The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Never pray to those who answer in the dark.

Forced into marriage, on the day of her wedding Addie prays to anyone who will hear her desperate cries. When the darkness offers Addie a bargain, the life she wants for her soul, Addie sees no other choice. But the moment words of agreement are whispered, Addie’s life irrevocably changes. She may be immortal and free to live as she chooses, but she will never be remembered again.

The years are not kind to Addie as she learns the world is a dangerous place for women. And until she grasps the full capabilities of her extended life, she will struggle to survive. V.E. Schwab’s prose captures such a profound sense of loneliness and emotionally connects Addie to the reader. Over the course of three centuries, Addie will share with readers her journey from victim to survivor. Through the ups and downs of both past and present, Addie must endure the mental struggle of forever being alone. Forgotten by all except the one who caused it all.

The darkness is always near, waiting to catch Addie at her weakest moment. The fierce and complex moments between Addie and her dark stranger up the tension and keep the reader engaged. There is a sense of both attraction and repulsion, oftentimes blending and causing a confusing mix of emotions for Addie. And when she finally finds someone who remembers her aside from the darkness, a thrill will course through the reader as Addie is forced to reevaluate everything she has done in her life. The doubt and fear readers endure as she cautiously explores the impossible with someone who remembers her are heartbreaking.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is as haunting as it is beautiful. Each century is brought to vivid life for the reader through Addie's experiences. And the audiobook is fantastic as the narrator takes into account which century Addie is in and how her French accent changes over time. Addie’s life is painted in such an unforgettable way despite the character herself being forgotten at every turn. I highly recommended this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy novels and darker mental themes.