#BookReview: That Dark Infinity by Kate Pentecost

Synopsis: By night, the Ankou is a legendary, permanently young mercenary. By day, a witch's curse leaves him no more than bones. Caught in an unending cycle of death and resurrection, the Ankou wants only to find the death that has been prophesied for him, especially once he begins to rot while he's still alive....

After the kingdom of Kaer-Ise is sacked, Flora, loyal handmaiden to the princess, is assaulted and left for dead. As the sole survivor of the massacre, Flora wants desperately to find the princess she served. When the Ankou agrees to help her find the princess, and to train her in exchange for her help in breaking his curse, she accepts. But how can she kill an immortal? Especially one whom she is slowly growing to understand—and maybe even to love?

Together, they will solve mysteries, battle monsters, break curses, and race not only against time, but against fate itself.



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 2 Stars
My Review: Unfortunately, this is one of those stories that sounded amazing but the execution just wasn't there. This one read as something that was for younger readers vs. the 19 year old that the main character is.  I feel like the writing needed to be elevated and the story made for older readers. At times it felt very childish. 

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Ankou can't be killed. He suffers a kind of death each day when he decays to skeletal remains before awakening again to his 300-year-old teen body, ready to fight monsters. During his waking hours, Lazarus, as he calls himself, easily heals from mortal wounds caused by the various horrors he vanquishes as he travels the five kingdoms. It is a witch's curse that makes death impossible. Flora is a handmaiden to a princess, brutally raped and left for dead when the kingdom she serves is invaded and annihilated. Ankou finds her and teaches her to survive with a sword and hunting skills. They pick up a third outcast, Dr. Atonais, master of lightning, as Lazarus tries to fulfill the elements of a riddle that could save him from the immortality he suffers. This is an adventure with trials and riddles, battles and tests, as well as a love story. Pentecost has a fine rhythm with descriptions and worldbuilding that make this a satisfying and engaging read with characters worthy of the empathy they evoke. VERDICT Purchase where the author's previous works circulate well and dark fantasy has a following.-Janet S. Thompson, Chicago P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.  --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Review

Praise for That Dark Infinity:

“Unique, haunting, magical!”―Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter

"Original and intriguing.... Discussions of trauma, self-worth, and found family add realistic elements to Flora’s fantastical journey.... This dark romp filled with gruesome imagery is a gripping adventure."―Kirkus Reviews

"Pentecost (Elysium Girls) crafts a robust world with mythological and Oz-evoking influences.... Pentecost’s absorbing plot moves swiftly."―Publishers Weekly

"The premise of the story is interesting, unique, and will draw fantasy fans into the world.... Action and character-driven dialogue will keep readers interested in what happens in this quest."―SLC

"Pentecost, author of the thrilling Elysium Girls (2020), shows her prowess in her sophomore novel, adeptly telling a tale of unusual circumstances. A must-have for fantasy collections."―Booklist

Praise for Elysium Girls:

"Pentecost's ambitious Dust Bowl-inspired dystopia pulses with dramatic scenes.... Captivating."—Publishers Weekly

"Readers who enjoy apocalypse-infused danger will enjoy this neo-Westernized dystopian world filled with the good and evil magic of witches and demons, LGBTQ romance, steampunked mechanics, and hero moments."—SLJ

"The dystopian Western setting is enticing, the girl power is undeniable, and this high-concept adventure has all the right ingredients."—Booklist  --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

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Posted in: 2 Stars, Edelweiss, Little Brown for Young Readers, Review, Young Adult