Chaos King: Infinity Alchemist, Book 2

Infinity Alchemist #2

by Kacen Callender

Ever since he rose up against his father and saved New Anglia from destruction, Ash has been struggling to adapt to his new life. He has nightmares every night, haunted by strange black orbs and his screaming dead mother. Ash is sure she's trying to warn him that the world is still in danger, and becomes determined to find a way to speak to her again—but communicating with the dead isn't easy, even for an alchemist as powerful as Ash.

It doesn't help that violent anti-alchemist sentiment is spreading across New Anglia. When Ash is captured by a radical alchemist group, inspired by his father's legacy, he must decide if alchemist rights can be trusted in the hands of the Houses, along with his partners Callum and Ramsay—or if Ash must follow the path his father laid for him, and become the leader of an alchemist revolution.

Can Ash keep his relationships together and stop the world from falling apart?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Queer, LGBT, Audiobook, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published April 15, 2025

About the author

Kacen Callender is a Saint Thomian author of children's fiction and fantasy, best known for their Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award-winning middle grade debut Hurricane Child. Their fantasy novel, Queen of the Conquered, is the 2020 winner of the World Fantasy Award and King and the Dragonflies won the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

Callender is Black, queer, trans, and uses they/them and he/him pronouns. Callender debuted their new name when announcing their next young adult novel Felix Ever After in May 2019.

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really liked book one, so me rating this sequel a 2 star is so disappointing. the conflict felt so dragged out and i was failing to comprehend why the characters were doing the things they were doing. Ash’s anger over the treatment of the alchemists wasn’t new, but his behavior threw a wrench in his relationship with both Callum and Ramsay. the characters honestly felt like shells of themselves and the romance lost it’s spark. I also didn’t like that there was a potential for Callum to be interested in another person outside of their already established poly coupling.. it was all so random.

my biggest issue was with the ending— you’re telling me that Ash went back in time using the chaos magic to restart everything, meaning Ramsay and everyone else wouldn’t have the same connections to Ash anymore? what was the reasoning for this because I’d imagine it’d make the next sequel so repetitive. I don’t enjoy the backpedaling that his actions are creating, why are we not moving forward in the current timeline? I have so many questions and idk if I care to continue the series to get those answers. i think a lot of this could’ve been solved differently if everyone wasn’t acting on impulse.

↳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the alc, all opinions are my own.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up

I have to be honest- this was a little disappointing. It's not a bad book, but I had high expectations after the book 1. Chaos King very much felt like a middle book in a series, and the ending went in a direction I didn't love. There were pieces of this that were really compelling, but it didn't quite hang together the way they might have.

Ash can now legally practice alchemy, and he's in a polyamorous romantic partnership, but politics, class differences, and rebels are going to make things very messy...

A lot of authors struggle to maintain interest and tension in established relationships, and I would say that is the case here too. Yes, there are plenty of external factors impacting the triad's bonds with each other, but you don't feel the same emotional depth and desire you do in book 1. AND there are some big spoilery things that happen towards the end of the book that should make a big impact emotionally on the main character, but we don't ever feel that.

Politically, things feel over-complicated. Perhaps because the motivations of some of the different players are sometimes unclear. On a macro level, I see what the character arc of this book was, but at a more granular level a lot of the plot to get us there was either confusing or uninteresting. Or frustrating because we have an impulsive main character who never thinks anything through. There were parts of it that really landed in terms of the internal and external conflicts Ash is dealing with, but other parts felt random or repetitive.

Without giving spoilers, I can also say that the ending did some things I am generally not a fan of in speculative fiction. Of course there are exceptions, but this book wasn't one of them. However, that's a personal preference and other readers may feel differently.

I do still like the way sexuality and gender identity are managed in this world. As oppressive as it is, one of the love interests being quite literally gender fluid is no big deal. Conceptually, I like the theme of struggling between idealistic rebels and a ruling class when nothing is simple and people will get hurt regardless. So mixed feelings on this book. Loved book 1 though. The audio narration is perfectly fine. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Lee [Bibliophile Tings] · Rating 2 out of 5]

aaaahhhhhh! there is a title!!
2025 cannot come soon enough

[Spiri Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE ENDING HAS ME IN DISTRESS ????
as far as I know this is a duology but like lol say sike there will be a fix-it book three right??? 😀

[Drew's ambitious reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay… who decides to kill off favorite characters in a sequel??! Like what? I won’t say who or what happened because it is a series finale but this was so good had me crying like I’m a baby! Love this series and totally buying myself a copy of this book since I borrowed it from my library.
Five out of five stars, love the trans rep but also how dare u kacen hurt my feelings at 10pm at night!😭😂

[Lio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hugely disappointing book for many reasons but especially to go through all that and then … just decide to rewrite history in the last five pages instead of actually fix the world you’re in? What kind of ending is that?!

[julia ｡･:*˚:✧｡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

God, that ending was fucking stupid. ~Undoing the whole timeline so none of the story ever even happened? ~ gurl what. That's pointless.

But ok, sure.

The characters were absolute idiots for about 95% of this book and I personally disliked how immature and stupid they acted for most of this book. Where was the charm and humor and interesting dynamics that I loved in Infinity Alchemist ?

This was by no means terrible but I'm a tad disappointed because book one was SO good in comparison. What happened here.

[KMart Vet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Update: The CONTENT of this book until the ending is an easy 5 stars. I admit that fully. And I wouldn't be so upset with this book's ending if I didn't care deeply about these characters. That said, the ending ruined it for me personally and since it undoes everything in the books entirely, I stand by my rating.

Never have I read a book where the ending made it drop from a 5-star to a 1-star so quickly. I LOVED everything but the last few pages. I'm SO angry at that ending. I'm actually furious.

This was a five-star experience, teetering on brilliance… until the ending made me feel like I’d wasted my time. I don’t mind sad endings. I do mind meaningless ones. I'm so, so frustrated and angry, and I don't know if I ever want to pick up this author again, despite it being one whom I love. I feel so betrayed.

This outshone the first book. Until it didn’t.

This story hurts. Ash’s journey post-Infinity Alchemist is devastating. He’s unraveling, haunted by trauma and loss, barely holding on. He wants to do the right thing, even when his choices are clearly terrible. But they’re understandable. Logical, emotional, grounded in who he is. I love books that let characters be messy without making them stupid.

The dynamic between Ash, Callum, and Ramsay is one of the best parts of this book. It’s a poly romance that doesn’t flatten the emotional messiness. Jealousy, miscommunication, pain, love, trying to protect one another by making terrible choices; it’s all here, and it feels earned. The relationship talks are raw and real. The tension is high. And then… it all crumbles. Their ideals start to clash, their choices pull them apart, and it’s just fucking sad. Achingly romantic even as it’s falling apart. That gut-punch of realizing love alone isn’t enough? Ouch. My heart was in shreds.

And the plot made my anxiety spiral. There’s war, religious manipulation, betrayals, secrets, and zero people Ash can truly trust. I was tense for 80% of this book, gnawing my nails and muttering “Ash, no” on repeat.

But then........... THAT ENDING.

The final act takes all that rich character work, all that slow unraveling of trauma and identity, and destroys it. The conclusion undoes everything. Two full books of sacrifice, love, growth, and pain. Wiped clean in a few pages. Just a sharp narrative swerve that feels like betrayal.

Chaos King gave me some of the most complex and emotionally rich queer YA fantasy I’ve read in a while. But that ending was unforgivable.

[Izzy⁷♡•° · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to blame this one on my reading slump
RTC

—————–

pre-read:
I would kill for an arc of this book, so if anyone wants to stop me from becoming a murderer please and thank you :)

[Alicia]

What even was this book? Book one was a five star read from me. I don’t think this even deserves three.
It’s always interesting to see books where the second in the series has a lower rating than the first because obviously the people who didn’t like book one aren’t picking up book two, so it should only be people who actually enjoyed the world and the writing venturing forth. Most series will have a significant jump up in rating because of this, but not this book. And here’s why: it had nothing I loved from the first book.
Our little triad spends no time together and the entire book they’re fighting, working against each other, and visibly drifting apart. Then they start cheating on each other and crushing on other people and we’re all supposed to be okay with it because they’re polyandrous, so obviously they can’t do monogamy of any description and it’s perfectly reasonable they’d want to see other people outside our original group without discussing it with anyone. This is probably the bit that annoyed me the most. Zero communication or connection and they just sought it elsewhere without trying. There’s no emotional depth to anything.
It’s full of politics.
Where’s the magic?
The world building didn’t expand beyond the bare minimum required to forward the plot. It just added a zealot character and decided to have everyone killing everyone else in lynch mobs and rebellions. And chaos magic in the form of magic balls of black shadow.
But mostly, our MC behaves so immaturely the entire story it’s like reading about an insolent sullen tween. There is nothing compelling about that. It’s just frustrating to read.
It’s because of all this too that big things that happen and should have had a massive emotional impact… just don’t. Now if these three had been all loved up and declaring their feelings all along and we could see it on page, that might have been different. But basically all we see are these three not being emotionally mature enough to have a relationship, let alone together. It’s just not satisfying to read.
Look, we all hate the ending and not just because it’s a rip off of Spider-man: No Way Home. It’s because Ash doesn’t even try.
The book ends with potential for another story afterwards, but it does tie up all the threads and finish the overarching plot. I don’t know if there are more books planned, but after this one, who would even read it?

[Donna Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC.

3.5/5

Overall, the Infinity Alchemist duology is a very enjoyable series filled with magic, action and very good LGBTQIA representation. Chaos King brings the series to a close and is a fast paced, full of action conclusion that for the most part, pulls of what it intended. The world building is solidly there, and the magic is well done, I just felt the character development got a bit less attention in this book. I really kept wanting for more of Ash, Callum and Ramsey together dealing with all their issues, I think it would have brought more emotion to this story. I liked the overall plot and my favorite character in this one was definitely Marlowe, although at times it did feel like a lot was being dealt with and therefore it felt a bit muddied at times. I will admit as it got closer to the end, I kept wondering how in the heck is it all getting resolved and what would happen with our threesome.......and I will say I wasn't a huge fan of the ending resolution. In a way it kinda feels like a cheat and a part of me felt like....."why did I just go through all of that if it's just getting wiped away"......and I certainly understand why some people will like how it resets things and lets the reader fill in what will happen, it's just not my favorite way to finish a series. That said, overall, the impression of the series is positive and for younger readers getting into the fantasy genre, it is a good duology to read. I had the audio ARC and certainly enjoyed the narration as well.

[rladpeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect much from the second novel, since I found the first book to be average (and fast-paced, though that was already made known to me) for my tastes. However, “Chaos King” exceeded my expectations. The idea of political turmoil wasn’t simply included, it was explored. Rather than making it seem as if people chose to commit atrocious acts out of hate and fear stemming from ignorance like the “Defy the Night” trilogy by Brigid Kemmerer, this book exhibited how people will choose to believe in what they want to - regardless of whether the truth and evidence is so blatantly obvious. Beyond how I enjoyed the aforementioned aspect, I also appreciated how the author wrote the polyamorous relationship between Ash, Callum, and Ramsey. It didn’t feel awkward or stilted at all, and was instead so natural in how it can be so easy to love other people at first, but having to come to terms with how oneself and one’s loved ones are constantly changing and evolving due to realities outside of an individual’s control.

[RAWFIZZLE · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars rounded up to 3 stars

the pacing of this book was more favorable and engaging than the first installment. i feel like im left in the dark when it comes to the magic system. it could’ve been developed more. there were moments where i felt like the plot was moving and others where i felt like it was stagnant. i was screaming for Ash to get a back bone and fight for what he believes in throughout the majority of the book. too often, he was straddling the fence and it was soooooo frustrating to witness! also, Callum and Ramsey are both older than Ash…i get it. i was reminded of that a little too much in the writing. the emphasis on Ash’s age made him seem immature, irresponsible, and ill-equipped for the job. i’m not sure if that was intentional or not. overall, this book was pretty decent. i was left with too many questions tho…

thank you to NetGalley & Tor/Forg for the opportunity to read this eARC and share my honest opinion!

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

✦ Book Review: Chaos King by Kacen Callender

✧ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, @torteen.

➤ 𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂

In this explosive sequel to Infinity Alchemist, Ash is still haunted by what he’s done, and what might come next. After defying his father and saving New Anglia, Ash struggles with nightmares, visions of black orbs, and the ghost of his mother, who seems to be trying to warn him of a new danger.
 
Desperate to reach her and uncover the truth, Ash sets out to find a way to speak to the dead. But even with his powerful alchemy, that path is risky, and could lead to more destruction. The world may not be safe yet, and Ash’s journey is far from over.

➤ 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂

The overall plot of this sequel has potential. While not especially original, it moves at a steady pace and includes solid themes like legacy, personal struggle, and the tension between magic and religion. The conflict between Ash and his father’s legacy adds some emotional depth, and the way the book touches on belief systems manipulated by those in power reflects both real and imagined histories. These aspects help create a strong foundation for the worldbuilding.
 
However, much of the story feels weighed down by surface-level characters and predictable twists. The love triangle— a polyamorous relationship—comes off as shallow, skimming the surface of emotional complexity. Ash, as the central character, often feels immature and too weak to carry the weight of that dynamic. With deeper characters and more thoughtful twists, this could’ve been a stronger entry in the series.

[ₓ˚ ୭ ˚○◦˚shmava˚◦○˚ ୧ ˚ₓ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. Breather. I stayed up late to read this book because I couldn't sleep because of my allergies and I enjoyed the first book. But there is many things in this series that still confuse me. Like: Is Ramsay a girl or boy or non binary???? I still have that question. Every other paragraph has like a different pronoun for Ramsay. It is genuinely confusing. Like please pick just one. The plot of this book also broke me... especially towards the end of the book.

First up:

The poly kinda broke up. And then Ramsay died. There was constant conflict between them in this book and it was sad to read it. They were good together but there is so much conflict. Ash betrayed their trust on multiple occasions. but mostly because he was forced to spy of Lord alexander. And that whole thing caused him to "betray" both Callum and Ramsay. Also Callum was interested in someone else???? I mean... Also, the whole time they argued over things and made it a bigger conflict. in the end I'm surprised that they chose to save Ash from execution. AND THEN RAMSAY DIED.... The invention that Ramsay made got him/her/them/whatever killed... That was straight up sad especially since Ramsay was my favorite character despite the confustion.

Secound:

The ending. So Ramsay died. Ash killed Lune and Alexandar and ate chaos. That fixed the whole thing with the Book of Source problem introduced in the first book. The string of the world is fixed ect ect. But Ash is like in an alternate universe now??? Ramsay is alive it is restartin from the begining of the first book? and then he is trying to prevent that plot and also wants to try to get with Ramsay in the alternate universe? I mean I like how it still leaves questions for the reader.

Third:

I think this series was a doulogy. So this was the last book. I think it was an okay way to end the series. I still have questions for sure.


Overall I would rate this like a 3.5.

[Rhea G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I said for book one, I love this book’s concept. It reminds me of the egg story. Blah blah blah. Source and how it could be harnessed was so interesting to me. But when it comes to book two….I have some thoughts and feelings.

This was supposed to be good and clean fun about the oneness of human connection or whatever. How dare you incite my religious trauma? From the second coming of Lune, the mindless, violent, and hateful sheep he brainwashed, and the final fight between magic users and religious fanatics? I felt like I was reading revelations. Was that the point and I missed that in book one? Am I reaching too far? Is it me Jesus? Have I snorted too many chaos crystals? Maybe. Fine.

Beyond my personal problems, Idk everyone felt mischaracterized. Obviously Ash is an unreliable narrator but I don’t know how half this stuff could be happening to the throuple I loved in book one. I couldn’t help screaming at Ash to talk to his partners. Or for Ramsey to explain right now how the fuck that invention was supposed to help. Ramsey is so smart and has all them degrees and is a PROFESSOR FFS, break it down for someone you love and is trying to communicate something to you. And you don’t even want to know the lengths I would go to to rip the stick out from Callum’s ass. If he took a fraction of his loyalty to his undeserving family and gave it to his partners—or to himself for that matter—he could be great.

I understand there were circumstances or whatever that prevented any of this from happening but this book felt like Post-Hane (Bad ending). What’s the point of killing loon if you were going to reset time anyway. How does killing a concept in a future that doesn’t happen help in any way if you go back in time where there ingredients for the concept are still alive and percolating?

Idk man. This better be a trilogy. This was BS nonsense and each one of them refused to grow together and ended up ruining EVERYTHING by relying on old toxic habits. And no I don’t care if that was the point. All I’m saying is that this book can have 5 stars if my throuple can get another go at it in another installment. And no that is not a pun.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picks up pretty much where Infinity Alchemist left off. I felt that IA was truly a complete story and wondered what direction this might take. This sequel is very much able to stand on its own. In some ways I think reading the first book AFTER this sequel might make both books work even better.

This novel focuses on power dynamics. All other relationships take a backseat to the theme of power and politics. This wasn't a bad novel but it ruins the peaceful conclusion the first novel ends on. Honestly, I feel like Infinity Alchemist didn't need a sequel and nothing this book offers negates that feeling.

Again this novel on its own, without its status as a sequel isn't a bad novel. It's not compelling and feels bogged down in morality that I don't dismiss as important. I think it's hard to not share politics or morals with your partners. I would not chose a romantic relationship with someone who did not hold my values. This just felt more like a romance in that relationship struggles somewhat dominant the narrative. Only to be ultimately dealt with in a realistic and commonsense manner that creates just an extremely unsatisfying ending.

This audiobook is narrated by Wes Haas. Wes does an excellent job keeping every character unique. I think in many ways the narration kept me invested in the story.

Thank you to Kacen Callender, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Rachel Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review: *Chaos King* by Kacen Callender** 🎧✨

Buckle up, fantasy lovers—*Chaos King* is here to shake up your bookshelf (and your heart). The highly anticipated sequel to *Infinity Alchemist* takes us even deeper into Ash’s world, where magic is power, alliances are fragile, and love doesn’t fit into neat little boxes.

Narrated by Wes Haas, this audiobook is **a full-on experience**, pulling you into a world of political chaos, high-stakes magic, and relationships that challenge every rule. Ash’s journey gets even messier as he navigates dangerous betrayals, unexpected romance, and a magic system that is as beautiful as it is deadly. And let’s talk about the polyamorous romance—because YES, it’s here, it’s real, and it’s *so* well done.

Callender’s storytelling is nothing short of magic, blending action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes seamlessly. And with Haas bringing these characters to life? You’re in for an **immersive, can’t-stop-listening** kind of ride.

If you loved *Infinity Alchemist*, get ready—this sequel cranks up the intensity **x100**. And if you haven’t started the series yet? Now’s the time. *Chaos King* drops April 15, 2025—so pre-order, grab your headphones, and prepare for a fantasy story that refuses to play by the rules. 🔥📖

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity 💕

[Jada Randell · Rating 2 out of 5]

ALL OF THAT FOR WHAT.

I was content on giving this an average score before the ending. I dealt with Ash being a complete sociopath through the entire book just for there not to be a resolution.

The ending just felt like a cop-out. I was mildly disappointed with the first book but I decided to give the second book a chance because I did begin to care about the characters, this book just made me hate Ash more and the ending just was not good.

I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but I was so excited for this book. I thought that the things that I disliked about the first book would be fixed in this book because the things I disliked about the first book were some of the main complaints and all of the reviews. but somehow this book managed to get even the right things wrong.

[Christopher J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, most of the plot is so intriguing and keeps you hooked. The world building and magic system is incredible. And the characters are real and passionate.

Unfortunately, this story relies heavily on the miscommunication (or in this instance no communication) trope and its my most hated trope. It made it worse that this was book 2 and the trio were so in love but none of them would talk to each other.. it can ve very irritating.

Also, while I didn't hate the ending, it was not my favorite.

I do recommend the series but I would make sure to go into it with the right expectations.

[Casso Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good follow up to the first book but it isn't AS good as the first. Things were overcomplicated at times with the poly group's shenanigans and it for sure felt like a middle book of a trilogy but not in a bad way.

Not that much really happened for long stretches of the book but I like Ash enough that it didn't bother me that much. It just felt okay. The ending I am not a fan of but it feels like it should be setting up for a third book. If it doesn't then I'd drop this to a one star.

This is a review of the audiobook thanks to the ARC from Netgalley!

[Dominique :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 ✨️

This second book wasn't really my thing, even though I quite enjoyed the first book... How I absolutely LOVED the romance in book 1, how I absolutely hated it in this book. They just betrayed each other constantly, with every possible thing, but didn't talk with each other to even try to make their situation slightly better. They were all just angry at each other :( The politics were made so much more of a mess in this book, and I got myself wondering quite a few moments which House was actually good for alchemists, and which weren't.
What I did like, though, was that Adh finally did what he wanted, and not what anyone else told him to do! But also, he just took a turn, which he despised before, so that was really weird? Also, someone got killed, which I didn't like at all. Just because of that, the whole ending was just... No, they all went through so much, just for it to end like this?! 🫠

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read, so much happened, and oh, it hurt, and I need book 3 now!

[Sheba Hector]

TEAAAAAA not Tor denying an arc after I was screaming and crying over the book!!!!!!!!!!! JESUSSS WAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

[Lena · Rating 1 out of 5]

what utter bullshit was this book? nothing made sense and the main character was the most stupid cunt ever.

[Polycraftory · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR: I love this series. I like this book slightly less than the first book and that is just because I got so excited about the Poly relationship in book one and that is not the focus in this book. This one is a lot more about the growing instability that has come after Hain is killed. This is an amazing book about power and what people will do for it and with it. It also has some of the best queer rep I have ever seen.

Plot: This book broke my goddamn heart in a way that books I love less cannot. Ash is a part of me now. The struggle between the two people he loves most in the world and literally the rest of the world had me on the edge of my seat throughout this book. I cried, I gasped, and I was shook by the end. I had no idea where the plot was going a lot of the time I was just being torn in to pieces along with Ash while his world was being torn apart around him. I cannot articulate how much I loved this book. The only reason this is not a five star like the first book is I'm not as much a fan of the type of ending that this book has (going to try to leave this vague). BUT both of these books will live rent free in my head forever I love them so much and I think the ending makes perfect sense with how high the stakes are in this series. Also, I don't think I have ever read a YA series that held nothing back like this one does. Highly recommend. OH and I have to talk about how kickass the magic system is in this! The alchemy, the source, the chaos! OMG it is so beyond cool and consistent and I love it! Powerful but it makes sense and it still has it's limitations, this book is so good!

Characters: I love everyone in this book. Ash is a very complicated character with his problems and hes going through so much in this series, but that didn't make me love him any less. I also think hes a beautiful representation of non-binary transgender person. He is comfortable with some parts of himself but not other and I just love how much different gender and sexuality representation is in these books, its so beautifully handled all while there is a war a foot. Marlowe is also just an amazing women throughout this series, also a very complicated character with a loaded background who has been through a lot but fights for what she believes in anyway and I love her in this. (I talk about the other 2 main characters, Ramsey and Callum in my review of Infinity Alchemist which you can find on my Goodreads or Storygraph, link below)

Worldbuilding: Great urban magic setting. The houses that are all over what we know of as New England in the US and being connected through magic portals is so cool. I also love having the capital with some of the more powerful houses being in one city that has such an obvious split of the Houses and the other people. There is so much tension built with geography and the buildings in this series its really beautiful. Even having the religious House, Lune being so far from the others so they can do thins with no oversight until it's to late. Also it is very outside of time because of magic the technology is still a little old, with trains, and no phones, and a lot of teleporting around to see people in person. It's just neat.

Review by Nic @polycraftory on Instagram, Tumblr, and Tiktok, where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. If you are curious about my thoughts on more books, you can find me @businesswife on Storygraph. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book. You can also find my reviews @polycraftory on Goodreads.

[Georgina Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What interests me most are the patterns we humans are caught in, these cycles that seem to repeat again and again. I wonder if there’s a new pattern we can begin to form instead.”

From the very first page of Chaos King, it’s clear that Kacen Callender has once again delivered a story rich in atmosphere, layered characterisation, and breathtakingly vivid scene building. Their descriptive writing transports you effortlessly into a world that feels at once magical and painfully real, painting emotions with as much precision as they do landscapes.

Ash, Ramsey, and Callum remain a particular highlight of the book. Their polyamorous relationship is developed with genuine heart and nuance, each character offering a distinct personality that complements the others beautifully. Ash’s fiery possessiveness, Ramsey’s fluid and grounding presence, and Callum’s quiet complexity create a dynamic that feels raw and honest. It’s impossible not to be swept away by their journey—though Callum’s admission of feelings for Charlotte, paired with Ash’s growing jealousy, adds a sharp, believable tension that hints at deeper fractures to come. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it feels real. I found myself completely wrecked by the emotional ride, devastated by where the story left them, yet eager (and slightly fearful) to see what awaits next.

Representation is another place where Callender truly shines. The gender and sexuality fluidity is woven seamlessly into the narrative: Ash is proudly trans, while Ramsey’s ability to shift physically between male and female, with changing pronouns, is handled with an effortless naturalness that should be the standard in fantasy literature. It’s affirming, refreshing, and beautifully done.

The book’s pacing flows well, although readers seeking tension-heavy action throughout might find themselves yearning for more constant momentum. There’s a quiet, simmering intensity to much of the plot rather than high-stakes drama at every turn. That said, there are pockets of mystery that intrigue—particularly the haunting scene involving Mr Brown, which left me questioning what was dream and what was reality. Some moments don’t fully cycle back into the narrative, leaving a few tantalising threads dangling, but this also cleverly adds an air of mystery that lingers long after closing the book.

And then there’s the ending. Oh, the ending. The final chapters ramp up the pace with shocking revelations, heart-stopping twists, and moments that alter everything you thought you knew. It’s a whirlwind—and not necessarily a kind one. I won’t lie: it left me absolutely furious (in the best way) and desperate for more. Life-changing moments occur in such rapid succession that you’re left breathless, reeling, and impatient for the next instalment.

Ultimately, Chaos King is a stunning, heartfelt exploration of identity, love, change, and the patterns we find ourselves trapped within. As the story so poignantly reminds us: “The change we seek in others must first come from within ourselves.” Callender has crafted something special here—flawed, raw, and achingly beautiful—and I cannot wait to see where the story leads next.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Tor Teen, Kacen Callender, and Wes Haas (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read Chaos King in exchange for an honest review.

Chaos King is the second book in the Infinity Alchemist duology. There is great political strain in the world of alchemy, as anti-alchemists make a stand. Ash thought he saved New Anglia, but nightmares and premonitions haunt his sleep, inferencing that the world may still need saving. In a content polyamorous relationship with Ramsey and Callum, Ash knows solace should be just around the corner. He can even legally practice alchemy now! But the strain of politics weighs heavy on all.

When Ash is captured by a radical alchemist group, inspired by his own father who he helped bring down, he questions the great power he once sought. Alchemy can certainly be dangerous in the wrong hands. Now being force to work with Lord Alexander, everything he thinks he knows is in turmoil: his relationships, the truth, and everything he once thought about the power of alchemy. There is one aspect that may yet bring the political tensions to fruition, but at what cost? Chaos.

I thoroughly enjoy the LGBTQ representation in this novel. It explores polyamory, transgender, and gender fluidity. The characterization is well-done, and the way this follows the first novel is an exploration of the world dynamics  themselves. The one thing that really threw me for a loop was the ending. I saw in someone else's review that you could read this book first and then the first book second, and this is an extremely interesting idea! This could work, because wow, what a way to leave us, Kacen!

If you are a lover of alchemy, young adult fantasy, or need something in the LGBTQ realm, this duology is for you!

[Andrea Rittschof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the first word, Kacen Callender continues the narrative of the first novel and in Chaos King has created a complex and beautiful sequel. The novel continues the emotional entanglements, the polyamorous relationship between Ash, Callum and Ramsey but where in the previous book, we had the passion of the three, in this novel it is grounded in the reality of how different the three truly are and how each handles the political pressures around them.
In the sequel, Ash, having grown up outside the families, sees the social power of the families far different than Callum or Ramsey and while all three want to change their world, each of them views that path differently. I love that even though Ash is surrounded by violence, he wishes to preserve life. I also like that he begins to see just how dangerous the anti alchemist violence is, with the narrative at times reflecting the hatred and violence that we see against trans people. And while I love how trans characters are embraced so fluidly in this world, I do like the reflection to the current difficulties facing trans individuals in our society.
The narrative is complex and the character growth is subtly written, with all three characters changing over the course of the novel but the focus is very much on Ash as he learns about the difficult choices he must make and learns new ways to wield his alchemical magic. I love the crafting of the world but also the painful options Ash is faced with in this story.
If you like complex and beautiful stories with incredible character growth, exquisite world building, and a powerful narrative with lgbtqia characters, this novel is for you. It is equal to the first book in the series with even more complex choices and heartbreaking moments. I truly hope that there is more planned for these characters and this world.

[Ziggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I LOVED Infinity Alchemist and truly could not put it down. I was so excited to continue with the series, but Chaos King truly pained me to read. Kacen is an amazing and talented writer, but Ash’s storyline was unbearably painful to consume. The fact that out of the entire book, he had only ONE good day with Callum and Ramsay and literally the rest of the book they were at each other’s throats. There were so many situations where characters made idiotic decisions, specifically Ash, to the point I had to take multiple breaks during this book due to the pain and frustration I felt towards him. It seemed the story was really on the up a few chapters from the end, but then it just took the worst turn possible. After all they went through, all the growth, Ramsay and Callum putting aside what was instilled in them their entire lives to save Ash, just for Ramsay to be killed and Ash and Callum breaking up. What REALLY got me though was the last chapter. After EVERYTHING they went through, man after everything I went through with these characters, just for time to rewind and everything from the two books to not matter?? Truly, a few chapters ruined two entire books that had the potential to be so amazing. I understand not all stories can’t necessarily be happy, but this was just brutal. I’d recommend reading the first book and pretending the story ends there unless you want to get your heart shattered.