Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Das unsichtbare Leben der Addie LaRue

The imagery of this book is absolutely stunning with characters who learn and grow throughout. My only gripe was with the ending as I found it a little rushed and lacking, what I would have written in its place I’m not sure, but it didn’t hit the spot I thought hence the -0.5 star. Other than that, it was long but very enjoyable; this is a book you really should check the trigger warnings for too!

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hanngigi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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abby_can_read's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.0

📖
I had a good time reading this. I can understand why this book is popular. I liked the relationship between Addie and Henry, and how it contrasted with Addie and Luc. While I liked ascents of Addie and Luc's relationship, it wasn't my favorite. As a character, I liked Addie and I thought she was well-written.

One thing that kinda annoyed me with this book was how Euro-centric it was.

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v_hankins's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was my second time reading the book because as much as I liked it I couldn’t remember the end! A fascinating take on immortality but definitely gets dark at times. Also, Addie’s story gets a bit long-winded at times so the book has parts that are a much slower read than the end. All in all an enjoyable read.

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midwifereading's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Overall, it's beautifully written, descriptive, intriguing, and fascinating story. I had a hard time putting it down, and probably could have read it in one sitting had I had the opportunity.

I loved the characters, except Luc. We hate Luc. And I love a good bad guy that lets me hate him. It feels good to hate evil.

As for Addie, I love her. Her flawed, insecure, born-in-the-wrong-century, creative, and stubborn personality resonates with me in some ways. She and I are in no way truly alike, but her desire to be like a tree, planted firmly, and making a mark on the landscape, resonates profoundly. She's frustrating at times, but that's okay -- even that ignites compassion.

And Henry? Poor kiddo! (Yes, he's 28, but still...) What a beautiful soul, who needed some good therapy, and found love instead. Love him, and the way he enables Addie to make a mark through more than just her seven freckles. He's a good guy with some deep struggles, and he and Addie belong together.

That said...

**taps mic**
THIS BOOK GAVE ME FEELINGS!

Very, very mixed feelings. The premise is intriguing, and I found myself waiting for Addie to claim victory over the darkness, but that never happens, and I just...😭😳☹️😡

As soon as Henry says, "I remember you," and everything changes, I got so excited, eager to see how they would work together to find salvation from their respective deals and live happily ever after. But that's not what happens.

The ending is rather poetic and romantic, and is neither fully happy, nor fully sad. It's hopeful and depressing at the same time. It's not even an ending, per se. It's open, and up for debate, but the implications seem to point in one direction that makes me a bit furious at the darkness. I'm not entirely satisfied with the ending. I don't think I'm supposed to be. So, Schwab accomplished her goal, I suppose.

One weird note: Schwab really likes the word "tangled." It's all over the place. Everywhere. Hands, limbs, sheets, clothes... it's all "tangled." Not a complaint, but also not NOT a complaint. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Content notes: There is some mild spice. Nothing graphic, explicit, or gratuitous. But I tend to skim those passages for personal reasons. There's also some swearing, but it's scattered, and totally appropriate when it's used. There is also a suicide attempt, and addiction is dealt with.

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lasabea's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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celey's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad 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

4.5

Beautifully written, epic in scope, horrifically tragic and hopeful all at once. V. E. Schwab has a perfect mix of magic and mundane in this book.

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