance of a court where everyone has something to hide, especially the enigmatic, brilliant members of a social club known as the Companions to the Death.

As Hazel’s work entangles her more and more with the British court, she realizes that her own future as a surgeon isn't the only thing at stake. Malicious forces are at work in the monarchy, and Hazel may be the only one capable of setting things right.

I enjoyed this read, more than I enjoyed the ending of the first book. Hazel was a much stronger character in this one, and I liked her more. The Companions to the Death were fascinating—Byron was just like I imagine him—and I liked that aspect of the story. I liked Jack….but I really like the doctor, too.

Dana Schwartz lives in L.A. Immortality: A Love Story is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

The sequel to Anatomy a love story and it lived up to my hopes! I was so excited to find out there was going to a sequel, I needed more of Hazel! This time Hazel is brought to London to take care of a sick Princess and she's tasked with solving a mystery that has seemed unsolvable. I really enjoyed seeing her back working as a doctor and dreaming of Jack. Quick and full of questions I flew through it. There are so many new characters that bring this story more to life, you care about them quickly and so does Hazel. I really liked the way it all wrapped up I don't want to ruin anything so I won't say more but I'm hoping we get more then just a duology.


Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for my advance copy for review

I love Immortality: A Love Story even more than I loved it's predecessor, Anatomy: A Love Story. With a secret society, a love triangle I wasn't expecting, and a strong female main character, I finished this book in 24 hours and was completely engrossed in the story.

With the last book, the focus was on Hazel and her journey to proving herself as a surgeon, and to herself. Here, she has already proved that time and time again and has more confidence in her abilities and herself when it comes to what she wants and how to obtain her dreams. Now, she has become part of the royal household as private physician to Princess Charlotte after she experiences mysterious illness. I loved this different focus. It did not feel jarring, but a natural progression for a character that was stifled in her current position as an outcast in Scotland simply because she is a female surgeon. She never sacrifices herself or her ambitions for anyone or to be more agreeable to fit in. I thought the plot flowed seamlessly in this continuation of her story.

In my review of the previous book, I said the love story was really a love story between Hazel and herself, for all women who have had to juggle personal fulfillment and their ambitions with a society who tells them their value is to be what society says they should., rather than between two characters. This continues here in this book, but is more balanced with that traditional aspect, WITH a love triangle. I really did love that there were characters out there who saw how truly amazing Hazel is and appreciated her for who she is. I thought the author struck a great balance between these ideas, without sacrificing the message she previously established in Anatomy.

Overall, I really loved and enjoyed this book. Thank you so much to Dana Schwartz for writing this book, and Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ability to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Anatomy: A Love Story so I was super excited to read the sequel.

I was definitely not disappointed. Hazel continues to be 100% her own person and pushes against societal expectations. I loved getting to watch her continue her journey as a surgeon. I loved the new characters and the Companions of Death plotline.

This was a great sequel and was a great ending to Hazel's sorry.

I was a bit disappointed by the ending of Anatomy and not just because of the ambiguous ending. I thought the book was a straight historical fiction book and then… magic? Popped right in there to solve all the problems? Meh.
This time around I knew what I was getting into. I was ready! And Dana Schwartz didn’t disappoint. I loved spending time in the London palace and seeing Hazel continue her work as a surgeon. This time there is a DEFINITE ending that is unambiguous and everything felt wrapped up nice and neat in a very satisfying way.

Overall, I liked the first one better. I really enjoyed getting to see Hazels journey continue with becoming a doctor as a woman in the 1800s. I feel this book could have been a bit shorter, there was a lot of filler, and personally I am not a huge fan of Jack and wish she picked Simon. This is a great series and I am so happy to have been given an ARC. The one thing I wish this book had would have been a bit more action and suspense, there wasn’t as much as the first one.

This was so good and I think it was just as good as the first. I am completely obsessed with these books. I think the idea behind them are completely original and I am here for it,!
I just reviewed Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

The book didn't land the way that I hoped. I wasn't sure there needed to be a sequel, and when there was, I was excited, but this didn't really add much. Hazel's time in prison was essentially pointless and the ending went a bit off the rails for me. Still, Ms. Schwartz can turn a phrase like very few other people.

“Immortality: A Love Story is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Dana Schwartz’s bestselling gothic romance, Anatomy: A Love Story.“

I quite enjoyed Schwarz’ Anatomy. It combined a tonne of information on historical medical practices (did you know there was such a thing as live tooth transplant?) with a little romance, a little fantasy, and a lot of girl power.

This one was similar. Not in a ho-hum-why-bother kind of way, but as a satisfying continuation.

It’s a true sequel, in that you absolutely have to read Anatomy first. You’d have zero idea what was going on, who Jack was, or why Hazel’s boots were so muddy.

I liked that the book touched on social issues, some, thankfully, in our rear-view mirrors, some we’re still dealing with. I liked the secret society of The Companions to the Death (and all the name-dropping, therein), and the push-pull of comfortable vs courageous.

I DID NOT like the six-foot under make-out session. I don’t care how in love you are, there is a time and a place and neither of those things involve a midnight grave-robbing. I know your prefrontal cortexes aren’t yet fully formed, but c’mon guys. Gross.

I’m curious to know if the author has a third planned. I’ll put that one on my TBR as well.

7.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for this YA ARC.

I really enjoyed Anatomy: A Love Story, so of course I was excited to discover that this sequel was in the works.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to enjoy Immortality as much as I expected to. While I do blame that on my papers and exams for the most part, I do feel like the story was a bit too drawn out in the first half.

That being said, there was still a lot that I liked in this one. The writing style was just as immaculate as it was in the first book. The London setting was really fun and I liked the whole ‘Companions to the Death’ plotline.

I also enjoyed reading about the new characters, especially Simon (view spoiler). And of course, reading about Hazel being a baddie and breaking barriers was once again a great experience.

Overall, this was a well written and entertaining sequel to Anatomy, even if it wasn’t the best for me. It’s definitely a very good YA historical fiction read and I highly recommend it if you loved the first book.

Hazel Sinnett is the first – and only – female surgeon in Scotland, maybe even in the world. And she’s developed a reputation as such. After saving the life of a patient, instead of thanks and acclaim, Hazel finds herself thrown into prison for murder. Her only salvation is a summons from the Prince Regent of England, Hazel being his last hope for solving the mysterious illness that has kept his daughter, Princess Charlotte, secluded in her quarters for years. Hazel must prove that she’s up to the job, to save her life, her reputation – of course she stumbles upon a few roadblocks along the way.

This is a solid – if very different feeling – follow-up to last year’s Anatomy: A Love Story. Though this installment is far less focused on the medical details and Hazel’s journey to proving herself as a surgeon, and far more focused on courtly intrigue once the setting shifts. It’s not a bad change per se, just very much a departure from the first book. If not for Hazel and the mention of certain supporting characters, I wouldn’t consider it to be part of the same series. Those who thoroughly enjoyed Anatomy may not find Immortality to be their cup of tea, and vice versa.

I appreciate the author flipping history on its head and finding many creative ways of getting historical figures from various times and places in the same room to chat. The entire existence
of the Companions to the Death is far-fetched but utilized perfectly in this instance, and a true delight for history buffs besides. Hazel herself is not quite as enchanting; her constant back and forth and wishy-washy ways really wore on me. Half the time her actions follow no rhyme or reason, and I was particularly annoyed to find her backtracking certain decisions she’d stood her ground and made, seemingly to further the plot along quicker.

The Love Story of this series is perhaps more present but nevertheless fails to satisfy. I will say I loved the new addition turned interloper and was sad to see him go so quickly and, again, without much cause other than to hurry the story along its original path. The duology wraps up nice and neat with a very clear future laid out for its characters, so fans of the series should definitely be satisfied. It’s a fast and quick read with some quietly comic bits, and I raise my hat to the author for touching on a sensitive topic with kid gloves, dark material presented quite lightheartedly, most definitely a hard balance to strike.

Content warning: gore, self-induced abortion, poisoning, hinting at domestic/sexual assault.

2.5 stars

Like some other reviewers have mentioned, I don't know that this story was ultimately necessary. While I understand that there might have been some need for something more after that ending in Anatomy, I personally think that ending made it fit in with the gothic vibe of the story, and there wasn't all that much more to explore in Hazel's story.

While I do think this was well written and I enjoyed seeing Hazel work as a doctor, there wasn't a whole lot pushing this story forward for me and making me want to continually pick it back up. As with Anatomy though, the cover is absolutely stunning and the design just works.

Immortality: A Love Story is set to be published on February 28, 2023. Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for sending me this ARC. All reviews are honest reflections of my own opinions, always.

Hazel Sinnet's days are beginning to run together. Inundated with patients, maladies ranging from the sever to the simple, she patches them up, makes house calls, and treats her wards discreetly as they come and go. This is all Hazel has ever wanted; to be a respected doctor. But now, after all she has been through, life seems more of a fever dream.

Jack. Missing or dead? The vial, handed over with tears... was it real? And Beecham, illusive or a figment of her imagination?

When duty lands her in prison, Hazel finds herself suddenly thrust into the royal care of Princess Charlotte, and surrounded by court intrigue and the secretive Companions of Death.





While I very much enjoyed the first installment of this duology, 'Anatomy: A Love Story', I didn't much care for this one. An eventual DNF, the book was somewhat underwhelming. The plot is lacking much of the intensity & gothic feelings that draws readers in to the first book. While the pacing is quick, it isn't very substantial.

I strongly feel that the summary of this book could have easily been the extension of 'Anatomy', rather than an entire sequel.

Hazel's character is rather wonderful. Strong, persuasive, independent but without the special girl syndrome we see in many books. The worldbuilding is also beautiful, with the author having done justice to the historical aspects, even if it isn't as strongly presented as in the first book.

Content Warning: The book includes an abortion

This ended up being like two totally different books smashed together.

Basically, the first half of the book seems to have nothing to do with the second- it's Hazel practicing medicine, becoming physician to Princess Charlotte, and ignoring everything that happened in book 1 as much as she can. Then BAM! The fantasy elements come ROARING back, we get an info-dump that is extremely exciting (and made me think we should have at least gotten two POVs, because the other person's story was VERY exciting and fun) and the last 40% of this is nonstop action, romance, and gothic drama, which is what I was waiting for.

Personally, I think the length and division of the novel were my biggest hangups. I didn't need that first 60%, and actually found myself skimming to find interesting chapters. Although this was a fast read, it didn't really provide answers and I didn't feel as satisfied with the ending as I thought I would. If we're doing sequels, they should serve a purpose and wrap at least a few things up.

There were some other things that really felt unnecessary and ruined my enjoyment, but they're a little spoiler-y. Suffice to say there were some tropes I really hate here.

Overall, I think this could have been a long novella, or I wish it would have been a double POV. Just like Anatomy, there was a definite tonal shift from "Historical fiction" to "historical fantasy" in a very jarring way. I would have loved for it to be more blended, especially because I already know this is fantasy going into the second book. It was a fast and easy read, at least, but I was looking for more.

loved the first book of this duology - very happy to continue this story. great characters and interesting plot.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!
Immortality: A Love Story is the sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story. After the events in the first book, Hazel is working as a surgeon out of her home. She has not heard from Jack and has no idea if he’s alive or dead. It makes her question if she dreamt up the vial of immortality Dr. Beecham gave her and if it worked on Jack. After treating a patient lands her in prison Hazel believes it’s the end for her until she is summoned by the Crown to treat Princess Charlotte. What follows is a whirlwind of secret societies and seeing if lost love can be found again.
I enjoyed Anatomy when I read it last year and I was happy to see a sequel was coming because I wanted to see what would happen after the unresolved ending. I did end up really liking this one. It felt really different from the first book with the political aspects and secret societies. I flew through this book. The writing flowed really well and was easy to read which I appreciated. I am also happy with the ending and I am glad it turned out the way it did. This ending had enough closure while still leaving some mystery. The only thing I did not love about this book was a new character named Simon. I simply felt bad for his character because a small romance occurs between him and Hazel but since Hazel loves Jack it felt weird to stick that in there. I wish Simon was just a super supportive friend and fellow physician for Hazel. I recommend Immortality if you are itching to get some closure after reading the first book! I can’t wait to get my physical copy. The cover is so beautiful!

Not for me but maybe for you?

I was really excited for Immortality and in my excitement I think I built it up in my head more than I should have. The book itself still has the same fun atmosphere. I loved the inner workings of Hazel's mind as she starts to jump into being a surgeon and helping those who desperately needed it.

While the title says, "love story" I still hold to the fact that this is a love story between a woman and her medical work. And I do think my favorite parts of this story revolved around this aspect.

This is what fell flat for me. There were too many plots that didn't serve a strong purpose. I feel like a lot was trying to be accomplished and I was confused as a reader what that ultimate goal was. I also don't really enjoy when historical figures are too altered from true nature and this took a significant amount of plot and it just didn't deliver like it should have. I was also very saddened to have a love triangle. It just didn't seem necessary and it took all the wind of the original love interests sails and made it very anti-climatic for me. #ripsweetjack

All in all the only character I enjoyed by the end was Simon...so I guess he really dodged a bullet.

I'm sad this didn't work for me, but the audio was great with a wonderful narration. So i'm hoping I just wasn't the right audience because I truly did love Anatomy.

After receiving this advanced copy, I immediately set out to read the first book, Anatomy: A Love Story. That book immediately drew me in and captivated me. I was excited to find out if Immortality would do the same.

Immortality was exactly what I was hoping for in a sequel. It allowed me to continue the journey with familiar characters and return to a world that entertains and enthralls me. I am not always a fan of gothic romances, but this series includes some elements that make it interesting. Those historic elements, such as the monarchy mystery, pulls in those who are just not reading for the romance.

I love these characters and I hope to see them again! Thanks to NetGAlley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy of this novel. This is the second in a series by historian, Dana Schwartz. The story continues with Hazel a female doctor in Edinburgh in the 1800s. Hazel is not widely accepted, and soon finds herself in jail. She assumes that she will be hanged, but instead is taken to the royal court in London to try to figure out what is wrong with Princess Charlotte. Hazel gets drawn in to court life, but also gets drawn into a group of people in possession of an immortality potion. Along the way, she sees her love, Jack, again who availed himself of the immortality potion before his scheduled execution.
Hazel is a compelling character, and is even more well defined than in the previous book. The story grabs one, and this reader was anxious to learn how it all played out.