A girl with the ability the forbidden ability to heal, to control, and know the body and control it with a single touch finds herself in over her head when she begins working for a wealthy family to heal their relative... who is the only witness to the murder of their father... and not to mention the strangely antagonistic boy who hides behind a fox masks that knows her secret. Nhika is what some would call a bloodcarver, someone who can alter human biology with just a touch... but what she truly is is a heartsoother, she heals. Yet her healing is illegal and so many people fear people gifted with her abilities. Yet when her latest client outs her and she is kidnapped by the city's criminal underbelly... she is sold to a wealthy girl who asks her to heal her uncle who was in an accident with her father... her father whom she believes was murdered. Nhika is foisted into a world of wealthy society with a complicated family that needs her to solve their murder mystery. It doesn't help that she has to keep her abilities as much of a secret as possible and somebody knows who and what she truly is, and he just happens to be the assistant to the family friend's doctor... and he also happens to be the boy in the fox masked that had initially tried to help her. Nhika can't make out what Kochin wants and what his goals are... he keeps trying to push her out yet he knows more than he is letting on about who she truly is. Nhika will have to find a way to save herself and solve the mystery... but once the killer is revealed... she might be in danger too. Romance, magic, and a murder mystery! This was a really fun world to get immersed in and I really enjoyed the magic system that the author created. This is the first book in a duology and I am so so excited to see where the next book goes ( especially with how this one ends). I always enjoy a fun murder mystery and I love the little bit of romance and the unique magic system that was put there.This is definitely a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a murder mystery with unique magic and an overall really good time!

<spoiler> Nhika and Kochin first met when he was in a fox mask and had tried to get the criminals chasing her off her trail but she was captured. Nhika and Kochin meet again and he keeps trying to warn her away but he fails, it is revealed that the family friend and the person who Kochin works for, Dr. Santo was the real killer who forced Kochin to kill Mimi and Andoin's dad. Dr. Santo found out that Kochin was also a heartsoother (not as strong as Nhika) and threatened to kill his family if he didn't do what he wanted. Kochin saved Hedon (mimi's uncle who was the witness in the accident). Nhika and Kochin work together to try and reveal Dr. Santo as the killer. Dr. Santo wanted Kochin and Nhika's abilities to resurrect his son. He shots both Kochin and Nhika and planned on harvesting Kochin's heart but Nhika stopped him. Kochin is mortally wounded and Nhika uses her abilities to save him, transferring her gift in him (she dies). Before she does they both have confessed their love together. Before facing Dr. Santo they had planned to return to Kochin's family together and find peace and family together. Dr. Santo is sentenced to life and Mimi and her family get justice. While visiting Nhika's grave Kochin decides that he is going to do everything in his powers to find a way to bring back Nhika. </spoiler>

*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

✨The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 0/5

This is a solid start to a new young adult fantasy series! This book definitely feels different than the typical books out there. The magic system (blood carving) is really interesting and different. I do wish the world was built a little more but since it’s YA I won’t let that lessen my rating.

This book follows Nhika, who is one of the last remaining blood carvers in the world. She has no family and struggling to survive. Her magic allows her to heal, or hurt, people by touch. Nhika takes a job to heal someone and ultimately is captured as blood carving is forbidden. Nhika gets wrapped up with some very wealthy people and this is where her bigger adventure begins. Nhika has to face her destiny, powers, and prejudice of the world she lives in order to save others and herself.

One of the strongest parts of this books is the healing. The healing is explained in detail which was a breath of fresh air. Typically when stories have a healer the person just heals miraculously and it’s not explored. This book takes you through the healing process and it was super interesting.

Also this book is extremely readable and has very engaging writing and great pacing. The issues I had which took me away from the story was the romance and reasons why.

The romance felt insta-lovey. I didn’t understand how/when feelings started and it just wasn’t very believable. Also I feel like Nhika didn’t have a reason to do the things she was doing. If I was in her place I would’ve ran but i guess it could probably be explained by her empathy.

All in all this was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

***ARC review***

Freedom, peace....

Nhika is lost in a world that only wants to use her. As the last of her family, her culture, her people, all she is trying is find a way to survive.

The beauty of finding a safe space in a world that has only harmed you is like nothing else. Vanessa Le touches on the beauty of finding those who understand you through shared cultural lines and practices. As someone who is often a singular person of my race in my community, I really related to yhe healing you can feel when sharing the love of traditions passed down to you. The connect between Nhika and Kochin is so sweet and genuine. I enjoyed reading the development of their relationship as they find trust, love, and safety in one other. Although, I do wish the development of the relationship was slowed down a bit to really show how much they come together after being jaded for so long.

The Last Bloodcarver also shows what grief can drive someone to do. It can either drive us inward, destroying everything else, or outward in acts of love and empathy.
It was a great narrative on love, loss, grief, and hope.

Overall. I thought this was a very enjoyable read. I would reccomend it to anyone who loves fast paced books.

Healing magic wasn’t something new, but healing magic with a solid anatomy base that looks cool & smart without making the reader confused? That was something else. And this book nailed it.

Nhika was a heartsooth, who might be the last ever to exist. Not only did she have to make a living alone in the middle of the city, she had to conceal her ability because people like her were believed to be dangerous. They even have another name for it: bloodcarver.

Long story short her healing gig went wrong, she was chased, treated as an animal, and auctioned to the highest bidder. She was taken by a famous family who hoped that she could heal a comatose person. And the next thing, she tangled up in a murder mystery.

Just after reading a few pages, there’s already detailed anatomy stuff going on and I immediately thought, wow this author really knows what she wrote. And she did!! I love the anatomy details. It made the opening scene already gripping. Also I’ve never read Vietnamese-inspired fantasy before so it was insightful and fresh.

I admired Nhika’s bold personality who seems to refuse to bend over anything even though literally she’s in the lowest hierarchy possible everywhere. Tho the romance wasn’t really my fav, like it felt too shallow? But anyway. Overall it’s good and I’ll be seated for the sequel!

This absolutely gripped me from the first chapter all the way through the epilogue in a way that YA books often don’t. It was fast-pasted, filled with action and emotion, unique and heartbreaking. Absolutely loved it.

The Last Bloodcarver follows Nhika, the child of refugees who fled their native land after colonizers took it over and began slaughtering their bloodcarvers, experimenting on them. Nhika is, as far as she knows, the last bloodcarver—heartsoother, her people call it—and must hide her gift lest she be killed or forced to use her gift to kill. She gets drawn into a mystery, learning more about not only her own heartsoothing but also of the mechanisms of the city she’s been barely surviving in, all the while figuring out who to trust (and who can trust her). As she gets closer to the truth, she gets further away from what meager safety she’s known.

I would categorize this as upper YA. it’s not inappropriate and doesn’t have spice, but it also doesn’t hold the reader’s hand through major plot developments. The worldbuilding tells you only what you need to know, and the characters are complex with more than one motivation. Pacing is fairly consistent and the prose is easy to read and not overly clunky. The anatomical descriptions, in particular, were enjoyable and unique. A top new release for me so far this year.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

Nhika has the ability to heal people with just her touch, one of the last of her kind. Haunted by her past when she didn't have enough heartsoothing ability to save her ailing mother, she hides who she is because her talent, called Bloodcarving by her society, is sought after by people who want to study the ability or use it for their own gains.

When Nhika is caught by the brutal Butchers, who a black marker sell everything for a price, she is bought by a wealthy family who wants her to use her ability to heal one of their workers, who is the only witness to their father's death. All Nhika wants to do is to earn enough money to support herself and start a new life, so she agrees. But she is soon caught up in a web of politics and deceit.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le, is an intriguing and well written tale. You really care about the main characters and hope that it will turn out well for them. I liked that she wove in the Signs of the Chinese Zodiac for the districts. It sounds like this is the first book of two - I can't wait to read what happens next!

I loved this book and am excited to but it for my high school library. The cover was really what grabbed me, so it will be prominently faced out when we get it! A great mystery, lush world-building, and a fascinating medical magic system sets this book apart from the rest, not to mention the Vietnamese inspiration and background.

Content Warning: death of animals, violence, death of parents, medical horror

I went into this book with no expectations and once I started reading, I could not stop. Nhika posses a gift to heal people, but with that same gift she could hurt and kill them as well. She is what is knowm as a bloodcarver and it’s generally a bad thing to be. But in her upbringing she was called a heartsooth, and someone who took pride in her abilities. Nhika finds herself alone now, and bought to help a family who is grieving the lost of their father who they think was murdered. They need Nhika’s help to confirm this though and she agrees, only to find herself in a dire situation.

I like Nhika even though she doesn’t seem like someone anyone can easily connect to. She’s not warm or kind, she’s had to survive on her own for years – she’s been alone. Nhika lost her whole family and she’s trying to stay alive in a heartless world who looks down upon bloodcarvers. I like that she isn’t polished and I especially love that her heart always wants to do the right thing, even when people don’t seem to deserve her help. I connected with her through her love of the family she has lost. I love her memories about her mother and her grandmother teaching her the craft of heartsoothing. It reminded me of my own grandmother and so my heart ached for Nhika even if she didn’t have time to dwell on her feelings about grief.

There is also a found family trope in this story although at times I felt not so happy about it because Nhika was on the outside looking in and at one point they didn’t trust her.

The world building is interesting because it mentions Theumas being a technocracy and yet they used rotary phones. I did read that this was Vienamese-inspired and the politics going on in the story shows that. The magic system is great because it blended science and magic! I love all the medical stuff and anatomy and everything about the healing craft that Nhika learned through her grandmother. Also this story is part murder mystery but I felt like it never really slowed down, which I appreciate it, since mysteries always move too slow for me. The story moves quickly and I liked the actions scenes we do get, even if the last one is a bit gory!

There is even an enemies to lovers romance happening with Nhika and Ven, a doctor’s assistant. For the most part of the book Nhika is trying to figure him out and what his motives are. But when more information in reveal it’s a big twist in the story and makes them see one another with different eyes. I didn’t mind the romance, for me I think it works – may seem to fast for some people but I totally get how Nhika was so lonely and finally she finds someone who she doesn’t have to hide from. I love them together and it made me tear up at the end because everything happening was unexpected and I just wanted the best for Nhika who really deserved some happiness in her life after everything has been taken away from her.

I didn’t even realize it’s a duology but I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!

My Thoughts:

There was so much to love about this book – the world-building, magic system with magic/science/healing, the romance, the murder mystery and a good plot twist. The ending was unexpected, especially with how intense it was and it left me heartbroken. I can’t wait for book two!

I really liked the premise of this book, and the magic system was so fascinating to me. Where the story lost me was in some of the characters. I felt that the romance was under baked, and I just wasn't convinced by their interactions that this relationship made sense--it felt very forced at times. I think that had the characters been a bit more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed this story a lot more. As it stands, I enjoyed this and I would like to read more in this world, but I found myself searching for depth that this story just lacked.

I want to first say that I loved the premise. And that cover just blew me away.

Overall, I think The Last Bloodcarver is promising. The magic system is fascinating and every time Heartsoothing came up, it's like a switch turned on for Le, and her writing became magical. I was disappointed at some of the character interactions--the romantic relationship between Nhika and Kochin felt forced, almost as though it wasn't the initial intention. I just feel like there wasn't enough in the novel to justify their romance. While I am absolutely begging for more stand-alone fantasy, I'm more interested in seeing better character development and more complex conflict.

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A review by you!
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
adventurous emotional fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75

First, what drew me to this book is it's cover. I'm weak when it comes to gorgeous cover 🥺👌❤️ Then, I fall in love with the story. I enjoy the first 50% of the book so much!!!! The premise is very intriguing. It told a story about a heartsooth, people who is able to heal or soothe the pain through the touch. What makes it interesting, the magic was combined with medical condition. We're talking about anatomy, nerve system, and tissues in our body. I found it uncanny and unique. I LOVE THE STORYTELLING SO MUCH🥺 Nikha, our main character, is believed that she's the last one of her kind. A lonewolf fighting grief and doing whatever she can to survive. The stakes went high when she was caught and someone offered her astronomical money to revive a comatose victim believed to be the last witness of the death of one of the most important public figure in the continent. She unfurled more than what she has ever expected.

As a debut, this book is well researched and neatly written. The character is strong and I can feel her, emphtize with her. However, none of the other characters elicit the same excitement. It's not that they're not solid, I just happened to not be able really connect with anyone aside from Nikha. The fact that this book is told from her pov might influence how I saw other characters.

Now, what happened with the rest 50%? It's still enjoyable. However, it rellied heavily on the romance which I'm not a fan of in this story. It's not insalove but it sure felt like one. The way Nikha suddenly a lovey dovey girl is so out of character. As she said it to herself "Rationality be damned". I can't feel the chemistry of the people falling in love here. Idk. I think it could be told in a better smoother way.

The ending left me speechless like really 🥺🥺🥺 now you're playing with my heart (figuratively). Before the end END, I think it could be better written at how they deal with the culprit.

It was less atmospheric from my liking. But it's a me problem. It can probably work for you 🫶🏽

Maps is always a + 😻

Overall, give this book a go. I finished it in only 2 days. It's page turning ❤️❤️❤️
If science fiction fantasy with the combination of traditionald and modern world building (a Bloodcarver practice in a automaton and robotic world), magic system dealing with medical condition is your time, pick up this book now.

Thank you so much for the arc netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing group for the unproofed advance reader copy. I had so much fun reading!!! 🧚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

The Last Bloodcarver is a vicious Vietnam-inspired YA fantasy that hooked me from the first page.

The Last Bloodcarver was a delightful treat! I loved the lush world-building, intriguing characters, and intricate magic system, with a beautiful pace and lovely prose. However, the story was predictable. I guessed the murderer and plot events quickly. Despite this, it was still so much fun!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!

Okay wow, I LOVED THIS.

The Last Bloodcarver gave me more steampunk mystery vibes than fantasy, and that's because the medical magic system built felt so realistic. Le's background in health and human biology really comes through in the sections where Nhika uses her heartsoothing abilities, and I love the way this book presents both magic and science as two parts of a whole when it comes to things we don't fully understand.

What stood out to me the most is the diasporic struggle that Nhika's story communicates with the reader. She has this incredible ability passed down to her through her family, but has used it selfishly to survive instead of how it was intended. This idea of legacy is further developed by a biracial character who I can't go into without spoiling a part of the book, but I deeply appreciated how this book tackled the subject of colonization, identity, and the search for belonging (especially if your people have been subjected to the violence of colonization).

This is a solid debut, and after that wild ending (AGGGHHHH I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!), I am eager to read whatever Vanessa Le writes in the future!

Why haven’t I hear more about this book? It’s a hit!

Short Synopsis:
Nhika is a bloodcarver. She has the gift and magic to change human biology and anatomy with just one touch. She is seen as a monster with a dangerous power. But when a wealthy family purchases her power to heal she gets involved trying to solve a murder.

My Thoughts:
I was fully engrossed in this novel. It was dark, but filled with magic, science, found family and romance. The worldbuilding was excellent and I loved a good slow burn romance. Nhika was such a strong, female MC.

If you’re a fan of Kylie Lee Baker books, than you need this one in your life.

I did the audio for this one and loved the narration. The ending was excellent and I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!

What You’ll Find in this Book:
🐺 Blend of science and magic
🐺 Found Family
🐺 Enemies to lovers romance
🐺 Dark YA fantasy
🐺 Murder Mystery

5 stars

This is a YA fantasy, but it reads like a mystery most of the time. It kept me reading on and wanting to see what happens. A few of the things I predicted, but I loved the diverse and interesting world. I really loved Nhika and her yearning to overcome everything. I was NOT prepared for that end and certainly have feelings about it. It seems the next book will have my least favorite trope, but I’m still going to have to pick it up to see how this stunning story ends.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an action packed book that reeled me in from the start. I really enjoyed this story because it was something unique that I haven't seen before. Although the mystery aspect was a little predictable, there were still moments that surprised me! I enjoyed reading about Nhika's character and some of the side characters as well. The only thing that felt off to me was the romance. The pacing of it was a little weird and I wanted more of it in the story. However, I cannot wait to read the next book.

Thank you Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for this ARC!

Nhika was such a fun character to follow. I enjoyed her inner ramblings and how she thought through things. That was much of the book but in this case it worked. It both drew you in to her character while also helping to solve the mystery. Good younger adult book.

DNF @ 30%.

Unfortunately I couldn't get into this one. I feel like a lot of it was the writing. It didn't hook me even with action at the beginning of the book. It kind of lost it's steam and started to slow. I also never got invested with the MC even though she had an interesting magic. The setting is very much a sci-fi/fantasy feel and sometimes sci-fi is hard for me to enjoy.

This highly anticipated book releases next month and it will definitely be a popular one.

Nhika, the main character, is a bloodcarver who is captured and sold to a wealthy family. The plans the family had for her was not what she expected and she is put into a murder investigation. All signs point to Ven Kochin, the assistant the murdered man’s good friend. Not only is Nhika trying to sold the murder, but she is also trying to stay alive.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Last Bloodcarver was such an unexpectedly original fantasy with skillful writing and pacing that drew me instantly into the story. Nhika, the sympathetic protagonist, is a bloodcarver who can alter human biology through her touch. In short, she can heal or kill at will and for that very reason, bloodcarvers are more often than not viewed as monsters. As such, she has lived much of her life in hiding and on her own. But when she is bought by a wealthy family to save the life of the only witness to their father's suspected murder, Nhika is swept up into a mystery and life she could never have imagined or dared to hope for. This story has a lot of what YA readers will enjoy including some of the typical tropes, a romance, and a major plot twist. But just as the premise was highly original, the ending is also just as unexpected!