RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 4⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️

Thank you for allowing me to receive this book to review!

Oh man, it was great. The characters, the setting, the plot? Everything I wanted and needed right now.
The timeliness of this story as I read it in 2025, is scary, to say the least.

The way that ML Wang tackles racism, classism, sexism, and colonialism is spectacular. The magic system is unique and honestly one of my favorites that I have read in ages.

Some of my favorite quotes are in Sciona's conversation with Thomil regarding intent or lack thereof. The age-old question of ethical dilemma. Are you a better person because your intentions are just but the outcomes bring tragedy vs, you're a selfish person only out for self but in those decisions and actions there is a ripple effect that brings goodness to others.

This is the first ML Wang read for me, however certainly not my last. The writing style is very impactful and kept me turning page after page.

There is a lot to unpack in Blood Over Bright Haven. Themes range from sexism, racism, consumption, government transparency and more.

Sciona is a strong and intelligent main character. She’s intuitive and very open minded given the constraints of her culture and the criticism from those around her. Thomil is equally interesting matching Sciona in his inquisitiveness and intelligence. His patience is a great grounding element for the ambitious and driven Sciona. Faced with the realities of the political system, origins of magic, and the costs, the two struggle through conflict and adversity in the name of truth and hope.

The story is gritty, violent, up front and does not hold back. There is a lot of conflict and social issues that permeate the story from beginning to end. While the ending is bloody and sad, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of hope. Overall, a great read. It moves very fast for the length. The story is solid, the world building is really well done, and the magic system is unique. The characters are well developed and thought out. I loved the growth they experienced through the plot and their interactions with each other. They felt real and plausible. I also love that this is currently a standalone book. There is a sense of closure at the end of the book.

I highly recommend Blood Over Bright Haven who like books with social commentary with elements of hope and redemption.

A fascinating commentary on consumption and our role in that. What are our “necessities” costing our planet and humanity. At times it was a little heavy handed but unfortunately I do think that at this point in the world, such representations may need to be more blatant as opposed to veiled allegory. Not entirely what I expected out of the novel but thought provoking nonetheless.

Blood Over Bright Haven is a bold, brutal, and breathtakingly smart novel that blends dark academia with high fantasy in a way that feels wholly original. M.L. Wang crafts a world that’s as intellectually rich as it is emotionally devastating, filled with sharp magic systems, morally gray characters, and searing critiques of power and privilege. From the first page, the prose demands attention—lush, unflinching, and laced with a quiet fury that builds into something explosive. This is a book that doesn’t pull its punches, and it’s all the more compelling for it.

At the heart of the novel is a protagonist who is both deeply flawed and deeply fascinating—driven by ambition, shaped by trauma, and constantly pushing against a system built to consume her. Wang weaves complex philosophical questions into the narrative without ever losing narrative momentum, and the result is a story that feels as much like an emotional reckoning as it does a political one. The tension is masterfully paced, and when the story hits, it hits—with scenes that are as viscerally painful as they are beautifully written.

If there’s one minor caveat, it’s that the intellectual density might overwhelm readers looking for a lighter fantasy read—but for those willing to sink into its depths, the payoff is immense. Blood Over Bright Haven is ambitious in the best sense of the word: a fierce, intelligent, and emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. Wang has crafted something extraordinary here—dark, dazzling, and impossible to forget.

As a long-time fantasy reader and someone who lives for stories that center women and explore injustice with nuance, Blood Over Bright Haven left a lasting mark. Sciona’s arc—flawed, fierce, and deeply human—felt earned. The magic system was brilliant, and the rep? Refreshing and real. I didn’t need romance to be invested; the tension, the pain, the hope—it was all there. M.L. Wang made me feel. Again.

I have to admit that I was less than impressed with this book. The magic system was cool, but the rest of the book left a lot to be desired.

The "big twist" was so obvious that I figured it out in the first chapter and struggled to believe that, in a society filled people who study magic on a daily basis, only the tiniest handful of their "elite" actually ever figure out the "big secret."

The handling of the sexism theme was so ham-fisted that it felt like the author was going down a checklist of "all the sexist things that men can say to women" and trying to cram every item into every single conservation.

One of the villains basically turned into a mustache-twirling cartoon character two-thirds of the way through the story, and he sexually assaults the protagonist completely out of the blue in the third act, an event that the book tries to make sense of by literally back-filling information after the fact.

The plot has some strange pacing and development issues. There are lulls where there shouldn't be, and the plot progresses unevenly. And while the climax is kind of satisfying in the way that it deals with the antagonists, I don't like how open-ended the conclusion is. I felt that it could've been way more definitive than that, given the setup for the climax.

I wish I had liked this book a lot more than I did, because I know that people really love this author's other novel, The Sword of Kaigen. But this book just didn't land well with me. Lots of cool concepts, but the execution could've been a lot better.

I was surprised and delighted by this novel. A wonderful dark academia novel with high stakes, terrific characters, and amazing world building. How the elements all come together in the end is phenomenal. I loved the way spells were cast. The two leads crackle with energy and so does their connection. A must read for any fantasy lover. One of the best books I've read this year.

Story: 5 ⭐

It's been a while since I've been stunned to silence over a book. This wasn't even my typical genre of books. but, man it really left a mark.

This is a steampunk/gas lamp fantasy (I don' t even know if they can be put together but that's how I would describe it) And is based in a world where a county's foundation is a religion made 300+ years ago. You have all the hard topics within this story. Classism, misogyny, and even racism.

Sciona a woman, who obsessively worked to become the first women in the Magistrate. Basically, the group of intellectuals who run this county of their religion and magic. She gets paired with an unexpected partner.

The magic system is so unique. I would call it an industrial magic system.

You get to watch as all these truths come to light and who/how Sciona responds to them. It's heartbreakingly hopeful. Be prepared for tears.

It took me a few attempts to get into Blood Over Bright Haven with the hefty scientific world-building but once I was hooked, it did not disappoint.
The patriarchy and racism at the heart of Tiran felt heavy-handed at times but still relevant to today. An interesting blend of magic, technology, and religion that could be hard to follow but made the reveal gripping. Still thinking about the ending weeks later.

the city of Tiran, an industrial utopia powered by magic. However, beneath its gleaming surface lies a grim cost, as the collectors come calling to claim their dues. The story follows Sciona, an orphan who has spent two decades striving to become the first woman admitted to the prestigious High Magistry. Her relentless pursuit of magic finally earns her the title of highmage, but her journey is far from over. In a world where her colleagues are determined to undermine her, Sciona is unexpectedly paired with a janitor as her assistant. Yet, this seemingly inconsequential assistant, Thomil, harbors secrets of his own. A former nomadic hunter, Thomil's past is entwined with the mysteries of Tiran's magical barrier. Together, Sciona and Thomil must navigate their tumultuous alliance to uncover an ancient secret that could alter the fabric of magic itself.

Reading "Blood Over Bright Haven" was an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience. The narrative's exploration of power dynamics and the societal structures that enforce them resonated deeply, especially in today's political climate. M.L. Wang masterfully weaves a compelling story filled with impactful, powerful, and at times, painful moments. The book's commentary on social class and racial stereotyping is both timely and timeless, highlighting how these constructs are used to "other" individuals. Sciona's journey raises profound questions about the lengths one might go to reclaim power unjustly denied. This book is not only a gripping fantasy tale but also a profound critique of societal norms, making it worthy of academic discussion. I believe "Blood Over Bright Haven" should be taught in schools, as it provides both an engaging story and insightful commentary on human nature and society.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Blood Over Bright Haven" by M.L. Wang is a dark academia fantasy novel that delves into themes of ambition, morality, and societal structures. The story follows Sciona Freynan, a determined and skilled mage striving to become the first female highmage in a male-dominated society. Her journey is marked by challenges that test her resolve and ethical boundaries.
Wang's writing is captivating, immersing readers in a richly developed world with a unique magic system that mirrors coding or formula writing. The narrative is intense and thought-provoking, exploring complex moral dilemmas and the pursuit of knowledge at all costs. The character development is particularly noteworthy, with Sciona portrayed as a multifaceted protagonist whose growth is both compelling and realistic.
However, some readers may find the heavy emphasis on themes such as gender injustice, social status, and faith to be overwhelming. The dark and sometimes brutal nature of the story might not appeal to those seeking a light or escapist read. Additionally, the intricate magic system, while innovative, may be challenging to grasp initially.
In summary, "Blood Over Bright Haven" is a powerful and engaging novel that offers a deep exploration of societal issues through the lens of fantasy. While it may not be suitable for all readers due to its dark themes and complex narrative, those interested in thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories will find it a rewarding experience.

I loved everything about this book.
The science, the religion, the message. Everything was great
Easily one of my top reads of the year

I'm still awake struck and trying to process that ending.
I'm emotionally wrecked

I had been waiting for this book for months! I was so excited when I had the chance to read this! Such a heroine and the background story building was incredible! I was so enraptured in the story! It’s a mix of fantasy, gothic fantasy but also action! I really can’t help recommending this book! So worth every page!

I loved EVERY PAGE of this book. The world-building was detailed but never overwhelming, and the characters were simply fantastic. The magic system, clearly inspired by programming, made everything feel so real, almost as if I could truly grasp how it worked. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you’ve finished it and makes you question everything. I haven’t felt this way about a book since The Handmaid's Tale. It’s truly a masterpiece.

This is my second M.L Wang book and it most definitely won’t be my last.

This is the most unique magic system I’ve ever read. The world building and plot is beautifully done.

The characters growth and the hard topics such as misogyny and oppression were laid out in a way that was easy to digest.

I really loved this story and would definitely would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.


Number one: GORGEOUS COVER!!!! They always tell you not to judge a book by it's cover but ummmm hello?! The cover sets the tone accurately for this book: the writing style is rich, the characters are well-written, and the fact that it's in a dark academia setting is just the cherry on top for me. I can't wait to read more by this author!

This book wasn't for me. I was very interested in the world and magic, but found the characters lacking. I also couldn't be bothered to continue on reading because of the misogyny taking place. I found it was a bit to heavy handed for my taste. I think the author is a good writer and can build fantastic worlds, but her characters were lacking.

This book had so many elements of different genres I love. Magic, fantasy, academia, a little romance…a little class/dystopian struggle thrown in as well.

I honestly didn’t love the ending…it both was and wasn’t what I saw coming and kind of felt a little rushed and abrupt to me, but I loved the rest of the story

This is one of those books that I need to be in the right mindset to read. It took me a long time to finish this book. I did think it was written well! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. But for some reason, this wasn’t one I was running home to finish.

Thank you NetGalley, M.L. Wang and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC!

Rating: ✨✨

#BloodOverBrightHaven #NetGalley

As much as I wanted to love this book, while it was beautifully written I had a hard time staying interested. I really did appreciate the themes and character development, but the long chapters and slow build took me out of the story. I’ve heard incredible things about this author so I will absolutely be checking out her other works! I just don’t think this book was for me.