Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye

The Starmetal Symphony #2

by Alex White

In this new wide-screen space opera, humanity has met its match. An alien race of enormous robotic AI have destroyed most of humanity's outposts. But, on the eve of the Earth's destruction, a musician made one last desperate attempt to reach out and convince one of humanity's enemies to switch sides. Now, earth just might have a chance to survive...

A ragtag band of misfits is all that stands in the way between an army of giant mechas and humanity's total destruction in the second book of this big-hearted, technicolor space opera trilogy by one of the most exciting voices in science fiction, Alex White.

Ultra-glam enby pop star Ardent Violet thought they could catch a break and enjoy some time with their new boyfriend August Kitko after defeating the giant mechas hellbent on humanity's destruction. However, Ardent didn't count on their mecha allies summoning a host of extraterrestrials to defend Earth.

Between the diplomatic entanglements of the newly-arrived alien Coalition, and a mysterious all-powerful AI establishing a base within their solar system, there's no rest for the wicked.

When August makes a discovery that could turn the tide of the war, Ardent Violet finds they are back in the spotlight for an encore!

Genres: Science Fiction, Queer, Fiction, Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, LGBT

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Alex White was born and raised in the American south. He takes photos, writes music and spends hours on YouTube watching other people blacksmith. He values challenging and subversive writing, but will settle for a good time.

In the shadow of rockets in Huntsville, Alabama, Alex lives and works as an experience designer with his spouse, son, two dogs and a cat named Grim. Favored past times include Legos and racecars. He takes his whiskey neat and his espresso black.

Alex is the author of THE SALVAGERS book series (Orbit, 2018), a magical space opera treasure hunt, ALIEN: THE COLD FORGE (Titan, 2018)(yes, THAT Alien), and EVERY MOUNTAIN MADE LOW (Solaris, 2016), a dystopian Southern American yarn.

Reviews

[Rachel Stj · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ever since I read August Kitko and the Mechas from Space, I have been patiently waiting for its sequel and I was not disappointed!

Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye is full of twists and turns and also plenty of more emotional moments. It’s another quirky wild ride and once the story got started, I could not put it down!

It was a spectacular sequel and The Starmetal Symphony is quickly becoming one of my favorite space opera series! I can’t wait for the next book!

(Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for providing this EArc)

[Venneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just need a book in your life that's about giant robots that also uses music as a connection point. We get aliens introduced this time around, and I have to admit it's real fun to watch the inadvertant stumblings of cross cultural communication with crab people. We also get a fake out a la pure anime drama as to the big bad, and I will freely admit that I love it for that. Hell of a sequel, and I'm in for the third book.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

For reasons, I came to see if I'd ever written a review of this fucking amazing book, and I am literally so. damn. sad. to see how few reviews it has.

Like. I'm just sad. Because god, this series is so good, this book in particular is a kick in the literary balls, and people are completely missing out on these characters. THESE CHARACTERS.

It's been a little while since I read it, because ::waves hands around:: and Alex's books are the only ones on my Completely Biased But Also Not, for reasons that can be explained if needed but are incidental.

Y'all, please. Please, for the love of bunnies, get your hands on this series. I mean, the Book___ community should have this in so many aesthetic posts because have you SEEN. THE. COVERS?

And if you're not just in it for the aesths, then when you open it, you realize you're diving straight into a literal rock concert of war. Giant Robots fighting each other for control of a galaxy.

And this installment?

Has aliens.

One species of whom looks like a STOUT.

WEASEL ALIENS. FRIENDLY BRILLIANTLY INTELLIGENT WEASEL ALIENS.

Also a real jerk of an ENORMOUS CRAB. WHO IS PART OF A CRAB CULT.

And something happens in this installment that you will 3,000% not see coming, and which led to multiple screams on my part. Mul.ti.ple. And I need Book Three about ten minutes ago.

Y'all, I am begging. If you have read one of my reviews and think that maybe I have good taste, please. Please.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, fuck. 4.25 stars.

I am so enamored by this world and characters!! I wished I could place a tiny smooch on everybody's forehead.

This is a worthy sequel to one of my favorite scifi books in a long time. It's colorful, weird and so imaginative, exactly how I like my scifi stories.

The character development was done impeccably, so much so that I was hurting for everybody (yes, even the crabs). I just need Gus to have A MOMENT OF FUCKING PEACE THANK YOU!
And while in the first book I was much more keen on August than Ardent, now I feel for the both of them equally.

I, however, felt like some action scenes, especially at the end, were a little rushed resulting in a lack of the gravitas it could've had. I also longed for more mechas fighting, but I still really liked what was put in the story instead.

The wait for book three will be an absolute agony :)

[Isabela Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these character SO MUCH. I’m so glad I was able to read both books in this series practically back-to-back because this is quite a ride and i’ll be eagerly waiting for book three to come around with more Gus, Ardent, and Nisha fighting through the good, the painful, and the terrifying that the universe throws at them.

[Rachel Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s really good. Fans of sci fi should take a chance on this series. The author story at the end had me bawling.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Orbit books for an advance copy of this second book in a science fiction series that deals with AI, big robots, love, morality, mortality, and again big giant robots doing what big giant robots do best.

I missed the rise of huge robots as they invaded the imaginations and hearts of many a fan. I did have the Shogun Warrior toys as a child. These were big, maybe two feet tall dolls that fired fists and I think I missile in its chest. These were the days before choking hazards were a thing. I caught some Voltron, watched a bit of Robotech, played BattleTech the role playing game, but missed the Power Rangers, and never had the all-spark of why I should care. After reading these books by Alex White, my heart is full of songs of praise for giant robots, and I can't wait for the more. Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye is the second book in the Star Metal series, where everything is turned up to eleven, the music that binds the robots and their riders, the threats they all face, and the secrets they unearth.

People always claim their life was saved by rock n roll, but in the future all of humanity can swear to this. On the day that Earth was sure to be destroyed August Kitko decided to die with a song on his lips. This song saved turned the tide, allowing a group of huge robots to stop attacking humans, and work to protect what was left. After the events of the last book, more allies join what is left of humanity as aliens of all shapes, sizes and reasons have arrived, to bring Earth into their sphere of influence. So the war becomes a war of diplomacy as humans try to prove their worth, and walk delicately among rival groups with their own agendas. At the same time, Kitko discovers a few things that might change the war, either by ending it, or turning all of these new allies against what remains of the human race.

This is a big story with a lot going on. There is a love story between Gus Kitko and Ardent Violet, the world's biggest music star. Rogue AI, aliens with their own reasons for fighting, and enemies coming out of the wood work. White is a really gifted writer, able to balance but the normal, the odd, and the crazy very well. Also I love the use of music in the story. The music of the Vanguard robots, the music that binds the people who are fighting, and the songs they sing in rememberance of those who don't come back. There is a lot of sadness in this book, and reading the afterword one gets a very good reason why. In addition White is very good at conveying action, giant robots ripping ships, planet sized cruisers and even stars apart. All with an ending that ups the dangers even more, making one wait eagerly for the next book.

As a fan of space operas who grew tired with the same old stories, writers like White are making me love science fiction again. Big stories, big science, big robots. And love. To read about a future where no one cares who loves who, even when everything is looking dark, is a great thing. Love that is not just romance, but acceptance. And friendship. A really great series, one that I can't wait to read next one of.

[Bets O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Alex White and Orbit Books (through Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

It's not often I find a sequel better than the first book. Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye knocked the first book into the depths of space. This book absolutely rocked.

I’m not sure if it was because I listened to the first book on audio and maybe lost some context, but reading this ARC had everything fall into place, and I was hooked. The world building was fantastic, and the character development was top notch. Heck, the relationships between the characters, and the relationships between the characters and their alien mechs, AND THEN the relationships between everyone and a whole smorgasbord of alien species was so rich that I had a lot of feelings about a lot of things that happened.

Scent of Rot (the names, OH MY GOSH THE NAMES) ended up becoming a favorite character of mine purely because of how much mental pain and drain It caused Gus. Following relatively normal humans navigate interspecies conferences was an absolute breath of fresh air. Ardent and Gus felt so real. They're selfish, brave, empathetic, and so utterly human that you feel for every misstep and accomplishment they make. Kudos to White for writing incredible, believable characters.

I’m keeping my eyes on this series, and if you need a Space Opera that's full of actual musicians in space in your life, then please look no further!

Available December 3, 2024.

[Dan Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't like a good Spinal Tap reference? Bad people. Bad people who probably don't like mechs either so you should shun them. Thankfully "Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye" by Alex White does escalate things and has mechs. Therefore good.

So they saved Earth. For now, also the rest of the human race, other species, just organic life in general isn't super safe. Thankfully a coalition of species, a warp gate, and some back up arrives right over Earth to lend a hand. I'm sure there won't be any friction with the cyber crabs and stoat people. Oh and our diplomatic arm is being lead by our Conduits, who are stretching their muscles a bit as the only line of defense we have. I'm sure the government won't try and push people too much or expect things to go certain ways. Because rock and roll is all about strictness right?

Reasons to read:
-Let me shout it to the cheap seats Starmetal Symphony is the name of the series
-Big robots that do nutty things
-Now with alien species
-Consideration for germs and diseases that can be spread during a first contact, love to see biosecurity
-OH it does go to 11

Cons:
-Yea I can see the Earth centric leanings being the new "otherism" if we get to space (fingers crossed folks read an internalize that this is a bad idea and authors have been preaching this for decades because we are all worried about it still)

[Gabi Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was tragically beautiful in ways I never thought possible. I don't think that I cried at all during August kitko and the mechas from space but over the two days it took me to finish this book I felt like I was living through getting murdered, like I was watching a good friend die in one of the most graphic and heartbreaking times several times over, and like I was experiencing fear of the highest magnitude.

Alex has once again written something that resonates intimately with me and even after everything was finished, the goodbye to their kitty(Greymalkin) brought together the context for the goodbyes in the cruelest, most human emotion of saying goodbye to a loved one as they leave this existence.

I can't wait to play along with the songs written after the kitty memoir but for now I am going to curl up in the fetal position under my weighted blanket and cry myself to sleep.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and this series. Its so fun, but it also packs in the gut punches. The special combination of musicians and mechs strikes a chord in my heart (pun intended). Also, and this is important: THERE ARE SPACE CRABS. I'm not sure there's much more to add past that, but I'll try. The characters, who are maybe not the best equipped to fight the evil AI, find out about a secret weapon that may just save them all, but they have to survive working with their new alien allies first. And of course Infinite Eye can anticipate all of their actions, and how do you fight against something that is so much more intelligent and deadly than you are? Overall, I loved this series, and while it's definitely more on the pop-fiction side of things, they are that perfect combination of influences that really speaks to me so I am definitely onboard for book 3 and maybe I'll check out more of Alex White's other works too.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vanguards and their human Conduits once again were portrayed in a way that made me feel I know these characters, and the lore drops and the revelations were done well, hinted at first, of course, and then played out. But I have to admit, I did not enjoy this one as much as the first. I know science fiction nearly always has aliens in it but... it wasn't my cup of tea, so to speak. Surely, I thought, why would there need to be so many different alien species if the series is ending.

And then it didn't end and instead has a third book coming.

Honestly, I feel like the entire thing could've been a standalone. Did I enjoy this book? Immensely. Will I read the third part? Surely. But I wish it had been a standalone (or maybe a duology, I was absolutely sure the story would be wrapped up).

[MJ Barrette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to say? Besides that this is absolutely bonkers? But in a good way!

It's mechas in space, queer love, deep sense of self and healing yourself from stuff before, a deep appreciation for music, and new alien creatures and societies! It's a lot of fun. But it's definitely not fluffy (though there are some aliens who are teehee). There was some deep exploration of grief, and what is the right thing to do, of survival and friendship.

It was a really fun time, and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and bonkers time. Especially if you enjoy mecha animes, this will be right up your alley.

THIS NOTE IS FOR ORBIT BOOKS, for the love of everything, please give this an audiobook. It deserves one more than anything.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for an e-copy.

[mark foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off feeling a bit of sequelitis in this- lots of sf&f authors write a compelling first book then rub their hands deviously together and say "now its time to write 900 pages of actionless lore; exactly what my readers want!" Luckily, White averts this and the back half of this book ramps the excitement right back up. There's some predictability in the worldbuilding and I never felt entirely challenged but it's a fun story, I really like the unapologetically tenderqueer dynamics of the MC's and in general having a SF series that centers queerness beyond same-gender couples is very refreshing. Definitely an amusement park novel but I stand by that there are worse things for a book to be than purely entertainment.

[Samuel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has everything I love from the mecha genre with a musical flair all its own. Raising questions of where the line really is between organic and synthetic life while continuing August and Ardent's war for survival is a combination I didn't know I needed until I saw it on the page. August Kitko admittedly lost my interest for a bit during the 2nd quarter of the story, but Alex White's pacing in Ardent Violet kept me hooked from start to finish. I really hope fans of Mecha give this series a look, you won't be let down.

[Pirate Schmirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye is a wild ride! Reality bending music, hive-minded cybernetic space crabs, and robots that throw down in every sense. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s heart-tugging sci-fi chaos. An endearing fever dream I won’t forget!

Thank you Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Donkeywitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

some sequels take on a different tone or vibe than their predecessors
this book does not
if you liked the first novel, this one picks up where the last one ended and keeps the plot and characters going with the same sort of energy, pacing, and vibes as the original. If you liked the first one, good news, here's a bunch more!
I thought some of the new characters and concepts were fun. I liked the parts with fuzzy things and the parts where food was described. It was a fun read

[Clcarpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a creative, twisty plot with AI as the antagonist plus musicians, a pop star, queer romance, and first contact with a menagerie of aliens. Four stars because I found the prose uneven, sometimes reminding me of sitcom dialog. It appears that a third book is planned but I could not find a release date. If and when it is ever published, I will need to reread the first two because there is a lot going on.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading it thinking that Marc Bolan could be a perfect hero for this series but the soundtrack would more Megadeth or some glam metal.
That said I had a lot of fun as it's a well plotted and gripping space opera that I read as fast as I could and thoroughly enjoyed.
Read it and have fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jessie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex White can't finish the 3rd book in this series soon enough!!! I stayed up late to finish it, because I couldn't let go of the world until I knew how it ended.
White is a master of narrative tension and has clearly done the homework with regard to much of the science in this amazing science fiction story.
Read this and the prequel for an incredible queer space opera. You will not regret it!

[Christian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting this to be the end. But it appears there more coming!

Again, really queer, really strong
And the big world ending story, is really less important than the human one

Can’t wait for book 3

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid and somewhat surprising continuation of the series, upping the scale and the stakes in a way that's fitting for the series. Given how big those stakes are, the plot felt a bit meandering, although perhaps it'll pay off in the next book, which I will definitely read.

[Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last 50ish pages were so stressful that i had to read from the last page back to avoid throwing the (library) book across the room and screeching.

Loved it, can't wait for the next! Scent of Rot, you crabby little bastard ❤️

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. I am in pain in the best way.

[Michael Hirsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is less coherent than in the proceeding book, and less fun. Mechas are still a stupid idea

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good middle book, less angst but less satire, more complicated feels about genocide and cute aliens

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great, the authors note at the end wrecked me emotionally - you've been warned 😭

[Laurie McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Jason Engdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

super fun, enjoyable characters and great tech