I was intrigued by the time travel aspect of this book, but sadly not much else. It was extremely generic in every other aspect but the core of time travel, and at more than 1/3 of the way through barely anything had happened (and no time travel). The characters were all flat and bland, and almost everything about it just felt like a story I've read before. It's also a little too far on the juvenile side of YA for me. Everything happening was very shallow and high school-esque. Who cares what color your sweatshirt is?! The constant harping over the fact that she had to wear green and was the ONLY one wearing green because she was new drove me bonkers. It's a sweatshirt, for crying out loud. I also despised the start of the romance. They barely knew each other so it was too instalovey and cheesy for me, and not in a good way. They had no chemistry and the love interest has the personality of a wet rag. Every time Nat would think about the dude in a romantic way I rolled my eyes.

The pacing was awful too. There was a lot that could have been omitted in the beginning - I'm cool with slower pace if the character development and writing are phenomenal, but they were not in this book. At 40% time travel had JUST been introduced, with zero action, and we had yet to actually SEE said time travel. The time travel aspect was just not enough to keep me pushing through when I couldn't stand anything else about the book.

I get very excited when I find a book about time travel, but unfortunately this one dragged. Most of the time things weren't making sense about the story, and I was just a bit lost.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A really interesting take on time travel. I love the combination of numerology, astrology, and tarot cards. And of all the time periods in history to visit, this was a truly lavish one. Combined with my love of art history, I was in heaven. Excellent!

My mind is REELING after finishing this book. Alyson Noel has seriously raised the bar. This had history combined with freaking magick and time-travel in one YA story. With the Tripping and the Fade, the exploration of the space-time continuum and masquerade balls at Versailles in 1745, as well as lessons with Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, the history buff in me was celebrating.

As someone who also has an inordinate amount of love of quotes, I found myself constantly highlighting the daily motivational reminders and famous historical quotes scattered throughout the story.

"When you can't go back, the only choice left is to move forward."

Plot:

Natasha finds her life turned upside down when she's framed for a crime she didn't commit and shipped off to Gray Wolf Academy, the brain-child of tech trillionaire Arthur Blackstone. Located on a remote island, Gray Wolf itself seems encapsulated in its own world, a mind-bending combination of priceless historical treasures and cutting-edge technology where normal rules don't apply. Secrets abound and I found myself wondering who you really can trust.

Characters:

❦ I liked Natasha Antoinette Clark from the start. She's pretty and smart but uses neither to her advantage since her life is solely focused on her failing home situation since her dad left and her mom relies on her emotionally for dependency. The character development that takes place is amazing as she goes from the confused and understandably terrified girl in a new world to one who's strong and determined to uncover the secrets surrounding her. Arthur challenges her views of the world and her morals but I found myself appreciating the fair way that the author portrayed Natasha's perspective. What was right wasn't so clear and what was wrong wasn't so black and white and Natasha used her own reasoning to justify Arthur's operation.

"The girl I was then lacked the courage to even try to shape her own destiny... choosing instead to believe the lie she told herself, that she didn't have the luxury of deciding her fate.
I like this new version of me. I'm stronger. Smarter. Being at Gray Wolf has sparked a flame inside me that's incinerated my apathy and replaced it such with a burning desire to ascend and succeed that I sometimes find it frightening."

❦ I wasn't sure what to think about Braxton at first. First glance makes him seem like the typically dreamy and posh Gray Wolf representative but as time goes on, it becomes less clear what his history and motivations are, while the secrets that he holds so close made me trust him a little less by the end.

❦ Arthur Blackstone gave me the villainous-rule-the-world feeling in the beginning but his motivations also seem shrouded in secrecy. He's a collector of beauty with a passion for history that supersedes any normal person but his genius can't be denied.

"Dark and glinting, his gaze reminds me of something I learned about obsidian...
It's not a stone for amateurs... It's powerful, merciless, allows nothing to remain hidden. It explodes the truth right into the open and can prove overwhelming to a beginning."

❦ Elodie is a different story and her character had me narrowing my eyes in suspicion every time I saw her. Friend or foe, she's a part of Natasha's life and an important part of Gray Wolf Academy. Whether she'll be the one to doom or save Natasha remains unknown but Elodie's challenge to her former friend is clear.

❦ Killian was introduced late in the story but I can't wait to see more of him in the next book. I'm hoping the checkered history between him and Braxton will be revealed and I get the feeling that maybe... just maybe this story will turn into a love triangle.

❦ Lastly, I need to find out what happened to Song. I've got my fingers crossed that the second book will see her return.

While the story might have seemed slow at different points, the complex layering of the plot and the rich setting provided enough information to keep things moving forward at a good pace. This earned an exceptional 4.5 stars and I can't wait for the next book!



*Special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

(Check out my review for this book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4473560934)

This book really surprised me by the end because I really didn't care for the beginning and had a hard time sticking with it. It was slow and suffered from some issues with pacing. However, it did get a lot better towards the middle and through the reminder of the book. The time travel concept was intriguing and it was an interesting read. I do wish the author would have dived more into the time travel, but it was introduced a bit late in the book, so I guess there really wasn't the time. I'm hoping the next book has more! There were many unanswered questions at the end, however, it is the first in a series so that is to be expected.

Stealing Infinity is a fantasy/sci-fi book that tells the story of Natasha, a troubled teen with a struggling mom, who is given an opportunity for a better life at some secluded, mysterious school. Her father left when she was young, and has been fending for herself and her mother ever since. As the first book in a series, most of the plot is an introduction to Grey Wolf Academy and what truly goes on inside: time travel. For the most part, it keeps the reader on their toes, with little details being revealed as Natasha discovers more about the academy and herself. There are many references to real pieces of art, which truly helps shape the world building.

I read through this arc quite quickly, and until the last 10% it was fairly intriguing and enjoyable! Although I was shocked when I reached the end - not because of any plot point, but because it seemed very sudden and left many questions unanswered. I understand that there is a need for suspense for the later books, but there was very little revealed and too much brought up at the last minute. If I had the chance to read Stealing Infinity as a 16-year old, I would probably have enjoyed it alot more!

Overall, this is a great book for older teens who want a quick fantasy read!

Thank you Entagled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

This cover drew my attention right away after I saw it the first time, I think it is stunning!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book written by Alyson Noël, I was a teenage when I’ve read other books of her, and I remember that I liked her writing style. It is pleasant to read and I keep on reading because of it. This book is exactly the same and I kept on reading because of the writing style.

The time travel aspect and the tarot decks that were mentioned in the book were interesting for me and I liked reading about it. The characters, story and plot couldn’t hold my attention to be honest because I found it predictable, boring and flat.

ARC REVIEW
This is a thick book for one. But its also really good and im so glad i got to read this! The mysteries, the characters, the plot twists this book was so good!!! I'm already desperate for the second one!

This book is just......... WOW! I am new to Alyson Noel's work but her book Stealing Infinity has made me a lifelong fan of her work. I was given an early copy to read and I consider myself very lucky indeed!

This book is about time......The concept of time is so crazy when you really start to analyze its meaning. This book takes that concept and throws you into and complex world that kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. The MC, Natasha is stolen from her everyday life of student living and thrown into the complex world of Grey Wolf Academy. This place is so strange and complex. Natasha has to struggle to find answers of what the place is and why she is there. The billionaire recluse, Arthur Blackstone is the overseer, financier and over all dean of the school. Will she survive before she knows why she is there and find the answers that have been plaguing her her entire life?

This book is complex but oh so inviting and I loved every second of this book. Like I said earlier, the concept of time is such a crazy thing to think about and Noel has taken that and made and incredible story that I cannot wait to continue on reading about. This book leaves on a semi cliffhanger. You do find out some answers but there are still so many to discover. I cannot wait to read book 2! This story is amazing and I give it 5 stars.

Stealing Infinity, by Alyson Noël, is part Sci-Fi, part Mystery, and a whole bunch of sexual tension. The gorgeous cover is what initially drew me into the book, and the synopsis is what sealed the deal. I loved the chemistry between our MC Natasha and our British hunk Braxton, and the potential for a love triangle. Some parts were a little slow, but the mini history lessons on art and tarot cards definitely made up for it!

3.5/5⭐️


Things I loved:
*Amazing cover
*British heartthrob
*Mystery and betrayals
*Short chapters

Things I disliked:
*Sightly confusing at times
*A few slow parts

Stealing Infinity
by Alyson Noël

My life goes completely sideways the moment I meet the mysterious Braxton. Sure, he’s ridiculously hot, but he’s also the reason I’ve been kicked out of school and recruited into Gray Wolf Academy―a remote island school completely off the grid. I never should have trusted a face so perfect.

But the reality of why Gray Wolf wanted me is what truly blows my mind. It’s a school for time travelers. Tripping, they call it. This place is filled with elaborate costumes and rare artifacts, where every move is strategic and the halls are filled with shadows and secrets. It’s all part of a guarded, elaborate puzzle of history and time…and I might be one of the missing pieces.

Now I have all the time in the world. And yet I can’t shake the feeling that time is the one thing I’m about to run out of…fast.

Highly Addictive
#StealingInfinity

I’ve been a huge fan of Alyson Noel for awhile so Stealing Infinity was another book already on my tbr. I love that it’s about time traveling and the stakes were really high in this book.

WHAT?!? I know Alyson did not just end the book like that! Utterly unacceptable! Wow! This was quite the page-turner! Throughout the whole book, it was just &quot;aha this is the right answer! Or is it? Yes, it is! SIKE, It&apos;s actually not, or maybe it was all along? Yeah, no it&apos;s not!&quot; At one point, I almost threw my kindle out the window! Nevertheless I still very much enjoyed it!🤣 The characters were so great but Natasha has got to be one of my favorites though! Natasha&apos;s character was so realistic like all her reactions throughout the story but my favorite one was her reaction to the gravestone was phenomenal!🤣 One thing I found so funny was the amount of sexual jokes that were in this book, they had me laughing so hard! Also, this is so irrelevant but one thing that I thought was interesting was that in the beginning it was portrayed that Natasha used to be this kind of flirt before what happened happened and also it&apos;s kind of hinted at times that she&apos;s isn&apos;t a virgin so why are we confused by the sexual jokes, Natasha!🤣<br>
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Also, I&apos;m picking up some very Hudson Vega and Jaxon vibes from this book...👀👀👀<br>
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Thank Entangled Teen, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for the eARC!!!!

"This is a place where dreams can come true, as long as you're willing to let go of the old idea of who you think you are and remain open to the person you can become"

Thank you to the publisher for my advanced digital copy!

Stealing Infinity is such a pleasant surprise to me, this book reminded me why a part of me would always be loyal to YA fantasy, however older I might get. It is a very unique and fun story with a modern twist, the book has everything in it that makes it a serious page turner, the writing, the plot line which is full of mystery and the morally gray characters who have an agenda of their own. However, what makes this book stand out from recent releases is the concept of time travel and how such complex plot line is narrated with ease. The mix of numerology though confusing at times still made it fun to read and while trying to guess the twists, I really enjoyed the boarding school setting in a limbo(?for the lack of better word) and I have to mention that a lot of historic research has gone into the book for which I cannot help but applaud the author.

I really enjoyed the chapters that had tripping, I was on edge reading some of the scenes and the writing style made it really easy to imagine the opulent historic events in the past to which Natasha travels in the book. I loved the mysterious character of Arthur and can't wait to see more of his elaborate plans come into action, the love story between Natasha and the ever charming Braxton was adorable too. I am also quite intrigued about the new character that was introduced towards the end and how they fit into the game, it is hard to say anything else without revealing much. Overall it was a great read and I'd definitely be picking up the next book in the series, I highly recommend going in as blind as possible so you could enjoy the experience a lot more!

Stealing Infinity is a wonderful, exciting, YA fantasy book! I really loved Natasha's evolution at her time at Gray Wolf Academy. The school gave me serious cult vibes, with its odd rules and hazing. The plot moved along quickly and kept me guessing! I also really enjoyed the themes of family and uncertainty about what is true or not.

Thank you Net Galley and the Publisher for giving me a free ARC in exchange for a honest review!

This book had me interested when I learned it was about time traveling. Natasha is taken from he normal life to Gray Wolf Academy by Braxton. She makes the decision to go because she knows she isn't leaving much behind from her old life and she knows her Mom will be well taken care of thanks to Arthur's generosity. Upon arriving to Gray Wolf Natasha soon realizes what the Academy is ding and that they are traveling back into time and stealing things to bring back for Arthur. They call these trips back into time "tripping". If you trip back into time and do not return you will be lost forever, however if you have a successful trip you will be greatly rewarded by Arthur the schools owner and trillionare. Natasha falls madly in love with Braxton while at the academy and finds being with him the closest feeling to home she has ever felt before.

The concept of this book was very unique and the setting was as well. I loved how this book was able to mx multiple elements together to make a very interesting book. The characters were all very well developed and also the love story element of this book was executed beautifully. By the end of this book a lot of your questions are answered however many more questions start to arise as well setting this book up great for the sequel which I can't wait to read!

As the first novel I've read by the author, I'm quite pleased. There is a level of mystery that kept me turning the pages. The story was face paced with short chapters. The cover is spot on to what unfolds within. I'm fully invested in Natasha, the Gray Wolf Academy, and.the cast of characters.

I really loved the premise of this. The whole time travel, tarot, numerology. All of it. Really excited to see how the, hopefully, next book plays out!

I absolutely loved this book. It was definitely different then what I'm used to reading but exactly what I needed. I finished the book in a little over a day I couldn't put it down. Loved the time traveling and all the characters it was a super quick and easy read. I'll be purchasing this book as soon as it comes out and definitely recommend to everyone I know! Cant wait for the next book.

This was such a frustrating and yet good read!

This follows Natasha who gets invited(or more like volun-told) to attend Grey Wolf Academy where the famed recluse Arthur Blackstone resides and is basically the manager of the place. Natasha is taken from a life living day to day as a normal high schooler trying to make ends meet for her and her mother, to basically living a life of luxury, and yet something does not seem quite right about this Academy and does not add up. After her father ran out of their lives, she has shut out any thoughts of him, but for some reason, memories of him start popping up about what she's learning in this place, and she begins to wonder what her father was up to, and who these people really are and what they are really doing.

I love books that involve time travel, and this one does NOT disappoint! I truly enjoyed the unique concept of this ragtag bunch of kids who go from nothing to something, and learn all these unique skills to go back in time. And when we are thrust into this world with Natasha, not only does she have no idea what is going on, but we don't either. I mean the whole time I'm just guessing what's really going on here, and it was really frustrating(in a good way) that I was forced to wait until basically the end of the book to really know what was going on. I would say more, but I feel like you need to read this book to truly experience the unique concept of this book. I really enjoyed it and it was a fun ride!

The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was mainly because of the main character Natasha. She frustrated me soooooo much! She would ask questions about what's really going on, but the wrong questions and just accept what she was told. I get waiting for the right moment to ask, but she seemed to just accept what was going on too easily, she trusted too easily, and she would ask the wrong questions when she got the opportunity to ask questions. Oh, and she would get so easily distracted by all the designer and luxury items her boss showed her, and I thought that was kind of sad how easily distracted she could get, especially when she claimed to want to know what was going on.

Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the many unique characters, the time travelling, the romance, and the frustration of this book making me wait till the end to understand what's going on. I look forward to the next book to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Entangled Teen Publishing for the free digital copy to read.