Parents' Guide to

Infinity Reaper: Infinity Cycle, Book 2

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Bonds fray, but hope survives in exciting superhero sequel.

Book Adam Silvera Fantasy 2021
Infinity Reaper: Infinity Cycle, Book 2 Poster Image

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What's the Story?

INFINITY REAPER is told in the four alternating viewpoints of Brighton, Emil, Ness, and Maribelle. Emil's phoenix powers are weakened from battle and Brighton is dying from the Reaper's Blood potion. The Blood Casters want them destroyed, while the government pursues them for terrorist acts they did not commit. Emil believes that Ness, who could credibly clear Emil, Brighton, and the Spell Walkers, is dead, but he's actually being held captive and abused by his ruthless presidential-hopeful father. He endures, waiting for the right moment to alert Emil and the Spell Walkers that he is alive. Maribelle allies with Tala, a powerful non-magic guardian of phoenixkind, to avenge the murders of their parents and Maribelle's beloved partner by Blood Casters. Emil, Brighton, and the Spell Walkers hide at a phoenix sanctuary with Maribelle and Tala. There, Emil seeks to recreate a potion that could rid specters, himself included, of their unnatural powers, and it would save Brighton as well. But when Brighton shows signs that he's not on board, Emil is terrified not only of losing his brother, but also of the chance at peace that the potion represents.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1):

This gripping fantasy sequel set in a near-future New York is eerily familiar. In Infinity Reaper, celestials (people born with superpowers) and specters (people who acquire powers from endangered mythical creatures) are pitted against those lacking superpowers in a contentious presidential election year. The celestial vigilante group the Spell Walkers have kept the specter gang the Blood Casters in check for decades, but the anti-power movement frames them all as terrorists to be locked up in special prisons, called Bounds, to prevent the use of any powers at all. This premise is an accessible way for teens to explore the 2020 U.S. election, media literacy, identity-based divisions, police brutality and justice system failures.

The richly developed characters are authentically true to life. Sweet romances and scenes of rest and rejuvenation amidst war advocate self-care and connection with others as an antidote to hard times. A satisfying page-turner, this tale includes thoughtful, nuanced explorations of morality, family relationships, and trauma. Though the violence may disturb some readers, it is not without purpose, and devastating consequences are shown. Given all Silvera gets right, brief moments of confusion amidst the multiple storylines and Brighton's ongoing unlikability can be forgiven. This wonderfully executed follow-up ends in typical cliffhanger fashion, stoking fans' appetite for the final book in this thrilling trilogy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about ideas of right and wrong in Infinity Reaper. Which characters do right more than wrong? What are some examples of characters trying to address hurtful things they've done? Describe a moral dilemma you faced and how you decided what to do.

  • Which scenes of violence have stuck with you the most? How did the use of magic and superpowers in battles affect your experience of the violence described? Why do you think the author included violent and bloody deaths?

  • Talk about the representations of gender, sexuality, body size, and skin color in this book. Which identities caught your attention and why? How does the inclusion of a diverse cast affect you as a reader?

Book Details

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