ronimac74's review against another edition
4.0
Sequel rocked!
An amazing sequel with so many surprises I did not see coming! Totally hoping for a book 3 to come out soon .
An amazing sequel with so many surprises I did not see coming! Totally hoping for a book 3 to come out soon .
erinarkin20's review against another edition
5.0
The Infinite by Lori Lee is the second book in the Gates of Thread and Stone series and I will get to the story in a minute but I have to admit, these books have some of my favorite covers. I thought the first one was lovely but after reading, I thought this one captured Kai and the story perfectly. Plus it is sooo pretty!! Warning: If you have not read Gates of Thread and Stone, stop here as there may be spoilers to that book below.
To say Kai has a lot going on in this book would be a pretty big understatement. At the start of this book, she is living at the palace and trying to figure out what she really wants to do and what is most important to her. As Avan attempts to figure out what it means to be Infinite, Kai is struggling with the fact that she can’t feel the threads of time any longer and that Avan isn’t the same person he was before he died…no matter how much she wishes he were.
While that is going on there are many governmental issues as well. A rebellion continues to threaten the government of Ninurta and there is a new threat that is located outside the walls of the city. Both are dangerous because one is being led by someone within and the other is being manipulated by someone very dangerous. As Kai is pulled into both situations, she finds that her denial of her power over the threads is the only thing that will save her which causes her to face some facts.
I loved the world building that Lee did in this book. We got to see what was located outside the walls of Ninurta because of the additional storyline of the group in Lanathrill. The idea of a city built inside of a mountain came to life through Lee’s descriptions.
As the story progresses, we learn that despite the fact that Ninu is gone; his creations are still creating problems for the world. The arrival of a messenger from Lanathrill is what takes Kai’s story away from Ninurta and we begin to learn more about her gift, what the leaders of Lanathrill are up to, and where her relationships with Reev and Avan will take her.
I can’t say much about what really happens here but know that there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. Blended in with the action is also the mystery of what really is going on. Kai knows that the Infinite can’t be trusted and her gut tells her that the Council of Vethe (the leaders of Lanathrill) are up to something but she can’t quite put her finger on it. As she begins to figure it out, things take a definite turn for the worse for Kai and those who traveled with her.
The secondary characters are great in this installment. Of course there is Avan and Reev but Kai’s friendship with Mason is just as important and plays a part in some of the decisions she makes in the story. The addition of Emryn and Cassia were great and created another layer to the story I wasn’t really expecting.
Lee spends a bit of time developing the backstory of the Avan’s and Kai’s relationship and also adds to it because in reality, the old Avan doesn’t really exist anymore so even though they had built the foundation of their relationship in book one, Avan doesn’t remember any of it. We also got to see a different view of Kai’s friendship with Mason as well as a change in Kai’s relationship with her brother.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I thought the story progressed well and we saw some growth in all of the characters. I have to say I am excited to read more about Kai and her powers as well as see what happens to the other characters involved. If you enjoy action, great world building, and a fantastic story that includes magic and wonderful characters, definitely check this series out.
Thank you to Amazon Children's Publishing for the review copy!
To say Kai has a lot going on in this book would be a pretty big understatement. At the start of this book, she is living at the palace and trying to figure out what she really wants to do and what is most important to her. As Avan attempts to figure out what it means to be Infinite, Kai is struggling with the fact that she can’t feel the threads of time any longer and that Avan isn’t the same person he was before he died…no matter how much she wishes he were.
While that is going on there are many governmental issues as well. A rebellion continues to threaten the government of Ninurta and there is a new threat that is located outside the walls of the city. Both are dangerous because one is being led by someone within and the other is being manipulated by someone very dangerous. As Kai is pulled into both situations, she finds that her denial of her power over the threads is the only thing that will save her which causes her to face some facts.
I loved the world building that Lee did in this book. We got to see what was located outside the walls of Ninurta because of the additional storyline of the group in Lanathrill. The idea of a city built inside of a mountain came to life through Lee’s descriptions.
As the story progresses, we learn that despite the fact that Ninu is gone; his creations are still creating problems for the world. The arrival of a messenger from Lanathrill is what takes Kai’s story away from Ninurta and we begin to learn more about her gift, what the leaders of Lanathrill are up to, and where her relationships with Reev and Avan will take her.
I can’t say much about what really happens here but know that there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. Blended in with the action is also the mystery of what really is going on. Kai knows that the Infinite can’t be trusted and her gut tells her that the Council of Vethe (the leaders of Lanathrill) are up to something but she can’t quite put her finger on it. As she begins to figure it out, things take a definite turn for the worse for Kai and those who traveled with her.
The secondary characters are great in this installment. Of course there is Avan and Reev but Kai’s friendship with Mason is just as important and plays a part in some of the decisions she makes in the story. The addition of Emryn and Cassia were great and created another layer to the story I wasn’t really expecting.
Lee spends a bit of time developing the backstory of the Avan’s and Kai’s relationship and also adds to it because in reality, the old Avan doesn’t really exist anymore so even though they had built the foundation of their relationship in book one, Avan doesn’t remember any of it. We also got to see a different view of Kai’s friendship with Mason as well as a change in Kai’s relationship with her brother.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I thought the story progressed well and we saw some growth in all of the characters. I have to say I am excited to read more about Kai and her powers as well as see what happens to the other characters involved. If you enjoy action, great world building, and a fantastic story that includes magic and wonderful characters, definitely check this series out.
Thank you to Amazon Children's Publishing for the review copy!
forsakenfates's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
“I was the daughter of time, and I would make them pay.”
Okay, I’m going to attempt to keep this review spoiler free, but I always struggle to do that for sequels. So here it goes.
This book starts off a few months after the end of Gates of Thread and Stone. We have Kai, Reev, and Avan dealing with the aftermath of what happened. Kai is dealing with finding out just who she is and what her powers mean. The end of Gates of Thread and Stone left me with a lot of questions and while some of those were answered, I feel like I have even more after finishing the Infinite!
I absolutely love Lori M. Lee’s writing. There is just something about it that immediately draws me in and keeps me entertained and desperate to find out what happens. This book starts out with an amazing line just like the first book did. I love the descriptions in this book. I am always vividly aware of what is around Kai.
Kai continues to impress me as a strong character. Her development and characterization in this novel is amazing and in some ways even better than in the first book. I really loved how Kai dealt with the events of both the first book and this book. This book takes us even further outside of Ninurta into a new land called Lanathrill. I loved how Lee expanded the world in this book. We realize that other people exist outside the walls of Ninurta and Etu Gahl. I also loved the new characters we are introduced to. They were a great contrast to Kai especially because they grew up in a different “world”.
My only real complaint with this book is the lack of Reev and Avan for a lot of it. Yes, they are in the beginning and end but the middle part of this book is lacking. I came to really love those two and we do not get very much of them in this book. Especially Reev, the first book was all about finding him and in this book we continue to be with Kai who is not with him. Not having Avan for most of this book was sad because I love Kai and his interactions and those were lacking. However, we did get to spend more time with Mason which was nice.
This was another great installment in this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next! The ending especially left us hanging now that we know who and what was behind the events of The Infinite.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
“I was the daughter of time, and I would make them pay.”
Okay, I’m going to attempt to keep this review spoiler free, but I always struggle to do that for sequels. So here it goes.
This book starts off a few months after the end of Gates of Thread and Stone. We have Kai, Reev, and Avan dealing with the aftermath of what happened. Kai is dealing with finding out just who she is and what her powers mean. The end of Gates of Thread and Stone left me with a lot of questions and while some of those were answered, I feel like I have even more after finishing the Infinite!
I absolutely love Lori M. Lee’s writing. There is just something about it that immediately draws me in and keeps me entertained and desperate to find out what happens. This book starts out with an amazing line just like the first book did. I love the descriptions in this book. I am always vividly aware of what is around Kai.
Kai continues to impress me as a strong character. Her development and characterization in this novel is amazing and in some ways even better than in the first book. I really loved how Kai dealt with the events of both the first book and this book. This book takes us even further outside of Ninurta into a new land called Lanathrill. I loved how Lee expanded the world in this book. We realize that other people exist outside the walls of Ninurta and Etu Gahl. I also loved the new characters we are introduced to. They were a great contrast to Kai especially because they grew up in a different “world”.
My only real complaint with this book is the lack of Reev and Avan for a lot of it. Yes, they are in the beginning and end but the middle part of this book is lacking. I came to really love those two and we do not get very much of them in this book. Especially Reev, the first book was all about finding him and in this book we continue to be with Kai who is not with him. Not having Avan for most of this book was sad because I love Kai and his interactions and those were lacking. However, we did get to spend more time with Mason which was nice.
This was another great installment in this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next! The ending especially left us hanging now that we know who and what was behind the events of The Infinite.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
cendi's review against another edition
5.0
Reviewed By: Paperback Princesses
*I received this book as an ARC from Amazon Children’s Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited to receive an ARC of this book after I read the first installment. This book picks up a few months after Gates of Thread and Stone, and you definitely want to read that one first.
I won’t give too much of the plot away, but Kai is sent back across the Outlands to deal with a new threat: chimera. A neighboring city is asking for help, and she and the sentinels are their best bet.
Contrary to what normally happens, this book is as good as, if not better, than the first book. It’s enough of a different story to not feel like it’s repeating (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, anyone?) but enough is the same to keep it on the same track. I didn’t feel any choppiness that a lot of sequels have when they introduce new conflicts.
All in all, I have to say Lee did a wonderful job on this book. I will definitely read this one again, and if there is another book on the way, I’ll be looking for that one too! (Also, look at that cover!)
*I received this book as an ARC from Amazon Children’s Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited to receive an ARC of this book after I read the first installment. This book picks up a few months after Gates of Thread and Stone, and you definitely want to read that one first.
I won’t give too much of the plot away, but Kai is sent back across the Outlands to deal with a new threat: chimera. A neighboring city is asking for help, and she and the sentinels are their best bet.
Contrary to what normally happens, this book is as good as, if not better, than the first book. It’s enough of a different story to not feel like it’s repeating (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, anyone?) but enough is the same to keep it on the same track. I didn’t feel any choppiness that a lot of sequels have when they introduce new conflicts.
All in all, I have to say Lee did a wonderful job on this book. I will definitely read this one again, and if there is another book on the way, I’ll be looking for that one too! (Also, look at that cover!)
sophiecountsclouds's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
booklady83's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
bookswrotemystory's review against another edition
4.0
*I was given an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed Gates of Thread and Stone and was eager to find out what else was in store for Kai and the world that she is a part of. And I have to say that I was fairly pleased with this second installment of the series. For me, the plot is overwhelmingly the strength of the second book. I loved where Lori took this story. It was such an interesting follow up to where the first story ended. My favorite part of the first book was the world building, which I found to be pretty unique amongst YA offerings that tend to borrow from each other without care. So I was thrilled to see how she took the groundwork laid in the first book and expanded upon it, bringing in more details and enriching an already fascinating world for her characters. It provided a fantastic backdrop to a plot that moved quickly and easily, pulling me in and leaving me eager to know what would happen next from chapter to chapter. And to say that I am eager for another book is without question. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a bit more character development in certain parts. Kai's growth as a character continues to impress me. But I would have liked to see her doubts of Reev a bit more flushed out. They felt a bit like an after thought amid the more crucial plot points, which left the pay off in the end falling a bit flat for me. And the highs and lows with Avan felt a bit jerky and too sudden. I would have liked that aspect of the story to run a bit more smoothly as it is a fairly important plot point. Avan was one of my favorite parts of the first book, so his development in this installment was a bit disappointing. I hold out hope that his development in his new role will be addressed more clearly in the next book.
Overall, I would say that this is a strong follow up to the first book that leaves me eager for more from the series. I will continue to recommend this series to anyone who wants an enjoyable and unique fantasy series.
I really enjoyed Gates of Thread and Stone and was eager to find out what else was in store for Kai and the world that she is a part of. And I have to say that I was fairly pleased with this second installment of the series. For me, the plot is overwhelmingly the strength of the second book. I loved where Lori took this story. It was such an interesting follow up to where the first story ended. My favorite part of the first book was the world building, which I found to be pretty unique amongst YA offerings that tend to borrow from each other without care. So I was thrilled to see how she took the groundwork laid in the first book and expanded upon it, bringing in more details and enriching an already fascinating world for her characters. It provided a fantastic backdrop to a plot that moved quickly and easily, pulling me in and leaving me eager to know what would happen next from chapter to chapter. And to say that I am eager for another book is without question. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a bit more character development in certain parts. Kai's growth as a character continues to impress me. But I would have liked to see her doubts of Reev a bit more flushed out. They felt a bit like an after thought amid the more crucial plot points, which left the pay off in the end falling a bit flat for me. And the highs and lows with Avan felt a bit jerky and too sudden. I would have liked that aspect of the story to run a bit more smoothly as it is a fairly important plot point. Avan was one of my favorite parts of the first book, so his development in this installment was a bit disappointing. I hold out hope that his development in his new role will be addressed more clearly in the next book.
Overall, I would say that this is a strong follow up to the first book that leaves me eager for more from the series. I will continue to recommend this series to anyone who wants an enjoyable and unique fantasy series.
clellu's review against another edition
3.0
Rating 3.5 (more detailed review at https://teengirlatheart.wordpress.com/)
Thoughts: Overall, I liked this book better than Gates of Thread and Stone. I enjoyed that Mason accompanied Kai on her journey this time since it gave relief from her constant Avan obsession. I'm glad that Mason was more developed in this book. I had gotten the impression from the first book that when Avan became Infinite that he was not the same and never would be the person he was before. He just looked the same. So honestly, when the book opened up with Kai desperately trying to get him to remember the past, I was a bit confused. But, in the end it did seem like he is somewhat still the same person in there somewhere, even if he can't quite find it, so perhaps there is hope for him yet.
I liked the introduction of Lanathrill and the concept that there is more out there than Ninurta. I feel like while it was made clear that there was more going on than what it seemed the book did a good job of keeping it so it was still a surprise when Kai and the others were betrayed, or at least how they were.
While at the end it was no surprise to me that Kai was ready to explore her infinite side, I was disappointed that she didn't get there sooner and that she stood pretty much helplessly during the culminating battle. I really hope that in doing this, that it makes Kai the strong character that I know she had the potential to be. Right now, it still feels like she's almost there but in the end she always seems to depend on the men in her life to save her rather that do anything remarkable on her own. I wanted Kai to be the strong one in the end of this one. I was pretty disappointed when it all came back to Avan in the end.
Unrelated to everything, I really liked the cover art. I had the digital copy obviously, but looking at the cover now, I'm pretty impressed. I feel like its very well done, however it does make Kai look much more badass than she actually is.
Thoughts: Overall, I liked this book better than Gates of Thread and Stone. I enjoyed that Mason accompanied Kai on her journey this time since it gave relief from her constant Avan obsession. I'm glad that Mason was more developed in this book. I had gotten the impression from the first book that when Avan became Infinite that he was not the same and never would be the person he was before. He just looked the same. So honestly, when the book opened up with Kai desperately trying to get him to remember the past, I was a bit confused. But, in the end it did seem like he is somewhat still the same person in there somewhere, even if he can't quite find it, so perhaps there is hope for him yet.
I liked the introduction of Lanathrill and the concept that there is more out there than Ninurta. I feel like while it was made clear that there was more going on than what it seemed the book did a good job of keeping it so it was still a surprise when Kai and the others were betrayed, or at least how they were.
While at the end it was no surprise to me that Kai was ready to explore her infinite side, I was disappointed that she didn't get there sooner and that she stood pretty much helplessly during the culminating battle. I really hope that in doing this, that it makes Kai the strong character that I know she had the potential to be. Right now, it still feels like she's almost there but in the end she always seems to depend on the men in her life to save her rather that do anything remarkable on her own. I wanted Kai to be the strong one in the end of this one. I was pretty disappointed when it all came back to Avan in the end.
Unrelated to everything, I really liked the cover art. I had the digital copy obviously, but looking at the cover now, I'm pretty impressed. I feel like its very well done, however it does make Kai look much more badass than she actually is.
momwithareadingproblem's review against another edition
5.0
***Spoiler Alert*** If you have not read book one [b:Gates of Thread and Stone|17904985|Gates of Thread and Stone (Gates of Thread and Stone #1)|Lori M. Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399567616s/17904985.jpg|25084736], there are minor, unavoidable spoilers in this review of its sequel.
The Infinite by Lori M. Lee picks up a few months after the events of Gates of Thread and Stone. Kai and Reev live in the White Court, helping the new regime after Kai's impromptu yet much deserved killing of Ninu. Kai is restless, Avan is dead (WHY?!?!?!) and Reev is not acting himself. When a stranger claiming to be from another city needing their help arrives, Kai jumps on the chance to lead a team and leave the awkwardness that surrounds the White Court, but not all is at it appears and she finds herself in over her head.
Okay so Kai is by far one of my favorite characters. She is so strong-willed and independent, not listening to anyone and doing what she wants. Girl power right there ;) At the beginning of this story she is a bit lost. Her best friend and boy she come to love is dead, well sort of. He's back but doesn't remember her at all and he is now an Infinite. Kai doesn't handle this change well. To make matters worse her brother is distant and just not himself, leaving Kai confused and struggling to cope with her identity as the daughter of Time (literally) and Avan's condition by herself. So yeah she's a bit lost in this book, coming to terms with everything that has happened. She handles it, in my opinion, much better than I would and comes out on the other end stronger for it.
Avan is not the boy I fell in love with in Gates of Thread and Stone. He's now an Infinite, Conquest to be exact taking Ninu's place. There are times we catch glimpses of the old Avan, his love for Kai coming through. But that's it. There's not much humanity left in him and I struggle to understand if he will ever come back. The only plus side to his change is that he is now immortal just as Kai will be when her father passes over his power to her. So if Avan ever overcomes his new abilities and REMEMBERS her they will at least be together forever*
*Note: This is all conjecture on my part
Then there's G-10 or Mason as he now goes by. I love Mason! He's just adorable in this "I can kill you" kinda way ;) He's light-hearted, kind, can kick your tail if needed, and very obviously has a crush on our Kai. I wouldn't say there is a love triangle per se but there could be if Kai ever decides to move on from Avan, and I'm kinda rooting for him!
We get a lot more of Reev in this book and the dynamic between him and Kai has changed. Neither of them really know how to cope with it and my heart hurt for both of them as they struggled to find that familial love they shared. Reev is a great character though! He's strong, courageous and very obviously loves his sister. I adore him just as much as Kai does! He's her hero and I whole-heartedly agree with her.
The Infinite goes deeper into the mythology of the world Lee introduced us to in Gates of Thread and Stone and I found myself unable to get enough! As Avan is now an Infinite and Kai is learning more about her powers over Time, more of their world is brought to light and I love it!
On top of the extra mythology, there's the side story that takes Kai to Lanathrill, a town inside a mountain (super cool!). Lanathrill is inundated with these creatures that Kai suspects Ninu created to protect their borders. Now that he is gone no one can control them and they are wreaking havoc on the neighboring village. Kai with a team of sentinels that includes Mason travels to the town and really the surprises that come shocked me! I'll also admit a few tears were shed ;)
Overall Lee outdid herself with this sequel! It's unusual really for a sequel to live up to a 5-star first book, but this one did. If I could give it more than 5 I would. The Infinite deserves it! There's more action, more suspense, twists that I never saw coming (or maybe I just was in denial), and more questions to this world Lee's created. All I can say is....please hurry book three! I'm not sure I can wait very patiently for you ;)
If you enjoy young adult, fantasy, and dystopians than I highly recommend you check out Lori M. Lee's series Gates of Thread and Stone. It does not disappoint!
Review in a Gif:
The Infinite by Lori M. Lee picks up a few months after the events of Gates of Thread and Stone. Kai and Reev live in the White Court, helping the new regime after Kai's impromptu yet much deserved killing of Ninu. Kai is restless, Avan is dead (WHY?!?!?!) and Reev is not acting himself. When a stranger claiming to be from another city needing their help arrives, Kai jumps on the chance to lead a team and leave the awkwardness that surrounds the White Court, but not all is at it appears and she finds herself in over her head.
Okay so Kai is by far one of my favorite characters. She is so strong-willed and independent, not listening to anyone and doing what she wants. Girl power right there ;) At the beginning of this story she is a bit lost. Her best friend and boy she come to love is dead, well sort of. He's back but doesn't remember her at all and he is now an Infinite. Kai doesn't handle this change well. To make matters worse her brother is distant and just not himself, leaving Kai confused and struggling to cope with her identity as the daughter of Time (literally) and Avan's condition by herself. So yeah she's a bit lost in this book, coming to terms with everything that has happened. She handles it, in my opinion, much better than I would and comes out on the other end stronger for it.
Avan is not the boy I fell in love with in Gates of Thread and Stone. He's now an Infinite, Conquest to be exact taking Ninu's place. There are times we catch glimpses of the old Avan, his love for Kai coming through. But that's it. There's not much humanity left in him and I struggle to understand if he will ever come back. The only plus side to his change is that he is now immortal just as Kai will be when her father passes over his power to her. So if Avan ever overcomes his new abilities and REMEMBERS her they will at least be together forever*
*Note: This is all conjecture on my part
Then there's G-10 or Mason as he now goes by. I love Mason! He's just adorable in this "I can kill you" kinda way ;) He's light-hearted, kind, can kick your tail if needed, and very obviously has a crush on our Kai. I wouldn't say there is a love triangle per se but there could be if Kai ever decides to move on from Avan, and I'm kinda rooting for him!
We get a lot more of Reev in this book and the dynamic between him and Kai has changed. Neither of them really know how to cope with it and my heart hurt for both of them as they struggled to find that familial love they shared. Reev is a great character though! He's strong, courageous and very obviously loves his sister. I adore him just as much as Kai does! He's her hero and I whole-heartedly agree with her.
The Infinite goes deeper into the mythology of the world Lee introduced us to in Gates of Thread and Stone and I found myself unable to get enough! As Avan is now an Infinite and Kai is learning more about her powers over Time, more of their world is brought to light and I love it!
On top of the extra mythology, there's the side story that takes Kai to Lanathrill, a town inside a mountain (super cool!). Lanathrill is inundated with these creatures that Kai suspects Ninu created to protect their borders. Now that he is gone no one can control them and they are wreaking havoc on the neighboring village. Kai with a team of sentinels that includes Mason travels to the town and really the surprises that come shocked me! I'll also admit a few tears were shed ;)
Overall Lee outdid herself with this sequel! It's unusual really for a sequel to live up to a 5-star first book, but this one did. If I could give it more than 5 I would. The Infinite deserves it! There's more action, more suspense, twists that I never saw coming (or maybe I just was in denial), and more questions to this world Lee's created. All I can say is....please hurry book three! I'm not sure I can wait very patiently for you ;)
If you enjoy young adult, fantasy, and dystopians than I highly recommend you check out Lori M. Lee's series Gates of Thread and Stone. It does not disappoint!
Review in a Gif: