Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fierce dystopian fantasy features tender queer poly romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In INFINITY ALCHEMIST, Ash is teaching himself alchemy illegally as studying at Lancaster College of Alchemic Science is reserved only for the wealthy and well-connected. While working as a groundskeeper on campus, he is discovered practicing alchemy by the brilliant Ramsay Thorne. They soon discover, in order to reach their highest aspirations, they will need each other's help. Their quest to find the Book of Source becomes the quest of a lifetime and demands they redefine what power truly means. They'll spar with House leaders, battle the most skillful alchemists alive, travel across New Anglia and into higher realms. To survive, Ash, Ramsay, and other characters have to envision, against all odds, a world in which people live by the guiding light of their intra-connectedness.
Is It Any Good?
This fierce dystopian novel featuring polyamorous queer characters of color is a refreshing take on the typical love-triangle of young adult fantasy. With a heartbeat of affirmation, Infinity Alchemist portrays these identities through complex and nuanced characters fighting to heal a classist social system. While the world-building was perhaps a bit underdeveloped, the diverse representation of class, race, gender, sexuality and relationship type is breathtaking. The door has been written open for many readers to find themselves in these pages. The main characters' thoughtful and curious exploration of polyamory is an inviting way for teen readers to discover more about this relationship option. Some may be irritated by the main character's impulsivity and brashness, but his angst -- especially as a mirror of the realities of young adulthood -- feels true. Characters bravely model repair practices and vulnerability with one another. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done to almost humorous effect but is ultimately endearing. While the persistent violence serves an important purpose, propelling the main characters to realize change, some readers may find it more than they want in their fantasies. The last-minute twisty ending teases much more to come. Kacen Callender has proven to be a creation alchemist in their own right, with this rich young adult fantasy debut, and readers are sure to be eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about polyamory in Infinity Alchemist. Do you think that the way society thinks about polyamory is changing? If so, how? Did you learn something new about polyamory from the characters in this story?
The main character persevered in learning alchemy even though his community did not believe he should practice it. Have you ever been told you could not succeed at something you loved? How did you feel? What did you do in response?
Is reading about violence in a book different from watching violence in a show? Why or why not?
When systems around you are unfair, what are some ways you can participate in changing them? Do you prefer to use your determination, kindness, intellect, or something altogether else?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tor Teen
- Publication date : February 6, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 26, 2026
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