Live In Infamy is a science fiction look into a well-developed historical world where the Allied powers won WWII. The book tackles difficult subjects well, including racism and inequality in the United States, and Nazi-Japanese eugenic beliefs. It bases its world on historical ideas on Japan and features a page-turning spy story where the main character, Ren Cabot, tries his best to take down the Japanese Empire, in a plotline very similar to A New Hope. Having to go in his father’s place, he helps initiate a plot to capture the head princess and maybe have the chance to see his mother again.
There are several twists and turns, and lots of brutal and grisly deaths from either side. Part of science fiction includes the introduction of genetically modified people that the Japanese created through eugenics that have powers, such as face-melting, verbal enchantment, and lightning powers. While it detracts from the realism of a situation, I found that it was a fun addition that made it more approachable for teens who are used to books like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. This book is a must-read for history buffs who like science fiction and magic: a strong and fun book that any nerd would get a kick out of.