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6.5/10
Author - V.E Schwab
Narrated By - Julia Whelan
Length : 17 10m
Publisher - QUEST from W.F. Howes Ltd
Release Date - Oct 16, 2020
Genre : Fantasy
A Quick Overview - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue :
I’ll be straightforward in this The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue audiobook review — I really enjoyed the beginning, especially when the secret of Addie’s invisibility is revealed. In addition, the final chapters hooked me with suspense about what would happen with Addie and Henry.
However, at 17 hours long, this audiobook sometimes feels unnecessarily stretched. I understand that V.E. Schwab wanted to cover 300 years of Addie’s life. Even so, many sections came across as repetitive and slowed the pacing, which made the middle feel less engaging.
In-Depth Review - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue:
The story unfolds across three timelines, and each one plays a crucial role in shaping Addie’s journey.
The First Timeline – The Bargain with Darkness
Addie is a young woman (possibly still a teenager) whose parents want her to marry. However, she runs away and meets Luke, the god of darkness. He offers her a deal: in exchange for a life of free will, she must surrender her soul. Addie accepts and gains the gift of immortality. Nevertheless, as with any bargain with darkness, there is always a catch.
The Second Timeline – Learning the Curse
The years following her immortality show Addie how isolating her deal truly is. She learns that people cannot remember her once she leaves their sight. As a result, she begins to discover the limitations and loopholes in Luke’s terms.
Through the centuries, she meets many men — including one she feels especially connected to. Unfortunately, even after spending the night together, she wakes to find he cannot remember her at all. This makes her existence feel both empty and painfully repetitive.
The Third Timeline – Meeting Henry
The present day arrives after more than 300 years. Addie meets Henry, who runs a bookstore. When she sees him again while trying to replace a book, she is shocked — and delighted — to learn that Henry can remember her. From this moment on, they grow closer. Addie begins to fall for him, happy to know her feelings are reciprocated. She convinces herself it must be a loophole in Luke’s rules and chooses not to reveal it.
Secrets, Endings, and Reflections
As the audiobook approaches its end, several secrets come to light. The dynamics between Addie and Luke shift, and the truth about why Henry can remember Addie finally emerges. Although I didn’t completely enjoy the ending, I also couldn’t imagine it concluding differently.
Still, I wish the audiobook — at 17 hours long — had been shorter. The second timeline, in particular, felt repetitive, as if the same experiences and relationships were being described again and again.
When I reflect on this story, I’m struck by the loneliness of Addie’s existence. In other words, immortality might look like a gift, but here it feels more like a curse — especially when you can’t say your name, write it, or leave any permanent mark behind.
That’s what makes The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue audiobook review so engaging: it isn’t just about immortality, but also about memory, identity, and what it means to be truly seen. Julia Whelan’s narration helps bring these themes to life, and as a result, even when the pacing drags, the listening experience remains powerful.
Finally, I’d love to know your thoughts. Do you see immortality here as a blessing or a curse? Share your feelings in the comments after you’ve listened. And if you’d like to experience it yourself, you can grab your copy of the audiobook https://amzn.to/4oW4mb4.
About The Author
Victoria Schwab
V.E. Schwab (Victoria Schwab) is a bestselling American author known for her fantasy novels that blend lyrical prose with dark, thought-provoking themes. She has written books for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers, often exploring identity, morality, and the blurred line between good and evil.
Some of her most popular works include:
- The Shades of Magic trilogy (A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, A Conjuring of Light)
- Vicious and Vengeful from the Villains series
- Gallant (2022)
- The Near Witch and several YA titles
With The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020), Schwab gained widespread acclaim for weaving a centuries-spanning tale that feels both intimate and epic. Her writing style is known for its lyrical rhythm, emotional depth, and characters that linger in the reader’s mind long after the story ends.
Outside of writing, Schwab is open about mental health advocacy and often shares insights into her creative process with her readers and fans.
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