Chaos King

May 1, 2025

Gr 10 Up-Ash Woods didn't realize how many things would still feel wrong after successfully defeating his father. Followers of Lune are still targeting alchemists in violent attacks, claiming that their ability to manipulate Source is sinful. Ash is haunted by nightmares filled with strange black orbs and his dead mother's screams. At home, transgender Ash struggles to navigate his polyamorous relationship with boyfriend Callum and their genderfluid partner Ramsay as it becomes clear that all three have different ideas about how to deal with the growing unrest throughout New Anglia. Tasked with infiltrating a radical alchemist group, Ash soon finds himself playing both sides as a double agent while trying to figure out if true revolution can be achieved without bloodshed. Callender delves deeper into this inclusive but hierarchical world and its complex alchemical magic system while exploring the ethical questions of justice and societal change. VERDICT A strong sense of urgency and shocking twists make this a propulsive duology conclusion.

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2025
Ash Woods, the transmasculine alchemist who saved the city from his father's destructive magic in Infinity Alchemist (rev. 3/24), begins this novel now licensed, honored by House Alexander, and cohabiting with the two people he fell in love with, Callum and Ramsay. But Ash is coping with symptoms consistent with PTSD and is worried that the other two will realize they love each other and not him. When Lord Alexander suggests -- threateningly -- that Ash become his spy in the outlaw Alchemist Liberation Party, and then the ALP kidnaps Ash to recruit him to spy on Lord Alexander, Ash becomes a double agent to protect Callum and Ramsay from attack but ends up forced to betray each of them. The motivations and pressures brought to bear can be difficult to track at times, but Ash finds he aligns with the goals of the ALP and takes steps he can't back away from, alienating both of his lovers in the process. Meanwhile, chaos energy left over from Ash's father's attack raises the stakes to potential universal destruction. Fast-paced action sequences and a dollop of metaphysics make this exciting sequel a good fit for those who like their fantasy to take big swings. Anita L. Burkam

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2025
Ash Woods, the transmasculine alchemist who saved the city from his father's destructive magic in Infinity Alchemist (rev. 3/24), begins this novel now licensed, honored by House Alexander, and cohabiting with the two people he fell in love with, Callum and Ramsay. But Ash is coping with symptoms consistent with PTSD and is worried that the other two will realize they love each other and not him. When Lord Alexander suggests -- threateningly -- that Ash become his spy in the outlaw Alchemist Liberation Party, and then the ALP kidnaps Ash to recruit him to spy on Lord Alexander, Ash becomes a double agent to protect Callum and Ramsay from attack but ends up forced to betray each of them. The motivations and pressures brought to bear can be difficult to track at times, but Ash finds he aligns with the goals of the ALP and takes steps he can't back away from, alienating both of his lovers in the process. Meanwhile, chaos energy left over from Ash's father's attack raises the stakes to potential universal destruction. Fast-paced action sequences and a dollop of metaphysics make this exciting sequel a good fit for those who like their fantasy to take big swings.

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)