As always, I love Dana Schwartz. Immortality is a great follow up to Anatomy. The action wasn't quite as thrilling in this book but it was nice to see Hazel settle into herself and who she truly wants to be and that she is able to find a community who supports her. I appreciated how the real life figures are part of the world, but don't overwhelm it. I hope there is more to this series!

4.5/5 stars

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC! I had read and enjoyed "Anatomy", book one of Dana Schwartz's duology. It was well-written with a fun cast of characters and an interesting central mystery, but it suffered a bit from some pacing and worldbuilding issues: while initially it read like straight historical fiction, there was an element of supernatural that came (to me) out of nowhere. The titular love story itself was also a little weak to me.

However, I enjoyed it enough that I was willing to give its sequel, "Immortality" a try, and boy, am I glad I did. "Immortality" is an improvement on the original book in every aspect. Hazel, already a fun protagonist, gets some additional depth and direction as she struggles to find herself in a magical world clashing with the science she cherishes. "Immortality" is essentially a mystery - Hazel is tasked with redeeming herself by assisting in the diagnosis of an ailing royal - and the story is all the more stronger for the focus on plot, character, and intrigue. We're introduced to a brand new cast in London, complete with royal court, secret societies, and Frankenstein-esque body horror. While the love story that was weakest to me in the first book is still present, it's not nearly the focus, and this made "Immortality" such a joy. It's one of those books that makes the first book even better by virtue of how it concluded. Highly recommended to fans of strong heroines, light gothic horror, and YA historical fantasy.

The beauty of the cover was what attracted to me by the first book in this series, and so with great authority I can say, 'you can definitely judge these books by their beautiful covers!' Like I said, I loved the first book, and am very pleased to say that I loved the second book as well, perhaps even more! A gothic thriller and romance, Victorian-era Scotland and England, interesting characters and a swoon-worthy romance - I loved it all. And I am so grateful I got the chance to review this ARC, because the ending of the first book was fantastic yet diabolical of the author, and so I desperately needed to know what happened next! I highly recommend this book and the first in the series, and cannot wait to own this book in its print version!

Immortality: A Love Story is a perfect sequel. It builds on the plot and events of Anatomy but has its own well developed story, as well. I loved Immortality so much because the ending of Anatomy was unexpected, and so I really had no idea what to expect with Immortality, and it’s so good I could hardly put this book down.

I was worried that Immortality would use bait and switch tactics to rope the reader in with tropes and excessive plot twists, but that is not the case at all. Dana Schwartz cradles her readers—not in a spoon feeding sort of way—but she takes care of them by creating such an immersive world and telling a fantastic story without ripping the reader’s heart out for pain’s stake.

I couldn’t get enough of this. I am eager to read whatever Dana writes next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to enjoy this ebook early in exchange for my honest review.

It’s very hard to go into a book unbiased, with no expectations. It was even hard for this book because I already read and loved the first one but I tried! I enjoyed it so much it was a great follow up and ending to an already incredible love story. I read the first book because I had heard it was a love story for people who didn’t really like romance. That checks out because with the mix of supernatural, historical, medical and horror aspects of the story, the romance part wasn’t centered. It wasn’t overly mushy or cheesy either so bonus points for that.

This book continues our story of Hazel, a young girl in 19th century Scotland who wants to be a surgeon in a time where women aren’t allowed to be much of anything. In the first book, she falls in love with Jack, a resurrection man aka a man who digs up bodies in the graveyards and sells them to medical professionals for study and practice.

We get to see Hazel go through so much in her quest to become an intellectual, a doctor, a respected person in society. We get answers to the questions we were left screaming about when the first book ended. We meet some new characters who I fell head over heels in love with. There’s drama, there’s betrayal, theres science, there’s mystery and there’s love.

I can’t say enough good things about this book, preorder it, grab it, read it as soon as possible. This is a great story and this book made it an incredible duology that I am still thinking about.

I highly recommend reading Anatomy: A Love Story before this. While the author does a good job recapping what happened in the prior book, the initial book does leave a mild cliff hanger ending, and that's where this story picks up.

I will keep this review as spoiler free as possible for both books

This is also a historical fiction laced with gothic supernatural elements. A strong, independent-thinking girl fights for her right to be a surgeon when all of her family and society expected her to marry a rich man. She stumbles upon a mystery in the prior book, which is further explored in this sequel.

Struggling to find her way to become a proper surgeon, Hazel gains a reputation for assisting those in society who fall upon hard times. This compassion and willingness to pursue her dreams at all costs further propel both herself and her reputation until she is eventually practicing in the heart of London.

Hazel finds that there is much more to the mystery than she ever expected. She has a heart of compassion, and the intelligence required to make a difference in the medical field. A field that is dominated by men. . She must decide her fate: Which side will she choose?

This book's love story between Hazel and Jack plays out while delving into complex issues such as feminism, abortion, LQBTQ rights, forced marriages & corrupt political power.

The love story in this book isn’t as enrapturing as the first book but still such a fun and enjoyable read since it made up for that with the sprinkling of diversity and representation that the first one lacked. I enjoyed the *spoiler* secret society *spoiler*. I love, love Simon and hope if there is a third book, that we learn more of him. I’m crossing my fingers that Dana wants to write a third!

“My heart is yours,” he said. “Beating or still.”

I originally read Anatomy: A Love Story earlier this year at the behest of instagrams algorithm. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m normally not one for historical romance or mystery, but that book kept me enticed reading Hazel and Jacks story/stories.

I felt as though this book followed more along the lines of me not getting in to a historical fiction book like I’d normally guess. I also have a somewhat difficult time with romance that isn’t really romance?

It took me a lot of effort and time to get through the first 60% of the book because there’s just a lot to unpack when there doesn’t necessarily need to be? Secret societies, false murder accusations, deaths, non-deaths/fake deaths, random attempted murder. It’s just a lot, but again it could just be because of my preferences as Dana is an incredible writer.

Dana Schwartz is a fantastic author and I would love to see more of their works in different book settings.

I loved Anatomy so much but the somewhat ambiguous ending had me *hoping* for a sequel…so this was one of my most anticipated upcoming winter releases!

Dana’s writing is such a pleasure to read. Beautifully descriptive and creative, and it pulls you right back into the story. I love Hazel so much, she’s easily one of my favorite MC’s ever. I love how she is brilliant and serious but also loves a pretty dress - and totally owns it…but also couldn’t care less most of the time. I found the duality highly amusing and relatable.

The romance is similar to the first book where it is somewhat a side note until towards the end, and it’s a nice, low spice vibe. I felt like the middle meandered a bit, I would have liked to see some of those middle bits swapped out for the ending being a little more fleshed out. But overall I very much enjoyed the story and was so happy to be back in Hazel’s world. And I can’t wait to see what Dana writes next!

3.75/5 (so getting rounded up to 4) A sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story. Following Jack's hanging, Hazel is bereft but keeps working as a doctor in Edinburgh. She is hopeful that the tincture she gave Jack worked, but is not really sure besides an anonymous letter she received (which at least in this proof was different from the end of Anatomy???). However, soon she has to worry about herself when she is accused of murder after helping a woman who tried to get rid of her pregnancy. Imprisoned, she is sure that now she is going to die. However, she soon is freed to go try to find out what is wrong with the Princess of England. There, she reconnects with Jack and a mysterious society of immortals.

I missed the darker tones of Anatomy here. The first 40% ish of the book felt like a really extended set-up/deux ex machine just to get Hazel to London. Once she was there and got in with the immortals, I was so much happier with the story. I think it almost would've been better if she had moved to London after Jack's death. We could've skipped the whole imprisonment storyline and it would've been ok. I liked the alternate history with Princess Charlotte, but again if Hazel had just become part of the underworld of London, I think she could've been noticed by the immortals then. Overall, a decent sequel (once you get to the second half) but missing the gothic tones from the first book!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the story a lot and am thankful for a chance to receive and read this arc. I got attached to the characters and I love the story. It started slow but then I had trouble putting it down.

Hazel Sinnett, grieving the loss of her love to the hangman's noose, dives deeper into her medical studies and doing her best to treat the Eidenburgh locals. Suddenly she is accused of murder and finds herself locked in prison without a person to speak on her behalf. When she stands trial, a patient falsely accuses her and she is sentenced to death. However, at the last minute she is called upon by the Prince to come and treat the heiress princess and cure her from a mysterious illness.

And this takes up an entire first 3rd of the story.

Where Anatomy had a very sinister Frankenstein meets Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde meets Sherlock Holmes meets Jane Austen vibe. Immortality takes in a more Sense and Sensibility meets Marie Antoinette meets Anatomy vibe. Much more political and secret society, less mystery, equal magical medicine. I found this round the plot wasn't as strong as in the first book of this duology.

I also thought protagonist to be a little too perfect. I dont believe that even the most progressive turn of the 19th century upper crust woman of privilage would have found herself to to be so freely inclined to values of radical feminism (a woman physician willing to treat a botched diy abortion) abolition, or queer affirming (maybe willing to look the other way, but not encouraging or celebrating), and sex outside of wedlock in a world where chaperones were so clearly important. Maybe one or two of these, but certainly not all at once. She seemingly had zero flaws and required zero growth. What is the point?

The "love story" panned out for me, I will admit. Though I found it to be infuriating, and I found hazel's dalliance with a second love interest while not being convinced of whether Jack was indeed dead to be maddening and unfair to the nice gentleman.

This was well written. The reason I was upset about most of these things ultimately is because I did grow to care about the characters themselves. When they acted in ways that seemed out of place I cared. I think that is a reflection of good writing.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for the free eArc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Immortality was a great sequel! I love historical twists in my YA. Kept my interest and I loved the love story.

Dana Schwartz does it again! This is the second and last book in this series, and I think it was pretty much a perfect ending to the story of Hazel Sinnett.

With Jack gone, Hazel throws herself into her work, becoming especially dedicated to treating the impoverished and underprivileged of Edinburgh society. In a cruel twist of fate, her generosity lands her in prison, seemingly with no recourse to prove her innocence. The sickly Princess Charlotte, however, is in dire need of a physician who might be able to understand her symptoms, and Hazel is thrown into this role. Attempting to unravel the complex mysteries of Charlotte, court life, secret societies, and Jack's whereabouts lands Hazel in a precarious position, where she must decide what she truly wants from life and how she can do the most good for those most deserving.

I honestly wasn't sure where this story was going to go when I started it, but I was very pleased by the end! I absolutely loved the reimagining of Princess Charlotte of Wales — what a lovely spin on such a beloved historical figure. Fiction makes all things possible, my friends! Anyways. The addition of another love interest made things REALLY entertaining, and I especially loved the inclusion of the various members of the Companions to the Death.

Like the first book, this one is smooth in pacing and rich in detail, and I simply couldn't put it down. I don't generally like YA genre, but I love these. Thank you to Dana Schwartz, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Overall I liked this a lot!! There were a few plot holes but nothing too glaring, and I enjoyed the character development. I’m glad there was resolution to the cliffhanger ending of the last book, bc I was worried that was just going to be glossed over and forgotten about, but that was really satisfyingly done. Simon is by far the best character in the entire series and I stand by that.

Thank you to Dana Schwartz, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Arc of Immortality.

I first heard of Dana while browsing for more historical podcasts and stumbling over Noble Blood, and was hooked immediately. Dana has such a unique way of telling stories and getting audiences hooked that I subscribed just after the first episode, her writing is no different.

Immortality starts off almost directly where Anatomy ends and it’s not long until you’re thrown straight into the story. I loved Immortality for this reason, it doesn’t feel like it lags anywhere, or that any of the book was given just to waste time for the next plot point to happen.

Hazel’s trip to London and the introduction of new characters was great. Simon was a fantastic new addition and quickly became one of my favorites. The medical “mystery” Hazel is tasked with solving had me guessing the whole time as well up to the reveal.

The only think I found wanting in this sequel were three or four extra scenes between Jack and Hazel. I felt like their reunion and subsequent get together could have used a few more pages.

Overall the story was fantastic and you can see Dana’s love of history shine through all of the words in immortality.

Immortality, the second book in the Anatomy Duology, starts almost where Anatomy left us.

We once again follow Hazel and her journey as a surgeon. Hazel spends a lot of the book proving who she is and I really enjoyed seeing her character grow throughout the book.

There were smaller plots happening that I didn’t love. I felt like some of them didn’t add much to the story, but they also didn’t take anything away from the story either, they were just kind of there. It just didn’t seem to mesh as well as the first book.

However, Immortality was an excellent follow up to Anatomy and this is one of my favorite duologies to date. Immortality was a must read for me this year and it definitely lived up to my expectations.

Immortality: A Love Story
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕/5

Summary:
The second book in a duology where we are reunited with Hazel Sinnet. Hazel is a young woman in the early 1800’s striving to find her place as a respected surgeon. She is unexpectedly requested to serve as physician within the Royal court of England, however there are hidden secrets within and beyond the walls of the palace.

What I Liked About this Book:
- Hazel’s unwavering selflessness, determination, strong character.
- The addition of famous historical figures within the “social club”. It was a brilliant idea.
- I appreciated the insightful use of Victorian remedies, tonics, diagnostic techniques.
- Dana was able to create a well researched world of 19th century society.
- Each character served a purpose to the story.
- The way in which Dana captured a misogynistic society while also supporting a feminist movement.

What Could Have been Improved:

- I found dual plots to the story and I wasn’t sure which was to be the dominant one.
- Iona just seemed to disappear altogether after Hazel’s arrest which was odd because of their strong relationship.
- The relationship between Hazel and Simon could have been explored further.
- Some may find the treatments for the immortals a bit outlandish.

Conclusion:

I absolutely adored the first book and this follow up did not fail to impress. Hazel is a memorable character who is dauntless and inspiring.
I felt a similarity between the persecution of women in that century and the current state of our society today. How sad that is.
I couldn’t help noticing the fabulous similarities between Hazel and Audrey Rose Wadsworth ( Stalking Jack The Ripper) series by Kerri Maniscalco!
I highly recommend reading this captivating second book.

Thank you to @wednesdaybooks @danaschwartzzz and @netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
The Anatomy Duology #2
YA Fantasy
Publication Date: February 7, 2022

Hazel finds herself in prison as a result of her profession. At the last hour she is rescued by the royal family and thrust into the spotlight as the physician tasked with seeking out Princess Charlotte’s mystery illness.

Immortality lacked a sense of identity, to me at least. It tried to be many things but never really successfully executed any. I prefer a book with one main storyline that way the story builds momentum. Having several small plots had me wondering what the purpose of many of them were. SPOILERS AHEAD! The most obvious being the story in the beginning where Hazel helps a woman aborting her pregnancy and ends up in jail. You would think after a prolonged stay in prison, long enough where it states that Hazel starts to lose body mass, that it would have some sort of profound effect on future decisions Hazel makes or feelings but the plot has absolutely no bearing on anything else that happens. The royal family could have compelled her attendance without having to break her out of prison first.

I also hope in the final version there has been some blending with respect to transitions between scenes. There is one where Hazel invites a character to accompany her to a meeting later that evening and then there is a break and it is that evening and they are attending said meeting. Couldn’t the characters have just traveled directly to that meeting since nothing took place in between?

The concept of the story and meaning behind it was really cute and I liked the author’s inclusion of more diverse characters. The duology as a whole is a great feminist gothic tale, I just preferred the execution of the former novel better.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing an advanced reading copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed diving back into this world. I liked the downs and up's that Hazel goes through. There was less medical stuff in the second book but the romances were very good. A very good comfort read.
I enjoy the happy endings and am glad that the characters all seem to be happy. I'm not sure if there will be a book four but I'm here for it. So much potential for more.

Thank you netgallery for the chance to read this ARC.