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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Only an elite few are permitted to study alchemy–and Ash Woods is not one of them. Denied entry into the Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, the only alchemy practice he gets is in secret, in the afterhours of his job as a groundskeeper. At least, until he’s discovered by Ramsay Thorne.
When Ramasy discovers Ash practicing alchemy, Ash is sure he’s in trouble. Instead, Ramsay asks for Ash’s help in finding the Book of Source. Ash agrees, but as they start on their quest, there’s danger lurking around every corner. Soon, Ash finds himself against powerful alchemists–including his father. In order to win, Ash and Ramsay might have to find an unlikely ally in a person from Ramsay’s past.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender to review! This is Callender’s first foray into the YA fantasy world, and I’d say it’s a huge success. Honestly, I think Kacen Callender can do no wrong, no matter what genre they write in.
To start: this book has a wide variety of queer identities, and they’re just accepted at face value. Ramsay changes pronouns quite frequently throughout the book, and none of the characters blink an eye. Ash himself is a trans man, and while it’s clear he’s struggled with that before, by the time we meet him, he is fully transitioned. It is nice we’re getting trans-led stories that aren’t just about finding identity.
The magic system in this was also fascinating. It’s sort of energy based, with the ability to go onto different reality planes. There are parallels that can be drawn between their world and ours, especially in the decision of who gets to practice the power and who doesn’t. Of course it’s people with money and status who fit a certain “norm.” It works well as a commentary on our own society.
There’s also a polyamorous relationship by the end of the book, which doesn’t happen a lot in YA. At the moment, it also seems like a standalone fantasy, another rarity! YA fantasy just seems allergic to writing standalone books at the moment.
All in all, if you’re looking for an intricate fantasy featuring a magic school with some fantastic characters, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in February!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Classism
Moderate: Cursing and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Bullying
quiteawful's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a fun, somewhat horny, delightful page turner of a young adult fantasy novel! It is a fairly classic turn of events for a fantasy book; I think the characters are the best part of the book.
Each of the main characters was really fun to get to know with Ash, and the magic system was fun. Flawed Queer characters in books like this are so important; I really wish I’d been able to read this as a teenager.
Each of the main characters was really fun to get to know with Ash, and the magic system was fun. Flawed Queer characters in books like this are so important; I really wish I’d been able to read this as a teenager.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, and Blood
shector1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to TorTeen for this arc!
This book follows Ash as he is learning alchemy in secret. It is illegal for anyone to practice alchemy without a license. He is working as a groundkeeper at the Lancaster College of Alchemic Science. When he is caught by a brilliant apprentice, Ramsay Thorne, Ash agrees to work with Ramsay. These two are determined to find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its readers astounding power.
I enjoyed this book. To me, the world is the most exciting aspect of the book. I have not read a lot of books using alchemy as power. It really made me want to learn more about people's abilities. I thought that the fighting scenes were so good. Honestly, I want this to be adapted into either a tv series or a movie. There is a polyamorous relationship that develops in the later part of the book and I wish I could have spent more time with them. The moments that I got were filled with tenderness. I really like how they communicated. I really could not put this book down. I just needed to know what would happen next. So tea, a second book maybe?
This is my second book by this author and I can't wait to read their backlist and future works.
This book follows Ash as he is learning alchemy in secret. It is illegal for anyone to practice alchemy without a license. He is working as a groundkeeper at the Lancaster College of Alchemic Science. When he is caught by a brilliant apprentice, Ramsay Thorne, Ash agrees to work with Ramsay. These two are determined to find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its readers astounding power.
I enjoyed this book. To me, the world is the most exciting aspect of the book. I have not read a lot of books using alchemy as power. It really made me want to learn more about people's abilities. I thought that the fighting scenes were so good. Honestly, I want this to be adapted into either a tv series or a movie. There is a polyamorous relationship that develops in the later part of the book and I wish I could have spent more time with them. The moments that I got were filled with tenderness. I really like how they communicated. I really could not put this book down. I just needed to know what would happen next. So tea, a second book maybe?
This is my second book by this author and I can't wait to read their backlist and future works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, and Torture