Scan barcode
rinku's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.5
When I finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I gave it five stars without a hesitation. After some time passed, I lowered my rating just a bit to 4.5 stars.
Still, I really enjoyed this novel for various reason. The premise of Addie resonated with me instantly: After being forced to marry, Addie makes a deal with the devil which makes her immortal, but she also is forgotten by everyone instantly after they or she leave the room. We get a tour de force through Addie’s 300 years of life while simultaneously experiencing her story in the present with Henry, a boy she meets in a bookstore that can remember her.
When Henry comes into play, I was wondering from the beginning how Addie would tell him about her curse and how he would react. When she tells him the truth, a great surprise is revealed to us that Henry made a deal with the devil as well. After knowing that everyone has to love him because of his curse, I really wanna reread the book someday to see how early this is noticeable. I think at the beginning, I was already wondering why so many people in the bookshop were interested in him .
Some people complain that the book was boring and repetitive, but I had this feeling not one time. Instead, I found the pace and the way the story was told just perfect. It was interesting to see how Addie perfectionated her life more as more time passes since she has no other choice than doing so. Schwab wanders well back and forth between the different times and POVs. This was also by first book by Schwab and her writing style amazed me.
The ending was so well-written as well, and it made me almost cry. I wouldn’t stand behind it with hundred percent, especially since Addie was way too fast ready to give up her life for Henry’s – they barely knew each other for a month but I still appreciate it.
Generally, the characters are described in such a vivid and relatable way, even really small side characters, like a man selling books that Addie passes by everyday in today’s New York. When looking at the main characters, there are three important ones: Henry, Addie, and the devil aka Luc. Henry was okay and I was not so much interested in him but more in Addie herself. I can’t really put into words the reasons why, but I loved Addie so much and especially the view she has on the world and on art.
I’m also not supposed to like Luc and I realize how toxic his relationship to Addie is, but I was always excited when he appeared. I was honestly more interested into him than into Henry; Henry’s just there but Luc has such an intriguing and fascinating presence. Luc is for a long time the only person – or rather creature – in Addie’s life that is able to interact with her regularly, no wonder that she even has a relationship with him at one point . Later in the novel, the time passing until the present is well told through Addie’s meetings with him.
The reason I can’t give five stars though are some smaller critique points I have concerning the story itself. It has been mentioned by other people as well, but first, the lack of people of colour was a bit weird considering the fact that Addie has been alive for over 300 years. The whole story is Eurocentric in this aspect. Second, she barely experiences any of the wars or revolutions happening since the 18th century – and there were a lot!
Besides those critique points that should be reflected on, I can recommend The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue totally to people who want to read a fantasy story that’s a bit different with interesting leitmotifs, like decay, art, or obsession.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: War
bookishflower's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
readbycarina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Drug abuse, Sexism, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
juliettea's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Perhaps 3.25 enjoyable relatable and nuanced but didn’t feel special enough to me for any higher of a rating
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
nightfell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The storytelling of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is so rich and engrossing, and is the main draw of the book for me. The concept of Addie having immortality but being forgotten is an interesting concept, and I think the author partially developed this idea, however I just wish it had more emotion. There were definitely times when I felt her sadness and joy but it all felt like the author wrote the book, and turned down the emotional intensity. It was referenced multiple times throughout the book that Addie had gone mad during her very long life and I would have loved to see flashback chapters showing that, I would have loved to see her screaming and crying and yelling and breaking stuff and just showing the emotions which I felt warranted the situation, however she didn't have many reactions to anything, which really limited the depth the book could have had. There were times when she reacted, and thought events over ect however it all just felt very detached from the situation. I know this is because in the present day chapters everything happened centuries ago for her, and that may be why, but in the flashback chapters It felt muted where it could have been more emotional. The story really had the potential for that emotional depth but I didn't feel it reading.
A lot of people say that the book is slow paced and the first half is hard to get through, but for me that was the best part of the book. You witness Addie's fear of dying before she has lived and experienced everything, her meeting Luc which is one of the most magical parts of the book. Then her struggles living in Paris, and the flashback chapters in the first half are so turbulent. The angst of her present situation paired with her struggles in the past makes the first half so interesting.
However, once Henry was introduced the book dragged a bit for me. This man is one of the most boring, dull, stale love interests I have ever read. He brought nothing to the table and every chapter I had to read in his pov had me questioning if I even like the book to begin with. During his 'backstory' when you learn more about him and why he can remember Addie, I did relate to him on some level but he was still boring and I just didn't care about him.
Addie and Luc's relationship throughout the book is definitely the main reason I gave this book 4 stars. They had good chemistry, and there is something so deep about their bond that goes beyond romance. The fact that he was the only person who remembers her for 300 years and despite her hatred and resentment of him, she was relieved everytime he showed up gave so much complexity to their relationship beyond the standard 'enemies to lovers' which I don't really see them fitting into that category, as they are so unique. I know they are toxic and some of the stuff he said/did or didn't do was questionable, however I just love the fact that for better or for worse he remembered her, and saw her (mostly) every year.
There is a line that goes something like "perhaps an enemy's company is still better than none" and I just think that perfectly sums up the complexities of their relationship.
Towards the end I kept getting whiplash, because one minute I'd be reading Addie and Luc is some mysterious location saying some dramatic dialogue, then I'd turn the page and see Henry asking Addie if she was to go to the Ice Cream Factory, like??? People who ship Addie and Henry do so in spite of the people who ship Addie and Luc, because there is no other explanation that can justify liking them. Not even in comparison to Addie and Luc. I feel like the Henry stans need to hear that they don't have to ship anyone with Addie, because they were so boring I swear. Or just ship Addie and Sam, they were cute.
I wish Addie had fallen in love with a girl (like Bea) instead of Henry, because then maybe I would have rated this a 4.5/5. Ik everyone was crying over the ending but....it wasn't that sad, if anything it felt like it ended on a cliffhanger and I wish there was a novella.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just wish it had more emotion and depth. Addie and Luc carried this book. Also why was Luc more of a comedic relief in this book than Henry and his friends. I knew the stuff he was saying was hurtful to Addie ect but I was laughing (not at the possessive stuff though that kinda gave me the ick).
Henry, no one likes you. He didn't deserve the paycheck he got from ADDIE'S story. The fact that Addie left Henry for Luc so true.
A lot of people say that the book is slow paced and the first half is hard to get through, but for me that was the best part of the book. You witness Addie's fear of dying before she has lived and experienced everything, her meeting Luc which is one of the most magical parts of the book. Then her struggles living in Paris, and the flashback chapters in the first half are so turbulent. The angst of her present situation paired with her struggles in the past makes the first half so interesting.
However, once Henry was introduced the book dragged a bit for me. This man is one of the most boring, dull, stale love interests I have ever read. He brought nothing to the table and every chapter I had to read in his pov had me questioning if I even like the book to begin with. During his 'backstory' when you learn more about him and why he can remember Addie, I did relate to him on some level but he was still boring and I just didn't care about him.
Addie and Luc's relationship throughout the book is definitely the main reason I gave this book 4 stars. They had good chemistry, and there is something so deep about their bond that goes beyond romance. The fact that he was the only person who remembers her for 300 years and despite her hatred and resentment of him, she was relieved everytime he showed up gave so much complexity to their relationship beyond the standard 'enemies to lovers' which I don't really see them fitting into that category, as they are so unique. I know they are toxic and some of the stuff he said/did or didn't do was questionable, however I just love the fact that for better or for worse he remembered her, and saw her (mostly) every year.
There is a line that goes something like "perhaps an enemy's company is still better than none" and I just think that perfectly sums up the complexities of their relationship.
Towards the end I kept getting whiplash, because one minute I'd be reading Addie and Luc is some mysterious location saying some dramatic dialogue, then I'd turn the page and see Henry asking Addie if she was to go to the Ice Cream Factory, like??? People who ship Addie and Henry do so in spite of the people who ship Addie and Luc, because there is no other explanation that can justify liking them. Not even in comparison to Addie and Luc. I feel like the Henry stans need to hear that they don't have to ship anyone with Addie, because they were so boring I swear. Or just ship Addie and Sam, they were cute.
I wish Addie had fallen in love with a girl (like Bea) instead of Henry, because then maybe I would have rated this a 4.5/5. Ik everyone was crying over the ending but....it wasn't that sad, if anything it felt like it ended on a cliffhanger and I wish there was a novella.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just wish it had more emotion and depth. Addie and Luc carried this book. Also why was Luc more of a comedic relief in this book than Henry and his friends. I knew the stuff he was saying was hurtful to Addie ect but I was laughing (not at the possessive stuff though that kinda gave me the ick).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny and Grief
Minor: Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
nat29's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual harassment and War
mimina's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Mental illness, Sexism, Grief, Suicide attempt, and War
literaleen's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book had all the makings of becoming a great read... Hyped beyond belief on different platforms, beautiful cover, enticing themes. That's why I was really excited, when I finally found the time to tackle this story. But that excitement visibly diminished with each chapter read.
I completely adore the basic plotline. A young girl making a Faustian deal in order to create her own story. Joining a character in exploring the world one era at a time. Tragic love stories, self discovery, magic. This could have been so incredible.
But the way it was written turned out to be a total let down for me. I almost had to force myself to keep going. Repeatedly thinking that complete chapters did nothing to further the storyline or character development. And there was a lot of room for character development because to me personally, the characters fell flat.
I wasn't invested in their destinies. Couldn't care less if they got a happy ending or not.
I understand why so many people liked it. It is a really cute story. I just couldn't seem to connect with the style it was written in, but I can definitely see what attracted people to it.
I completely adore the basic plotline. A young girl making a Faustian deal in order to create her own story. Joining a character in exploring the world one era at a time. Tragic love stories, self discovery, magic. This could have been so incredible.
But the way it was written turned out to be a total let down for me. I almost had to force myself to keep going. Repeatedly thinking that complete chapters did nothing to further the storyline or character development. And there was a lot of room for character development because to me personally, the characters fell flat.
I wasn't invested in their destinies. Couldn't care less if they got a happy ending or not.
I understand why so many people liked it. It is a really cute story. I just couldn't seem to connect with the style it was written in, but I can definitely see what attracted people to it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
ascalun's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Biphobia, Cursing, and Sexual content
emfass's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol