Release date: February 6 2024
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Pages: 400
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 3/5 stars

Synopsis

For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime.

Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by the Lancaster Mage’s College, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret.

When he’s discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he’s about to be arrested―but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash’s secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power.

As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists―Ash’s estranged father included. Ash’s journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it.

Review

Infinity Alchemist is a YA fantasy tale that follows Ash Woods, a young man with dreams of becoming an alchemist. Rejected from the mage college, Ash has no choice but to take a job as a groundskeeper at the college. When the chance comes along for Ash to study alchemy in secret, he jumps at the chance despite knowing the risks if he is caught. Thrown together with the mysterious Ramsay Thorne, the two grow close as they embark on a quest that could change everything they know about the world.

Infinity Alchemist is an interesting read, with a really fascinating world and magic system. This is my first time reading a book from Kacen Callender and I really enjoyed Callender’s writing style. I did feel the pacing was a little uneven in the story and the plot was at times a little bit on the predictable side. The story does come to an intriguing end and I am definitely curious as to where Callender will take the story with Chaos King.

I really liked the complex and compelling characters that Callender created in this story, and there is lots of queer representation in this book which was great to see. Our main character Ash, in particular, has lots of character growth as the story progresses. Overall, this was an entertaining read and the main reason it is not higher rated was that it felt to me like the romance really overshadowed the plot of the book. The relationship developed very quickly, and it felt like it was more of a focus than the fantasy elements of the story. While I didn’t love this one, I imagine many people will, so if you’re looking for a YA fantasy with lots of romance, action, and queer representation, this series is definitely one you should try out.