Day’s YA: INFINITY ALCHEMIST

INFINITY ALCHEMIST by Kacen Callender
9781250890252
2/6/2024
Tor Teen
Ages 13-18

Ashen Woods lives in a world where alchemy is very real, but only those who can afford to attend the prestigious schools to get their licenses are allowed to practice it. Though Ash is not one of the elite who is offered a spot at the school, he has gotten a job as a groundskeeper, and practices alchemy illegally in his spare time. When his secret is discovered by Ramsey Thorne, a graduate apprentice at the college, he fears that he is going to be arrested and executed for his crimes. But instead, Ramsey enlists Ash to help her with her search for the Book of Source, a sacred text rumored to be the source of unimaginable power. 

As Ash and Ramsey work together, they grow closer, and soon become romantically involved. But when their mission goes awry, Ash is separated from Ramsey and ends up captured and imprisoned by the redguards of House Kendrick, the house of order and discipline. However, Ash is given a rather lenient sentence and is required to be a scribe for one redguard in particular—none other than Callum Kendrick, Ramsey’s ex. As the three young alchemists’ lives and hearts become more and more intertwined, they embark on a dangerous journey toward the Book, and find unexpected love along the way.

Kacen Callender is the acclaimed author of a wide variety of books, including queer contemporary YA romance, adult fantasy, and middle grade novels, and now they are venturing into YA fantasy with INFINITY ALCHEMIST. As soon as I read in the keynote that this book is “dark academia, but burn the magic school down,” I was hooked. From there, the intriguing magic system and fantastic worldbuilding kept me spellbound until the very end. Featuring dynamic characters who are trans, bigender, queer, and polyamorous, this high-stakes adventure fantasy will be relatable for many teens, and perhaps also the type of book many adults wished they’d had at that age. I think anyone looking for a refreshing and thoughtful romantic fantasy will devour this welcome addition to the genre.

Happy reading
<3 Emily

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