Adam Silvera is a known master of the YA contemporary genre and has reigned supreme (in my humble opinion) for many years. In 2020 he released into the world his first published fantasy work with Infinity Son, the first book in the Infinity Cycle series. The series is an urban fantasy set in NYC and it tells the story of brothers, Emil and Brighton, as they come to terms with the discovery that Emil is a phoenix. Emil struggles to understand his powers and Brighton is overwhelmed by jealousy. What follows is action and adventure for these two brothers and readers were left hanging from their fingertips clinging to life at the end. Infinity Reaper is the second installment in this series and was a whirlwind read from the start.
Infinity Reaper jumps right back into the action at the conclusion of Infinity Son. There is no summarising chapter or paragraph to recap the actions of the last book and instead it sends the reader hurtling along with Emil and Brighton as they deal with the aftermath. It was unique to read a sequel that offered no summary of its predecessor, but it was cleverly supported by a glossary at the very start to refresh readers’ minds of who is who in this alternate universe world. While the glossary was helpful in refreshing my memory of all the characters in this world, it made the reading experience a bit disjointed and took away some of the flow from the story. There is a lack of worldbuilding carried over from the first book and this left the first few chapters a bit lacking for me, but overall as I became more in tune with the world again, I warmed up quickly to both the characters and the situations.
Adam Silvera is a genius of the human condition. His characters have depth and soul and could be easily transported from the page into reality. Infinity Reaper is no different. The complex relationships between characters are ever present and are truly one of the highlights of the book for me. The way he has intertwined the relationships of this rag tag group of reluctant heroes is seamless.
The character dynamics also shine throughout as different characters interact with one another in both positive and negative ways. Brighton was very unlikeable in Infinity Son but the way he cares for Emil throughout this series is a pure example of sibling relationships. You can both love them completely and feel utter jealousy and despair at the same time and it is all wrapped up in a confusing familial bow. Watching these boys struggle to save themselves and each other throughout Infinity Reaper felt raw and real and was one of the most enjoyable dynamics in the book. Each boy also experiences confusing romantic interactions in this book with Brighton finally confessing his feelings for Pru and Emil struggling with his feelings for Ness and the new somewhat platonic relationship he has developed with Wyatt. I could honestly read about these characters all day and never get sick of them.
While Brighton is overall unlikeable due to his arrogance and obsession for power, Infinity Reaper did show readers another side to this angst-ridden, antihero, and at times I really felt for him as he struggled with the consequences of his actions. His character arc has moments of both good and evil and I really look forward to seeing where he ends up in the end.
Representation! This is something I adore about Silvera’s work. His use of including representation for minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community is a natural thing and doesn’t just include a gay main character for the sake of having one. The representation within Infinity Reaper is inclusive and varying. Silvera also includes a nod to body image in young men which is a drastically untalked about issue in our society and the finesse and care he takes in these issues shows how much respect the author has for these communities.
As with any great fantasy, Infinity Reaper is full of action as the team takes on many battles with the blood casters, their allies and even members of the government. It is incredibly difficult to create realistic action in a fantasy where there are literal phoenixes but Silvera takes this in his stride and provides real and accurate consequences and results based on his fantastical action. When characters are injured they need time to heal and when their powers are affected they need time to regroup and regenerate before jumping into the fray again.
The Infinity Cycle is a series that just keeps getting better. Silvera has really found his stride in this book and I enjoyed it more than its predecessor, Infinity Son. My heart completely belongs to Emil and I am anxiously awaiting the next book to see where he goes from here. If you are looking for an urban fantasy with sensational characters, action, and a habit of leaving you on the edge of your seat, The Infinity Cycle is for you and as you partake in this journey, it just gets better and better.
Infinity Reaper is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 2nd 2021.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Emil and Brighton Rey defied the odds. They beat the Blood Casters and escaped with their lives–or so they thought. When Brighton drank the Reaper’s Blood, he believed it would make him invincible, but instead the potion is killing him.
In Emil’s race to find an antidote that will not only save his brother but also rid him of his own unwanted phoenix powers, he will have to dig deep into the very past lives he’s trying to outrun. Though he needs the help of the Spell Walkers now more than ever, their ranks are fracturing, with Maribelle’s thirst for revenge sending her down a dangerous path.
Meanwhile, Ness is being abused by Senator Iron for political gain, his rare shifting ability making him a dangerous weapon. As much as Ness longs to send Emil a signal, he knows the best way to keep Emil safe from his corrupt father is to keep him at a distance.
The battle for peace is playing out like an intricate game of chess, and as the pieces on the board move into place, Emil starts to realize that he may have been competing against the wrong enemy all along.
