This was a satisfying conclusion to this duology that kept having surprises right up until the end, and I found the writing style very engaging (same as with the first book). I definitely recommend this duology for anyone that likes historical young adult with a dash of paranormal/fantasy. I know this is a duology, but I would love to see more of this world in the future.

Following in the footsteps of it's predecessor, Immortality: A Love Story was a sequel that definitely lived up to its hype. I loved the small nuances and cultural and feminist commentary of this duology, especially in the second book. The story had so many rich narrative plot points and our heroine goes through so much as the tale progresses, meeting new people and becoming reacquainted with familiar faces and finding herself in sometimes harrowing predicaments. This is a delightful feminist novel that I would recommend to Young Adult and Adult audiences who are interested in historical romances, mysteries, and thrilling tales.

Thank you Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I agree with many of the other readers when I say Anatomy: A Love Story didn't really need a sequel. I really liked the open ending of Anatomy and I felt satisfied afterwards. But, of course, when I heard there would be a chance to revisit Hazel's world of medicine and possible royal intrigue, I was very excited and I couldn't pass it up.

Some time has passed since the ending of Anatomy and Hazel is still learning and progressing in her medicinal studies. She keeps thinking back to the note left behind and continues to wonder if Jack is still alive even after he had been hanged and had taken the immortality vile. Hazel is invited to a gathering when she is handcuffed and accused of murder. To escape jail she is given a choice to become Princess Charlotte's personal physician and help stave off Charlotte's declining health. Hazel accepts and is transported to a world of British royal politics where someone is up to something mischievous and Hazel might be the only one to stop them....

Dana Schwartz knows how to write an enchanting gothic story with great character development and entertaining world-building. We do find out about Jack and there is an added romantic suitor in the form of a handsome doctor. While I did like the story overall, there were some pacing issues and I kind of wish this was written as a novella and not a full-length novel. Some of the chapters came across as filler and that's where the pacing issues popped up.

If you adored Anatomy like I did, I still think this one is worth checking out and finding out what happened to Jack.

3.5 rounded to 4 stars

Dana Schwartz is now one of my favorite authors. She absolutely killed it with Anatomy: A Love Story and now with Immortality: A Love Story.

The world building, character development and pacing of both of these books is *chef's kiss!* I loved the Gothic vibes and historical accuracy of these stories. Ms Swartz put in the work to make the stories feel alive.

I adored Hazel Sinnet. She was such a strong character, and I felt her struggle and turmoil of her entering adulthood but shackled to the idea of who society says she should be while all she wanted was autonomy and to be a surgeon.

This book starts off with Hazel working as a surgeon in the community and becoming known as someone that would help without overcharging her patients. At one point, after helping a patient, she is thrown into jail.. This is where the story takes off, and in a plot twist, she becomes Princess Charlotte's physician in London.

In London, Hazel finds Jack again, and their love story continues despite Hazel's interest in a handsome Dr. Ferris.

This was a great YA story that was a quick and easy to read and enjoy, and I think that Ms. Swartz has another hit on her hands.

Also, whoever designed the covers of these books is a genius. They were both amazing!

Thank you to Dana Schwartz, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the much anticipated sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story. Hazel Sinnett continues her journey to become a respected female surgeon in the 1800’s. The lack of women’s rights creates challenges and danger to her achieving that goal. She finds herself in the role of caring for a princess and navigating the dangers of high society, while struggling with missing her beloved Jack. The book is well-paced and structured.. A nice blend of science, history, fantasy and romance make this a fun read for readers of YA novels.

I absolutely adored this book!!! I loved the first one and was so excited for this one to come out, and when I got the ability to read it I read it in less than a day. This book brought tears of happiness and sadness to my eyes. Jack is my favorite character in these books. He brings something to them that the rest of the characters can't, I would recommend this book to people that love historical fiction and a touch of magic.

3.5 stars
While I enjoyed Dana Schwartz's Immortality, I don't think that Anatomy needed a sequel to begin with. It ended in a somewhat open ended way, but the characters's statuses were implied. This was a fun adventure, but it felt disconnected from the original story. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if it was marketed as a separate story, as I wouldn't have felt that awkward forced tether to the original. Overall though, it was quite enjoyable.

I’m so happy that book two of this duology was as wonderful as the first. Alone after Jack’s death, Hazel continues to read, research, and study. But when she is sentenced to death for an event totally out of her control, Hazel gives up hope. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

This is actually a 3.5 that I'm rounding up to 4 stars.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was fun to see how it pulled together so many historical figures and events. Plus it was interesting to try to guess how those events might diverge in this alternate history. The mystery aspects of this book were probably my favorite parts.

I was actually disappointed with the ending of Hazel's story. I'm probably in the minority, but I found myself hoping she'd choose a different path from the one she did.

I also had a hard time believing some of the changes of mind multiple characters had. They would present a strong argument against something, then suddenly and completely switch opinions at the drop of a hat. I wish the reasons behind their changes were shown more or that it took more time or convincing.

There were some characters I really liked in this book though and, like I said, I enjoyed the historical and mysterious aspects of the story, so I liked it overall.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this advanced copy! I really enjoyed this sequel and I thought it gave the reader a nice sense of closure on these characters’ stories. The author did an amazing job at drawing from actual historical events while also adding a fun, magical realism-ish twist to the story! I could tell that the inclusion of these historical events was well thought out and I really appreciated that (this was evidenced by the acknowledgments too!) I also really liked that we got a little more background on the creation of the Tonic because at the end of the first book I was wondering if there was more to that story. I found the inclusion of the Princess’s story (and those around her) as a subplot also served to add intrigue and a bit of extra fun to the story. I would definitely recommend this duology to my friends, followers, and family, especially those who are fans of historical fiction!

The second book in the duology that began with Anatomy. I love the way the heroine, Hazel, is smart and never gives up. She's up against considerable odds: she is imprisoned, threatened, never taken seriously as a female doctor, set up to try to figure out Princess Charlotte's mysterious illness, and her love Jack has "died." There's a lot here for young women to admire in the way that Hazel handles every challenge that comes her way. I've always found this magical world created by Schwartz entirely strange and original. It's easy to actually imagine a secret society or immortal poets and scientists. It's easy to imagine royal balls and stealing bodies from graveyards at the same time. I love the way this book ends this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.

Hazel Sinnett is one of my favorite characters to spend time with. Dana Schwartz writes in a way that immediately transports you to another time and place.

Early last year, I picked up Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz because, to be completely honest, the cover was beyond stunning. Though Dana’s writing was immaculate and I had a good time reading and enjoying the story, something about it just didn’t vibe with me in the same way that books I love and adore did so it felt a bit underwhelming. I figured that maybe Dana just wasn’t the writer for me, which is completely fine because she’s the one for someone else and that makes my heart sing. Fast forward a few months, I find out that there is actually a sequel! Maybe that’s what was missing for me, a sense of completion. So I requested and was granted an ARC through NetGalley.

Spoilers for Anatomy: A Love Story ahead.

At the end of Anatomy: A Love Story, we left Hazel Sinnett with heartbreak - Jack was dead and Beecham was gone. Now she continues on, treating those who can’t afford a physician and honing her medical skills. Until the day she is accused of a crime and sentenced to jail and then death. But fortunately, her medical services are requested to cure Princess Charlotte of an illness that is confounding all the physicians hired before her. As Hazel works to find the source of the Princess’s ailment, she stumbles upon a greater conspiracy that changes the path of her future.

Immortality: A Love Story is the conclusion to Hazel’s story that I didn’t know I needed. I went into Anatomy: A Love Story believing that it was a standalone and we wouldn’t see Hazel again. The question remained at the end of the first book and persisted through the second - is Jack Currer still alive? It was such a joy to be able to return to this world and find out the answer to that question.

This book also brought in a lot of historical figures and elements that pulled me in deep. I am not a history person by nature, but reading about these things and these people made me want to go digging through some history books to learn more. That is when I feel like historical fiction has done its job - when you become curious about the topics that arise.

I oftentimes have trouble reading “the classics” and books that are written similarly, but Dana is able to straddle the line between flowery prose and the ✨ vibes ✨ (I really am not sure how to better describe it) that really causes me to become engrossed in a story rather than disconnected. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” only to continue into the next chapter a lot more often than I expected and that is a testament to Dana’s ability to keep you on the edge of your seat even when it’s not a crazy action scene.

Seeing Hazel grow into her abilities and become the surgeon/physician that she always wanted to be was one of my favorite things about the book. She is still young, naive, and feels out of place among the glamour of London society, but the fire she has for medicine helps her to metaphorically puff up her chest and stand tall. The introduction of a brand new cast of characters always makes me wary when entering a sequel, but it was easy to get an idea of who they all were and where they fit in the puzzle of Hazel’s life. Some of them even had fun surprises that made me smile from ear to ear.

The only negative thing I have to say (and it’s so incredibly minor and is probably just a me thing) is that Hazel so completely left her life in Edinburgh. It was necessary for her to leave to London, of course, but there was a very specific loose end left at Hawthornden that Hazel was meant to tie up and, once she was in London, we never hear about it again. Again, this is probably just me nitpicking and it doesn’t affect the overall story or my enjoyment of the story - just something that picked at the back of my brain often.

If you read Anatomy: A Love Story and left feeling unsatisfied as I did, I highly recommend picking up Immortality: A Love Story. It is an excellent sequel that doesn’t feel redundant like it is presenting the same story as the first with different coloring. While some series have a standout amongst the books that make it up, this duology is strongest as a whole, both books working perfectly in tandem to tell a larger story.

After thinking about Anatomy’s cliffhanger ending over the last year, this conclusion to Hazel’s story was well worth the wait and I could not put Immortality down!

Hazel’s drive to treat everyone who appeared at her doorstep needing assistance with kindness and respect, no matter their station in life, was incredibly admirable,. Not only was Hazel committed to challenging convention by choosing to remain single, but her dedication to pursuing medicine and honing her craft as a surgeon would pave the way for other women to enter the field.

I did feel a significant portion of the beginning was more filler and didn’t further or match the pace of the rest of the story. That being said, once Hazel reached London, the pace picked up and turned into quite the page turner. And while not everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoy a well executed love triangle and thought the tension between Hazel and her two suitors was perfectly balanced. But what I most appreciated was that the science, medicine and mystery were at the forefront of the story. Yes, there was romance, but it was not the central focus.

While I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, the conclusion of Hazel’s journey was quite satisfying and full of wit, science, romance, secret societies and mystery!

4.5 stars!!

I very much enjoyed Anatomy: A Love Story so I was eager to jump into this book. Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

Since I am in medical, I'm all for science, anatomy & physiology. Hazel Sinnet is a fun heroine to follow as she navigates her desires to be a surgeon in a man-driven profession. This book has Frankenstein like feels with gruesome detail. And I am always here for that, though some may give me chills. Great books to read around Halloween.

For me this book fell short in a few ways. We got introduced to a love triangle that seemed so out of place. I ended up rooting for Simon who wasn't supposed to be the target in this love story. I actually liked that side of the love triangle more...and it made me sad. Hazel's and Jack's chemistry was lacking despite the great tension in the first book. So I was left wanting more love story when it fell flat. And though I wanted to know what happened to Jack, I felt his POV in the second third of the book quite random.

To me this story arc just leveled off. The villains didn't seem like villains until near the end. I felt like we were just reading Hazel's diary without a purpose. But maybe that was the point? I also didn't like Charlotte's little side plot reveal which made me think it was added just for audiences.

Overall I'm a little disappointed in how this was executed. Curious what you all think. Happy to discuss.

This book felt like a lot of filler. The last 15-20% of the novel is where things really picked up and I got interested in the story, but it was a slog to get to that point. There were so many points in the story that made me wonder what the point of it being in the book. The whole chapter in the beginning with her puling out someone's tooth and being snubbed for being a woman—what was the point? The reader already knew that being a female doctor was a hard hurdle to overcome; the entire first book was based on that. The plot point of being arrested for murder? No repercussions or reverberations later in the story. It wasn't mentioned by anyone or had any adverse effect on Hazel. (It could have completely been cut out of the story while Hazel could've received a summons to be the princess' doctor anyway.)

Things really picked up at the end, and it was engaging. The ending was definitive enough that I wonder if there will be a sequel. I can see it going either way. I wish there was more meaning to this story overall. If you love historical fiction, then you'll enjoy this.

The beginning of the story did not hook you in at all, the rising action was the equivalent of a kiddy ride at your local church carnival. This was disappointing to say the least- this was not even the same entertainment calibre of her last novel.

DNF at 36%

I enjoyed last year's Anatomy: A Love Story (although I had a few issues with the pacing) and was very excited to see that it was going to be part of a duology. Immortality: A Love Story's synopsis certainly promised more gothic mystery, romance, and a whole heaping of royal intrigue as Hazel joins the royal court in the hopes of curing the sickly Princess Charlotte.

Once I started reading, however, I found myself immensely bored. The pacing issues that I had with the first book felt amplified here with the action promised in the synopsis not coming until about the 28% mark and even when we moved into that action, it didn't really feel like the stakes were elevating. On top of that, the exposition is either immensely repetitive, one-dimensional, or just past the bounds of believability considering the time period.

I might have considered pushing through if we had gotten a sense of atmosphere anchored in the historical details, which ended up being a highlight of the first book. Unfortunately, the portion of the book that I did read contained so few descriptions of the settings that if not for the few references to characters alive in the 19th century, this could have been confused with a contemporary novel. There is literally a scene where we could get a sense of how sumptuous the palace is and Hazel as a character is clearly set up to be able to describe what she is seeing by virtue of being a lady, but the author describes it simply as a room with fabrics and chairs.

Honestly, the prologue was the only part of this book that I enjoyed and that makes me so sad.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

As someone who adored Anatomy: A Love Story, I was thrilled to see where Schwartz was going to take Hazel in her journey next,

This sequel really kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like Schwartz carried over the ambiance from book one while also bringing in new characters and settings to keep the story moving.

There were a few critiques that I had including:
The pacing of the middle was a little slower, which had me wanting to take lots of breaks. I could see this leading to some people giving up on the book without completing it.
I wish we would’ve gotten a *little* more of Jack in this book! I felt like there was a big lead up with Hazel and Simon and then Jack got thrown back in after the audience had mostly forgotten about him. (I’ll forgive this one because Jack is amazing and I love his character!)

Overall, I was very pleased with the nods to history, the way the author executed the story, and the ending she gave us to this wonderful duology!

The exact opposite of every YA paranormal romance with immortality and I am here for it.

After the cliffhanger in Anatomy, this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint. It's a bit bolder than the first book in some ways, but fans of the first book will love it.

Hazel is such a fantastic character. I'd happily keep reading books about her doing physician things and having adventures.

The story was so engrossing and unconventional that I couldn't tell which direction it was going, but I'm really happy with how things ended up. And just like in Anatomy, there were some genuinely macabre scenes that still make me shudder when I think about them.