I’m having a little trouble keeping up with all the amazing releases this year, and it’s resulted in a few books I wanted to read slipping through the cracks. One such book is Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye, by Alex White, which came out way back in December, and I somehow missed it. Ardent Violet is the second novel in The Starmetal Symphony, an explosive series about music, mecha, aliens, AI, and more.
Our story picks up after the end of the world has been rescheduled. Our story villain has been revealed to be an intricate and devilishly smart super AI. It turns out that this has been a man vs. machine story the entire time. But wait, there’s more. It also turns out that this story isn’t new. Apparently, the entire universe has been going through this cycle since the dawn of time. Civilization after civilization discovers artificial intelligence, ends up in a war of flesh vs. metal, and one of them walks away victorious. The winners of each conflict appear to be gathering into universe-wide teams of humanoids and computers. Which side will take the W on Earth, and can the intergalactic team of humanoid winners lend a hand so that our heroes come out on top?
As was true with Alex White’s first trilogy, The Starmetal Symphony really seems to have found its pace with book two. White loves to focus on discovery through the journey, and it can be hard to see where we are going in book one. However, by the time I got midway through Ardent Violet, I was fully locked in and ready to enjoy the rest of the ride. Ardent Violet does a very good job of upping the stakes, clarifying the conflict, mapping out where the plot needs to go, giving the characters room to grow, expanding the cast, and showing off some crazy set pieces that are filled with spectacle and pizzazz. As is true with all of White’s work, they have an evocative way of writing that makes their action clear to picture and exciting to read. I am not usually a book fights guy, but the mechas and their arsenals of unique weaponry are undeniably cool, and all of the altercations in the book were super fun to read.
I have been ruminating about who this book is for, other than myself and White (the ideal audience). Ardent Violet is a weird combo love letter to mecha anime, music, and a bunch of other niche subjects smashed together. I have yet to read a book that feels like it captures the vibes and spirit of anime as well as this series, and I would be lauding it for that single fact alone if it didn’t have a ton of additional great qualities. Despite reading like a special custom order just for me, I think the way White ties it all together is incredibly accessible to a wider audience. The series is big and unapologetically loud, but I ironically worry that it’s flying way under the radar. If you are looking for something weird, with a unique perspective, and a loud narrative, then I really recommend you give The Starmetal Symphony a spin. Not enough people are plumbing its mysteries, and I need people to theory craft with.
Rating: Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye – 9.0/10
-Andrew
An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts on this book are my own.
