nova_selachii 's review for:

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

5.0

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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the back and forth perspectives by the two main characters is well-done and distinctive, portraying an enemies-to-friends(+) that is only half antagonistic to begin with. the random assortment of orphans led by Eris seems a bit overkill on the zany wunderkid trope but it's believable that a few come across as two-dimensional from her narration as a defense mechanism and from Sona's as a newcomer. thrilling heroics against terrible odds, gruff sweethearts, and complex villain/protagonist dynamics! sword fighting? emotional damage, and I'm not just talking about that cliffhanger ending. good thing the next book is already published

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury

Minor: Animal death, Vomit, Abandonment

religious indoctrination, brainwashing