Reviews

Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

epatrickmaddox's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense medium-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

4.0

amyjoy's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

EXCELLENT. I really like Kacen Callender in general, and I thought this was such a well done fantasy. I think this would be a great read alike for fans of Babel or other dark academia fantasies. 

I thought the way Callender handled gender in this was really clever too - the characters use the magical force in their world to project their current gender to folks, which was such a cool detail. 

I also really liked the romance, and I was happy watching Ash fall for Ramsay and Callum. 

cag168's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mxmiche's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark 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

4.75

raiddydrake's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

quirkykayleetam's review

adventurous emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A queer, character-driven YA fantasy written by a black, trans author who wanted an inclusive alternative to Hogwarts.

Pros

• A beautifully written trans main character and genderfluid love interest.
• Killed the love triangle by making it a threesome!!!! Finally!!!
• Examined power through poverty, classism, bullying, trafficking, and domestic violence, directly challenging it's in-world textbook definition.
• Clearly talked about how each one of us is capable of terrible things, not just the people we think of as villains, and that we can never forget that.

Cons

• Too short for all the ground it covers.
• Charts out the political powers, but not the magic system (which is based on quantum physics and would be awesome to examine further).
• Inconsistent pacing.

A solid read for those looking for queer relationships over plot.

evawondergem's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content and Violence

punkquoththeraven's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious 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

4.0

sirvex27's review against another edition

dark emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

itsneilcochrane's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

Infinity Alchemist not only goes hard bringing the adventure, the romance, the magic—it’s also the queerest book I’ve read all year! Audiobook narrator Wes Haas brings urgency to the story and tenderness to the characters. If you’re still looking for a Harry Potter replacement in your library (come talk to me, I’ve got you), make sure this is on your list.