V. E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has captured the hearts of readers with its magical and thought-provoking world. The novel explores themes of time, memory, and identity, as well as the impact we have on each other. In this article, we will introduce 12 books that share similar themes and characters, and offer plenty of magic to captivate readers.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the human experience, and will leave readers questioning their own understanding of time and memory. From tales of immortality to stories of fleeting moments, these books are sure to enchant and inspire.
1. The Queen of the Night, by Alexander Chee
“The Queen of the Night” by Alexander Chee explores similar themes to “Addie LaRue” without using magic. The novel follows the story of Lilliet Berne, a woman who is trying to escape her past and create a new identity.
She becomes a Parisian opera star and is offered the chance to play an original role. However, she soon realizes that the opera is based on a secret from her past, and only a few people could be behind it. The novel delves into the themes of identity, secrecy, and the consequences of one’s actions.
2. One Last Stop, by Casey McQuiston
One Last Stop is a delightful romantic novel that explores the themes of time travel and memory. The story follows August, who meets Jane on a subway ride in New York City. Jane has been trapped in time since the 1970s, and August is determined to help her remember her past.
However, as they fall in love, August is torn between helping Jane return to her own time and wanting her to stay with her in the present. This novel is a heartwarming and captivating read that is perfect for fans of romance and science fiction.
3. Kingdom of Souls, by Rena Barron
Kingdom of Souls is a young adult fantasy novel that puts a fresh spin on the classic “deal with the devil” storyline. The protagonist, Arrah, is the heir to two powerful magical bloodlines, but lacks any magical abilities of her own.
When children in her kingdom start to disappear, Arrah resorts to a dark ritual and makes a dangerous bargain to gain the power she needs to save them. With her newfound abilities, Arrah uncovers a shocking betrayal and a twisted plot that threatens everyone she cares about. It’s a race against time for Arrah to unravel the conspiracy and save her kingdom before her own bargain destroys her.
4. The Kingdom of Back, by Marie Lu
“The Kingdom of Back” is an intriguing historical fantasy novel by Marie Lu. The story is set in 18th-century Europe and revolves around Nannerl Mozart, a young and talented musician who is overshadowed by her brother.
Nannerl longs for a successful career, but she knows that her dreams will be shattered by an impending marriage. One day, a mysterious stranger offers her a deal that can make her wish come true, but at a terrible cost. The novel blends real history and magical fantasy to create a compelling and emotional tale.
5. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, by Roseanne A. Brown
In A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, Malik’s sister is taken by a vengeful spirit and he strikes a deal to free her: kill the crown princess. Meanwhile, Princess Karina is working on a plan to resurrect her mother using dark magic.
When Malik and Karina cross paths, they both plan to use each other to achieve their goals. However, their unexpected bond may jeopardize everything they have planned. Inspired by West African folklore, this novel is a thrilling tale of magic, revenge, and unexpected alliances.
6. Kingdom of the Wicked, by Kerri Maniscalco
In Kingdom of the Wicked, Emilia and her sister Vittoria are secretly witches living among ordinary Sicilians. When Vittoria is murdered, Emilia seeks out dark magic to gain answers and revenge.
She meets a prince of Hell who promises to help her on her quest, but with this kind of magic, nothing is what it seems. The novel explores themes of grief, revenge, and the danger of making deals with the devil.
7. Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson
Kate Atkinson’s novel, Life After Life, explores the idea of infinite lives through the character of Ursula Todd. Ursula is gifted with the ability to live seemingly infinite lives, all while grappling with questions of mortality and memory.
As Ursula becomes more aware of her gift, she strives to use it for the betterment of humanity. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of time, the impact of our choices, and what it means to truly live.
8. The Witch’s Heart, by Genevieve Gornichec
The Witch’s Heart is a Norse mythology-inspired tale that features Angrboda, a strong and complicated heroine who survives the wrath of Odin but is banished. Angrboda falls in love with the trickster Loki, and they have children together who have a role to play in a fast-approaching tragedy.
Like Addie LaRue, Angrboda is a heroine who thinks she’s better off alone, but she’ll do anything for those few who are in her heart. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy stories with powerful female protagonists and intricate mythological worlds.
9. The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern
In The Night Circus, Celia and Marco are two young magicians who are forced into a years-long proxy battle by their mentors. As their rivalry reaches its peak, their magic intersects at an enchanted circus.
The bigger problem arises as Marco and Celia fall deeply in love, but only one can survive their inescapable battle. The novel is a captivating tale of love and magic, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
10. Circe, by Madeline Miller
Circe, a novel by Madeline Miller, explores the story of a powerful but misunderstood character from Greek mythology. Circe, an immortal daughter of the Titans, is banished to a remote island by Zeus due to her fascination with humans.
On the island, she encounters various figures from myth and history, including Odysseus and his crew. Through her interactions with these characters, Circe becomes a legend in her own right, but her true story remains largely unknown. The novel delves into themes of identity and legacy, presenting a unique perspective on a well-known mythological figure.
11. The Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alix E. Harrow
In The Ten Thousand Doors of January, a novel by Alix E. Harrow, the reader follows the journey of January Scaller, a young girl living in the early 1900s. January discovers a mysterious book in her guardian’s mansion that reveals the existence of secret doors to other worlds.
Through this discovery, January embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of her own past and family. The novel is a beautifully written exploration of self-discovery, with themes of magic and the power of stories to unlock hidden doors. Fans of Addie LaRue will find similar themes in this captivating novel.
Summary
Looking for books like “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”? Check out “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger, “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern, and “The Starless Sea” also by Erin Morgenstern. These books offer magical realism, romance, and a touch of darkness similar to Addie LaRue.