Bound by Blood, Broken by Fate: A Review of Laura Steven’s “Our Infinite Fates”
Laura Steven’s “Our Infinite Fates” is a sweeping, emotionally charged saga that tackles love, fate, and identity across centuries of reincarnation. Pitched as a blend of “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” and “This Is How You Lose the Time War,” this novel delivers a unique take on a timeless concept, leaving readers both heartbroken and hopeful.
A Captivating Premise
The premise is instantly captivating: Evelyn remembers all her past lives, each one ending before her eighteenth birthday at the hands of Arden, a supernatural being whose soul is inextricably linked to hers. They have loved each other in a thousand lifetimes, and killed each other in every single one. This time, however, Evelyn has a vital reason to break the cycle: her younger sister, Gracie, needs a bone marrow transplant, and Evelyn is her only match. To save Gracie, Evelyn must survive past her eighteenth birthday, which means confronting Arden and unraveling the ancient curse that binds them.
Weaving Through Time
Steven masterfully crafts a narrative that alternates between Evelyn’s desperate struggle in the present day and vivid glimpses into her countless past lives. These flashbacks are a particular highlight, transporting readers to diverse historical settings – from Viking weddings and the trenches of World War I to bustling Ottoman cities and tranquil Nauruan landscapes. Each past life, regardless of gender or social standing, paints a new facet of Evelyn and Arden’s complex connection, showcasing a love that transcends physical form and societal norms. The queer representation, with both protagonists reincarnating as different genders, is handled with sensitivity and depth, emphasizing the soul-deep nature of their bond.
Unraveling the Mystery
The central mystery of why Evelyn and Arden are locked in this cycle of love and death is the driving force of the plot. Steven doles out clues with tantalizing precision, building suspense until a truly surprising plot twist recontextualizes everything the reader thought they knew. While some readers might wish for earlier hints to fully immerse themselves in the mystery, the reveal is ultimately satisfying and impactful.
Themes of Love, Identity, and Destiny
Beyond the compelling romance and intriguing plot, “Our Infinite Fates” delves into profound themes. It questions the nature of identity when bodies and circumstances constantly change, explores the burden of memory, and examines the human tendency towards destruction and violence. Most powerfully, it investigates the enduring strength of love, even in the face of insurmountable odds and repeated betrayals. The familial bond between Evelyn and Gracie adds a deeply emotional layer, raising the stakes and grounding the fantastical elements in a relatable, human struggle.
Final Thoughts
While the pacing can sometimes feel deliberate, particularly in the early stages as the present-day situation is established, the emotional weight and ambition of the narrative compensate for it. Some supporting characters in the current timeline could have been more developed, but Evelyn and Arden’s journey remains at the forefront, compelling and richly drawn.
“Our Infinite Fates” is a devastatingly beautiful and ambitious novel. Laura Steven’s prose is exquisite, drawing readers into a tale that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s a must-read for fans of epic, soul-spanning romances, intricate mysteries, and stories that challenge conventional notions of love and destiny. Prepare to be swept away, to cry, and to ponder the infinite possibilities of fate.
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