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A review by alibookedup
Immortality by Dana Schwartz
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I would say this is a pretty lovely great close to the duology. Just like Anatomy, this book was the perfect amount of mystery, gore, and romance stitched together (pun intended) that made it a very enjoyable adventure. The author's bending of history/historical figures made it fun and I especially adored her addition of Princess Charlotte of Wales. I don't want to give any spoilers, but her ending was much lovelier than in real life and I appreciate who her romantic partner was.
As sad as it made me, I loved that whether Jack died or not is a mystery for a good deal of the book (you'll have to read it to find out), especially since you assume that he lives at the end of book one after writing Hazel a letter. Well, Dana Schwartz will flip that all on its head, because did Jack actually write that letter? I was surprised at first that the author decided to do that, but it really made Hazel's journey and grief that much more unique and engaging. It also welcomes the possibility for new relationships in Hazel's life.
I loved Hazel and Eliza's easy camaraderie. They were such fast friends and a happy dose of female friendship. I also adored Simon. He was so sassy, yet classy, and the biggest cinnamon roll. I would marry that man in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed that the author did not make him overbearing or aggressively manly. He was intelligent and caring and didn't feel threatened by Hazel being a female physician. I loved him and Hazel together so much I was torn between wanting them to be together and feeling guilty I wanted them to be together because I was holding out hope for Jack! Honestly, best part of the book for me! I also have to give a shout out to the Companions of Death - such a cool addition for a historical fiction junkie like me! I wish I could say more about them, but wanted to leave a spoiler free review as always!
I didn't get the full 5 stars for me for the same reason I gave in my review of Anatomy. I didn't feel like Hazel felt the consequences of a lot of her actions of being a well-known and unmarried woman of the ton (wandering around by herself, being with men without a chaperone, etc.) It was just so unheard of regarding a lady of her class. She faces more consequences in this book, but for smaller parts of the story that historical reality falls at the wayside. However, it's not enough to take you out the story and I appreciate that Schwartz did put more stress on Hazel "acting correctly" in society this go around.
Overall, fantastic YA read and cannot wait to buy the hardback to join Anatomy on my shelves! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
As sad as it made me, I loved that whether Jack died or not is a mystery for a good deal of the book (you'll have to read it to find out), especially since you assume that he lives at the end of book one after writing Hazel a letter. Well, Dana Schwartz will flip that all on its head, because did Jack actually write that letter? I was surprised at first that the author decided to do that, but it really made Hazel's journey and grief that much more unique and engaging. It also welcomes the possibility for new relationships in Hazel's life.
I loved Hazel and Eliza's easy camaraderie. They were such fast friends and a happy dose of female friendship. I also adored Simon. He was so sassy, yet classy, and the biggest cinnamon roll. I would marry that man in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed that the author did not make him overbearing or aggressively manly. He was intelligent and caring and didn't feel threatened by Hazel being a female physician. I loved him and Hazel together so much I was torn between wanting them to be together and feeling guilty I wanted them to be together because I was holding out hope for Jack! Honestly, best part of the book for me! I also have to give a shout out to the Companions of Death - such a cool addition for a historical fiction junkie like me! I wish I could say more about them, but wanted to leave a spoiler free review as always!
I didn't get the full 5 stars for me for the same reason I gave in my review of Anatomy. I didn't feel like Hazel felt the consequences of a lot of her actions of being a well-known and unmarried woman of the ton (wandering around by herself, being with men without a chaperone, etc.) It was just so unheard of regarding a lady of her class. She faces more consequences in this book, but for smaller parts of the story that historical reality falls at the wayside. However, it's not enough to take you out the story and I appreciate that Schwartz did put more stress on Hazel "acting correctly" in society this go around.
Overall, fantastic YA read and cannot wait to buy the hardback to join Anatomy on my shelves! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review!