The author said this duology was heavily inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist, and I think that’s a pretty accurate pitch! It had a subtle gritty edge but was very lighthearted at times.

I think my biggest issue with the duology as a whole was that the romance (or at least the dynamic between the couple) was a fairly central plot line but felt very lackluster. Regardless, I was invested enough in the plot that I wanted to continue reading to see how things would resolve.

CWs for graphic violence, blood/gore, death, classism, sexism, grief/loss, prejudice, and more

Story: 3/5
Audiobook: 5/5 (narrated by Natalie Naudus)
Length: 11h12min