Infinity Blast and the Planet of Mystery Continues Reycraft Books’ Stellar Science-Fiction Adventure Series
The second novel in the middle-grade series takes readers to an unknown world for a journey of discovery and danger.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY, DATE TK, 2024—Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books is pleased to announce the publication of Infinity Blast and the Planet of Mystery, the second novel in the successful middle-grade science-fiction adventure series written by Bradley W. Wright. Published on March 12, 2024, with eye-catching cover artwork by Daniel J. O’Brien, the book reintroduces readers to young heroes Infinity, his sister Twilight, his best friend Gabe, and their new pal Lily, and sends them on a cosmic journey of growth, discovery, and peril.
Having saved the universe from the Space Weapon of Doom in their first adventure, the kids are now students at the new Space Academy in the wilds of Oregon. There, they befriend alien students from across the galaxies and learn the basics of space exploration and space combat. But someone—or something—seems to be out to get them. When the gang, along with Infinity’s arch-nemesis Tess, crash-lands on a mysterious planet, they must figure out who is behind all their mishaps—or they might never get home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bradley W. Wright lives in Culver City, CA with his wife, his son (the original inspiration for Infinity Blast who—like Infinity and Twilight—is of mixed ethnic heritage), and JiJi the very sleepy calico cat. Brad manages the technology department and teaches robotics, programming, and design at a preK-8th grade school in Los Angeles. He would totally steal a space shuttle and blast into space if given the chance.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Daniel J. O’Brien is a Trinidadian-born author and illustrator currently residing in New York with his fantastic partner, Ashleigh, and his loyal but nervous dog, Obbie. He holds a BFA in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts. With that and his love of everything folklore, nature, and science, he is continually fueling his passion for illustration. He uses his honed ability to bring forth exuberant and whimsical illustrations full of life and vibrant color.
Wright said that continuing the story of Infinity Blast and his friends has been a rewarding experience, one that has enabled him to deepen the characters and further explore their universe. “I feel like they all grew a lot over the course of Book 1,” he said. “Picking up from there and seeing how they would deal with being away from home in a new, sometimes stressful environment was an interesting challenge. I got to show them navigating a new school and meeting classmates from all over the galaxy with different cultural norms, assumptions, and, most importantly, weird food.”
Wright also noted that for the second book, he aimed for a more complex approach. “Book 1 was a very straightforward hero's journey plot,” he said. “This time, I added a mystery element with clues scattered throughout and a big reveal at the end which I hope will come as a surprise.” But overall, the author said, the book is about learning to work as a team to solve a problem. “Each character has to overcome things and grow emotionally to succeed,” he explained. “They have to trust, forgive, lead and let others lead, and endure hardship. I hope readers will take away a feeling of grand possibility in their own lives that can come from being open to challenge and change.”
The third book in the series, Infinity Blast and the Labyrinth of Time, will be published in 2025.
ABOUT REYCRAFT BOOKS: Reycraft Books partners with award-winning and up-and-coming authors and illustrators, primarily from underrepresented communities, to provide high-quality books that delight, inform, and honor the voice and vision of all children. Founded in 2019, the imprint publishes authentic stories—engaging picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, graphic novels, and more—that build knowledge, perspective, and connection, meeting the diverse needs of children, families, and educators.