Despite the unique setting, I never really got into either the characters or the plot. Both felt flat, somewhat forced, and lacking in depth and interest. In many ways, this is YA fantasy by the numbers: feisty lead heroine doing stupid things to prove she is 'strong' matched with emo love interest who has the emotional maturity of a 2 year old.

Story: Nhika's country was overrun and the cultural magic outlawed/wielders murdered. Now, in a new country, she fights to survive in the slums while hiding her ability to hearthsoothe - also called bloodcarving. When she breaks a personal rule and tries to heal someone with her magic, everything goes awry and she is imprisoned. But fate takes twisty turns and soon she will be thrust into high society, embroiled in a murder mystery that might just involve the mysterious medical assistant she finds attractive.

At its heart, this is a murder mystery as Nhika tries to solve a case involving the dead scion of a large automaton manufacturing empire. Although there are some steampunk type of elements in here, they are really just window dressing and thrown around in the background/never explored. There is the usual rationalization against magic vs technological innovation within a pseudo Viet Nam type of setting. It all sounds better than it actually read, however.

The characters are flat and not really helped by a narrator whose reading on the audio version was very wooden. Nhika does far too many "too stupid to live" actions while often being saved by deus ex machina situations. The love interest is the cliché rude smug emo boy - giving us no reason to really like him. Honestly, the romance in this is lifeless and very inexplicable; neither character's interest in the other realistic.

I think the big issue I had with the book is that the ideas and themes are very conflicted. E.g., everyone gets upset about a murder - and decide that murdering someone else is the answer. The heartsoothers are supposed to be life savers and in tune with nature but get their power from murdering animals, the bigger the better, to power their magic. It left a bad taste in my mouth and further disenfranchised me from the story.

I found that I just didn't like the characters and therefore lost interest in following the story. The murder mystery wasn't that compelling and everyone felt very immature or simplistic in their actions (there just wasn't a lot of depth). Compounding the issue was a very lifeless read from the narrator on the audio version, which I would not recommend. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

A YA fantasy set in a Vietnamese-inspired world, complete with blood magic and healing, secret identities, and a multi-layered murder mystery, this book was a fun read! I enjoyed the immersive nature of the world, and the evolution of Nhika’s relationships with characters like Kochin and Mimi. I do think there were a few lulls in the middle of the story that felt a bit repetitive, given that I was patiently waiting for Nhika’s healing journey for the Congmi family to begin while the story continued to focus on purely social politicking and historical context in the world. It’s all relevant to the overall plot, so I don’t take immense issue with it, but there were periods where I felt antsy about what was coming next.

Admittedly, some of the writing felt *very* YA, which in itself is not bad, but there was a good bit of telling and not showing that sometimes made it a bit hard to stay engaged, particularly given that I was listening to an audio version of the novel. That being said, the narrator did a great job with the story, and added life to the tale as it went on.

On the whole, this book was exciting to read and the ending set us up for a potential sequel that I would be even more interested in!!! What a cliffhanger, truly. This one gets 3.5⭐ from me, rounded to 3 on Goodreads.

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Picked this book up because 1) the cover interested me and 2) it had one of the most interesting plot lines I've heard in a very long time. Reminiscent of blood bending in Avatar the Last Airbender, Nhika is a bloodcarver. However, she can control basically every part of the human body, not just blood.

Nhika was a very interesting character who was a little bit too rude for my taste at the beginning, but I also understood why she acted that way. It would be awful to have watched your entire family die at one point or another at such a young age, let alone having to deal with all the people who are actively trying to kill her for something she was born into. So overall she's pretty badass, but I still had some minor irritation with her for the majority of the book.

Ven Kochin was such an annoying character and it literally made no sense to me why Nhika ever started to develop feelings for him. Their first meeting is kind, but everything after that is so rude that I didn't understand why she was still interested in him.

The other side characters are fine - none of them had enough personality (besides Mimi) for me to care about any of them too much.

Ultimately the story was fine but THE ENDING??? WHAT??? I mean, I feel like we all know what will/has to happen, but it was kind of silly for it to end where it did. You can pick this one up if you want to, but I don't feel like it's a necessity.

"Nhika is a bloodcarver, who can alter human biology with just a touch. But in her of Theumas, she is seen not as a healer, but as a monster. When Nhika is caught using her bloodcarving abilities during a sham medical appointment, she's captured by an underground seller and bidding on her begins. Lucky for Nhika, an aristocratic family purchases her to heal the last witness of their father’s murder. But as Nhika dives into the investigation and the company of Theumas' wealthiest district she is confronted with parallels to her own dark past. And when she meets a frustrating physician's aide, Ven Kochin, she’s forced to question the true intent behind this murder. When Nhika discovers that Kochin is not who he claims to be, and that there is an evil dwelling in Theumas that runs much deeper than the murder of one man, she must decide where her heart, and her allegiance, truly lie."

The premise of the story is intriguing and as a doctor myself, I love the idea and descriptions of bloodcarving. I find the mixture of science and artistry fascinating and so much fun to read. I think the cast of characters is fun, if not occasionally annoying (though I know that is probably intentional to highlight the class differences). I did find the story itself a bit predictable up until the very end. But man, that cliffhanger has me eagerly awaiting the next book. Our protagonist is easy to understand and root for. The setting of our story leaves some questions in the best way because it gives our story room to grow into the next book. The connections between characters are varied, enticing, and well thought out. All in all a very enjoyable sci-fi story.

I love a folklore inspired story! The struggles of racism and classism with a little mix of found family had me hooked. The magic system of heartsoothing/bloodcarving was very unique to me and I appreciated showing it in positive and negative lights. The differing opinions of those with be magic and without, and even differing for how those with it were raised was a refreshing eye opener. The themes of generational trauma and the grief and healing journey from that were depicted throughout and were thoughtful. Along with the idea of loneliness in that grief and how growth can set you free. There’s a lot of internalized pain from these things but allowing others in can help you through it. The world were set in has been fleshed out beautifully. I also loved the mix of classic traditional healing methods vs the influx of modern technology - there was a great juxtaposition of the two.

I really loved that book. The world, the magic system, the characters, I really loved it. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I loved the main character so much, she was such a baddass and I really fell for her. I was really surprised by the twists over and over again. It was just so good. I didn't know what to expect when I started the book and it kept surprising me in the best ways.
I cannot wait for the sequel.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. It took me a little while to get into the narration of this book, but I think the intended audience will find it enjoyable. VyVy Nguyen's voice is well suited to Nhika's character. I very much enjoyed the world building, learning about the tech and the lore and how they interact with one another, but unfortunately the plot felt pretty predictable to me for a good chunk of the story. I will say that the ending was enough of a surprise to keep me interested in the second book, and curious to see how the world will expand. I also hope we get to know side characters more in depth in the next book. While I liked the main character well enough I didn't always feel particularly connected to her, and the romance aspect was rather sudden to me, though somewhat understandable. I think Nhika's internal reflection does a good enough job of addressing her own feelings about the romance, Vanessa Le does a fantastic job of setting tone and creating atmosphere with descriptions of history, technological developments, and social structures within this world and I hope to get even more of these details in future titles.

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a great job and the pacing of the story was great. The story was amazing, the main female character had a lot of character development throughout the story. Honestly didn’t expect the culprit to be who it was. The ending really made me think about what I would do if I was in that situation. Would I be able to use a gift like that just good?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing to listen to the audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC Audio Copy!

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, though I an still confused and baffled by the ending. I did not see that coming at all. I have waited 3 days to post this review but I still don't know how I truly feel about this book but I do know that I will be thinking about it for a long time.

The Narrator did a wonderful job with this book and the world building was fantastic. There was a lot of depth to the characters and their flaws as well as their growth throughout the book. It also touches on classism and racism in a way that really helps you understand what it is like to be in the characters shoes, and I think it was done beautiful for a YA novel, where the point was made but it did not make the characters entire personality about their hardships either.

I really appreciate that the book was not solely written as a vehicle to the romance, but instead it was added as an enhancement to the story and represented the longing that is felt when you feel completely alone in the world. It made the love story believable, but also the story could have held up completely without it which is not common these days.

There were beautiful moments to the book but it was a lot darker than I expected in parts, definitely check out the trigger warnings.

I tried. I really tried, but this book was so weird and gross. Maybe I just didn't get it but this book definitely was not for me.

This is a solidly unique feeling fantasy with quite the cliffhanger.
I enjoyed the Vietnamese inspired aspects of this book, I always love seeing different cultures repented in a fantasy setting.
I'm glad to see this will be a duology because I'm not sire I could handle another cliffhanger this size.
Romance is not a big plot point for me usually but the romance in this went from compete ass for much of the book to almost insta-love? It was distracting. I would have rather had no romance sub-plot honestly.
I do look forward to where the next book leads.

4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5) Bloodcarvers are known to be ruthless monsters that can alter your body with just a touch. However, Nhika was taught as a child that bloodcarving (or blood-soothing as she was taught) is for healing and good.

After being arrested for using her magic, Nhika is taken to be sold to the highest bidder, a wealthy young woman buys her. The young woman and her brother are kind and are hoping she can help solve a murder mystery by healing a man who was at the scene. Nhika is given everything she’s never had in her simple life and her attachment to the family grows strong. Initially she is not able to help them but is given a library full of medical books for her to research in hopes to find a way.

Because the Congmis are kind and generous, she finds a contentment she hasn’t felt in years. This helps her study endlessly on the brain and the body systems that provide her with information she’s never known. But also opens her heart to friendships and relationships because these people accept her for who she is.

The classism is a large part of the story and it is portrayed well by showing the two extremes. It also shows the hearts of people, good or bad, regardless of that position.

The science Nhika was researching and how her mind is opened begins a rush of knowledge into her. Then something sinister arises and she’s caught between two choices. This revelation spurs the mystery into another direction while keeping the intrigue high. She has searched for belonging, acceptance and people to love her for who she is. Now she has very difficult decisions to make.

If you’re looking for a unique story filled with magic, strong spirit and found family, you will love this one!

AUDIO REVIEW: VyVy Nguyen was perfect for the voices of teens but also adults. She excelled in speed or intensity in all the right places to add that extra entertainment. My only complaint would be to add more Asian accent to the story but it did not deter my entertainment in any way.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC!

This was exactly what I wanted it to be, cream of the crop for YA that is still super enjoyable for adults. The magic system was fascinating, the story compelling, and the characters fascinating. Did I see the plot twist coming? Mostly, though not fully! The ending left my jaw on the floor...I did NOT see that part coming for sure. And the romance....it was beautiful in how it bloomed from rivals/enemies to respect and understanding, and eventually into love as more and more came to light.

This was an incredible book, especially for a debut. I really think everyone that enjoys fantasy and medical dramas would really enjoy this - it didn't read young but was still extremely accessible and easy to consume. It was beautifully written, the pacing was perfect, and my interest was captive the moment it started. You jump right into the action but never feel confused, and Le does an amazing job of showing, not telling, when explaining magic and worldbuilding.

Seriously, this is one of the best YA Fantasy books I've read in ages and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

This was a very different book for me. I love fantasy and appreciated this being quite different from traditional fantasy stories. The magic/abilities around Bloodcarving always had me laser focused. I did find the story would drag a bit but the characters were likeable so I didn't mind it too much.

Nhika has a rare magical healing gift... too bad if anyone finds out it would lead to disaster for her. Which is exactly what happens when one small kindness ends with her captured and being auctioned off. Her luck seemingly changes when she’s purchased by a young woman who promises her freedom in exchange for healing someone who may have witnessed a murder. Reluctantly she agrees to help and along the way she might feel a sense of belonging amongst her new friends. But she’s warned away repeatedly by her new nemesis a young physician’s assistant, who is not what he seems. When succeeding at her task puts her in a difficult position Nhika is forced to make hard choices.

It’s a story about loss, belonging, secrets and betrayal...

I absolutely loved this book and need the next one already because I need to know what happens next. Knowing it’s a duology I knew it would likely end on a cliffhanger but that of course only makes me want the 2nd book even more. I loved Nhika and the lore and culture around her ability was fascinating. And really I just can’t wait for more.

Summary: Nhika is a bloodcarver, which means she can alter human biology with just a touch, and she is seen as a monster in the city of Theumas. Nhika gets caught in one of her medical appointments and ultimately sold to a rich family desperately hoping to find their father's killer. As she investigates with the family, Nhika meets physician's aide, Ven Kochin, who is both alluring and infuriating. As Nhika unravels more clues, Kohin, who always seems to be trying to get Nhika to leave Theumas, isn't who he claims to be. Nhika is met with a choice to decide where her heart and trust will be put.

Dani’s Thoughts: I was absolutely blown away by this novel!! It was a dark YA Fantasy that reminded me a lot of The Scarlet Alchemist(which I also loved), when it alluded to necromancy and the other practices that Nhika would perform. It was interesting learning about this new world that was blending technology with traditional forms of healing, which Nhika had learned from her grandmother. I loved Nhika's fierceness and determination at the beginning of the book, which sometimes was seen as being cruel. However, as Nhika was accepted by the family who bought her as well as a growing friendship with Kochin, she learned that there could be other ways to survive that didn't end with tearing more of her kindness away. The twists and turns that this story took were very unexpected at times, and the ending... well you'll just have to see for yourself.

I was able to listen to the audio of this book by Macmillan Audio. VyVy Nguyen did a fantastic job with this story and it really brought it all to life for me. I did not want to stop listening and finished this one pretty quickly.

This was a really cool concept for a book. We love to see the healer who was forced to use their gifts to harm finally getting to reclaim their ability to use it for what it was meant to be used for. Now I will say as always being the morally grey atrocity I am that I would be absolutely diabolical with these powers so all of the feelings about using the gift to kill being wrong just were boring to me. I say if you got talents and are being threatened, use them. Can't use them if you're dead. Overall I liked the story and the interactions between characters. I guessed who the killer was very early on so that was a bit of a letdown but I still enjoyed myself as I read. Pre-warning: Book 1 is decidedly not HEA. I think it will be in book two judging how we left things, but go in expecting a pretty bleak ending. Honestly though because of the ending I am so looking forward to book two. I really liked where the author took the story at the end and I'll be fascinated to see how it all wraps up in the final book.

What I Liked:

- the setting: the society is so unique - I haven’t read a ton of technocratic societies.
- Nikha: Heart soothing is so cool. Nikha is a fully fleshed out character.
- Trin: I found Trin so interesting. I love the friendship that bloomed between Trin & Nikha
- Geopolitics: the writing touches on classism, othering, and the differing experiences amongst the diaspora.

What didn’t work for me:
- I didn’t love the narration
- the love story didn’t work for me, and at times took me out of the story
- the pacing felt off in some parts

Nhika is a bloodcarver, or a heartsoother depending on where you come from. Bloodcarvers are seen as monsters who torture and kill for fun. Nhika uses her bloodcarving abilities in medical appointments, where she pretends to use herbs and natural remedies to heal, but gets caught. She is sold to an aristocratic family to use her abilities to heal the last witness to their father's murder. As she gets deeper into the family's murder mystery, she meets Kochin, a physician's assistant who seems to be drawn to her. Is he a friend or just an ass?

Vanessa Le builds a fantastical world, full of lore, magic, and culture, while introducing us to a strong female protagonist. Le brings an original story to life while weaving a love of human anatomy and physiology into the magic of heartsoothing.

Readers will enjoy all the twists and turns of this murder-mystery fantasy full of magical healing and complex relationships. Thanks to Netgally for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

YA fantasy mystery inspired by Vietnamese culture with a dash of romance, sign me up. This was one of my most anticipated YA fantasies of the year and it did not disappoint.

Nhika is a bloodcarver who has hidden her secret behind the veil of being a healer her entire life for fear of persecution. When she is discovered, she is captured and sold to the highest bidder, but what could be a terrible situation quickly turns into a fascinating murder mystery when she finds herself with a family who just wants answers and justice.

I adored every single moment of this culturally rich tale. The magic was absolutely beautiful, and the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. The romance was sweet, but it was the only part of the book I felt was a bit take it or leave it.

I did not expect this book to break my heart the way that it did, and I don’t think that I will recover until I have the next book in this duology.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.