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skypotion's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Biphobia
libraryofcam's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First opinion (October 2021) - 4,5⭐️
I’ve finally finished “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”! And what a roller coaster this was!
I first heard of this book on medias, a few reviews presented it as a great novel, and after I had seen the French version of the cover, I immediately ran to the bookstore. I had high expectations, but as I had seen this book on TikTok and Instagram, I didn’t think it would be as amazing as everyone said. I didn’t expect this to be a masterpiece. Because that’s what it is.
We follow the story of Addie LaRue, a girl who made a deal with a god of the shadows—the devil— to escape a marriage. She’s immortal but no one ever remember her, as soon as a door closes, people forget who she is. Until one day, 300 years after the deal, she meets someone who recognizes her.
This novel never ceased to astonish, surprise, excite, or scare me. It’s incredibly well written and built. It’s these kind of books where story isn’t important and the character and their evolution are in the center of the plot. These are my favorite kind of books, because it’s easier to make someone love a story despite of how badly it’s written than make someone love a character building despite of a story to support it.
Addie is always optimistic, hopeful and bright. Even after 300 years of existence, she still gets amazed by nature, moments, and humans and their minds. She’s a great contrast to Henry—the first to remember her—who’s pessimistic, unhappy, and he goes through storms, of depression clearly. They go wonderfully well together, and there’s something really poetic in Henry writing and publishing Addie’s story, and leaving a mark of her ‘cause she can’t do it on her own.
The god of the shadow—Luc as Addie calls him—is a very interesting character. He adds depth to Adeline’s backstory and he’s the perfect villain. He’s Addie’s executioner but he disguises himself as his savior. It was interesting how we explore if he feels loneliness and love as well. I don’t think he loves Ad, for me he’s just obsessed with power, and claiming her as his, shows how much power he has over her. He’s manipulative, evil, cruel, he keeps tricking everyone. He is, at the same time, Addie’s predator and her mentor, without knowing, he teaches her the arts of manipulation. In the end, he loses at his own game, Addie planning to destroy him his way.
The secondary characters—like Bea, Robbie, Estelle. Sam, Addie’s father, Rémy, Toby—add a lot of depth to both Addie and Henry. They’re all well-built, and you can feel that they are a character of their own, not necessarily one in another’s story.
I could literally write an essay based on this book on the obsession of leaving a mark, the importance of ideas, how life will always be too short, the inspiration, the desire to be loved, and I’ve still gotten many more ideas.
I loved how many historical figures entered this story, from Voltaire to Beethoven by mentioning Shakespeare, my favorite was probably Frank Sinatra who appeared at Addie and Luc’s first night together.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” has become, for sure, one of my favorite novels of all time. It was my first introduction to V. E. Schwab and I’m going to get more of her books! She’s a genius and I adore her.
This novel is a journey out of time, an adventure, a discovery, a romance, a comedy, a representation of war, an historical novel, a tragedy, a sacrifice, the smell of fresh books, the feeling of the rain, the sound of a deep voice, the taste of dark coffee and the look of green eyes, it’s a masterpiece—a chef-d’œuvre in French.
++ We love the LGBTQ+ representation! Addie being a bisexual—I loved her with Sam oh gosh—, Henry a pansexual, Bea a lesbian—and an icon—and Robbie an homosexual (even if he was clearly biphobic/panphobic wanting Henry to be fully gay)
BUT BUT BUT
Cause there’s always a but ahahaha. I’m still a little disappointed by the lack of POC representation. Addie has lived for 300 hundred years and the only places she goes to are Western Europe and North America, while she’s describe as a world traveler and discoverer. It would have been interesting to see her discover Africa, South America, Oceania, Asia (Western or Eastern), or even just Eastern Europe. In addition, she only interacts with exactly one POC character during the whole book, and it’s not even that interesting. Was V. E. Schwab too lazy to make the researches to actually build well-written POC characters and go through places outside of Europe and U.S.? I don’t know, but this lacked of POC rep. That’s why I put a 4,5 stars instead of a 5. Even if it’s still a great read to me
Reread (august 2022) - 3⭐️
I do understand why I liked it so much a year ago, but today it was, yes, a good book but not as much of a masterpiece.
I first heard of this book on medias, a few reviews presented it as a great novel, and after I had seen the French version of the cover, I immediately ran to the bookstore. I had high expectations, but as I had seen this book on TikTok and Instagram, I didn’t think it would be as amazing as everyone said. I didn’t expect this to be a masterpiece. Because that’s what it is.
We follow the story of Addie LaRue, a girl who made a deal with a god of the shadows—the devil— to escape a marriage. She’s immortal but no one ever remember her, as soon as a door closes, people forget who she is. Until one day, 300 years after the deal, she meets someone who recognizes her.
This novel never ceased to astonish, surprise, excite, or scare me. It’s incredibly well written and built. It’s these kind of books where story isn’t important and the character and their evolution are in the center of the plot. These are my favorite kind of books, because it’s easier to make someone love a story despite of how badly it’s written than make someone love a character building despite of a story to support it.
Addie is always optimistic, hopeful and bright. Even after 300 years of existence, she still gets amazed by nature, moments, and humans and their minds. She’s a great contrast to Henry—the first to remember her—who’s pessimistic, unhappy, and he goes through storms, of depression clearly. They go wonderfully well together, and there’s something really poetic in Henry writing and publishing Addie’s story, and leaving a mark of her ‘cause she can’t do it on her own.
The god of the shadow—Luc as Addie calls him—is a very interesting character. He adds depth to Adeline’s backstory and he’s the perfect villain. He’s Addie’s executioner but he disguises himself as his savior. It was interesting how we explore if he feels loneliness and love as well. I don’t think he loves Ad, for me he’s just obsessed with power, and claiming her as his, shows how much power he has over her. He’s manipulative, evil, cruel, he keeps tricking everyone. He is, at the same time, Addie’s predator and her mentor, without knowing, he teaches her the arts of manipulation. In the end, he loses at his own game, Addie planning to destroy him his way.
The secondary characters—like Bea, Robbie, Estelle. Sam, Addie’s father, Rémy, Toby—add a lot of depth to both Addie and Henry. They’re all well-built, and you can feel that they are a character of their own, not necessarily one in another’s story.
I could literally write an essay based on this book on the obsession of leaving a mark, the importance of ideas, how life will always be too short, the inspiration, the desire to be loved, and I’ve still gotten many more ideas.
I loved how many historical figures entered this story, from Voltaire to Beethoven by mentioning Shakespeare, my favorite was probably Frank Sinatra who appeared at Addie and Luc’s first night together.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” has become, for sure, one of my favorite novels of all time. It was my first introduction to V. E. Schwab and I’m going to get more of her books! She’s a genius and I adore her.
This novel is a journey out of time, an adventure, a discovery, a romance, a comedy, a representation of war, an historical novel, a tragedy, a sacrifice, the smell of fresh books, the feeling of the rain, the sound of a deep voice, the taste of dark coffee and the look of green eyes, it’s a masterpiece—a chef-d’œuvre in French.
++ We love the LGBTQ+ representation! Addie being a bisexual—I loved her with Sam oh gosh—, Henry a pansexual, Bea a lesbian—and an icon—and Robbie an homosexual (even if he was clearly biphobic/panphobic wanting Henry to be fully gay)
BUT BUT BUT
Cause there’s always a but ahahaha. I’m still a little disappointed by the lack of POC representation. Addie has lived for 300 hundred years and the only places she goes to are Western Europe and North America, while she’s describe as a world traveler and discoverer. It would have been interesting to see her discover Africa, South America, Oceania, Asia (Western or Eastern), or even just Eastern Europe. In addition, she only interacts with exactly one POC character during the whole book, and it’s not even that interesting. Was V. E. Schwab too lazy to make the researches to actually build well-written POC characters and go through places outside of Europe and U.S.? I don’t know, but this lacked of POC rep. That’s why I put a 4,5 stars instead of a 5. Even if it’s still a great read to me
Reread (august 2022) - 3⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Biphobia
megski's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
These people were so fucking boring. Far too long for such a weak payoff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Biphobia, Body shaming, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Minor: War
mellowreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can confidently say that I have not come across a book quite like it in a long time. It is wholly captivating, with an immersive world brimming with wonder, characters that I have come to adore, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
There are books that are about magic, and there are books that genuinely feel magical in nature. “Addie LaRue” is the latter. Holding the book alone made me feel as though I was savvy to some well kept secret, or as though I was sneaking through the streets in Paris, New York, Germany, or wherever Addie decided to go next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Biphobia, Violence, War, and Sexual harassment
madmilliner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this story, especially because the writing is so beautiful. The words, and scenes are a cross between poetry and art.
It is the ultimate manic pixie dream girl vs depressive demon nightmare boy, I felt it was trying too hard and was somehow ¿oversaturated?
It is the ultimate manic pixie dream girl vs depressive demon nightmare boy, I felt it was trying too hard and was somehow ¿oversaturated?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Torture, Grief, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Dysphoria, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Death, Confinement, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Biphobia, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Self harm, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, War, Violence, Suicide, Sexual assault, Rape, Kidnapping, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Cursing, Confinement, Child death, Blood, Addiction, Abandonment, and Torture
azyef's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Blood, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexism, and Mental illness
Minor: Biphobia, Dementia, and Death
zwergenmaedchen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Biphobia
ashlightgrayson's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought this book was going to be a 4 star read, but the second half of the book bumped it up to a 5 star. V.E. Schwab's writing style is delightful. I attended her virtual book tour and she spoke about how she spent about a decade working on this book, and it shows. The writing flows as smooth as a river and she makes great use of metaphors that encompass the themes explored. The most prominent themes in the story are what truly defines us as human, what true freedom is, and finding purpose in life. The story goes back and forth almost every chapter between the the present and the past where we see episodes of Addie's life in the past 300 years in chronological order. I appreciated this formatting because the moments we saw from Addie's past were very interconnected with her decisions and her thoughts in the present. It helped add introspection into her character and understand how she grew to be who she is now and how her relationship with Luc also evolved with time.
Henry was the most loveable character in the novel. I feel that if you have ever felt depressed or as if you have a lack of direction in your life at any point, you will be able to relate to Henry. I would argue that we get as much personal exploration of his character as we do of Addie's. This does not happen until later in the book, but by the time it happens you are anticipating learning more about him, so I'm happy it did not happen earlier on.
Addie's relationship with Henry is a wonderful contrast to her relationship with Luc (the darkness). When Henry and Addie meet they are two souls who seem lost in the world they inhabit and each of them is able to learn something from the other as their relationship develops. Both of them are lonely and have a hard time finding their place in the world. There is an argument to be made for Luc being arguably lonely in a similar way to Addie. However, Addie still retains a sense of compassion and humanity that is lacking in Luc. Luc and Addie, because of their shared immortality, are both a constant in the other's life. The best way I could describe their relationship is that of "frenemies". They are not necessarily amicable with the other overall, and yet there is a sense of comfort that each of them has that the other will always be around.
Overall, if you want a book with beautiful prose, a strong exploration of the themes of mortality and freedom, and strong focus on character development, then I would strongly recommend this. This is not a romance, so I would not go into it with that expectation. Besides that, this is probably my favorite book of the year so far.
This isn't a manic pixie dream girl story. Addie and Henry are each their own person and each one of them grows with the relationship and find something that both of them were missing. I could not have asked for a better ending. I think it was appropriate and hopeful for both Henry and Addie. It also defines love as something that is selfless rather than selfish, and I agree with this idea that is posed at the end.
Henry was the most loveable character in the novel. I feel that if you have ever felt depressed or as if you have a lack of direction in your life at any point, you will be able to relate to Henry. I would argue that we get as much personal exploration of his character as we do of Addie's. This does not happen until later in the book, but by the time it happens you are anticipating learning more about him, so I'm happy it did not happen earlier on.
Addie's relationship with Henry is a wonderful contrast to her relationship with Luc (the darkness). When Henry and Addie meet they are two souls who seem lost in the world they inhabit and each of them is able to learn something from the other as their relationship develops. Both of them are lonely and have a hard time finding their place in the world. There is an argument to be made for Luc being arguably lonely in a similar way to Addie. However, Addie still retains a sense of compassion and humanity that is lacking in Luc. Luc and Addie, because of their shared immortality, are both a constant in the other's life. The best way I could describe their relationship is that of "frenemies". They are not necessarily amicable with the other overall, and yet there is a sense of comfort that each of them has that the other will always be around.
Overall, if you want a book with beautiful prose, a strong exploration of the themes of mortality and freedom, and strong focus on character development, then I would strongly recommend this. This is not a romance, so I would not go into it with that expectation. Besides that, this is probably my favorite book of the year so far.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Biphobia
irlchaosdemon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Biphobia, Sexism, and Terminal illness
mezzano's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, written by V.E. Schwab centers around themes of mortality, love, and loss. While most books center themselves in these classic themes, Schwab takes it one step further: What if a life only guaranteed one thing? What if a character only had their freedom? What if a character only had others' love? What if these guarantees came at a cost far grander than once imagined?
Schwab does not tell a story of grand adventure and never-ending twists and turns in this novel. Often times, hundreds of pages will go by without anything truly happening at all. Considering the main character Addie LaRue, this choice is fitting for the story. For the hundreds of years that LaRue has lived, she has only been able to observe the world around her, instead of participating in it . The writing is often lovely and the settings are in dazzling, beautiful, and romantic places. Dialogue between characters runs smoothly and realistically, letting relationships form beautifully within its pages.
While this book is not famous for its diverse racial cast, a small detail which I appreciated was the fact the two starring characters were casually and refreshingly bisexual. There were no coming out plotlines, awkward mixed acceptance conversations, the two characters in question were simply unapologetically and accepted members of the queer community. Their identity was only a small part of the rest of who they were, and frankly, one of the most normal. So many stories with LGBTQIA+ representation focus entirely on the character's sexual identity, and they are often beautiful and compelling stories. This aside, it was great to have representation in a story not inherently tied in sexuality (although instances of biphobia are briefly mentioned by a supporting character later on in the book.)
For those looking for a clear cut romance, simple spring read, or an uplifting fantasy, this may not be the book you are looking for. The story ends on a bittersweet note, and at the end, there is commentary on death and life which may be stressful for certain audiences. As Addie LaRue herself stated about her life, this novel can be easily seen as a modernized retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. Mistakes are made, repairs attempted, and there is always someone who wins the final battle.
Schwab does not tell a story of grand adventure and never-ending twists and turns in this novel. Often times, hundreds of pages will go by without anything truly happening at all. Considering the main character Addie LaRue, this choice is fitting for the story.
While this book is not famous for its diverse racial cast, a small detail which I appreciated was the fact the two starring characters were casually and refreshingly bisexual. There were no coming out plotlines, awkward mixed acceptance conversations, the two characters in question were simply unapologetically and accepted members of the queer community. Their identity was only a small part of the rest of who they were, and frankly, one of the most normal. So many stories with LGBTQIA+ representation focus entirely on the character's sexual identity, and they are often beautiful and compelling stories. This aside, it was great to have representation in a story not inherently tied in sexuality (although instances of biphobia are briefly mentioned by a supporting character later on in the book.)
For those looking for a clear cut romance, simple spring read, or an uplifting fantasy, this may not be the book you are looking for. The story ends on a bittersweet note, and at the end, there is commentary on death and life which may be stressful for certain audiences. As Addie LaRue herself stated about her life, this novel can be easily seen as a modernized retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. Mistakes are made, repairs attempted, and there is always someone who wins the final battle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Minor: Biphobia
This book is centered around mortality and follows two characters who have made deals which inhibit their abilities to fully live their lives as they once intended.