5 reasons The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a can’t-miss fall release
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of V.E. Schwab’s most compelling tales yet — and it’s an absolute must-read for the fall. Here’s why.
Never deal with gods who answer after dark. It’s a simple piece of advice, and it’s one Addie LaRue quickly sets aside in her desire to escape an unwanted marriage. (I mean, can’t blame her there…)
Thus begins V.E. Schwab’s newest novel, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. To escape a life of monotony, Addie makes a deal with what can only be described as a demon. And although it wins her unlimited freedom, it comes at a cost: her ability to leave a lasting mark on anything or anyone in the world. Immortality is lonely as it is, but with no one able to remember her the moment she’s out of eyesight, Addie’s sentenced to 300 long years of solitude.
The one exception is Luc, the very being who doomed her to this fate in the first place.
And so begins a tireless back and forth of two stubborn characters trying to topple the other. Luc thinks Addie should just give up and forfeit her soul already. Despite her loneliness, Addie refuses to do so — because then Luc would win.
Of course, everything changes the day Addie enters a bookstore and realizes the bookseller who caught her stealing the day before actually remembers her.
Told in alternating past and present chapters, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue explores what it means to live and to love, and the meaning of leaving one’s mark on the world. Schwab’s latest is a gorgeously woven together, can’t-miss story that’s certainly one of the best releases this month — and maybe even this year.
So, what makes The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue such an engrossing read?
The Prose
V.E. Schwab has a way with words, and her prose are stunning as ever in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her words are simple, lyrical, and powerful, and reading this book feels like coming home after a long day. Even the saddest passages are comforting in their own way, and once you fall into the pages of this book, you won’t want to resurface until you’ve reached the back cover.
There are also quite a few passages you’ll want to have a highlighter on hand for — just saying.
The History
With a main character who’s living out a 300-year lifespan, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has plenty of opportunities to visit interesting points in history — and Schwab takes full advantage of that. Readers looking for a mix of historical fiction and urban fantasy are sure to enjoy Addie’s lengthy journey through life. She’s seen wars and revolutions unfold, she’s seen technology brought to life — essentially, Addie has witnessed the best and worst of humanity, and it’s helped shape her own experiences in the world.
It also helps mold her story, and it offers an interesting, zoomed-out perspective readers won’t get from most other narratives.
The Characters
From stubborn, unmovable Addie to kind-hearted Henry to the elusive Luc, the characters are a particular highlight of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Even supporting members of the cast, like Bea and Estele, leave a lasting impression despite their appearances being somewhat infrequent. Readers will want to root for almost everyone Schwab introduces. (Sometimes even Luc, though they’re likely to regret it later…)
The Romance
Romance lovers will likely find themselves entranced by Addie’s relationships throughout this book. Even her flings, which aren’t explored in too much depth, have an air of excitement and adventure about them. Her love/hate dance with Luc is a paranormal romance fan’s dream, as much as Addie’s more genuine romance with Henry makes for a heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) narrative to follow.
The Ending
The conclusion of this novel will probably leave you in tears, and it will definitely push you to think about the bigger picture of your life. Books don’t always make you reconsider your view of the world, but this one succeeds in that endeavor.
It also potentially sets readers up for a sequel that would involve a lot more of Addie and Luc — and honestly, we aren’t complaining about it.
Next. 11 new YA books to kick off your spooky season right. dark
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is available now in ebook, audiobook, and print format.