I will not be reviewing this book on my website, GoodReads, or Amazon. I am definitely not the author's target audience, and I choose not to submit a negative review.

I chose Our Infinite Fates on Netgalley because it was billed as YA Fantasy. I like YA because I expect it to be relatively clean and avoid most controversial subjects. I was greatly disappointed in this book. It is basically a lesson in indoctrination, and that it is meant for YA audiences is unsettling, to say the least. If Netgalley had correctly billed this, I would never have picked it up. I was glad to see that it is tagged as LGBTQ on Goodreads.

The premise is wonderful. This could have been one of my favorite books if the author hadn't relentlessly shoved her personal social views on her audience. Pointless and frequent swearing appears throughout the book. The parenting skills of the mother are non-existent. What mother would be completely OK with her child dropping out of school and having sleepovers with her boyfriend, saying she did the same thing when she was young? I just don't understand what the author is trying to do with this book (other than indoctrinating a YA audience). It is a fantasy, and I understand that, but the woke elements rendered the book unbelievable.

It also seems like an early draft. The beginning is fraught with incoherent sentences. "It also very made little sense..." is one such line. If this were written without the woke ideology on every page, I would have loved it.

Arden and Evelyn’s love literally transcends time and appearance. Actual soulmates. They are the definition of to be loved by a poet. Probably the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read, with amazing metaphors and similes. Had me actually sobbing.

I’m so happy I got to read this early. Ever since reading The Seven Deaths of the Saint, Addie LaRue, watching Death’s Game and See You in My 19th Life, I’ve been waiting for something that combines all of those elements, and this does it perfectly. I basically wanted to write this book and Lauren did it first. The whole time, front to back, I was like this is awesome. The last act really solidified the 5 star. I seriously believe this could become the next big thing.

I loved the idea of this. The execution was just not it. Maybe it’s not for me, but this was nothing like the comp titles. The constant timeline switching was too much to be fully invested in the characters. The plot twist at the end had me scratching my head.

This book is described as The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue meets This Is How We Lose the Time War, and while I can see some similarities, I wouldn’t go into this book expecting it to deliver on both. This novel stand out with its unique concept and heavy dose of angst, it felt beautifully poetic and capture the complexities of love and human experience.

At its core, it explores love and its dilemma, happiness and vulnerability and how it can manifest itself through a lover, a sibling, a parent and how it stays with you and transcends time. It was a great way to take a closer, and perhaps over-thought, look at how love shapes our existence. Yes, I adore the two books this one is compared to, and I enjoyed Our Infinite Fates, but there were things that was a miss and didn’t meet some of my expectations.

The story follows seventeen years old Evelyn in her present life, carrying the memories of thousands of past lives. In each one, she knows that on her eighteenth birthday, she will die — because Arden, a soul linked to hers, finds her in every life to end it. This time, Evelyn is determined to break the cycle, not just for herself but because without her, she can’t save her sister.

I loved how the story slowly unfolded, revealing different versions of the main characters over time through flashbacks. I also really appreciated the idea that souls aren’t bound to one gender — that a soul could be a woman in one timeline and a man in another. This concept added a compelling layer to the story. However, after a while, the story started to feel repetitive. I understand it’s meant to be a cat-and-mouse game, but every flashback seemed to replay the same scene: Arden coming to kill Evelyn. I really wanted more backstory about their love — how they kept falling for each other across centuries. That would’ve made the tragedy hit harder since the entire premise revolves around their endless cycle of love and loss.

For most of the story, the focus was on the killing — the chase, the tension, and Evelyn’s fear as she realized what was coming. I wish we’d seen more of how they interacted during different periods of history, how those moments shaped them, and what made their bond and love so important and unique in the present. I wanted to feel connected to them, to really root for their relationship. That way, the goodbyes would have felt more emotional and heartbreaking, especially when we finally learned the reason behind their vicious cycle. I think that’s why it felt repetitive — there wasn’t much new information or growth for the characters and showing more of their story could’ve balanced it out and made everything hit a lot harder.

Then we got to the final part, the last flashback, and it was so good honestly! The action and the big revelation really delivered in suspenseful way — it was fast-paced and exciting, but definitely needed a bit more structure and buildup to make it even more impactful. That said, it stayed solid right up to the last line, which I thought was a great way to close the story.

3.5 stars / 5

3.5 stars (rounded up)

Our Infinite Fates is a beautifully written and heart-wrenching YA love story about two people caught in a terrible bargain made long, long ago.

I admit that I was first drawn to this because of the comparisons to Addie LaRue and while there are some elements that I loved and some really wonderful lines about what it means to be human and to love knowing that endings are inevitable, I do feel like the last third of the story fell a bit flat with how everything resolved. Perhaps it was the pacing, or the the buildup only to have the solution seem so easy and simple, but I did feel a bit let down by the ending to Evelyn and Arden’s story.

Although I do have to say I absolutely adored the Epilogue because Edinburgh will always have a special place in my heart and it felt like the perfect setting for the two characters to meet each other again. I would definitely recommend this for anything who loves fated destinies and love stories that defy time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for proving an eArc in exchange for a honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Our Infinite Fates is a story of star crossed lovers Evelyn and Arden doomed to kill each other before their 18th birthday only to be respawned and have to do it all over again. This book is a slow burn, sci fi romance with a very wild twist that I did not expect at all.

The pacing was very slow in the beginning, and even though interesting, as others have stated, the past lives do seem repetitive and I wasn’t sure if their inclusion added anything. Additionally, while a very interesting concept, the gender fluidity did get confusing for me to keep straight across the lives. There is one explicit scene and scattered sexual longings throughout the book that made me wonder if this book weren’t better suited for an adult audience rather than YA.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There were some very good moments here. A few lines that have stuck in my head that were gorgeously written. The flashbacks all over the world drew me in.

But otherwise, it was fine.

I think the main issue I have is that I didn’t believe the love story. These characters have interacted with each other for over a thousand years, but we only ever catch small glimpses of their previous lives before we as the reader are brought back to the present timeline. Because of this, it feels like we didn’t have enough time with them together.

I did love the discussion Evelyn had with Arden, about their gender identity and how it feels to be born someone different in each life.

I wasn’t in love with the answer to the mystery, or how the issue of it was resolved either. Arden keeps this secret because he feels it will hurt Evelyn, but once they find out they thinks of a solution within minutes that he somehow never considered in over a thousand years?

The author clearly has creative ideas and a lot to say, and while I didn’t love this, I am looking forward to what she thinks of next.

I really liked the idea for this book and think a lot of people will love it. But I don't think it was for me. I did enjoy it, but not the whole book.

Evelyn is really happy with the family she has now. But as her eighteenth birthday aproaches, she knows that Arden will find and kill her. But her sister Gracie (who I adored) needs a transplant and Evelyn is the only match. She needs to do everything she can to stay alive and help her. She hasn't felt Arden and starts looking at anyone new that could be them.

I wasn't a big fan of the romance. It's weird that they stay in love even though every life ends in murder. I loved the current timeline in Wales, but I found that I wasn't interested in the older timelines. So that's where my main issues came in.

I gave this book 3 1/2 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley for my earc.

3.25 Stars | I had high hopes that this would be a five star read and it just fell flat.
This is billed as an epic tale that spans the ages, and while semi true you only get brief snippets of the ages. It felt hard to connect to the characters because none of the flashbacks felt well thought out, while the present felt rushed and frantic. They are written as though they are mature for their 17 year old selves because they’ve lived through centuries and remember it, yet somehow it constantly felt like immature teenagers.
The twists felt as though they fit the story yet seemingly predictable and had no real shock value in them. The ending once again felt predictable at best and extremely rushed.
There is a spice scene which felt wholly unnecessary considering the fact that these are 17 year olds and not consenting adults despite having memories from previous reincarnations.

This truly felt like an off brand Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and in comparison a poorly done version. If you are looking for a quick stand-alone fantasy this may satisfy, but if you are looking for an epic love story I would personally suggest looking elsewhere.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy!!! This book took me a little off guard. I was expecting love through the ages and multiple timelines. Something, I did get but only in snippets. In fact, each of the flashbacks we get left me wanting more of that time and I don't think I ever would have had enough. This is a beautifully, sad and hopeful tale of love and death, anger and forgiveness, and even more. If the summary appeals to you, read this book,

I truly wanted to love this book with my whole heart. I loved the premise, the cover, the beautiful colored pages. Comparing it the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was a bold choice, but I was willing to give it a shot.

Unfortunately, everything fell just a little flat. I liked the characters, but I didn't love them. I liked jumping around to all their different lives, but I also felt everything was too fleeting. I had a hard time understanding the hate-love dynamic between the two characters. It all unfortunately felt a little shallow and not flushed out enough for me to really feel for them and root for them.

The ending was the biggest letdown. It was resolved so quickly and then the epilogue was so open ended. It was a little frustrating to be honest.

I enjoyed it, couldn't wait to see what happened next, but I also didn't love it. But I absolutely appreciated the concept and the fact that it was a standalone.

I just finished this book on trip and am openly weeping on an airplane it was so beautiful and moving. Steven put so much heart and soul into this story!

Evelyn and Arden have a secret - their love allows them to be reincarnated life after life. Except, in every life they find each other and kill each other before their 18th birthdays. They are loved but hunted, and they are always the ones hurting each other.

The story was captivating and I had to keep reading to know exactly what was going on. How were they going to break the cycle? Why were they in it in the first place? Steven weaves the web so well you can’t predict what’s coming and the reveals are so well done.

For those that read and loved the Firebird series by Claudia Gray, you will love this. There are fun snapshots of history through time, deep discussions about grief, human suffering and pain, and beautiful writing on love even though it’s wrapped up in a seemingly YA romance. There is also great representation in terms of SOGI, as both characters regenerate as both male or female through the years but feel their core identifies with one or neither. I would argue that Evelyn is nonbinary. I also loved how the idea of loving the core of someone’s person was explored, regardless of their package. In each life it seems their personalities shine through, Arden with his love of nature and writing, Evelyn with their love of their family and fashion.

I highly recommend this one, thanks to Wednesday books and St Martins Press for the ARC


VIBES:
Star crossed lovers
Slow burn
Reincarnation
Single POV
Queer romance
Exile by Taylor Seift

Our Infinite Dates by Laura Steven is a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and just the right touch of darkness.

The story’s unique premise—soulmates entangled in a deadly curse across lifetimes—grabs you from the start. The jumping between timelines is seamless and thrilling, keeping you on edge as Evelyn races to outwit fate. Laura Steven's writing is breathtakingly poetic, with vivid prose that lingers long after you turn the page. The way the author crafts so many distinct worlds within the book is awe-inspiring, with each setting meticulously brought to life, no matter the era.

The intense relationships add heart to the story, and the dynamic between Evelyn and Arden is filled with tension, longing, and undeniable chemistry. While there’s only a whisper of spice, the emotional intensity more than makes up for it. If you love stories about soulmates, curses, and high-stakes love, this book is a must-read.

I received this as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Much like another reviewer, I can see Our Infinite Fates becoming a total BookTok sensation. With a story of two souls intertwined to meet again and again in each life having to in essence "reboot" themselves before their eighteenth birthday for reasons that one character knows, but the other doesn't (or let's face it...can't remember). Overall, it wasn't a half bad story, but for me it also wasn't great. I felt that the cutting between the current time and lives of Alden and Evelyn with their past lives started to bog the story down. I understand why it was done, but to me it also started to make the story feel sluggish. Also, the delay in understanding the why behind what was going on didn't happen until the 80% mark making the rest of the book feel rushed as well as a random twist probably to make the last chapter even more gushy mushy.

3.75 ⭐️

Laura Steven’s “Our Infinite Fates” takes the familiar trope of star-crossed lovers and blends it with a dark, fantastical twist that spans centuries.

Evelyn and Arden are reincarnated souls bound by a devastating mysterious connection: destined to love and kill each other before their shared 18th birthday in every lifetime. The premise is undeniably captivating, but while the story delivers in atmosphere and emotional depth, certain aspects left me yearning for more clarity and cohesion.

The story alternates between Evelyn’s present-day struggles in Wales and flashbacks to her previous lives, where she and Arden meet in beautifully rendered historical settings. The flashbacks offer a poignant look at the intensity of their bond and the weight of their tragic connection. However, these snapshots sometimes felt repetitive, focusing more on Evelyn’s deaths than providing the answers I craved to understand the “why” behind their deadly intertwined destinies. For me, this repetition diminished the impact of the flashbacks, as the reasons behind their tragic fates and Arden’s cryptic motivations remained frustratingly vague until late in the story.

The writing style is definitely a highlight of the book though. It was lyrical and often poetic, with certain passages lingering long after reading, brimming with quotable lines. I am certain this will be a Booktok and Bookstagram sensation once it is released, with quoted passages on everyone’s feed.

The story kept me engaged, while desperate for the answers I knew had to be revealed before the end. My desperation and the slow reveal of key truths, may explain why the resolution of the curse and the confrontation with the finally disclosed antagonist, felt a bit rushed compared to the deliberate anticipatory buildup.

In conclusion, Our Infinite Fates is a haunting and imaginative tale that definitely lingers in my mind. The lush prose and heartfelt exploration of love and loss make it a memorable and worthwhile read. I definitely recommend to fantasy readers and hopeless romantics everywhere.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press for gifting this ARC through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

Sometimes you read something so powerful and wonderful that it even infiltrates your dreams. This is my favourite book this year, by far. Following Evelyn and Arden throughout the ages, they are reincarnated souls, destined to love each other, as well as kill each other over and over again before their shared 18th birthday.

In present day Wales, Evelyn is in a new life and family she loves. When her beloved sister needs a bone marrow transplant that can only occur after Evelyn's 18th birthday, she knows she has to find Arden before he finds her, and convince him not to kill her. But Arden is getting clever in how he appears in Evelyn's life, and because she doesn't know her past, how can she persuade him to delay?

Each chapter alternates with one set in their past, where their genders, families, culture, and languages are all different, their souls are always the same. Highly recommend for lovers of Addie Larue!

4.25/5 Stars
<i> Our Infinite Fates </i> is a tragically beautiful love story that illustrates how love can traverse through time. I absolutely loved getting to see Arden and Evelyn through all their timelines and all the different lives they've lived. It created such a poetic atmosphere, you could feel the tension through the pages.

Arden and Evelyn have killed each other in every life they have ever lived. In her current life Evelyn is refusing to give in to their ritual, she want to live, wants to save her sister, and be there for her mom. Evelyn doesn't know why her and Arden are doomed to this particular fate and Arden isn't exactly open to sharing things with Evelyn. Flashing back to past lives and the current timeline we get to see how both of these characters have dealt with their infinite lives. How their choices in the past have impacted how they see the world in each timeline. It was honestly beautiful to see and experience. It was definitely a story that will linger.

If you love haunting prose, in depth characters, exploration on gender expression, and tragic beautiful love. I would absolutely recommend picking this book up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Laura Steven's “Our Infinite Fates” is an exquisite exploration of love, loss, and the unyielding pull of fate. Through poetic prose and different timelines, the book tells the story of Evelyn and Arden, two soulmates bound by a devastating curse that spans lifetimes. In each reincarnation, they are fated to find each other—and for Arden to end Evelyn’s life before her 18th birthday. Yet, in her present-day life in Wales, Evelyn is more determined than ever to break the cycle, driven by the desperate need to save her sister, who relies on her for a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Before going into this book, I do want to provide a content warning for some blood/gore as the book does depict the various ways Arden has killed Evelyn in the past.

The story alternates between Evelyn’s present and flashbacks to her previous lives, immersing you in vivid, meticulously researched historical settings. From frozen taigas to war-torn cities, Steven masterfully paints snapshots of Evelyn and Arden’s tragic reunions and inevitable farewells. The flashbacks not only offer emotional depth but also serve as a poignant contrast to Evelyn’s fight for agency in her current life. I did find the past lives repetitious as answers often weren’t given in the flashbacks as they mainly just depicted Evelyn’s last moments and Arden continued to withhold the truth. However, these snapshots did effectively build the intensity of their bond and the weight of their curse, showing just how much the two loved each other no matter the circumstances, whether that be gender, culture, or even wars that may try to tear the two of them apart.

Steven’s prose is undoubtedly one of the book’s strongest elements. It is lyrical, evocative, and brimming with quotable lines that resonate deeply. The writing’s whimsical yet melancholic tone lends itself beautifully to the themes of love and impermanence. Evelyn’s character is deeply empathetic and relatable, a portrayal of human resilience even in the face of overwhelming odds as she is just a genuinely good person. Arden, on the other hand, is a fascinating enigma—a figure of both anguish and hope, whose motivations are gradually revealed in a twist that redefines their curse. Some parts of the story had me questioning the plot, like Arden’s reasoning for not telling Evelyn the truth even though he has been killing her for hundreds of years or why Evelyn still struggled with identifying Arden after all those years.

The climax, involving the resolution of the curse and confrontation with the antagonist, feels a bit rushed compared to the slow, deliberate buildup of their relationship. Overall, though, “Our Infinite Fates” is a profound and unforgettable read. Its themes of love, grief, and the search for meaning transcend the fantastical premise, grounding the story in universal human experiences. The ending, in particular, is a testament to Steven’s ability to evoke both heartbreak and hope, leaving you breathless with its final, perfect line. This is a tale that will stay with you, lingering like an old memory you can’t quite let go of—a reminder of the beauty and tragedy of our infinite fates.

This book was a joy to read. It had so many layers, I found myself just sitting back and letting the story take me where it wanted to go. I loved being taken through different time periods and enjoyed the way the author set up the timeline. Most books I feel like I can predict the endings but this book was one surprise after another towards the end. I can’t recommend this book enough. I love time travel stories and forbidden love and this one did not disappoint!

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven is the story of two people who meet in every lifetime and die before they turn eighteen. Evelyn and Arden love each other and yet are destined to kill one another. Their stories are told alternating between their past lives and a continuing present day narrative. The details of their past lives takes you around the world and across the centuries.

I would recommend this book for general fiction fans and readers who love an epic love story. A book of poetry, Ten Hundred Years of You, is part of the story and Arden’s love letters to Evelyn. The poetry is beautiful, heartbreakingly truthful, and adds to the story. You will get caught up in their stories, their love, and the curse that tears everything apart every time. I love the dynamics of a villain in a love story and this one takes the concept of hero versus villain to a whole new level.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.