Infinity Son is a hard book to get behind. It is excellent to see LGBTQ representation and to explore the dichotomy between brothers, but what hinders the novel is the world-building or lack thereof.

Silvera has created this new world that blends reality with magic. It is interesting, if not wholly unique. The problem is the lack of context regarding the Celestials or this world to ground the reader into it. The lack of context also hinders the readers’ connection to the characters,

The characterization is also another problem in the novel. Emil is a good LGBTQ character; he is the hero in this novel, a guy who seeks peace above all else. It takes more strength to seek out peace than it does war, and that is his most considerable saving grace because while it is entirely understandable for him to have self-doubt, half the time, it comes off as self-loathing. It takes away some of the shine from his characterization.

Then there is his brother, Brighton. Brighton is quite possibly the worst brother in the world. He acts as he cares, and on some level, yes, he does. They are brothers, after all. However, even before the big reveal, Brighton is petty; he is self-involved, careless, and selfish. All of these qualities are highlighted even more after the reveal that Emil has powers. Brighton cares about himself for most of the novel, about trying to prove how he should be the one with the powers and saying, repeatedly, that they Emil does not deserve them.

Brighton is not likable in any sense, and that goes for Maia. She is as bad as Brighton. Maia spends half the time stewing in her anger and need for revenge and then the other half of the novel insulting Emil, undermining her leader, and insulting everyone who does not agree with her.

Final Thoughts

This novel missed the mark. It had a few too many clichés, faltered in the pacing, and the lack of context regarding the Blood Casters, Celestials, and Spell Walkers denies the readers the ability to connect to the story. The lack of world-building and poor characterization takes away from what a great story this could have been. (★★★☆☆)

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Product Details:

Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2020	Page Count: 368pp	Age Range: 14 & Over
ISBN: 978-0-0624-5782-0	Publisher: Quill Tree Books	List Price: $18.99