Thank you the publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read the book early!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the magic system and was so here for all the queer love. I loved that author tackled hard narratives through the story and I feel like they did it well and it was pretty clear what issues they were tackling. I loved the representation of characters, trans, genderfluid, pretty sure pansexuality and of course a poly relationship.

I will say that the pacing was a little off in the story. It's pretty slow through most of the book and then rushes toward an ending. And there were a few cases of telling versus showing that kinda tripped me up while reading, but ultimately not a bad thing.

If your looking for a magical queer love story to pick up, then I definitely suggest grabbing this one!!

3.5/5 stars

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC!

I really, really loved the idea of this book. In theory, it's absolutely everything I could want from a book- academic setting, alchemy, queer and trans characters who I genuinely fell in love with and would die for. I wanted to love this book so much more than I did, but the tone and genre just did not do it for me. This seemed to swing very wildly from like young YA to more mature, bordering-on-adult YA every other chapter. The decisions Ash, the main character, makes are largely rooted in anger and impulsivity. I didn't necessarily hate that, as it's a very teenage thing to do. However, Ash is 18 and both Callum and Ramsey are 19, and all three of them are navigating incredibly complex situations and feelings, so having Ash more like a teenager rather than the young adult he is was at times very jarring. I think I would have enjoyed this book much much more if it felt more solidly like YA or adult. This was one of those books where I think I liked the potential of the story more than the story itself.

Along with that, I would have loved to spend more time with these characters and seeing their relationship grow and develop. A lot of the relationship development was done very offhandedly, with Ash just mentioning that time was passing and he was starting to get closer to Callum and Ramsey. That being said, I did absolutely adore all three of them (and Marlowe, I love Marlowe so much), as individual characters and as a part of a trio. The queer, trans, genderfluid rep was just spectacular. For me in particular, I was attached to Ramsey pretty much immediately. He was incredible and I can only hope that in future books we get more of his POV. I'm pretty confident she could very easily become one of my favorite characters of all time. I really hope to see more books with these characters in the future!

I found Infinity Alchemist to be a fun and entertaining read, while also tackling more serious issues. I really liked the magic system based around Alchemy and how the power is pulled from the body’s energy. At times I found myself getting frustrated with the characters, but their flaws made them feel more real and it made sense for their ages and the circumstances. I grew to root for Ash, I adored Callum and Ramsay grew one me too. I will say that the pacing wasn’t the best and the ending was kind of abrupt, but I would definitely read any sequels in the future and im so happy to see all the different kinds of representation present in this book.

Fantastic queer cast of main characters: one is transmasc, one is genderfluid, one is pansexual(?). This is a world where those identities are not an issue. The use of alchemy (magic) is 'othered'. The magic was cool in concept and explored a bit more at the beginning when Ramsy was teaching Ash, but then once we got into the action there wasn't a lot of descriptive magic. I felt a lot of the action parts were barely described and were instead glossed over. Was a bit confused what time period this is set and it's not super clear based on context clues. The dialogue reads more YA, but some of the content was definitely more New Adult. There was a lot of potential here, but it ended up being very character focused and the plot was a bit slow moving. I got rather bored by about 50%. The character dynamic between the main 3 were well done especially regarding their poly relationship. I don't know if this is going to be a series or not because it felt semi-conclusive. All the action really happens in the last 10-15% and that felt a bit rushed with how slow the rest of the book moved.


Content Warnings:
Graphic: Sexual content, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Violence and Cursing
Minor: Torture, Bullying, and Animal death

Thank you TorTeen and NetGalley for this ARC!

Overall, I really enjoyed the world-building and characters of this book! It is a great YA fantasy, and I had such a fun time reading it. Great representation, but the plot felt slightly rushed near the ending. Other than that, no complaints from me.

DNF @ 50%

I am so sad about it, but this book was just not it for me. I really tried, too, despite knowing at about 13% that I wasn't going to like it. What happened? The previous book I read from this author (Felix Ever After) was so assured and had such a strong voice. The characters leapt off the page. I assumed, wrongly as it turns out, that their voice would transfer to fantasy, but it didn't at all. It was so awkward, and I was disconnected from the story immediately. The worldbuilding was sloppy and fed to us in dull infodumps. The characters felt like they were being written as I was reading; they never came to life. The plot was so generic. Even what could have been a cool magic system flopped, because there was nothing there to shore it up.

This needed about ten more drafts, and some brutally honest editors. And it looks like I'm not alone in this, judging by other early reviews.

I'm so sad rn don't talk to me.

My Review: I was impressed by the large critical themes taken on by this YA book - structural class/religious oppression, relationship anarchy, gender fluidity and dysphoria. I really enjoyed MC Ash, who’s brash rejection of authority is clearly informed by a lifetime of class oppression. Raised by a single mother in a low-income neighborhood, he never had access to education or the privilege to practice alchemy that he so deeply craved. The MCs are all of similar age, yet at wildly different statuses due to family background, wealth, politics, and education, and it’s interesting to watch Ash grapple with both his resentment and attraction for Ramsay and Callum. I also love love love a polyamorous endgame, and really resonated with Callum’s rejection of the inherent limits of monogamy and openness to the infinite nature of love. House Lune represents organized religion in the novel, and the messaging is pretty explicit about religion as a control strategy and it’s leaders as deceitful hypocrites - I personally am here for it. I would have liked more attention to race, as we only know that Callum has “dark brown skin” and then I don’t believe this is never mentioned again. I also would have liked a clearer explanation of Ramsay’s gender fluidity, as the MCs seemed to know when to switch Ramsay’s pronouns but this was not evident to the reader. I think the book did a nice job of explicitly detailing Ash’s gender dysphoria, both generally and during intimacy, which will be relatable for trans teen readers. The cliffhanger at the end felt just a little rushed, but overall I’m excited to read a sequel to this book!

When I read “Infinity Alchemist” by Kacen Callender, I found it complex and powerful, both the narrative and the relationships within the novel. The voice of Ash as a character was compelling from the very beginning. It’s a voice that might resonate with many others, those who find their path in life difficult or unfair. As Ash explores his power and alchemy, how he embraces that power resonates as much as the complex emotions written on the page. 

Part of why the story is so complex and powerful is the relationships within the novel, between Ramsey, Ash and eventually a third person (no spoilers), I saw that the emotions are far from simple but the love between all three is engaging as they journey to save the Book from powerful alchemists. 

The other reason I found the story so engaging was the use of magic within the story, how it embraces concepts of spiritualism from alternate religions, the idea that we shape our reality into what we want through love and trust. What the novel does an excellent job of portraying is how difficult that concept actually is but I loved how authentic the magic was presented but also the world building within the novel. This novel is exquisitely written, the details crafted with care and the details around how magic is used and works is part of that care.

If you love YA fantasy with LGBTQ characters, including trans and polyamorous characters of color, this novel should be one that you check out. The worldbuilding is detailed and the story is complex and powerful, especially the dynamic ending and the relationships within. I think it is going to be the type of story that will resonate with many people and is a novel that should be read if you like emotional novels.

Three young alchemist, a quest for a magical book, killers after them, and romance blooming between all three. Ash Woods knows that practicing magic without a license is a crime, but he wants more than anything to be able to do magic. Ash was rejected from Lancaster College of Alchemic Science but did get hired as the groundskeeper's assistant... using his access to secretly practice magic. Ash also has a secret... he's one of the famous professor's bastard son... When Ash is discovered practicing magic by Ramsay Thorne, an assistant prof, Ramsay makes an exchange, if Ash helps Ramsay find the legendary Book of Source, a book said to give it's reader extraordinary power, Ramsay will teach Ash proper magic and keep Ash's secret. The more time Ash and Ramsay spend together the more their feelings begin to grow... but then there is Callum, Ramsay's ex who betrayed them for their family and is someone they'll need on their side if they are to go up against a lot of other dangerous alchemists who want the book... including Ash's father. The journey for the book will test them all but it will also open up a door for a romance that all three of them never expected. Let me start off by saying first off: hooray for queer polyamorous character representation in this book. I love a book with representation and a fantasy one that has a relationship that features good communication. The relationship aspect of this romance was sweet and really cute. However my gripes with the book came from the overall story and the structure of it. The story itself felt underwhelming and a bit boring. I was hoping for a bit more, as for the romance part, it kind of was just there and I was really hoping for it to be better developed and fleshed out. The overall ending and wrapping up of the major villain just felt bland and like nothing much exactly happened or paid off really well. Overall it was a sweet book and I give it extra points for having great representation.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Firstly, I believe this book is better suited to the New Adult category rather than Young Adult. Despite the absence of explicit sexual content, the mere mention and description of sex suggest a more mature audience. This book could serve as an excellent introduction to fantasy romance for beginners, which is why I rated it 3.75.

I found myself somewhat perplexed by Ramsey's ability to switch genders. Is it a curse? If Ramsey's body can transform, why can't Ash seek an alchemist to affirm his gender? Perhaps I missed a crucial explanation. Regardless, I appreciated the representation of gender fluidity and transgender characters.

The polyamorous relationship was endearing. The romance between the characters was charming, eliciting giggles and swoons. I could relate to the awkwardness and the dawning realization of being in love. The open communication among the three characters was commendable and beautiful. It's rare to find romance novels where all three parties are mutually in love. This aspect significantly contributed to my rating, saving the book from a mere 3, especially considering the unexpected romantic buildup.

Some reviews criticized the characters for being immature. However, as a high school senior myself, I found their behavior quite relatable. Many books portray teenagers as if they're well into their twenties. Callum's deep rooted desire to be better for his father but resenting his father's ways. Ash's anger, I believe, stems from his desire to be acknowledged, which aligns with his character. Ramsey leads a secluded life with few friends, which could explain her perceived immaturity. Moreover, she grapples with the legacy of her murderous parents. I don't know about you, but such a traumatic experience would undoubtedly affect a teenager's development. I saw parts of myself in all the characters and felt a deep understanding of them. The characters' strong personalities made the book engaging, compensating for the somewhat lackluster plot until the final 100 pages.

Speaking of the last 100 pages, they seemed to be written by a completely different author. The action intensified, the dialogue improved, and there was more showing than telling. It had me hooked until the end.

Overall, I have high hopes for this series!

Thank you to Tor Books for my arc!

So I had requested this on a whim after seeing someone i follow give it a rave review. HOWEVER they must've been given a different book because the one i read had the most annoying pacing and is in dire need of so much editing. I'm so upset because at a glance this book seemed right up my alley but with the writing style and the many issues i found with it. It just didn't work out.

Expansive fantasy world with a wide cast of government functionaries and powerful families, the novel is less clear on the mechanics of how the magic works.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Teen for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I am so conflicted on how I feel about this book. On the one hand, the plot had such potential, and toward the end, I wanted to know what would happen more than I was confused or annoyed. On the other hand, the characters either annoyed me or left me indifferent to them, which is the worst thing a story can do to me.

There was wonderful poly rep that did so well at capturing all angles of the relationship and building it in a genuine way. The plot and idea itself had such potential and was really interesting to me. It was very different from any other fantasy world I've read lately, and that intrigued me and kept me wanting more.

I just really didn't find the characters relatable at all, and that made me unable to get into the story fully. I also found myself being confused far past the point I would normally be starting to get the hang of a fantasy world. I wanted to be able to fall in love with the characters to the point that the really great plot would have me unable to put the book down, but unfortunately that just didn't happen.

Maybe give this a try, it might be more your style than mine. I wish it had hit home more for me.

I did not enjoy this book; I'm sorry. While a plot exists, the scenes felt disjointed rather than interconnected, and the different POV characters felt the same. Moreover, the stylistic choices and narrative voices did not feel authentic or enjoyable to read.

I love all of Kacen's previous works but this one wasn't it for me. I didn't love the characters and the relationship aspect of the novel really threw me. It didn't feel genuine for teens. The dialogue also felt forced. It seems like it will be a series but I won't continue. I'm not usually a fantasy fan though so others may enjoy this more than I did.

I ended up deciding to dnf this at 20%. This book sounded like it would be right up my alley, so it's definitely disappointing coming to this conclusion. Between the info dumping, hypocritical and self-centered main character, choppy pacing, and basic plot, there wasn't much of anything left to keep me interested. The magic system seemed underdeveloped and confusing as well - I could feel my brain checking out when different aspects of the "alchemy" were being explained. Obviously there's still a whole 80% of the book left, and some of these issues may be resolved, but I've accepted that this book just isn't for me and am going to move on. One positive was the lgbtq representation. The conversations regarding the rep felt natural in the writing and it was great to see that the book's universe had such a positive attitude regarding it. Rating this 3 stars for neutral as I didn't get farther into the book and a lower rating seems unfair.

Thank you Tor Teen for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an arc!

I honestly feel like alchemy is such a wild and amazing concept in books and shows. Like I have only read one other book (A Far Wilder Magic by Alison Saft) that involves it but that one is one of my favorites and watching Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood is the other. Both books have different rules but are most definitely alchemy. This one rely more heavily on the alchemy itself rather than the latter. Was great to see the gender fluidity in this book, it feels less like it's trying to throw in these themes for points and rather just explains little things about the characters that you might not have known otherwise. Great academic setting along with a general dark academic vibe that this novel nailed down. This was easy to get into and was very fast paced. Really loving the new 2024 releases so far. Thanks Netgalley for the early arc.

I really enjoyed the story. It was super diverse. Lots of rep, queer, trans and polyamory. The world building was great! Looking forward to continuing this series.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and concept surrounding alchemists. The protagonist had a lot of drive and motivation, especially being self-taught and determined to bend the rules; I became interested in his journey right away. I've only ever read contemporaries by Callender, but I can firmly say that Infinity Alchemist was a great introduction to their fantasy writing!

Loved this! Great polyamory, great trans characters and great magic! All around wonderful! I loved watching the characters have their walls come down and Bond with each other.