Infinity Son by Adam Silvera

Infinity Son by Adam Silvera
Release Date - January 14, 2020
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war generations in the making.

Growing up in New York, brothers Emil and Brighton always idolized the Spell Walkers—a vigilante group sworn to rid the world of specters. While the Spell Walkers and other celestials are born with powers, specters take them, violently stealing the essence of endangered magical creatures.

Brighton wishes he had a power so he could join the fray. Emil just wants the fighting to stop. The cycle of violence has taken a toll, making it harder for anyone with a power to live peacefully and openly. In this climate of fear, a gang of specters has been growing bolder by the day.

Then, in a brawl after a protest, Emil manifests a power of his own—one that puts him right at the heart of the conflict and sets him up to be the heroic Spell Walker Brighton always wanted to be.

Brotherhood, love, and loyalty will be put to the test, and no one will escape the fight unscathed

They Both Die At The End teased how Adam Silvera might create a fantasy world. I expected a familiar urban setting with the magical world built around it. That is exactly what you get in Infinity Son. It also feels a touch familiar which, for me, added a level of comfort to reading this story.

The world building is pivotal to any fantasy story and the foundation is being built here. I just don't feel like it was fully fleshed out. Silvera has taken a world we know and overlaid a world of magic, mythical creatures, and fate. The way modern technology is woven in with all of the fantasy elements worked for me. It felt natural that the online world would capitalize on knowing people with magical abilities exist and use it as a means to gain clout and followers. The various ways power can be obtained and the consequences of that are each so unique and yet tied together by other elements in the story and the various factions who want that power. I, however, do hope that the actual fantasy elements are further fleshed out and explored in the sequels. It has a lot of potential and I hope it expands and answers some of the questions I am left with as it is the aspect I most wanted more from.

The sibling connection between Emil and Brighton reads as entirely authentic. They love each other but also have moments of conflict. There is a hint of sibling rivalry and competition as well. They don't always agree or see things the same way and that is part of what motivates both of them. You never doubt their love for each other but also recognize there is underlying friction there.

The brothers are basically polar opposites which often causes any friction they do have. Emil is the more serious, more reserved brother. He doesn't want to be part of this war that seems determined to pull him in. Brighton on the other hand is outgoing, impulsive, reckless, and would love nothing more than to jump into the fight. One wants the worries of the world on their shoulders while the other just wants to be left in peace. It makes for an interesting butting of heads when they clash because both of them have a point if you view it from their perspective.

One of my favourite elements is a ship that develops during the course of the novel. The way it is built and teased as the story progressed ensured a delightful tension. It is one of my favourite tropes (the telling of which would spoil the experience of seeing this relationship unfold) and I ended up becoming very invested in what happens to these two characters.

This book boasts a large cast of characters and not all of them get enough page time to flesh them out as fully as I would have liked. The emotional beats did not always land as deeply as they should have because I didn't feel as attached to certain characters. The characters are there for a reason and do serve a purpose, I just don't know if they will resonate with readers as much as the story hopes they do.

The ending is tailor made to make you immediately want to go grab book two. It is the kind of ending that leaves a reader in awe and desperate to return to the world they were just pulled out of. It sets the stage for an even more complex and tense sequel and promises lots of action.

Fans of Silvera's previous work will find plenty of the elements he is known for within these pages. It has the writing, pacing, and emotional core that you have come to expect. It may have more magic than you are used to but I predict even those not used to reading fantasy will fall under this book's spell.

Waiting On Wednesday .... Infinity Son

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Infinity Son by Adam Silvera

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war generations in the making.

Growing up in New York, brothers Emil and Brighton always idolized the Spell Walkers—a vigilante group sworn to rid the world of specters. While the Spell Walkers and other celestials are born with powers, specters take them, violently stealing the essence of endangered magical creatures.

Brighton wishes he had a power so he could join the fray. Emil just wants the fighting to stop. The cycle of violence has taken a toll, making it harder for anyone with a power to live peacefully and openly. In this climate of fear, a gang of specters has been growing bolder by the day.

Then, in a brawl after a protest, Emil manifests a power of his own—one that puts him right at the heart of the conflict and sets him up to be the heroic Spell Walker Brighton always wanted to be.

Brotherhood, love, and loyalty will be put to the test, and no one will escape the fight unscathed.

Adam Silvera's new novel, a fantasy, is on its way and the early buzz is only growing for this one. I have seen so many advance readers singing this one praises that it is making it hard to not read it immediately.

I love the premise of one brother really wanting powers and the other not wanting them (and that it is the brother who doesn't want them that ends up having them). It should provide a really interesting dynamic between.

Save those holiday gift cards and pre-order this one! It comes out in January and seems poised to help chase away those post holiday blues.

Expected release date - January 14, 2020

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Release Date - October 9, 2018
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

I love books that take me out of a reading slump. Those books that engross you from the first page and make it so that you're entirely invested in the story being told. Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera offer just such a read with their first (and hopefully not last) co-written book. Take a dash of humour, a little New York City magic, a swoon worthy romance, and a lot of heart and you have What If It's Us.

Arthur and Ben both have such distinctive voices. Their characters leap off the page because the authors take such care to bring them to life. Arthur is a Broadway musical loving ray of sunshine who has absolutely no chill. Ben is more laid back, more experienced, and perhaps a little more jaded. The writing styles used for these characters mesh well together to create a very cohesive story. Two authors writing a novel together always has the possibility of feeling clunky but this novel avoids that entirely. It is also impressive that I felt both authors knew both characters really well. The division of writing was done by character point of view chapters, but because both characters were in many of the chapters together both authors had to technically write for each character.

New York City is a character in its own right in this novel. There is something about New York that is a little magical. It's the stuff of movie legend and it translates very well within Author and Ben's story. Becky and Adam show the magic in the smaller moments of living in New York and make the little things sparkle in their own way. The setting makes this story in so many ways and it definitely does not disappoint. This story is absolutely movie ready and a large part of that is because of the setting.

This is a story that may make you believe in the possibility of fate and the magic of putting yourself out there. It's a romance that has all the classic elements of a rom-com. It's got the adorable meet cute. It's got the obstacles standing in the way. It has the big grand gestures. It would be easy for the relationship to not have a lot of heart as a result. The character stuff is there though and that makes the reader's connection to Ben and Arthur that much stronger. You'll want them to end up together so badly and that comes down to the fact that you love each of them as individual characters just as much as their love story.

While the romance does take central focus, there are a bunch of really great friendships that are presented within these pages. Each of the boys has plot points that have nothing to do with the romance and elements that focus on other parts of their lives. Arthur is dealing with the fact that his group dynamic is changing. Ben is dealing with his own breakup's impact on his friend group.  Ben's best friend, Dylan, is a stand out that I predict many people will love. The story becomes this larger, more complex narrative because of these other relationships in a way that is really interesting.

The biggest question surrounding this novel is what kind of ending it would have. Becky Albertalli is known for her more happy, rom-com style endings while Adam is known for endings that rip your heart out and crush it for good measure. While I will not spoil the ending, I will say that it the perfect ending for this story. It's the perfect ending for a novel written by these two authors. It's exactly what the characters and the story itself needs from an ending.

Fans of both of these authors will love their joint venture. It's got everything you love from each of them meshed together in a way that feels effortless. It's an adorable romance with a ton of heart wrapped in a larger story of finding yourself, discovering what you want, and making the choices to get you there. 

Waiting On Wednesday .... What If It's Us

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

I adore books by both Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera. I was thrilled when it was announced that they were working on a book together. I was even more thrilled when I read the synopsis and discovered it sounds like it'll be a cute read.

The ending of this novel is a source of much speculation among fans. Becky is known for her cute, more rom-com style endings, while Adam is known for having more heartbreaking closings for his novels. Fans are not sure what to expect with this one which only makes the desire to read it that much stronger.

The wait for this is going to be a long one as it doesn't come out until this autumn. We can always re-read Becky and Adam's previous books in the meantime.

Expected release date - October 9, 2018

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

I have a few fun things to share wtih you this week! I am getting so excited for fall 2018 book releases! It's going to be a great reading year!

BOOKS

Cover of What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (goodreads)

I have been waiting for a cover of this book pretty much from the moment it was announced. I was hoping for something cute and fitting of the synopsis and the cover does not disappoint. Entertainment Weekly recently revealed the cover and it is perfect!

There is lots of speculation as to whether this will have a rom-com style ending that Becky is known for, or the more heartbreaking ending that Adam is known for. I am excited to discover that when this book is released. 

OTHER

True Crime Podcast Enamel Pins (link) (link)

Most people who visit this blog are aware of my true crime obsession, and my love of My Favorite Murder. It's pretty much my favourite podcast and I love this adorable pin!

 
I have been wanting to start collecting more of these enamel pins and this is one I have to add to my collection.

Also high up on my list of pins to collect? This amazing one for the Disgraceland podcast!

 

These would both look amazing with my Bucky and Steve enamel pin I have up in my work cubicle!

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

2018 Most Anticipated - A Few More

Today is the last book post for this event and I thought I would share three more books that I am excited about in a slightly different format. I am capping it at three simply because it could get out of control otherwise. There are some VERY exciting books coming out in 2018.

Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

Why I am so excited for this title:

This book was already on my radar before the whole "royal wedding' fever hit but now I am extra excited to read about an American girl marrying a Prince (and the younger sister along for the ride). It sounds adorable and like a fun summer read.

Release date: 

May 1, 2018

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (goodreads)

What If It’s Us opens as Arthur and Ben meet at the post office as Ben is shipping his ex-boyfriend’s things back to him. They subsequently endure the frustration of knowing there was a missed connection, before the universe pushes them back together again in a series of failed “first” dates.

Why I am so excited for this title:

It's Beck and Adam! Enough said. I cannot wait to see how their writing styles compliment each other. The only question is whether this will be more Becky and provide us with a cute, uplifting ending or if it'll be more Adam and rip our hearts out instead.

Release date: 

Fall, 2018

Save This Date by Morgan Matson (goodreads)

Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster.

There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo.

Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractingly…cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future. 

Why I am so excited for this title:

A new Morgan Matson book screams summer to me, so I am super excited to have a new one to read by the pool next summer. It also sounds adorable and I love the thought of Morgan writing a family dynamic book. Her friendships are amazing so I am expecting good things from her family connections.

Release date:

June 5, 2018

What books are you most excited for in 2018? Let me know in the comments. 

Check back tomorrow for a giveaway that will run through the holidays!

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera
Release Date - September 5, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day. 

I knew what I was getting into when I picked up They Both Die At The End. Not only is Adam Silvera known for writing heart crushing novels, but the title was offering up its own warning in flashing lights. It's a book that prepares you for the heartbreak it is about to cause, but it doesn't prepare you for the lightness it also lets in. Adam Silvera as crafted a rather beautiful book about living that is disguised as a book about dying.

The relationship between life and death is one that has always fascinated people. The sheer fact that we are going to die at some point should make living all the more vital and meaningful. There are those that live to the fullest, and those who allow life to slip by with a bunch of 'I'll do it laters'. This novel is telling people to live in large, bold flashing lights. It is reminding you that our time is finite. It reminds us in the most uplifting way possible to live.

Death-Cast and the other components of this world that Mateo and Rufus inhabit are so unique and well developed. There are so many minor details that flesh out the world that added extra depth to the story. It tackled the commercialization that would happen if Death-Cast were to exist. It acknowledges the darker, seedier elements that would also come to exist. It even takes the time to look at the type of people who would work for Death-Cast and the cold detached way they could come to view death. It made the world very immersive, and one that could easily be expanded on if the author choose to return. It's the sort of setting that stands out, and even provides many discussion points.

Mateo and Rufus are two very different people. They are entirely mismatched, and that is why I think they work so well. They compliment each other. They are exactly what each other needs at this point in time. It starts out as something each of them do on a whim, and turns into a life changing decision for each of them. It allows both of them to step outside their comfort zone and live their last day to the fullest. They are cute together, and my only complaint is that we didn't get more time with them. You'll feel cheated out of seeing them and their relationship progress, but that is exactly what this story wants you to feel.

Part of what makes both Mateo and Rufus such well defined characters are the secondary characters that orbit around them. We get to glimpse both of their lives before the Death-Cast call. They have friends and family that matter to them, and things happening in their life outside of this one day. It enlarges the scope of the story being told, and benefits the characterization. There are also glimpses of other people that come into contact with Mateo and Rufus on their last day. This expansion of the world is brilliantly done, and pieces the story together in a rather brilliant way.

It goes without saying that tissues are a must when reading this one. It's very premise should indicate that tears are a strong possibility. I wasn't prepared, however, for how quickly I would start crying. I was barely into the story before the first threat of tears happened. This, to me, was a testament to how quickly the story pulled me in. I immediately started to connect with the characters, and the way this world was presented. There is a sense of anger that these two boys will not grow up and experience life. The unfairness of this truth is something that is always weighing on you as your reading. This only increases as the two connect on a deeper level and you end up wishing they had more time together.

This book is one that will leave you with a broken heart, but it also instills a desire to live. I think that Adam would be thrilled if this novel inspired people to take risks, go out of their comfort zone, say yes to experiences a little more often, and not put off things they truly want to do. It's certainly inspired me to not put things off until later, and take a few more chances. It is a thought provoking read that also happens to just be a beautiful, if tragic, story and one I predict many will fall in love with.