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marimbagirl22's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful book. Schwab really helps you feel as hopeless and helpless as Addie does throughout her time. The story resonates with so many people, especially those who feel invisible. My first of her books but I don't think it'll be my last.
leighmillonig's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
I absolutely adored this book and I know it will stay with me for a long time. The prose was absolutely beautiful and I couldn't read without a pen close by to mark passages I loved. Addie is, truly, an unforgettable character.
I saw some criticisms about this book not being historical enough, or adventurous enough, or romantic enough - for me personally, I liked that it only dipped into those genres a bit. It spans history but isn't a histocial. It's romantic without being a romance. Ultimately, this is a story about relationships, connection, art - and how all are vital to life. It's firmly Addie's story, and the other main characters are mostly there to give us context about her.
I know I'll be reading this story again and can't wait to find more to love about it.
I saw some criticisms about this book not being historical enough, or adventurous enough, or romantic enough - for me personally, I liked that it only dipped into those genres a bit. It spans history but isn't a histocial. It's romantic without being a romance. Ultimately, this is a story about relationships, connection, art - and how all are vital to life. It's firmly Addie's story, and the other main characters are mostly there to give us context about her.
I know I'll be reading this story again and can't wait to find more to love about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
kaia001's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
bwmf1994's review against another edition
4.0
I read this on recommendation from my fabulous bookseller friend Hayley, and she maintains the honour of never having made a bad recommendation yet.
This book is exciting, and poetic, and romantic, and heartbreaking, and the author describes such small things in ways that make them sound so magical that every page was a lesson in small joys and savouring the present instead of grieving the impermanence of memories. The way Adeline is written to be so nostalgic, and yet so attentive, makes this fantasy novel feel like a sage tale of mindfulness and is an antidote to fears of mortality, despite the very present theme.
I’m rambling now, but in short - I really really loved this book and I can’t wait to press it into the hands of my friends and say ‘I told you so!’ when they rave about it too.
This book is exciting, and poetic, and romantic, and heartbreaking, and the author describes such small things in ways that make them sound so magical that every page was a lesson in small joys and savouring the present instead of grieving the impermanence of memories. The way Adeline is written to be so nostalgic, and yet so attentive, makes this fantasy novel feel like a sage tale of mindfulness and is an antidote to fears of mortality, despite the very present theme.
I’m rambling now, but in short - I really really loved this book and I can’t wait to press it into the hands of my friends and say ‘I told you so!’ when they rave about it too.
kelly_22's review against another edition
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
5.0
a_chickletz's review against another edition
4.0
I stayed up until 12:12 to finish this book and I am crying. Like legit tears on my cheeks shit.
What. No. Stop. Don't look at me... I hardly cry but fuck, this book did me in.
Okay. For all you Labyrinth and Elisabeth das Musical fans, this is for you. <3
I loved this story. I think what got me was love story in both terms - death/devil loving Addie and a human loving Addie. I loved Henry because he made her feel alive and warm, and living. I loved Luc because strangely enough as time wore on, he fell for Addie and wanted to be with her.
There is a lot more to it than that, but I think the romantic in me came bleeding out into the story the moment when she crafted her 'dream partner' and the demon took it on. It reminds me of Labyrinth because Jareth, in a way, was Sarah's incarnate of her feelings for mother's boyfriend and his adoration over her, and her quest for maturity. It reminded me of Elisabeth das Musical because you had the personification of 'Death' allowing Elisabeth to live and continue her quest for freedom and happiness but wanting to have her be with him.
Ugh. Fuck. This book, when adapted for the film, is going to have some gorgeous locations and I only hope they cast this thing well.
What. No. Stop. Don't look at me... I hardly cry but fuck, this book did me in.
Okay. For all you Labyrinth and Elisabeth das Musical fans, this is for you. <3
I loved this story. I think what got me was love story in both terms - death/devil loving Addie and a human loving Addie. I loved Henry because he made her feel alive and warm, and living. I loved Luc because strangely enough as time wore on, he fell for Addie and wanted to be with her.
There is a lot more to it than that, but I think the romantic in me came bleeding out into the story the moment when she crafted her 'dream partner' and the demon took it on. It reminds me of Labyrinth because Jareth, in a way, was Sarah's incarnate of her feelings for mother's boyfriend and his adoration over her, and her quest for maturity. It reminded me of Elisabeth das Musical because you had the personification of 'Death' allowing Elisabeth to live and continue her quest for freedom and happiness but wanting to have her be with him.
Ugh. Fuck. This book, when adapted for the film, is going to have some gorgeous locations and I only hope they cast this thing well.
bookbabe_jazzie's review against another edition
4.0
I was hearing about this book everywhere and it took me some time but finally said it is time to pick it up... I really liked this book a lot! The history, the want, the deal with the dark, finding someone to love, and so much more. Luc made my heart skip a beat here and there (I have a thing for the bad ones for sure) but Henry was perfect and I definitely understand why Addie fell for him. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone if you haven't read it yet.
jcjamia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0