After reading Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender, I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, almost like cycling through all five stages of grief, before finally landing on the bittersweet acceptance that this book just didn’t resonate with me the way I had hoped.
Given the incredible concept and the powerhouse author behind it, I had high expectations—this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024.
Yet, despite my best efforts to enjoy it, I found myself struggling to connect.
Recommended Reads:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: A Review
1984 by George Orwell: A Review
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A Review
One of the aspects that drew me to Callender’s previous contemporary works is their undeniable talent for crafting meaningful LGBTQ+ representation, and Infinity Alchemist certainly didn’t disappoint in that regard.
The inclusion of a trans-male protagonist, a genderfluid character who shifts pronouns and gender expression from chapter to chapter, and a refreshing take on a polyamorous relationship were all executed beautifully.
These elements were seamlessly woven into the story without being overtly highlighted or turned into a “big deal,” which I deeply appreciated.
However, I have to admit that Ramsay’s changing pronouns occasionally disrupted the flow of the narrative for me.
There were moments when I found myself confused, especially when the text referred to “he/him,” and I wasn’t sure whether it was Ramsay or another male character being referenced. While this might be a minor issue for some, it did impact my overall reading experience.
The story centers on Ash, a 19-year-old trans boy working as an assistant groundskeeper at Lancaster, a prestigious magical academy.
Alchemy, an innate ability in some, is tightly controlled and regulated, accessible only to the privileged few.
Ash, aware that his background would exclude him from formal study, has been secretly practicing alchemy.
His life takes a turn when he meets Ramsay, a gifted apprentice with secrets of their own. Together, they embark on a quest for a powerful alchemical text, The Book of Source, a journey that promises to change their lives and the future of alchemy itself.
As much as I wanted to love this book, the weak plot and glaring pacing issues made it difficult to stay invested. The story essentially revolves around a McGuffin chase that drags on too long and then wraps up far too quickly, leaving me unsatisfied.
There were several points where I considered putting the book down for good, and I only pushed through because it was a review copy. One of the biggest hurdles for me was the protagonist, Ash.
While I can appreciate an unlikable or flawed character, Ash’s quick temper, selfishness, and immaturity were hard to overlook. He often came across as self-pitying and hypocritical, especially in his attitude toward those he perceived as more privileged.
His disdain for the educated elite, paired with his mocking of Ramsay for studying within the traditional system, felt ignorant and disrespectful.
Character development did happen, but it was so late in the book—around the 90% mark—that it felt sudden and unearned.
The same can be said for the romantic relationships; there wasn’t enough time spent developing the characters’ connections, so I found it difficult to be emotionally invested in them. Additionally, crucial emotional moments, like a character’s traumatic backstory, were often told rather than shown, which lessened their impact.
The world-building also fell short for me. While the story tells us that alchemy has shaped society in significant ways, we don’t really see its broader implications outside the academy.
The legendary Book of Source is positioned as a near-holy grail, yet there are only a handful of alchemists searching for it, which felt inconsistent. The various Houses are mentioned, but none are fleshed out enough to feel distinct or meaningful.
In the end, Infinity Alchemist had all the right ingredients—a compelling premise, important themes, and strong representation—but it didn’t come together in a way that kept me engaged. Despite the book’s potential, it felt overly long and in need of further development to truly shine.
