The Infinite (Gates of Thread and Stone, #2)

by Lori M. Lee

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

The Infinite was an exciting sequel, although it did start off kind of rough. It's three months later, and Ninurta is in a state of unrest. The citizens are not happy with the new Kahl and a rebel group has formed. Then a strange person who claims to be from a city in the north appears. She pleads for help in fighting off the chimera who are terrorizing her people. Kai and the others are excited by the prospect of not being alone, so they send a party out to help in Lanathrill. But, of course, things aren't always as they seem.

I'll start with why The Infinite and I got off to a rocky start. Kai is cut off from her magic. That's not a spoiler, as it's in the blurb. But why?! How is she (and us) suppose to learn more about her abilities if she's blocked from it!? And there's no satisfying explanation as to why this happened! It just seemed like a convenient plot devise, since Kai wants to remain human instead of being her father's heir. Of course, things happen later that cause her powers to come back full force, but what was the point of them being gone in the first place? It was just annoying.

Anyway. A lot of exciting things happen in The Infinite! First, we get to see the world outside of Ninurta. The world wasn't quite as devastated and Kai and her people thought. There are thriving communities scattered about, and most of them are being threatened. Either by the wild chimera or by other cities. Basically the entire world is in chaos! There is a lot of waiting, since Kai has to wait for messengers, and then await back up, and wait for this or that. But it's not boring, since we get other stuff. But then very bad things happen! Very bad! I was like, noooo! It's seriously cruel and took me by surprise. Then more bad, shocking things happen! What in the world is going on! Kai just cannot catch a break!

The Infinite also continues to torture us with its lack of romance. Avan is much different than he was, but Kai isn't willing to give up on him. He may not remember her, but sometimes he remembers how he felt about her, so there is some kissing! But ultimately, they can't be together because he's not himself! Boo! There are kind of hints of a love triangle, but not really. Kai only feels friendly toward Mason, but I was kind of hoping she could find happiness with him. But really, I'm totally behind Kai and Reev. No, this does not happen, since he's kind of her brother, but I feel like they have a much stronger connection than she and Avan or Mason. I know it'll never happen, but a girl can dream.

The Infinite was a pretty good sequel. The second half was much better than the first, since important things finally started happening. Lots of betrayals and switching loyalties, and who's on whose side?! Clearly, war is imminent. Kai also seems to finally be stepping up. She had been a great leader thus far, but as a human. It's finally time for her to embrace her powers so she can really help her people!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.