Dana Schwartz does it again. I loved the first book in this series and much like the first one I could not put this down and felt myself going through with drawls in between readings. Our main heroine is still working in the medical area and finds herself in a bit of trouble and then in a situation only she would be able to get herself out of. Love that it is in its own way a love story but she is not left to be perceived as helpless nor does the story just revolve around that. So refreshing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I found this book to be as enjoyable to read as the last, though the romance was still the weakest aspect of it. Simon’s relationship with Hazel was far more interesting because there was conflict, competition, camaraderie in it, whereas with Jack it’s all grand love confessions and kissing. Don’t get me wrong, those are nice and enjoyable things, but when our protagonist is such a competent, intelligent, bright, creative person and the most interesting thing about her love interest is that he loves her it’s hard not to root for Simon instead.

My least favorite part of this book, however, is that it feels like it sets up perfectly for a third book. *SPOILERS*
We followed Hazel’s medical adventures in Edinburgh, then London, and now we can do so in New York City, after she’s made some powerful enemies in The Companions to The Death, as she tries to find the cure for immortality. But as far as I can tell there’s not going to be a third book. We get no catharsis or comeuppance for Dr. Beecham or Marie Anne or The Companions, we don’t get to see how far their web reaches, what their plans are next. It’s all just done here? We’re supposed to be satisfied with our ending of Jack and Hazel in NYC together when they’re the least interesting thing about this series? I always thought the “Love Story” part of this series was in reference to Hazel’s love of learning, of science. It’s what always got the most focus. But as we’re set up for a larger, grander adventure, with our couple finally together and in a new country with more powerful enemies than ever, with more to lose than ever, it ends? The stakes couldn’t be higher for our characters to find the cure or to keep their family together.

I don’t truly think this will be a duology. It wouldn’t make sense for the book to be written this way and for a third to not be in the works.

I enjoyed this book more than book one. The story felt more fleshed out, and I loved seeing all of these immortals around! I’m hoping this maybe isn’t the end to the story.

I so love the covers of this duology, in my review of Anatomy, I went on and on about the heart, the brain, is just as lovely. Kuddos to the person that did this one!

I've held on to my copy of this audio book a little longer than normal, I had requested it because of the cover, but didn't realize it was the second in the duology. The narrator (Mhairi Morrison) did just a fantastic job, loved her interpretation of this world. She did a great job bringing life into it. I'm not sure how I feel of the snippets being read by a different character, I guess I get it but it was just kind of blah.

Now to the story. I absolutely adored the Mary Shelley type story of Anatomy, it was brutal in the way the beginnings of medicine was, and poignant. It was just fantastic. It was a love story about medicine and Hazel discovering her passions in a world where she couldn't really utilize those skills. This book is kind of opposite in a way. Hazel still gets to solve some medical mysteries, but seemed to be obsessing over Jack the entire time. It was more of a love store with a little extra thrown in.

We throw in some more real life things that happened change it up just enough to make it more sci-fi (I mean wouldn't it be more science over fantasy) and change the history of the world, for the world that is being made. Which is great, the first book did the same thing, but a little more subtly. I just didn't feel the spark as much with Immortality as I did with Anatomy. The stakes didn't seem as high. It was still really well written and fun to read. It just didn't capture me as much as I hoped it would.

I like the secret society thrown in and the new surgeon that acts as a mentor and friend to Hazel, the Princess story line was a bit of a let down as well. I don't know y'all it just wasn't doing it for me. I wasn't sad when it was over like the first book. Did I enjoy the over all story? Absolutely. Is it still worth the read? Yes of course. I just wish we had some more of the fantastical in it.

Calling all the pre-med girlies with a history minor — this is an extremely niche audience, but you will love this series! NOT for the squeamish! Medical jargon in the 1800s is truly not my thing, but I really love Hazel and Jack and this sequel was better than the OG, IMO!

I loved the first book in this series, it was so interesting and unique! I was excited to be able to read the second one. This one took me a bit longer to get into, but I eventually did and found it really good as well.

In Immortality, readers immediately wonder what Hazel's future holds. Considering the events of Anatomy, I dove straight into the sequel. Hazel is reeling from the loss of Jack, but also of her entire future changing before her eyes. While I enjoyed the plot of Immortality, I think what I appreciated more were the themes and the ways it feels like it's in conversation with today. With a strong foundation and beginning in women's reproductive rights, Immortality feels closer to us than historical fiction. To the ways in which doctors are penalized for saving women's lives, for giving them information, and for allowing them to control their own bodies. I was able to listen to the audiobook again mostly because I just needed to listen to Morrison lull me with a fantastic accent! Morrison also does a fantastic job of putting emotions into the pacing, the actual reading within Immortality.

When I got to the end of Anatomy, I KNEW there was going to be another one just from the way it ended. I knew that they wouldn’t do us like that. And sure enough, this was announced soon after. But noe that this one is over, I’m a little sad because I don’t like the way this ended either. Not because it was bad, but because she wrapped everything up and there doesn’t need to be another one. It finalized that this was a duology, and I don’t like that lol

Although I did enjoy it, I still don’t think it was as good as the first. For instance, one of the things that really drew me to the first one was the grave robberies. Well it wasn’t in this one at all except once. It wasn’t really needed by them, and I get it, but I would have enjoyed it more. Everything else was still the same. And I really liked that. The writing style, the small mystery, all of it, felt familiar to the first one and I really enjoyed being back in her world. And the historical part. Y’all know I’m usually not a fan, but this one hardly had anything historical in it, so I thought it was ok.

As for the plot, I thought it was actually really enjoyable. I guessed what the princess’ “illness” was before Hazel did lol But everything else that followed was a surprise lol I wish I could have filmed the way my mouth dropped open when all the secrets begin to be revealed. I was not expecting things to go there. (I really need to start looking at the synopsis) It did get a little slow in the middle when she was trying to figure things out, but once it finally got past the hump, it was ok.

The characters were also still good. I was very surprised when Jack wasn’t there tho. I just KNEW from the ending of book one that he would be. But unfortunately, he wasn’t there. But it was ok because there were other new characters. I liked all the new additions. Even the villains.

But for the most part I enjoyed this. I do wish there was going to be another one. I know it said a duology, but I really want another from them. Maybe just from the villain. If you know, you know lol But whatever Dana Schwartz writes, I will give it a shot. If nothing else to be able to report back to my teens and the branch librarians.

This is the second book in The Anatomy Duology by Dana Schwartz.

After the events in Anatomy, Hazel Sinnett is doing what she does best, which is taking care of her patients. It’s that or loose herself in wondering if Jack is alive or dead. When a mishap with a patient leads to her arrest, Hazel finds herself alone to rot in prison. Until she has been summoned to be the physician of Princess Charlotte. From here, Hazel is sucked into the world of the royals and well as secret societies.

I truly enjoyed this installment and this duology as a whole. If romance, historical fiction, gothic, or fantasy are any of you buzz words just go ahead and give this a try!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I was able to listen to the audiobook and it was FABULOUS! So go ahead and pick it up as your format of choice when diving into the story!

*All opinions are my own.

I love Hazel, but I didn’t enjoy this story about her. I didn’t find her treating the Princess very interesting. This story did not keep my attention at all. I was really disappointed, because I loved the first novel.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for letting me listen to this in exchange for an honest review .

I absolutely loved this novel. I expect I will read this again and again. There was something so beautiful about this story. Hazel is an absolutely wonderful character who is brave and smart. I will admit that I have not read "Anatomy" which is the first book in the series but I was not lost in any way and I will be picking it up shortly.

The setting of this is so gothic and fascinating. The inclusion of Princess Charlotte was really interesting ad I loved the friendship she developed with her. I felt as if I was right there with Hazel as she goes to balls and works her way around London society as it is required of her. As a woman who wants to be a doctor in an era where that is not really accepted she had to do her best to get involved to be accepted and though she was not thrilled she does her best.

Besides Princess Charlotte the world was filled with other fantastic side characters including a Doctor who helps Hazel and whom I found myself kind of rooting for as a love interest.

The narrators Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell did a great job. If you want a Gothic novel filled with romance and mystery this is for you.

This book was a little slow to start, but I ultimately loved it! Hazel is a strong and independent woman, but still pines after her long lost love Jack. Very very cute story.

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

Immortality picks up where Anatomy left off, treating patients at Hawthornden and waiting to hear news from Jack. After being arrested she finds herself the personal physician of Princess Charlotte.

Although I agree with a number of other readers, I'm not sure Anatomy really needed a sequel. However, I am very happy to hear more of Hazel's story and do hope we see more of Hazel.
I really enjoyed this book, we got to see Hazel grow and mature a bit more on her own.

Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell did a wonderful job narrating this.

Absolutely loved this morbid twisted love story. It's honestly perfectly made for me and my personality. I'm so obsessed with it an I can not wait to go find out more about this author and all their other works.

🧠BOOK REVIEW🧠

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

“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 if 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.”

This is the second book in the Anatomy duology and man, it was perfect! It gives us everything we want from the last book in a series - conflict, turmoil, new characters and closure. I honestly would love about 10 more books in this series.

Hazel is one of

my very favorite female main characters - independent, strong, smart, sassy. I love how her struggles with getting ahead as a woman of that time were written. You felt like you were in the fight with her! I was also happy to see Jack reappear but Simon and the Companions to the Death were fantastic, fully developed characters that I loved! I had so many questions about the immortality aspect after Anatomy and they were happy all addressed here.

I listened to the audio book and the narrators - Mhairi Morrison & Tim Campbell - were spot on perfection! The accents, the delivery, all of it. Highly recommend in audiobook format.

Recommend if you like:
- Gothic romance
- Coming of age
- Science/medical references
- Fantasy/magical realism
- Historical fiction

✨Would you choose to drink a potion to be immortal if given the opportunity?

Thanks to @netgalley, @macmillan.audio and the author for this ARC!

#audiobookreview #netgalley #netgalleyreview #audiobook #danaschwartz #books #bookstagram

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

This is the second book of The Anatomy Duology. After last year’s events, Hazel Sinnett has continued studying and practicing medicine at her family’s Hawthornden Castle and helping those who need her. But she gets in trouble for helping a woman and she’s arrested. When she thought she’s going to be sentenced to death, she’s summoned by the King and she ends up accepting a job as the personal physician of princess Charlotte, who has been very sick.

When she’s in London, Hazel is invited to join a mysterious social club known as the Companions to the Death formed by notable men and women of the time. So Hazel starts attending formal balls and secret gatherings and she even adds a little romance into her life again.

I enjoyed the second book even more than the first one. I loved the mysterious invitations, the glamour of the court, the secret romances and Hazel’s determination and perseverance.Every single character got the ending they deserved!

I listened to this one and read along. The narrators did a wonderful job! Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audio copy of this very anticipated book.

If you love a slow burn, historical, with a little bit of mystery and the possibility of immortality then this is the book for you. While the narration was beautiful with the accent the male voice was jarring as never knew when it was coming. I did not know this was a second book since I saw immortality I thought cool vampires of sorts. So maybe reading the first book would have provided more context but overall all even in audiobook form it seemed slow and drawn out well last the 50% mark. I was expecting a love story and I got a lot of pining and then bam a triangle of sorts. I’m not saying it’s not a good book but maybe I’m missing context but kept listening because of the time period.

thank you to netgalley and St. martins press for the advanced reading copy of immortality: a love story by dana schwartz. I flipped between book and audio for this. I will say it wasn't as good as the first to me. just as slow as the first. my shop will look to carry it because we do carry book one.

I received an ARC copy of this audiobook from Netgalley. This in no way affects my ability to objectively review this book.

I read the first book in The Anatomy Duology last year and was left feeling unsure if I would read the second book. While I really enjoyed Hazel, I found the magical elements sprinkled in at the end of the book to be frustrating. Finally, my curiosity about whether or not Jack survived and if he reconnected with Hazel won out and I requested a copy of this book.

This book was an enjoyable enough continuation of the first book. It definitely provided the closure I suspect that most readers will crave after the cliffhanger in book one.

At the start of the book, we see Hazel, grief-stricken, unsure of what happened to Jack, and throwing herself into her work as a way of coping. One day, a woman shows up on her doorstep near death from overuse of abortive herbs. Hazel sets off to save her life and ends up accused of providing an illegal abortion. She is locked in a prison cell and from there the story really starts to take off.

First, the strongest part of this book was once again Hazel. She is a strong female lead who is determined, clever, and unafraid to rock the boat. I love her continued passion for medicine and being able to treat medical problems. While her heart is hurting from the loss of Jack, she does not grow despondent, but instead keeps moving forward with her practice.

The new side characters in this book are also quite enjoyable. I won't say more than that for not wanting to spoil the book.

That said, I felt like the plot was a bit meandering and unnecessarily windy. There were several plot points that literally had no affect on the story and only seemed to make the book a bit longer. Maybe there was a specific page count to be met? While I did like parts of the story, I felt like some of this book could've been trimmed and it still would've been essentially the same story.

I did listen to an audiobook of this and I really enjoyed both narrators. I thought they did a great job with the different characters and I could easily distinguish between voices. I did speed this up to 1.5x speed as it felt a bit slow, but that is typical to my audiobook listening habits.

All in all, if you were very invested in the first book, I think it doesn't hurt to continue on. You'll get some resolution and a pleasant read. I still wish the magical element hadn't been introduced, but I did love the look at medicine way back when.

Great ending to this duology! I think Anatomy started a bit slowly for me and I didn’t love how long it took for the fantastical elements to come out. This one, however, kind of ran with it! I liked the changed history and the historical figures we got to interact with. Lord Byron is always fun to hate on. I loved seeing the conclusion to Hazel’s journey being about her success in her career and her love!

Shoutout to the narrator of the audiobook who did at least five different accents perfectly! It was absolutely incredible!