Wow. Our infinite Fates by @laurasteven was phenomenal. I love how she told so many different stories throughout time that were not only incredibly intriguing, but historically accurate. It was like taking a walk through all of the brutal paths of the world, but shining a light on those stories as well. Telling a tragic love story through time was a bold choice but man, it works. If I were to sum this up in one sentence for those of you who like to go into books blind, it is like Addie Larue's older sister meets Romeo and Juliet. Only... She is cursed to kill the man she loves every 18 years. Reincarnation after reincarnation over a thousand years. I am impressed at the research Laura did to make this book historically accurate for the stories in which the many timelines fell.

AND THAT PLOT TWIST?!? 💀

What is your favorite story that takes you through time?

This is my favorite. Make sure to pick this up February 27th 2025!

Our Infinite Fates was breathtaking. A novel that I found so irresistible that I finished it in a day. The way that Laura Stevens sweeps you away with her words is unmatched. More than once - I found myself looking up words in the dictionary or having to translate them to understand their full meaning and context. Each time - I was not disappointed. What a ride we get to experience with Evelyn and Arden who weave a masterful tale of love through time. A truly excellent book. Can't wait to buy a copy once it hits shelves!

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Steven and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for my free ebook ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

"I love you, I have loved you and I will love you."

Our Infinite Fates is a novel that I found myself thinking about in the moments when I wasn't reading it and I will be thinking about it for a long time to come now that I have finished.

This is one of the most important books of our time. In this day and age where we find ourselves divided over who and how we love, Steven has given us a blueprint to understand that love transcends all of our human constructs.

I, like many others recently, have been caught up in the romantasy and historical fantasy trend with books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Fourth Wing, Divine Rivals and more. These novels have high stakes, world-building, magic, and romance intertwined with satisfying results.

So high expectations have been set for what these types of books can deliver and I started this novel with some trepidation. The story of Evelyn and Arden is a slow-build. It requires some patience to understand the format of going back and forth in time and how these fated lovers have become entwined.

But the disorientation you feel as a reader mirrors what Evelyn is feeling as she searches for answers as to why she feels an overpowering love for Arden though they inevitably kill each other in every lifetime.

Eventually, the reader meets Branwen Blythe/Evelyn in present day in a life that she very much would like to keep that includes a terminally ill little sister, big hearted mum and beautiful countryside of Wales. This desire gives her the courage to finally demand the answers to questions she has had for hundreds of years throughout her reincarnated lives. Why do she and Arden kill or get killed by the other before they turn eighteen? Why does she love her murderer? What is the point of it all?

These existential questions open the door for Steven to lay down commentary on human behavior and emotions. She slips in views on climate change, social media and gender so fluidly that it never feels heavy-handed. I found myself highlighting sentence after sentence, sentiment after sentiment to the point that I'm going to have to buy a hard copy when it comes out March 4th 2025 just so I can annotate my own physical copy to refer back to again and again.

Steven is a literary phenom constantly playing with words and language. I now know what ruthful, confelicty and snerdle mean.

And the ideas that she drops...

"And hadn't I always known this? To be human was to love and love and love, knowing it could only end in tragedy?"

"Suffering is a pyramid scheme."

"The cycle of nature, of flora and fauna, of growth and death. Our earth is the most precious thing we have. We do not think enough about protecting it."

But the most impactful aspect of the book that I think is so timely is the idea that souls have no gender. That Evelyn and Arden are reincarnated as lovers who are both boys, both girls, girl and boy, boy and girl illustrates that love has no boundaries.

I found myself dreading and yearning for how this story could possibly end. Steven leads us to a page-turning conclusion to Evelyn and Arden's love story that is at once gut-wrenching and utterly hopeful.

I can't wait for this book to come out so the rest of the world can delight in it. Time to dive into Steven's backlist.

♾️ STARS!

“They’ve loved each other in a thousand lifetimes. They’ve killed each other in every one.”

The writing alone in this book deserves all the stars because WOW. From the first chapter the writing pulled my heart in and destroyed it in every way possible.

Also, the amount of research that had to be involved to include so many time periods and cultures is incredible and I applaud you @laurasteven 👏

I was drawn in and became emotionally invested to the characters journey. I love that they have depth and layers and that you get tidbits of the back story throughout the book. And the ending just blew me away.

Our Infinite Fates is an intriguing mix of fantasy, fate, and interwoven character arcs, and Laura Steven delivers some really compelling world-building. The premise of multiple destinies colliding feels fresh and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Steven’s writing is sharp, witty, and, at times, beautifully poetic, which adds depth to the narrative.

However, the pacing can be uneven. There are moments where the story drags, especially in the middle, which made it a bit harder to stay fully engaged. Some characters feel more developed than others, and while the main plot is captivating, the subplots sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

The themes of destiny and self-discovery are well done, and there’s a lot to appreciate in the way Steven explores choices and their ripple effects. But it feels like the book doesn’t quite reach its full potential—there’s a spark of something great here, but it falls just short of being truly remarkable.

That said, if you’re a fan of fantasy with a thought-provoking concept and don’t mind a few bumps in the road, _Our Infinite Fates_ is still an enjoyable read. It’s a solid 3.5 stars, with some standout moments that make it worth picking up!

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story presented a compelling premise; however, its potential was undermined by plotlines that failed to significantly contribute to the overall narrative and a magic system that was difficult to grasp. The core narrative, set in the present day with Arden and Evelyn, was particularly engaging.

However, the flashbacks to past lives detracted from the main narrative, as these chapters often felt superfluous, failing to provide new insights or propel the story forward. The repetitive dynamic between Evelyn and Arden—where Evelyn implores Arden for answers about why he kills her, and Arden continually withholds information—created a sense of stagnation.

This book was so good! First of all the cover is beautiful! The romance was very well written and the world building was very well done. Would highly recommend!

“I love you. And I have loved you. And I will love you.”

This is about two lovers who are fated to kill each other in every lifetime and they can never escape that fate. I loved how we got to explore their love throughout hundreds of years and settings. Their love transcended time and even gender. I would’ve read about them in every single lifetime.

This was such a unique and moving story. I’ve seen it compared to Divine Rivals and Addie LaRue, and while I can’t speak on Addie LaRue since I haven’t read it, I *sort of* get the DR comparisons. The writing is beautiful — almost ethereal feeling. The way Laura Steven writes about love and being human is UNREAL. I was immediately pulled into the story from the very first chapter. It’s clear Evelyn and Arden are soulmates in every life but the mystery of WHY this is happening is what is consistently pulling the reader into the story.

Our Infinite Fates is a gorgeous, compelling story about love, loss, and being human. Definitely recommend picking up in 2025.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday for this ARC!

By far one of the best books I have read this year! This beautifully written novel follows two soulmates and their love through the centuries. It takes us all over the world and transports you into every new place perfectly. The slow burn romance was so enthralling and heart-rending. I loved this so much and that last chapter was so hopeful.

I pre-ordered the physical copy of this book a while ago, so when I saw it pop up here I had to request it - and I was excited when I got the approval. So, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for being awesome :)

I loved the summary of the book, it sounded unique and I really enjoy a book that is different. I was unprepared for how much I would actually LOVE this book. So many emotions while reading, this was definitely one that kept me up late (I believe it was almost 4 am actually). This it the first book I've read of Laura Steven's, and her writing style is amazing. It really draws you in and you lose track of everything going on around you because you are invested in the story. I love books like this. The characters were fantastic and I loved the plot. I definitely recommend this book when it comes out and I can't wait to get my physical copy so I have an excuse to read it again.

This has jumped to one of my favourite reads of the year. It’s so different to any of my current fantasy reads and I was completely enchanted. It is so beautifully written and heartbreakingly perfect!

This is a story about Evelyn and Arden who find each other in every lifetime, pulled to one another by an unimaginable tether that also forces them to kill each other by their 18th birthday. They have gone through excruciating suffering and deaths but why?

‘The person I loved most in the world was the person who would ultimately destroy me.’

5/5 stars! Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this book took me by surprise. I haven’t read anything by this author before but since Addie LaRue is my all time favorite book and this book is pitched as Addie LaRue meets This is How You Lose the Time War, I had to read it and of course I loved it.

It hooks you immediately and you really get to go through all the feelings and emotions with the characters. I love how it was told through present life and past lives, you get to see how these two characters interact over several lifetimes and I think it made the story that much more impactful.

Laura Steven's lasted novel is an entirely new and unique story; it was unlike anything I've ever read before, in all the best of ways. I truly adored the characters in Our Infinite Fates, and I loved how their pasts were woven together throughout the story. The author truly knows how to write beautiful, moving scenes; this is one of those books that will live on inside my head for years to come.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven had a premise I had never encountered before - two lovers bound by their souls and a twisted curse that sees them chase one another through history, one of them killing the other before their shared 18th birthday in every life. But the problem is that Evelyn has landed in a life with a mum and kid sister she loves dearly. To complicate matters further, her beloved sister, Gracie, has been diagnosed with leukemia and Evelyn is the only match to donate marrow to save her life. However, her 18th birthday is approaching and she’s fearful that her lover will show up and end her life before she has the chance to donate her lifesaving marrow.

This was such a unique story and a page turner. We switched perspectives between present day and the lovers’ past lives but I was never bored. The author explored all of the emotional intricacies of the human experience thoughtfully and insightfully. The pacing was a touch slow due to this but not too much. The writing and poetry throughout were beautiful. I really enjoyed it, but there was one thing that didn’t work well for me. I struggled once we got the why, as it felt like a left turn and that part of the story felt under-developed. However, overall, I really enjoyed this story. It had heart and truly lovely writing.

With genre reincarnation, this could be booming. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets This is How You Lose The Time War in this fantastical love story that defies death as two souls reincarnate through the centuries.

I am absolutely reeling from this book. I suspect I will take the time to write a better review once I’ve recovered but for now, let me just say this is one of the absolute best books I’ve read in a long time. I truly hope the author keeps this as a standalone because we don’t need to know anything else. It is so perfect the way that it is. I will think about these characters forever, and I’m so so happy that I got to know and love them.

“I love you and I have loved you and I will love you.” Xoxo

Thank you, #NetGalley and St.Martin's Press, for an advanced copy of Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven in exchange for my honest opinion.

Evelyn is not an average, typical teenager. She is not a "teenager" because she has lived for thousands of years. Each time she dies, she is born again in a new life. Right now, her goal is to stay alive past 18 because she must save her sister from cancer. The only problem is that while she is trying to save her sister, her killer is hunting her down without her even knowing it. Her hunter, the same person every year, is named Arden. She and Arden are her enemies, and she has fallen in love with him in past lives. Does she currently feel that way in this life? Evelyn does not know the answer to that, just like she does not know why Arden keeps killing them. To find out why, read Our Infinite Fates today with Evelyn!

Laura Steven artfully crafts beautiful scenes throughout this book. The way she weaves each part of Evelyn and Arden's past is impressive and makes the reader want to know more.
#OurInfiniteFates #NetGalley

We’re following Evelyn & Arden who have met in every lifetime and in every lifetime they kill each other.
However Evelyn doesn’t know why Arden keeps on hunting her down so thats where the mystery comes in.

This reminded me of Addie Larue

old in many time settings, it was truly remarkable how the author weaved all of them together. The twists gutted me, then fixed me to make me whole again solely to leave me wounded in the next scene.

I am rarely as immersed in a book as I was in this. From the opening page I wanted to know everything. Who are these people, reborn every 18 years and why do they keep killing each other? Why do they seem to fall in love during most of their lives as well? I was enraptured by this mystery and the brutality and obsession between Evelyn and Arden. Evelyn’s voice is so clear and her hazy memories of past lives added to my intrigue.

The main action occurs in modern-day Wales, and Evelyn (in this life Branwen) awaits her 18th birthday with fear. She hasn’t encountered Arden yet, but knows they could appear anywhere at any time for her murder, but her 14yo sister, Gracie, is dying of Leukemia. Once she figures out who Arden is, can she convince them to let her live long enough to offer a bone marrow transplant and save her sister?

The writing in this was lyrical. And I got an especially strong sense of Arden’s artistic and sensitive nature, the prose and poetry, the interest in animals and botany. Evelyn’s continued ability to love and hope despite being murdered for centuries was beautifully heartbreaking. I could feel every bit of their tragic love story.

I was also SHOCKED by the final twist and did not see it coming.

A couple hesitations for me: I looked back at the plot days after reading and wondered what had actually happened. If I rated this simply on vibes alone, this would be a 10/10, but if I analyze it a little closer, I’ll admit I felt slightly distant from Evelyn’s emotions about family while feeling very near the emotions about Arden.

One other aspect that was difficult for me was the mental gymnastics it took for me to readjust to each past life. There are short chapters on the Western Front, in China, Africa, El Salvador, etc. These occur in different moments throughout history and that took some effort as a reader already. On top of this, I was never sure what gender or sexual orientation our two main characters (truly more non-binary immortal beings than humans) would be in each iteration. For some audiences this is a selling point, I know; for me, it felt a little like I got reading whiplash.

Finally, there was one vaguely open door scene and quite a bit of lust throughout the book. It’s marketed and written as teens/YA fantasy, but with that I’d probably recommend it to ages 18+. I’m aware I’m conservative in this regard.

The bottom line: I really loved this, but had a few minor issues that held me back from giving this a bright and shiny five stars.

“I love you, I have loved you, and I will love you.”

Officially me at Laura Steven after reading this book. Well I guess not technically since this is my first book by her, but you get the idea. It definitely won’t be the last though.

I had super high expectations going into this so I was really nervous it wouldn’t live up to them. But from the first chapter, I realized I had nothing to worry about. The book pulled me in effortlessly from start to finish and every time I put it down I was anticipating the next chance I would have to pick it back up.

Reading about Evelyn and Arden’s relationship really felt like someone had found the perfect and most beautiful way to show what soulmates are. And actually, I think it’s a testament to how good of a writer Laura Steven is that I was able to 100% believe in their feelings, even before the whole story of how they fell in love was told.

I also really just enjoyed the writing style. I know it’s something that might not be for everyone and I can just hear some people saying it reads like 2013 Pinterest quotes but I’ll have to politely disagree if that happens. Some of the quotes were so good I literally had to stop to go back and highlight them - which is something I’ve never done on Netgalley. I will say there are some run on sentences here and there that made me thought I missed a period, but I really don’t care about that sort of thing much.

Even the aspects of this story that I did not think would work for me did; specifically flashbacks, which I usually loathe reading. It was hard not to love them when they were written so well though. Not only did each one manage to add layers to Evelyn and Arden’s relationship but even the time periods they were in in each one felt like I was directly transported to that time. The amount of research that went into different time periods and cultures during them definitely shows, and definitely pays off. Even the ways the characters spoke was tailored to fit the time period of each flashback.

AND THE LAST FLASHBACK?? Nearly threw my phone straight across the room and risked waking up my whole house just so I would have someone to tell. Just when I thought we had all the answers we were hit with that and it just added a whole extra layer to an already gorgeous story.

WAIT I THOUGHT I WAS DONE BUT I CANT NOT MENTION THE ENDING!!! The last line specifically - gutted. Gobsmacked. Absolutely perfect.

Overall, I don’t know what to say other than read this. Actually, it was so good you may have to download Netgalley right now just to apply for the arc because I cannot wait until March for people to be talking about how good this was. For now, I’m going to give it a 4.5 but that might go up when I sit with it for a few days.


~🅞🅥🅔🅡🅐🅛🅛 🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ . 5~