Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Louisa
Ever since reading The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, I’ve become a huge V. E. Schwab fan. Her writing style is poetic and captivating and really makes you feel something as you’re reading through the pages.
In The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, the reader follows a young girl who wants to live forever. We are subjected to themes of grief, loneliness, the passing of time, and love.
One book was simply not enough for me, so I decided to put together this list of books like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue for anyone who wants to get lost in a similar, touching fantasy novel.
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Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
Need a book fast but don’t have much time? These are my top three favorites!
Our Favourites!
#1 Best Highly Acclaimed Novel
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- Winner of the Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel in the Dragon Book Awards 2016
- Winner of the Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction in the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2015
- The story of Kaz Brekker and his friends trying to pull off an impossible heist
#2 Best in Fantasy
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
- The latest book in the shadowhunter world, from award winning novelist Cassandra Clare
- A story about shadowhunters, demons, werewolves, faeries and vampires
- International bestselling author
Summary of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
Before I go into my favorite books like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, let’s quickly take a look at what happens in the book so we know what we’re looking for in similar titles.
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is about a young girl who is not satisfied with the idea of dying and being forgotten.
When given the opportunity to live forever, she takes it, knowing that it would mean everyone she knows and loves would perish and she will live on alone.
300 years pass, and all is well, until she meets a man from her past in a bookshop. All is about to change…
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue explores concepts of death, remembrance, and love. It’s gorgeously and poetically written. You will also find there are some life changing quotes in The Invisible Life of Addie Larue.
Fantasy Books Like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
I begin my list with the best fantasy books similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, from the highly acclaimed novels to the hidden gems.
1. The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon
What better place to start than with the highly acclaimed and quite simply amazing fantasy The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Often touted as a fantasy novel that rivals the classic The Lord of the Rings, finding a book and its world so intricate and detailed is arduous.
The story follows several complex characters from different nations, all in a world divided by dragons and the belief that the feared ‘Nameless One’ cannot be reawakened.
Intertwined with each other, the four main protagonists we follow are brought to life by Shannon’s excellent writing ability and the scope of the book is something to marvel at.
It’s an epically long read, but trust me, don’t let that put you off – it’s so worth it.
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2. Spin the Dawn – Elizabeth Lim
For the females among us, you’re more than likely going to fall head over heels for this one.
Author Elizabeth Lim combines mythology and a love for fashion with fairytale enchantment, writing an outstanding novel like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue in Spin the Dawn.
Maia has dreams of becoming the best tailor around, however, those dreams soon turn into reality as she disguises herself as her brother and enters a competition to become the emperor’s tailor.
Battling fierce competition, Maia is helped along the way by the Palace’s Enchanter and finds herself on a magical quest that makes for some incredible reading.
From the first page to the last, you’re hooked on Maia’s fast-paced, enthralling story making it nigh on impossible to put down.
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3. Chain of Gold – Cassandra Clare
Chain of Gold is the first book in ‘The Last Hours’ trilogy by world-renowned fantasy novelist Cassandra Clare.
And my word, does she do a good job. Tantalizingly gripping from the very start, Chain of Gold is set in Edwardian London and follows the children of a previous Cassie Clare series, The Infernal Devices (which is also outstanding by the way).
Cordelia Carstairs, a warrior trained from an early age to battle demons, is drawn into a life of luxury with her childhood friends.
However, her new life is soon torn apart as a spate of demon attacks terrorizes the streets of London. Placed into a lockdown, they’re trapped.
That is until they find out they have unique magical abilities that can be used to free the city and become the hero everyone needs.
While it’s not quite similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue in terms of storyline, the writing style between Cassandra Clare and V. E. Schwab is very similar.
I also love how both authors create characters that are so relatable, I feel like I’m reading about my best friend.
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Related Reading: Cassandra Clare Books In Order
4. The Regrets – Amy Bonnaffons
In her debut novel, Amy Bonnaffons brings us the weird and wonderful love story of Rachel and Thomas.
Thomas frequents Rachel’s nearest bus stop, and after weeks of catching eyes and building lust, Rachel plucks up the courage to speak after following him to the end of the bus route.
Little does Rachel know, however, that Thomas died in a motorcycle accident. With it not being Thomas’ ‘time’ yet, those in control of death send him back to Earth under a set of strict no-engagement rules.
These rules were quickly broken as the pair’s lust grew stronger and day by day Thomas’ correct time grew sooner.
A strange concept that’s rarely been challenged, Bonnaffons writes a compelling and emotional novel like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue that leaves a haunting impression.
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5. Tunnel of Bones – V. E. Schwab
You’ll likely have heard of my next suggestion as it’s written by the same author as The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, but what better to read next than something by the same person?
So, continuing with the spooky theme is the sequel to the incredible City of Ghosts, Tunnel of Bones is the Goodreads Choice Nominee for Middle Grade and Children’s Books in 2019.
It was written by the super talented, NY Times best-selling author Victoria Schwab.
Cassidy Blake’s parents are filming a TV show about haunted cities so naturally, they’ve come to the beautiful city of Paris, famous for its underbelly of skulls, bones, and supposedly evil spirits.
In the creepy underground of the catacombs, Cassidy awakens a haunting spirit capable of creating terror for the Parisian people.
As a ghost hunter, she has to stop this haunting spirit from growing stronger, enlisting help from her friends along the way.
It’s safe to say, Schwab has written a superb fast-paced novel with tonnes of haunting atmosphere and a thrilling ending.
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6. A Darker Shade of Magic – V.E. Schwab
The second book on the list by Victoria Schwab that I recommend you read after is called A Darker Shade Of Magic.
Set in 18th-century London, we take a peek into the life of a wonderful magician named Kell.
Naturally, Kell can travel between four parallel worlds of London, called Grey, White Red, and Black London.
In between performances, he meets a pick-pocket in ‘Grey’ London named Delilah, after being a victim of said thief. She saved Kell from a dangerous enemy and soon after, an evil force threatens the existence of all of the versions of London.
Joining forces and using magic along the way, they need to stay alive to stand any chance of saving their city.
What’s so amazing about this novel is how original the story is. You’re not going to find anything like it, anywhere.
Mixing magic and time travel, together with deep, complex characters and a sprinkle of romance is a recipe for an other-worldly book similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, which A Darker Shade Of Magic completely is.
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Related Reading: Time Travel Romance Books
7. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
Next on my list is a book that I consider to be the most like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue because it also follows the coming-of-age story of a lone female protagonist as she grapples with understanding life and death.
Of course, I am referring to the multi-award-winning novel from Matt Haig, The Midnight Library.
I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone that might underestimate the importance of thinking on the bright side of life, and appreciating what you have.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big decisions and moments in life. But what about those small ones that go unnoticed all of the time? That’s exactly what The Midnight Library explores, through the main protagonist Nora Seed.
The story follows Nora after she decides to end her life. She ends up at a place known as The Midnight Library where she has the chance to see how her life would look differently if she made one different decision.
What she learns is that life always has its ups and downs, no matter how perfect they seem.
A deep and meaningful book on a touchy subject, Haig has written this with the sincere tone needed, and it’s paid off. If you’ve already ready this book, consider reading some similar books to The Midnight Library.
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8. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles is a coming-of-age mythical creature book similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue that should be at the very top of your to-read list.
The story follows Patroclus, a young prince, who has been sent to the kingdom of Phthia after murdering another boy.
Falling in love with Achilles, the son of a Greek Goddess, Patroclus is everything Achilles is not. Growing up together, they form an irrevocably deep bond, and soon comes the beginnings of the Trojan War.
Helen of Sparta is kidnapped and persuaded by the promise of a future full of glory, Achilles joins the monumental effort to get Helen back with Patroclus joining too.
Told from his perspective, Miller’s exquisite writing style allows us to venture into the life and mind of Patroclus and see his worship for Achilles and the horrors of war.
While the storyline is different in that it contains mythical creatures, there are some elements in this story that are similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, specifically in how the main character develops throughout the story and his developing mental attitude.
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Coming-Of-Age Books Like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
Another major theme in The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is coming-of-age and learning to take responsibility for your own life.
It’s only fitting then, that I show you some similar novels with the same kind of message.
9. Writers & Lovers – Lily King
From the award-winning author Lily King, is Writers & Lovers, an older coming-of-age novel that is sure to pull on those heartstrings.
Casey Peabody, the main character, has had it pretty rough over the last couple of years.
Her mother’s sudden death, drowning in debt, and now she’s been left lovestruck by an already-married poet.
It’s not going too well for Casey. However, what she does have, is her outstanding passion and ability for writing.
It’s what carries her and wakes her up in the morning. But she’s at a point where every element in her life is at a crossroads.
Clinging on to her youth, it’s up to Casey to believe in herself and come out of these challenges as an adult.
What I loved about Writers & Lovers is how the main character, Casey, progressed through the story. Like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, Casey wants to stay young and leave life having a purpose and meaning.
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10. Uncanny Valley: A Memoir – Anna Wiener
Anna Wiener brings us something that’s unlike any other books on my list. The story follows Anna, and how she left her boring job at a literary agency in upstate New York, for something much more cutting-edge.
Joining the ranks of a Silicon Valley tech start-up, Anna becomes a high-paying customer support specialist which is unlike anything she’s ever done before.
Suddenly inundated in a world of extravagance, wealth, and success, Uncanny Valley is an excellent, intriguing first-person glimpse into one of the 21st century’s biggest ‘booms’.
This is a bit more adult than The Invisible Life of Addie Larue but still has a relatable protagonist who learns a lot of life’s lessons throughout the story.
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11. They Both Die at The End – Adam Silvera
Well, where to start with this one. Adam Silvera is known for his emotional writing style, but They Both Die At The End takes it one step further for me.
In an alternate world, Death Cast is a company that brings people up and lets them politely know that their impending death has come and it will be within the next 24 hours.
This gives them time to say goodbye to loved ones, experience bucket list activities, or tie up loose ends.
In the book, we follow two lads, Rufus and Mateo as they traverse the streets, spending the few hours they have left in the world, together.
A fabulous concept and one that keeps you intrigued to the very end, even though, quite humorously, the title gives it away. It’s a must-read for something a little different.
And it will have you questioning the meaning of life and death just like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue did.
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Related Reading: Books like They Both Die At The End
12. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr
Anthony Doerr is one of those writers that put pen to paper, turning it into gold instantly.
An incredibly descriptive, beautifully written novel set at the height of WW2, we follow the story of Marie-Laure, a young blind girl that lives with her father in Nazi-occupied Paris.
Fleeing to the historic town of Saint-Malo in Western France, they move in with her uncle, carrying an extremely precious jewel from the museum her father works at.
We then follow Werner’s story, a young German orphan that becomes part of the infamous Hitler Youth.
Traveling to Saint-Malo as part of Germany’s war efforts, Werner and Marie-Laure’s stories merge and we’re left with an emotional novel, full of astounding imagery thanks to Doerr’s captivating writing style.
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13. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
Even if you lived under a rock for the last few years, you’d still have heard someone mention Six of Crows.
Immensely hyped and for good reason, is the YA novel by Leigh Bardugo.
A dark and gritty adventure fantasy, Six of Crows follows the story of six teenagers living in the city of Ketterdam.
The leader of the group, Kaz Brekker, is offered a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime heist that could provide him with the wealth to live a life of exorbitant luxury for the rest of his life.
The only issue is, is that he can’t pull it off alone.
This is an action packed, emotive young adult fantasy novel that you won’t be able to put down.
While The Invisible Life of Addie Larue has similar themes of loneliness, you can kind of see Addie and Kaz getting along if they ever met in the literary world.
They both have a need to prove themselves and want to leave an impression on the people they meet.
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Related Reading: Books like Six of Crows
14. We Were Liars – E. Lockhart
Have you ever read a book that left you genuinely speechless? As in jaw-droppingly good. Because if not, We Were Liars by E. Lockhart just might be the one that does it.
Visiting a private island every summer with her three cousins, Cady has had quite a privileged life so far.
Tragedy strikes, however, as whilst on said island, a mysterious accident completely voids Cady of her memory.
With a plot that slowly unravels the more you read, its suspense is what keeps you turning the pages even though it might be time for bed.
With a unique poetic writing style, Lockhart persuades you to connect with the characters dearly setting you up for a fantastic finish.
The poetic writing is what first made me think of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, which has a similar writing style. If you’ve already ready We Were Liars, then you might like these other books like it.
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15. The Secret History – Donna Tartt
When people speak of Donna Tartt, the words ‘all-time favorite author’ usually end up coming out. And with mightily good reason too.
To see what I mean, I’d seriously recommend picking up a copy of The Secret History.
An impressive addition to her catalog of incredible work, the book focuses on Richard, an outcast at an elusive New England college.
In his Ancient Greek class, five students have a dark and disturbing secret of their own, dragging Richard into the nightmare.
While the storyline is quite different from The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, the way in which Tartt writes is very similar.
Tartt writes a pretentious yet intellectual novel intriguingly based on the simple value of friendship but with underlying tones of mystery, evilness, and arrogance.
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Related Reading: Books Similar to The Secret History
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Final Word on Books Like The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
So there you have it, those are my best books similar to The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, from enticing fantasy novels to acclaimed young adult.
I hope you found something you liked from this list and it gave you some inspiration for what to read next.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
