Reviews

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

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jayray's review against another edition

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3.5

Captivating story about love and the power of words

radishreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I am rather conflicted with this book, but I'd have to say there is more love than dislike here. I was really loving the first 70% of the book and here's why:
- V.E. Schwab's writing is definitely enchanting. There's a reason why she's so popular. It's easy to read and follow along with.
- I loved the whole premise of Addie being a "ghost" and following along on how she navigated 300 years of that. I think Schwab did an excellent job at telling her story.
- And Henry, oh. I loved the chemistry between Henry and Addie, and the whole backstory between the both of them. It was perfect.

And then came the last 30% of the book I didn't like so much:
*spoilers from here on out*
-

Spoiler

Can I just say how tired I am of reading stories about the FMC falling in love with their captor/perpetrator/dark shadow/arch nemesis, etc? I get the whole enemies-to-lovers trope but this just felt so unfounded? Like she was just a girl who called out to the "devil/Luc" for a wish, which he granted and yet cursed her to eternal life as a ghost, but then he ends up falling in love with her? Like it all just feels so baseless.

- Also the jumping between timelines was pretty confusing, although I must say the pacing was good.

And the ending... oof the heartbreak.

Spoiler

I just wish Schwab would have kept it between Henry and Addie. Luc really did not need to be involved in this whole romance.

That's just my two cents. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would still recommend it to anyone. I just wish I loved it more.

— 4 stars ✰

dorothy_gale's review against another edition

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4.0

4.49★: “LIFE IS THE MINUTES YOU WANT MINUS ONE.” While historical fiction and fantasy are in my top five fiction genres, Magical Realism is not. And time jumping nearly every chapter (to VERY specific dates) across 300 years for mostly one character but sometimes two — in an audiobook format when my brain is already taxed — is a formula in my gray matter for, coincidentally, forgetting. Also disconnect and disinterest. And yet this author PULLED.IT.OFF. I was hooked early when Addie was warned not to pray to the gods that answer after dark. My BFF read this book last summer, gave it three measly stars, and said “Interesting storyline but the book didn’t always hold my attention.” Pfff.

allidigs's review against another edition

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emotional

4.0

hannnahscottta's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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

Absolutely 5 stars.

dannycakez8808's review against another edition

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4.0

It took me a bit to be invested in this story because of the "ground hog day" aspect. I messaged a friend who I knew read the book and even asked if I should continue on. She said she had the same feelings while reading it but I would love it. THANK GOODNESS I DID!! This book was nothing short of a unique experience. I loved the story, writing, and our characters. The author dove in on some very relatable areas of every day life- the real nitty gritty of what being in love is, an exploration of different types of relationships, everyday life and even some heart wrenching betrayals. What is love? What is sacrifice? What will we do to be remembered? Is love selfish or selfless? Schwab had my mind racing looking for the answers to all these questions and many more. She was not afraid to go to the dark places and back. The ending of this book was nothing short of genius. Addie LaRue- I will remember you...