The Infinity Particle

Teenage Clementine Chang is an engineer in a future society where robotic assistants and cuddly children’s companions running on artificial intelligence are commonplace. After she creates her own personal pal, Clem is invited to travel from Earth to Mars to work for her idol, AI pioneer Dr. Marcella Lin. On Mars she meets Kye, Dr. Lin’s humanoid robot assistant, with whom Clem is instantly fascinated. Soon, mysterious glitches begin emerging in Kye’s programming, prompting a cold shift in Dr. Lin’s personality that triggers memories of Clem’s own traumatic past. As the glitches persist, and as Dr. Lin grows more agitated at Kye’s burgeoning independence, Clem and Kye seek to understand the inconsistencies in his code as well as navigate their growing mutual attraction. Mooncakes cocreator Xu employs a subdued pastel pink and blue palette that subtly emphasizes the narrative’s contemplative and romantic aspects, and balances the simultaneously uplifting and melancholic tone. While the supporting cast and the exploration of themes surrounding identity and humanity sometimes feel underutilized, the central romance develops in a natural and languorous fashion that culminates in a sweeping read that raises questions about what it means to be human. Characters read as East Asian. Ages 13–up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt and Zacker Literary. (Aug.)