Review Detail

I came for the vibes, and stayed for the adorable characters.

Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender is a YA novel that follows Ash Woods, as he is forced to study alchemy in secret, due to him being rejected by the Lancaster College of Alchemic Science. 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.

What I loved most about this book, was it's unique magic system. Which is what I tend to love in 90% of the fantasy books I read, because the magic is WHY I read them. But Callendar's magic stands out, because it presents a character that really wants to use magic. But can't because he hasn't been properly trained in it, thus making it illegal. I don't see very many authors using that. I also really liked how Calledner provided some diversity in their characters, as it wasn't just your stereotypical chosen one that falls for the first girl they lay their eyes on.

Though, as much as I loved this book. I feel like it felt kind of awkward with it's pacing. As it tended to crawl at a snail's pace for the majority of the book. But the ending was rushed, and left too many questions to leave this as just a standalone. Though I would highly prefer it to be one. Also there were so many inconsistencies, that I couldn't follow some of threaded details all the way through.

Overall, this was a solid read. One that I highly enjoyed, as it was a breath of fresh air between all the other bogged down fantasies I've been reading nonstop. If you want something different, check this one out.