“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.

I am obsessed with this series and hope there will be more! After finishing Immortality, I immediately preordered myself a physical copy. Hazel is a strong fearless character and has grown to be one of my biggest role models.

I loved Anatomy, so I was eager to read the sequel. Immortality isn't quite as much of a romance as Anatomy was, but Hazel and Will are eventually reunited, although it is much more of a subplot than in the last volume.

Hazel starts her own amateur, word-of-mouth clinic in her home, providing free care for those in need. She finds herself in a legal entanglement due to her assistance and winds up imprisoned with no means of defense or recourse. She winds up in service to Princess Charlotte and then entangled with the equivalent of the Illuminati of the day.

I liked the first book better, but Immortality was thoroughly enjoyable as well.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved where the storyline went with this book. I continue to love Hazel for always being true to herself and her values. Her medical practice always her priority. I loved how Hazel’s skills and confidence continued to grow. The friendships she developed and the devotion to her textbook. I also appreciated her seeking balance in both her practice and her heart. I want to say more but I also don’t want to give too much away.

This was a brilliant finale to a wonderful duology. I highly recommend!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5 / 5
🌶 🌶️ /5

I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the gothic style of it. It would be a great book for spooky fall night or a cozy winter day. I could not put it down!

Even better than the first, Anatomy: a love story! I am obsessed with this series, feminism, and Hazel. I want more!!

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz was book 2 of this gothic tale. It was narrated by Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell and they were fabulous, really perfect for listening to this. I did read a lot of this and loved the writing style.
Hazel is my favorite kind of heroine and I couldn’t wait to find out about Jack!
This was creepy good and I’m satisfied with the ending. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.
Thanks Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

Hazel Sinnett has established herself as female surgeon who will treat anyone in need, but she finds she's haunted by the events that led her to this life, particularly the unknown fate of her lost love Jack Currer. She's determined to put the mess of the immortality potion behind her. When she finds herself thrown in jail for treating the wrong patient, a proposition from the royal court may be the only way to save herself. The stakes are higher than ever for Hazel as she serves as the royal princess's physician, joins a secret society that knows all too much about immortality, and faces a crossroads in her love life.

This second book in the series was quicker-paced than the first ad a thoroughly enjoyable story. Immortality: A Love Story is an interesting blend of alternate history and romance with a side helping of thoughtful discourse on life, death, and immortality.

This book was just a shame. I loved the strong independent Hazel, but this book just had her fall into the cliché of needing a man.

What's happened to Jack? This is very much for fans of Anatomy, as it's the continuation of the story of Jack and Hazel, two young people fascinated with medicine and, well, immortality . Jack was hung but did he die? Hazel herself is also in peril, having been sent to prison before she's pulled out to serve as a physician to Princess Charlotte. This throws her into even more intrigue at court. It's YA but also a good crossover read because Schwartz has storytelling chops. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.