Stealing Infinity Stealing Infinity #1

Stealing Infinity is a roller coaster through history that promises more in the second book. Nat is a troubled teen, in the process of falling through the cracks after her father disappeared a few years ago. SHe's now been arrested for a crime she doesn't remember committing, and has been tricked into attending an elite boarding school. No one will tell her what's going on, or what they're training for. Only that she'll experience things she never thought possible. Nat quickly realizes there's so much more to it than that. And she begins to wonder what the cost will be. Noel paints an elaborate high tech world, interspersed with YA typical over-descriptions of clothing, that delves into the fantastical more than science fiction. Despite implying they're using science to travel in time, something about how everything is presented makes it feel more like a fantasy than anything else. While I have some concerns about the lack of depth of many of the characters, some of that has to do more with the story progression and nature of their circumstances than any fault of the authors. I feel like we don't know much about many of the characters beyond the surface, but there's also the constantly stated fact that at the end of the day, none of them trust each other and are blatantly keeping secrets from Nat. I would feel like I don't know anyone beyond the surface if that were me, too. A majority of this book feels more like a set up to the next installment as opposed to the initial book in a series. A short-falling to be sure. But one that I think is saved by the sheer magnitude of world-building and intrigue introduced. I want to read the next book as soon as possible because of how perfectly the mystery has been set into motion. If it took a book to set up, imagine how great the pay off will be.

Stealing Infinity is the first in a new young adult fantasy series by Alyson Noel. Natasha has reached her lowest point; kicked out of her school she has no where else to go except a eerie off-the-grid private boarding school. But there's more to Gray Wolf Academy that meets the eye and when Natasha catches the gaze of illusive, Braxton she feels she shouldn't trust him, even if she feels an unexplainable attraction. Time travel high school. Sign me right up...right? The premis of this story is perhaps more alluring than the words in the actual book itself, at least the first half of the book. The main character is practically insufferable at first and the world building confusing and clunky. But, Natasha is more enjoyable by the end and her characterization has improved immensely. It was basically me rooting for this change that didn't cause me to DNF this book. I don't think it's a bad thing that this novel is so slow. It's the first book in a series and the majority of this novel is exposition for that. I think this would definitely be a better marathon read, however, after the second book is released. I can't say what I enjoyed most about the novel without spoiling the plot! But the last 20% percent or so really picked up and made me not regret spending my time on this book. That being said, I would recommend Stealing Infinity to lovers of stories about time travel, rich-elite boarding schools, and illusive boys. Rating: 3.5 stars I received an arc of this novel through NetGalley curtosy of Entangled Teen/Entangled Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

WOW, this book quite literally played like a movie in my head. From the first chapter to the last, I perfectly pictured every scene and was immediately completely enthralled and invested on this story. I’d say this book is definitely for fans of movies like the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons. Alyson Noël went into great depths when researching not only history, but tarot and numerology as well. What’s even more amazing is the note at the start of the book to explain such things so everyone can have a grasp of what she’s mentioning throughout the story. Going into this read, I was a bit nervous I’d get lost since I knew there would be “time jumping” throughout the book, but the whole story was just seamless and not remotely confusing to follow. There’s dashing men, mystery, and ton of history , secrets and even lessons learned. Stealing Infinity is a new favorite of mine for 2022 and I hope you pick it up and enjoy getting lost between the pages like I did!