A review by zeppelinnyx
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

3.00

This is certainly an…interesting read. The characters are definitely intriguing, but the relationships between them don’t really feel… sincere? I guess it feels like Addie’s connections with people are supposed to be the most important part, but none of them really feel compelling to me.
Even with Henry or Luc. Her feelings for Henry— and his feelings in return, I think— seem to only come from a place of deep loneliness. That’s very impactful, for sure, but it doesn’t make me feel much other than sadness. Maybe that’s the point? I’m not sure. Then Luc only knows obsession; that’s obvious. Addie’s feelings of attachment to him only shows her loss of humanity, in my opinion. Especially when it’s obvious that she still has a deep hatred and resentment for him.
The pacing is slow for my tastes, but I recognize that that’s the type of story being told here. The prose in this novel is very dramatic and stirring; I appreciate that, but the plot drags a bit. The ending of this novel definitely leaves you with a lot of mixed emotions, but it’s solid. Hard to swallow if you’re not a fan of open endings, though. 

Quality of Writing: 8/10
Pacing: 5/10
Plot Development: 5/10
Characters: 9/10
Enjoyability: 6/10
Ease of Reading: 3/10
Ending: 6/10
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