Immortality, the sequel to Anatomy, picks up right where the first book left off. And boy did I love getting more time with our badass female surgeon Hazel.

I read this book in one sitting. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the plot twists and turns throughout the book. I loved the Outlander, Bridgerton, and Tuck Everlasting vibes throughout this unique story.

If you like a bit of mystery, historical romance, and nerd out for stories about women in STEM, you will definitely enjoy this read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An improvement from Anatomy, but coming from me, that's not exactly a glowing review.

Anatomy was one of my most anticipated books of 2022. (Historical! Romance! Gorgeous cover!) It was also my most disappointing. The plotting was loose and chaotic, with so many missed opportunities for cohesive storytelling. For my review in my journal, I created an outline of how Anatomy SHOULD have developed. Yes, I was that pettily disappointed.
On that note, Immortality is an infinitely better book. The plot is tighter and more engaging, and the new characters were useful new actors in this medical theater. Hazel remains a well-developed protagonist, and the best part of this duology. This book further cemented Schwartz as an author to watch.

One of the most glaring issues of Immortality is Dr. Ferris. He's such a bland romance rival, to be played by James Marsden (the king of cinematic rejected love interests). His jostling for Hazel's affection is sad at best, tedious at worst. He is crucial to the resolution of one plotline, but he doesn't need to be a love interest for that to work.
The other major issue is continued plot incoherency. Prime example: In Immortality, a woman named Florence Ellis turns Hazel into the Scottish police. Later on, Jack chooses "Ellis" as his new last name, as a means of concealing his identity. So, there are 2 characters with the same last name; shouldn't there be some connection, some use for this? Instead, it really means nothing.
This is my biggest issue with Schwartz' writing. There are many of these loose narrative threads in the story, and not because Schwartz abandons ideas, but because she is literally missing these moments of satisfaction that already exist. Maybe Florence Ellis returns to the plot, and is willing to pretend that Jack is a relative of her husband's, and this helps conceal identity as he returns to England, thus also giving her absolution for what she did to Hazel. Now, THAT would have been satisfying!
There were other plot events that followed this problem: Hazel's shock at her arrest and the reveal about Charlotte and Eliza come to mind. Too many grammatical errors also malign readability.

Overall, an improvement from the first book. Hopefully, Schwartz will continue to make progress as a fiction author.

I had some issues with the first book in this duology, Anatomy: A Love Story. However, this second book completely won me over. Something about Hazel's character felt more lived in this time around, and all of the characters in general struck me far more. I'm not sure if I really and genuinely cared for Jack as much in this book, nor the relationship between him and Hazel, but I did find there to be a marked improvement between the two books.

Immortality, A Love Story, is the sequel to Anatomy, A Love Story, by Dana Schwartz, and together the author is calling them a Duology.

It’s 1818 in Edinburgh. Teenaged Hazel Sinnett is continuing her practice of local medicine after both the presumably immortal Dr. Beecham, her mentor, and Jack, the love who she may have saved from the gallows or not, have fled to America if they are still alive. Hazel has gained a reputation of excellence for what she does instead of the brutish ways of other surgeons. Her small hands, after years of embroidery practice, can stitch a wound and almost leave no scar. Her continuing efforts to find a cure for the often fatal Roman fever have ameliorated the pain of many. Hazel might not be marriage material, but her excellent skills have created a demand for her intricate incision skills and diagnostic competence.

Unfortunately, Hazel is arrested after helping a young woman who appeared on her doorstep recover from a self-administered abortion, accused of murder, sentenced to death, and thrown into prison to await her fate without anyone to defend her.

Just as Hazel thinks she’s being led to a gallows, a summons comes on behalf of Princess Charlotte, presumptive heiress to the throne of England, but also another lonely girl, barely out of her teens. Charlotte survived Roman fever but now has some undiagnosed malaise and is tired of being prodded and poked by old men. The hope is that the princess will welcome a young woman as a contemporary instead.

Jack still occupies an outsized place in Hazel’s heart no matter what her circumstances.

As Hazel treats the Princess, she also makes acquaintances with a young Swedish royal physician, Dr. Simon van Ferris and a social group of artists, the Companions to the Death Society (which includes the reckless poet Lord Byron). A group with mysterious connections to her past.

This is a satisfying sequel to Anatomy, A Love Story,but I feel it’s necessary to have read the first book to enjoy the nuances and passion of the second narrative. The author details the struggles and expectations of women attempting to enter medicine and, at its heart, still constructs a simmering love story. It’s hard not to root for Hazel. 4 stars! Previous fans will be absolutely thrilled!

A special shout-out to the amazing cover design by Kerri Resnick!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO But both Hazel and Simon have unrealistic amber eye colors.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Hazel makes extensive use of “wort flower root” to treat the fictional Roman fever, probably St. John’s Wort, which was used in traditional European medicine, as well as mulberry, nettle, thyme, catmint, fennel and mallow.

I was super excited to read this, so I was super pumped when I got my hands on this ARC. I thought the first book was pretty solid, but this one was SO much fun. I love Hazel and her strong “I don’t need a man” energy. Immortality makes it clear from the start that Hazel’s career is important to her. But not for money, but because she wants to help people.

I really wanted Immortality to leave romance in the dust, showcasing that Hazel didn’t need to get married and have children to be a whole woman. I mean, come on! She complains about being a wife for like, half the book. For that reason, I can’t give it five stars.

That aside, Princess Charlotte was a great character and the new setting was super fun. The companions of the death were also super interesting.

Honestly, I would read a whole book of Hazel doing science and surgery and generally being a bad bitch. Always love me a strong female character, and she’s one of the best.

posted on goodreads 10/29

Immortality: A Love Story is the sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story. I really enjoyed them both. Immortality once again finds us following Hazel Sinnett, who is now alone, and working as a surgeon at Hawthornden Castle. A sequence of awful events finds her imprisoned until she is requested to be the personal physician of Princess Charlotte. There she meets a new character I really enjoyed, Simon. She also runs into a mysterious group called the Companions to the Death. This was the perfect follow-up to Immortality and I loved the ending. My only complaint is that it feels like it is over much too soon. I look forward to reading more by this amazingly talented author.

I was truly happy to continue on Hazel’s journey as a surgeon and a woman, to see her grappling with medical dilemmas and social issues in “Immortality: A Love Story.” But that being said, I had three problems with this sequel to “Anatomy: A Love Story.” I’m not fond of false dichotomies (marriage or independence, nothing in between); I thought the twist in the Princess Charlotte subplot was unnecessary; and while I loved Jack, I like Simon better and love triangles are officially the worst. But in tone, pace, and theme, this book is on par with its predecessor and I think Dana Schwartz’s audience will continue to be pleased with her endeavors.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin Press for the ARC. I was so excited for this sequel. I loved Anatomy and I just felt Hazel and Jack’s story wasn’t over yet. This one gets 4.5 stars from me but I rounded up. Hazel is just as great a character in this book as in the first. I liked most of the new characters too. The Companions to the Death weren’t my favourite but I get why they are part of this book. The ending was just what I needed though, just as I hoped when I finished the first book. I’m sad this was the end of their story but I loved the journey.

I enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to the final book in the series. This picks up shortly after the end of the first book as we follow Hazel as she is working around her town and treating patients. After one night of treating a patient leads to Hazel's arrest. After spending some time in prison Hazel is released at the Kings request to be the physician to Princess Charlotte.

Hazel is a strong-willed character who is determined to become a surgeon at a time where it was unthinkable for a woman to do so. While working at the royal court Hazel works to find out what ails Princess Charlotte and is soon invited to join a secret society known as the Companions to the Death. I liked seeing Hazel work around the court and try to push through boundaries and work with the members of the court. I also enjoyed the return of Jack and was interested to hear his story of what happened to him since the last time he saw Hazel.

There are some twists along the way as well as betrayal. Overall, a good ending to the series.

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz is the second book in this duology following Hazel Sinnet, a young woman in the early
1800’s who dreams of being a surgeon. This book takes place about a year after the events of the first book which you have to read before getting into this book.

I got approved for this arc without reading the first book so I was lucky enough to be able to binge both books in two days and I loved it. I love seeing a strong female character who is willing to really push herself to achieve her dreams. I think if you enjoyed the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series and also love historical stories, this duology will be perfect for you.

The author is able to seemlessly mix real historical events with the fictional additions to her stories. I found myself googling stuff more than once because I wasn’t sure if it actually happened or not. I love the author’s notes at the end of her books because it helps to add another layer to her books. Often, the more outlandish things in the stories are the ones that are actually true and it is so crazy to think about.

These books are beautifully written in a way the doesn’t feel heavy handed. I’m not the biggest fan of historical stories just because I feel like it’s hard for me to be absorbed into the story but this book was not like that. I found it very hard to put down. The mix of Hazel learning how to be a surgeon and the mysteries going on make both of the books in this series compulsively readable. Some of the villain characters do seem a little mustache twirly but I feel like it makes sense in the setting of the book.

I really loved this book and can’t wait until I can get my hands on a physical copy.

I devoured this just as quickly as I did Anatomy. Immortality as the perfect followup after the heartbreak of losing Jack. Add a dramatic princess, a secret society, and a handsome new doctor, and it makes for a fantastic read!

I can't thank netgalley, the publisher, and the author enough for the opportunity to read this before everyone else. This duology will be recommended frequently.

Hazel Sinnet finds herself at the outskirts of society after taking up medical work in Edinburgh but when the royal family experiences a strange malady of their own she finds a chance to prove herself to the world.

I really like the author's writing style and general storytelling ability, and while the book may have worked if it had forgotten Jack completely, his inclusion just muddied the plot.

Spoilers:

After getting through halfway and thinking this is just a different story altogether, not involving Jack I didn't mind. It was interesting to see Hazel naviagte London and her newfound fame. But her feelings for Simon and Jack's return just gave me whiplash.

Not to mention that Jack was portrayed firstly as someone who had chosen to leave Hazel (only appearing back in the story after the 50% mark) only for the explanation to be that he saw her through a window and decided oh she's better off without me. Fine, that's what he chose but then he just gets back together with her anyway after telling her explicitly that he wouldn't.

And then Simon is ... just there. Hazel has feelings for him? Or does she? I don't know anymore - she clearly doesn't either. She's always hot and bothered around him but then wait, actually- Jack's the one for her obviously.

I would like a Hazel Sinnet series- just her being a female surgeon, going about her way. This plot was too convoluted.

Immortality, A Love Story was a sequel that definitely lived up to its predecessor, Anatomy. As soon as I was approved I immediately dove in and devoured this one. I love the originality of this duology and sad to see that it is over. Schwartz is a master storyteller. Immortality picked up right where Anatomy left off, with Hazel continuing to heal patients and soon finds herself in a predicament that leads her into the upper class life of royalty as she is called upon to heal a princess. If you loved Anatomy you will equally love Immortality.

I love Dana Schwartz's podcast Noble Blood and I really enjoyed Anatomy as well. Immortality was even more fun, I loved the references to various historical figures covered on Noble Blood (Marie Antoinette, Princess Charlotte, Lord Byron, George III) and really enjoyed this fun romp through history. The highlight was definitely the historical characters for me, with Hazel's dry wit and ambition as a close second. The romance didn't necessarily sweep me away (hence why I'm only giving it 4 stars), but the other parts I loved more than made up for it.

I dropped everything I was doing to read this as soon as I got my copy. And I’m so glad I did.

It’s been a year since Hazel and Jack discovered Dr Beecham’s horrid medical experiments. A year since Jack went to the gallows for the false murder charge. Hazel is doing the best she can to keep working and keep learning. Until she’s arrested for murder and then whisked away to become personal physician for the English princess.

I’ve been so amped for this sequel since it was announced. It’s everything I wanted. Hazel’s grief is so tangible, but her resilience propels her toward more intrigue. And since it’s just a straight sequel to Anatomy: A Love Story, there’s a very good chance you’ll like this if you liked the first book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book was really good, I did however enjoy book one more then this one. But I really liked this book too and I felt like it was a very good continuation of the series and a good ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing sequel and was wonderful. I enjoyed this string sequel and don’t have the correct words fo convey how much I enjoyed this book.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Dana Schwartz for the opportunity to sink my teeth into this lovely e-ARC.

I flew through Anatomy: A Love Story in one sitting and it's no surprise that I opened up Immortality: A Love Story in the morning and was finished by late afternoon. If you enjoyed the first book in this duology, you will love the final installment.

Summary: Unsure if her beloved Jack is dead or alive, Hazel Sinnett spends her time alone or treating patients. Being a female surgeon is a dangerous business, a fact that becomes apparent to Hazel when providing treatment to a patient on death's doorstep, results in her arrest. Certain that her fate is sealed, her reprieve comes in the form of a request to serve as the personal physician to the ailing Princess Charlotte. But once at court, she quickly discovers that things are not always what they seem, and her work as a surgeon may give her the opportunity to set right the malicious workings that threaten the monarchy and the real people behind it who endure its gilded cage.

I absolutely loved reconnecting with Hazel Sinnett. Dana Schwartz's ability to pepper in historical details (some factual and some slightly modified for story-telling purposes) without making one feel as though they're skimming a textbook is so refreshing. My only major complaint about the second installment of this series is that it ended and felt a teensy bit rushed. I would've gleefully read another installment in this series just to more thoroughly explore Hazel's time amongst the English court, the romance, as well as the very intriguing and mysterious "Companions to the Death".

Regardless of my few, and truly minor grievances, Hazel Sinnett is still a badass who never stops for a minute to let her gender lessen her surety that she is meant to be a doctor. She is bold and interesting and it was really easy to root for her from book one onward, and this was a very satisfying end to her story.

I was apprehensive approaching this book because the sequels to amazing books doesn't always hold up, but this one absolutely does and I was wrong in only the best way. It's worth mentioning (again) that I'm also not usually a fan of romance, least of all romance between teens/YA's, because it's usually cringy and annoying, but a Dana Schwartz romance is one I will happily fawn over. It's a slow-burn romance this time around with some intriguing obstacles and complications, with a surprise sprinkle of sapphic romance thrown in. This book was delightful, which is odd to say about a book that was also gory, scientific, and even a little depressing at times. I probably should have, but totally didn't see any of the twists coming and I loved it. It's a mix of historical fiction with some sci-fi elements in a fast-paced narrative that I couldn't put down. Also when I realized the cover was actually a girl in a dress, I was amazed but didn't think anything of it... and then I saw Anatomy's cover and wondered how the hell I missed that one.

"Immortality" is a stellar follow up to Dana Schwartz's "Anatomy." It engagingly continues the adventures of badass lady suregon Hazel. After some troubles in her native Scotland, Hazel winds up being enlisted to cure the chronically ill Princess Charlotte and finds herself embroiled in the royal scene of 19th century London. Hazel, with her deep love of medicine and how the human body works, remains the highlight of the story. The other highlight is the rich, gothic descriptions and plotline. By the end, I was riveted. Solid follow-up and I'm glad I got to read it early on Net Galley.