Publishers Weekly
★ 11/06/2023
After he’s rejected from the College of Alchemic Science division of Lancaster College, impulsive but brilliant Ash Woods, 18, applies and is accepted to work as a groundskeeper at the school. Without the college’s training, lower-class Ash has little chance of earning a license that will allow him to legally practice alchemy, so he uses his access to the school’s resources to teach himself. When arrogant upper-class Ramsay Thorne, 19, catches him, they offer Ash a deal: assist them in finding the legendary Book of Source and they’ll teach him alchemy. Their partnership blossoms into a tentative romance, but other powerful figures—who are willing to manipulate or even kill to find it—want the book’s power for themselves. And Ash isn’t certain that Ramsay wouldn’t do the same. Callender (Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution) builds a rich environment that echoes real-world injustices and is populated by intersectionally diverse characters: Ash is transgender and, like other major characters, brown-skinned; pale-skinned Ramsay is described as a person with “shifting gender.” Occasionally alternating viewpoints, political intrigue, a fascinating magic system, and heart-pounding action propel the plot and, combined with Ash’s unfurling relationships with Ramsay and the rest of the supporting cast, result in a refreshingly affirming and tender standout fantasy. Ages 13–up. Agent: Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
"Richly built. This is magical." —Booklist, starred review
"Callender builds a rich environment that echoes real-world injustices...political intrigue, a fascinating magic system, and heart-pounding action propel the plot and, combined with Ash’s unfurling relationships with Ramsay and the rest of the supporting cast, result in a refreshingly affirming and tender standout fantasy." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Phenomenal." —ReactorMag.com
"Infinity Alchemist is full of smart dialogue and moves with the kind of pace that will keep readers drawn in, but it is the overriding feeling of empathy throughout that elevates this resonant fantasy." —BookPage
"This elaborate adventure leads to some surprising places—readers will thrill to the high-stakes predicaments and appreciate the characters’ attempts to remain true to themselves, no matter the cost." —Horn Book
"A thrilling adventure full of magic." —Book Riot
"Featuring a cast of queer and trans characters entangled in a gorgeous romance, Infinity Alchemist is a thrilling, expansive adventure and a bold exploration of family lost and found." —Elana K. Arnold, author of Damsel
"Kacen Callender has story alchemy unlike any other. Central relationships twine with deeply felt magic to transmute expectations and expand the possibilities of YA fantasy. This novel introduces a world of grounded conflicts that never loses touch with our own—and boundless power that brims with possibility." —A. R. Capetta, Lambda-winning author of The Brilliant Death series
"Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding, fast-paced and deeply romantic fantasy that thoughtfully explores the meaning of power, who is worthy of it, and what people are willing to do in its pursuit. Kacen Callender's diverse cast of queer and polyamorous characters provides some much-needed representation to the YA fantasy genre." —Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Sunbearer Trials
"Callender steps into YA fantasy with a rush of adrenaline and power. A high-stakes world of magic and deception where characters are queer, trans, polyamorous, and loved without question; this is a blast of heart-racing magic you won’t want to miss." —Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us
School Library Journal
03/01/2024
Gr 10 Up—An engaging and inclusive fantasy. In Ash Woods's world, the practice of alchemy is divisive. Privileged few are allowed to study it and enter one of the Houses dedicated to its use. Ash, who applied to and was rejected by an alchemic college, takes a job as a groundskeeper at the college and teaches himself, illegally, after hours. When he is discovered by apprentice Ramsay Thorne, the two strike a deal: Ash will help Thorne find the powerful Book of Source, and Thorne will teach Ash alchemy. But their plan is dangerous—others want the book and will do whatever it takes to get it. Callender here presents a commentary about power: who has it in society, how it can be used and abused, and how those who are not given power can find it within themselves. All this makes it a good read for young people, who may feel they are in a similar situation in their lives. The introduction and building of a relationship with a third main character affects the pacing in the middle, and some readers may gloss over the many detailed philosophical musings and discussions around alchemy throughout. Ash is transgender with brown skin, and Thorne is genderfluid. Scenes with sexual situations make this more relevant for older teens. VERDICT Readers will find a space where anyone can be powerful and be loved in this intriguing fantasy novel.—Florence Simmons
