The Infinite by Ada Hoffman cemented The Outside as one of my favourite sci-fi trilogies and one I will be freely recommending for years to come. What I love most about this queer, neurodivergent, cosmic horror series is its heart; even with grave, universal consequences and harrowing trauma, this series speaks to the strength of human resilience and the power we find in love and community.

Like the previous novel, the format of The Infinite differs from the other two in the series. In this novel, we follow Yasira and other characters as the rebellion on Jai reaches a fever pitch; simultaneously, flashbacks illuminating the history of this universe and its gods are woven through the central narrative. The end result is an experience that, while not without its inconsistencies, sticks a powerful, emotionally resonant ending.

The Infinite and The Outside as a whole trilogy achieve two things that can be hard to manage at the same time in my experience. Having worldbuilding and plot unique enough to stand out in their details AND an emotional experience I won’t soon forget—and indeed haven’t forgotten months later—is rare indeed, but Hoffmann’s novels definitely accomplish both. These weird, wonderful books have earned a place in my heart and on my shelves.

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.