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The Broken Wheel
"It was a cruel invention, this wheel. A wheel that forced submission from those beneath it..."
Young Katherine, born into noble wealth with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, surpasses even her tutors when it comes to learning. But her learning counts for nothing when she meets the only man worthy of her - her heavenly Bridegroom. Trading worldly knowledge for eternal wisdom, Katherine challenges even the emperor himself - and he prepares a cruel invention to break her. Meet this great bride of Christ in the second graphic novel in the Among the Saints series - written to inspire both children and adults.
Young Katherine, born into noble wealth with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, surpasses even her tutors when it comes to learning. But her learning counts for nothing when she meets the only man worthy of her - her heavenly Bridegroom. Trading worldly knowledge for eternal wisdom, Katherine challenges even the emperor himself - and he prepares a cruel invention to break her. Meet this great bride of Christ in the second graphic novel in the Among the Saints series - written to inspire both children and adults.
104 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2020
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 24, 2025
The Broken Wheel tells the story of St Catherine of Alexandria, who at 18 out-reasoned 50 philosophers before her martyrdom. I loved Wilson's rendition of her story, especially how he pictured the presence of St Michael and St Catherine's (spelled with a K in the story--but I have always known her with a C) conversion. What would have made this *perfect* is having some of the debate actually on the page, not just "they debated, she won" (not a direct quotation, but a summary of a few mostly blank pages). Just a few lines of dialogue, a couple questions and answers! Besides that, this is a really splendid depiction of her story for young adult readers.
Content warnings: some violence is depicted, but mostly obliquely.
Content warnings: some violence is depicted, but mostly obliquely.
January 25, 2022
Among the Saints series is a dear one to my heart. Everything about it shows that we truly are among the saints and they are all around us. The book is beautiful, relatable, inspiring, grounding, and simply amazing. Looking forward to many more.
November 13, 2020
This is one of those books that makes me want to buy a copy for tons of kids. I would have loved this back then as I do now.
May 15, 2021
YES! Second in Among the Saints series...
December 11, 2020
This book is an Orthodox graphic novel. Yes, you read that right.... a graphic novel for Orthodox youth and it is BEAUTIFUL. The artwork leaps off the page with vibrant colors, expressive characters, and page-turning drama. I found myself engrossed in Katherine's story, as I watched her come to know the faith at age thirteen and then valiantly defend that faith at the age of 16. This novel covers so many important moments of the life of St. Katherine in a way that is appealing and enthralling for young readers. Her martyrdom is beautifully handled in the novel as a moment of triumphant and peaceful resolve with the Archangel Michael by Katherine's side. As much as I loved reading this book as an adult, this book would have been so meaningful for me as an Orthodox teen, especially a female Orthodox teen. St. Katherine exemplifies all the qualities we strive to achieve with her unshakeable faith, unyielding strength, and ever-flowing grace. Her young age and the artistry of the author, Gabriel Wilson, in bringing her story to life in a relatable format for Orthodox youth is strikingly effective. This is a "must-have" for every Orthodox teen! I had planned on gifting my copy but I love it so much, I am going to keep a copy for myself and buy another to gift!
December 27, 2020
I was not sure Gabriel Wilson was going to be able to pull it off again — to write a story that keeps one hooked through the whole thing, to bring tears to one’s heart and eyes, and bolsters greater resolve to serve Christ our King — but he has. This story is a bit slower and more mature than The Cross and the Stag, being concerned with devotion through virginity, betrothal, and instruments of torture, but it still treat everything very respectfully and is appropriate for older children to adults. What is so especially encouraging is the subtleness of emotion and joy seen in the illustrations, the movement one can see in the characters as they turn to repentance, and the simple, direct, and beautiful text of the thoughts, speeches, and descriptions in the story. One can feel, see, and hear the events as they unfold. Greatest of all, is that one perceives a connection to the Saint depicted and to the God we all serve, and by the courage and peace seen therein, we are strengthened to worship the One Lord until the end of our days and no matter what may befall us. Glory to God and St Catherine, pray for us!
February 19, 2023
My kids loved this book! St. Katherine is on the iconostasis at our church, so it was especially great for my kids to be able to connect to her story through this book.
Gabriel Wilson’s illustrations are outstanding, as is the way he tells St. Katherine’s story. As a mother looking for role models for my daughters, I was especially pleased with a depiction of feminine strength that is realistic and true. Modern media tells girls they can be superheroes and fight like men. This is just not true. This book gives my daughters a depiction of fortitude and grit that they can admire and aspire to.
The lessons in St. Katherine’s story about pride are also excellent. Her path to God is as relevant today as it was when she lived in ancient times.
Orthodox or not, this is a great book for adults and kids alike.
Gabriel Wilson’s illustrations are outstanding, as is the way he tells St. Katherine’s story. As a mother looking for role models for my daughters, I was especially pleased with a depiction of feminine strength that is realistic and true. Modern media tells girls they can be superheroes and fight like men. This is just not true. This book gives my daughters a depiction of fortitude and grit that they can admire and aspire to.
The lessons in St. Katherine’s story about pride are also excellent. Her path to God is as relevant today as it was when she lived in ancient times.
Orthodox or not, this is a great book for adults and kids alike.
January 12, 2021
The Broken Wheel is the very engaging story of Saint Katherine who is celebrated in the Orthodox Church on November 24th. It is beautifully illustrated and brings to life the intense and inspiring story of this female saint. I teach grades 1-3 in my church’s Sunday school and because it is a comic strip format the story was easily shared with my students. I also have daughters that are 12 and 16 years old who also found the storytelling to be appealing even with their varied ages. I highly recommend this book for any reader who is curious about the life of this well-known saint.
May 3, 2021
Amazing graphic novel for young readers! I felt so inclined to research the life of St. Katherine after reading this book. The graphics are gorgeous, the story is amazing and accurate, the emotions are captured beautifully. If I had to split hairs, I would say there were two things I would have liked to see changed: St. Katherine dressing a little bit more modestly after her conversion to Christianity, and the omission of the [very few] violent scenes.
January 14, 2022
Epic! Captures St. Katherine’s faith, wisdom, and bravery with gripping illustrations. It truly makes her story come alive in a new way and stick even more deeply in my head and heart. Would easily give to any teen, but also found it moving and captivating as an adult. I wish everyone could have an incredible graphic novel of their patron saint…but, if not, I’m selfishly grateful to have one of mine!
January 5, 2021
I highly recommend for age 8+. Gabriel Wilson has done a remarkable job making seemingly saints and martyrs easily relatable for children. His graphic novels are an excellent introduction to hagiography. My 9 year old could not put it down!
January 24, 2021
Kids will love the comic like story of Saint Katherine. Nice drawings and flow of the story.
Wish there was more details about the conversation between the saint and the wise men that worshiped idols.
Wish there was more details about the conversation between the saint and the wise men that worshiped idols.
March 19, 2021
This is another wonderful graphic novel by Gabriel Wilson telling the story of Saint Katherine who defied an emperor, converted hundreds with her divinely inspired rhetoric, and died an early Christian martyr. This book is recommended for older elementary children through adults.
November 24, 2020
Beautiful and inspiring!
December 7, 2020
This book was awesome! I loved the illustrations, and I enoyed seeing the author's interetation of St. Catherine's story. I got it and read it for my name day, best name day gift ever!
February 1, 2021
Loved it! The comic style is so cool and I really loved learning about the story of St. Katherine and there were many important themes that were presented really well.
April 23, 2021
I thought her courage and faith are so strong and it's amazing
December 25, 2021
Beautifully told and illustrated this is a wonderful story of a courageous young woman!
January 20, 2023
Loved this comic book! Never have Saint stories been so captivating for me as with the “Among the Saints” series!
September 4, 2023
I am struck by this comic book. Wonderfully illustrated and the story of St Katherine is amazing. Great work and spiritually enriching read.
September 30, 2023
Fun comic themed book of the life and martydom of St. Katherine. The kids really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the other 2 in the series.
January 11, 2026
Even though I am not Orthodox, I find the lives of the saints interesting and inspiring.
June 12, 2023
I read this only because I had nothing to do at work and it was what was nearby that I could finish before leaving, & while it's not super bad or anything, it felt like an example of the value of good art being overridden by the need to emphasize religion, when the two are not fundamentally in contrast
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews