Has anyone seen my words?

I can’t seem to find the right ones necessary to express my feelings about BLOOD OVER BRIGHT HAVEN.

I was blown away by the storytelling, the way the plot builds into something that almost leaps off the pages, the character development, and the emotions it all elicits. I loved how deeply layered this story is, the depth, and the magnitude.

I want to talk about all the things, but all the things are spoilers. So, where words fail, throw all the stars.

*I received a free eARC from Del Rey, via NetGalley. But I also pre-ordered the hardcover for my shelf. I alternated reading between the two.*

I LOVED this book. The story of a woman fighting for her dream in a male dominated world and discovering that her dream wasn't quiet what it seemed while developing a connection with a similarly marginalized group was very compelling and I poured over this book till the very last page. There are a few things that I wish could have been explored further such as the MC's family dynamics as well as more about life outside of the city. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I really enjoyed the world building in this stand alone, dark fantasy. M. L. Wang keeps readers engaged with this engaging and interesting story.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own. In full transparency, I had previously purchased the kindle version prior to this book being acquired by Del Rey and republished, but I hadn't read it yet.

This was fantastic. I had heard great things from the book community about how awesome ML Wang was, and I'm so glad I finally got to experience it for myself. This follows Sciona, a talented mage, where women are not permitted to rise past certain stations. Her mentor sees her abilities and has petitioned the council to allow her to become the first female highmage. Her acceptance as highmage is not well received, despite her talent, but she is determined to show her peers and elders what she can do. Saddled with an inferior assistant on her first day, she begins working on a revolutionary spell that expand magic use and cement her place as a mage.

Thomil is a janitor, and now Sciona's assistant. He is a refugee from land outside of the "barrier". His people have come to Tiran to escape the blight and are looked at as less than human. He is the last of his family and the last of his tribe. He has done what was needed to survive since crossing the barrier, but as he works with Sciona they uncover the secrets of the barriers and the cost of the magic.

This is really hard to review without spoiling. This was so engaging. It had wonderful world building and character development. Sciona was such a great character. She was stubborn and focused. When faced with information that was devastating or contrary to her expectations or beliefs, she raged then as any good scientist would she investigated and confronted that information. She learns and grows, and she has emotions not like a woman but like a human. I appreciated that she had sounding boards in her aunt and cousin and in Thomil. They didn't hesitate to call her out when she was being ridiculous. Thomil also has to learn and grow, but he has to hide his true nature to survive in a place that hates his existence. There is alot of great social commentary in this book and I thought it was really well done and balanced by the fantasy elements. We get a good explanation of how the magic system works, and I really thought it was very creative. We also get to understand how it effects those outside of the barrier and the moral implications of magic use. It was kind of brilliant on the author's part.

I appreciated that this is a standalone instead of a drawn out series. It is a bit on the long side but I never felt like the pace dragged. I was invested for the entirety of the book. I don't mind a long book when the pacing and plot keep me invested, which this did. I thought this book was incredibly well balanced, and I was always trying to find a moment to get back to it around life's other responsibilities. I absolutely loved this book!

And the winner for most traumatizing opening chapter I've read this year goes to... this book! No spoilers of course but oof this one tries to get waterworks out of people from the get-go.

Sciona and Thomil as protagonists are well rounded and realistic. There is no shying away from character's saying ugly and awful statements. In that way, Wang creates realistic depictions of people without the veneer of kindness that authors who want their characters to be liked often employ.

The setting here is my favorite style: a fusion of magic, technology, and high academia (hence this book's length).

Casual xenophobia, racism, and culture erasure are rife in the world of this book. Rhetoric that is beyond depressingly similar to that of our reality tossed around.

So make no mistake, this isn't a fun read but it is a necessary one nonetheless. I was blindsided by how horrific the structure of this world is- but of course no spoilers.

I can see why this book got so many raving reviews! The characters were unique and relatable, the story touched on relevant topics, and the magic system was unlike anything I've seen before.

Sciona grew up in a world of men telling her she couldn't, only to be welcomed into the highest ranks of mages. Thomil escaped the magic blight imposed on his homeland and squashed down all of himself to fit into the society around him and survive while being persecuted for something he had no say in. And together they made up the fiercest magic team that ultimately remade the world around them.

The world of Blood Over Bright Haven does something few authors have done: scienced magic in a way that gives the whole story a more real-world feel. Not to mention the sociopolitical foundations that feed the entire plot. From racial to gender to religious inequality there were so many criticisms on today's world that it shows just why reading is a political venture.

I will say that this book throws a lot of information your way very quickly that you might need to stop several times and digest everything the same way I did. The story as a whole was quite captivating. I loved the world-building and the brief hints of romance that we got to see between the main characters. I even loved the bittersweet ending that kept the characters true to themselves.

I will recommend this book with the warning that this book will make you think about the world around you in the big picture! So please go read it!

M.L. Wang’s Blood Over Bright Haven is an epic, character-driven fantasy that blends political intrigue, magic, and moral complexity in a way that feels both fresh and gripping. Set in a city teetering on the edge of revolution, the story follows two protagonists—a fiercely ambitious mage and a streetwise revolutionary—whose fates become dangerously intertwined. Wang’s world-building is stunningly intricate, with a society rich in culture and tension, and her prose is sharp and evocative, pulling you right into the heart of Bright Haven. The book doesn’t shy away from exploring tough questions about power, loyalty, and sacrifice, giving it a depth that lingers long after the final page. Though the pacing slows a bit in places, the compelling characters and high-stakes drama make it a must-read for fans of intelligent, emotionally charged fantasy.

This book is a captivating and immersive read that hooks you from the first page. The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and strong character development that makes the story come alive. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow the characters to grow. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, resonating long after the final page. Whether it's the emotional depth, the twists and turns of the plot, or the unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys rich, engaging stories. Highly recommended.

Note: This is a translated version of the original review posted in Spanish

Score: 4.8 Stars.
Blood Over Bright Haven is the best fantasy book I've read in 2024.
Yes, I've decided to start this review with the conclusion we'll reach at the end of this literary exercise. Now, let me explain why I liked this novel so much.

The first thing I want to highlight about the novel is the magic system. M.L. Wang has been inspired by coding to create the system that the characters will use to channel magic. Wizards must write prompts to craft their spells, which requires clear structure and planning. The more complicated the spell, the more complex the prompt, so wizards must know exactly what they want to achieve and must have a clear understanding of the things that must happen in the spell to achieve that goal. Magic is the center of the entire novel, and around it we will explore how the society of Tiran, the city in which the story will take place, works.

For example, everything in this world is created and works with magic, from the fabrics of clothing to technology, so wizards usually specialize in magic techniques to serve the society in which they live. Wizards have a certain prestige in the city of Tiran, and generally it is people who have a certain purchasing power or who belong to the accepted castes of society who have the opportunity to study and learn about magic. Archmages are the highest ranking mages, at the top of the social pyramid and practically celebrities. These are, in theory, the most powerful sorcerers or experts in each of their fields, so they are the ones who are constantly working for the continued development of the city of Tiran.

As you can see, the author dedicated a good amount of time to establishing the rules and policies by which this society operates. But in addition, she added the religious element to this city. Here we will meet two religions, which have slightly different visions of reality, and which will be in constant conflict. In fact, our main character, who I will tell you about soon, will have several very interesting religious conversations and discussions, which will force her to question her beliefs and want to look for answers beyond the dogmas she believes in.

Our protagonist is a lower-middle class girl named Sciona, who is skilled with magic and is specialized in mapping magic. The objective of this type of magic is to search for energy sources in the “other realm.” These energy sources are what will support Tiran's expansion and energy consumption. Sciona is the unacknowledged daughter of an important Tiran mage, who chose to ignore her existence since her mother died. She managed to study magic thanks to the help of an archmage who saw potential in her and decided to support her in the process, however, her path of learning has been hindered by her colleagues, who believe that women should not be doing magic, and therefore belittle the ability of our main character.
And if you thought that Sciona was already at the bottom of Tiran's social pyramid, you are wrong. There is a social group made up of outsiders who came to the city after surviving a dangerous journey. These are the Kwen, people who were born in villages outside Tiran, known as the wildlands, and who have been forced to flee and hide in the city due to theI think that all lands outside the boundaries of Tiran suffer from constant attacks by halos of light that end up destroying everything they touch.

Since they are at the bottom of the social pyramid of Tiran, the Kwen do not receive quality education, much less magical education. In fact, they usually work from a young age in horrible conditions and are considered primitive. During the book, Sciona will meet a Kwen named Thomil, who will be the trigger for everything we will read in this novel.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that, in addition to having a complete world building and a captivating plot, it also has a social, religious and political critique of our society. Sciona will have to face her beliefs and will have to look beyond them to know the truth about Tiran and the magic that surrounds it. She will also learn the true face of all those archmages whom she respected, and who served as inspiration for her future.
I was completely surprised by the end of the novel. It is certainly an unconventional ending, because although a “victory” is achieved, there will not be a single character or corner of Tiran that has not been affected by the events that occur in the final stretch of the book.

I have been pleasantly satisfied with this book, and now I am even more eager to read “The Sword of Kaigen”, a novel that I have been waiting to read since the pandemic times. I recommend this book to fantasy readers, especially those who have a little experience in the genre. In addition, readers who know about coding or programming will surely enjoy this read.

Unfortunately this author's writing style just isn't for me. I am not able to connect with her characters or the story. I know others love her though, so not an issue of quality!

Wow. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it. This book takes a hard look at themes of colonialism, power, racism, and oppression all within a vibrant fantasy world fueled by a unique magic system.

I think the fact that Sciona is such a flawed main character makes this story more compelling. She is simultaneously one of the oppressed and one of the oppressors. Sciona is forced to confront the fact that what she has revered for so long, the one thing she’s spent her life working towards, is actually a lie. She must then decide if she will look the other way like so many before her or if she’ll stand for what she knows to be right.

This book is perfect for fans of Babel or those that want to explore the intersection of colonialism, identity, and power.

A young mage becomes the first woman to enter into the halls of magical power in a city that runs on theocratic tradition, but her expected challenges of misogynistic colleagues and always being second guessed soon give way when she unwittingly uncovers a terrible secret. With the help of an unlikely assistant who hails from beyond the city, her values, dreams, and very future are soon thrown into doubt as she must decide how to deal with a world that is much crueler than she could have ever imagined.

This is a great entry into the dark academia genre of fantasy fiction, with an interesting magic system, strong characters, and a brutal twist that recontextualizes everything. Well worth a read, and a worthy addition to any collection.

This was a very solid read! The magical system was very unique, although maybe a bit confusing at the beginning.

I liked seeing how Sciona evolved as a person and I absolutely adored Thomil and Carra. I think the characterisation of Sciona was very accurate regarding the way that she had been raised. She was very aware of her discrimination as a woman, and fought hard against it, while at the same time she was incapable of seeing the racism that sustained Tiran.

I loved that this was a stand-alone because I am getting tired of trying to keep up with so many sagas. I have also seen so many people praising “The Sword Of Kaigen” by this same author, so I'll have to check it out (but next year tho).

If you love complex characters in worlds that are corrupt, or you just finished the Wicked part 1 movie this will be for you.

4.5/5 stars

This book is near perfection and my heart breaks every time I think about it (which is a lot). It follows two main characters, a Kwen "refugee" and the first-ever woman admitted to the High Magistry in Tiran. Let me tell you, the way this book started, I thought I was working out with my heart rate increasing so much. M.L. Wang sets a scene in which Tiran is a city of progress covered by a "bubble" or barrier that protects its people from the "Blight". I figured out soon enough the brutal nature of Blight and how Thomil came to be in Tiran, serving in the lowest working class and facing the cultural assimilation expected of the people who weren't born into the Tiranish system. Together, Thomil and Sciona team up unexpectedly and uncover an ancient secret that could violently change everything.

M.L Wang is now one of my go-to authors after this book. Surprisingly, this is the first book that I've read by Wang and I loved it. Let's be clear, if you are someone who "reads to read" and doesn't want politics to intersect with that...this book is NOT for you. This book and its setting are barbaric in the ways that our history has often mirrored. Wang covers uncomfortable topics around power systems in class, gender, religion, and between different peoples. The world-building was spectacular and the history and background knowledge immediately entrenched my emotions in the characters and setting. The only issue I had was the pacing, which was to be expected with the amount of information that M.L. Wang provides for readers. Prepare yourself for an ending that will shatter your reading reality - it left an ache in my heart that kickstarted a reading slump for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and M.L. Wang for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was....wow, I am truly speechless. I didn't think that ML Wang could ever match The Sword of Kaigen but my god she proves her dominance with this book. Not that Blood Over Bright Haven was better, but it was just as good and so drastically different that I can think of no better description than master, or dominant.

This book will destroy your heart, make you think, make you cry.....you'll experience a roller coaster of experiences and love every second of it. The way that she lays out the lore and the magic and science and conflicting beliefs and blends it all so perfectly....and the distinct but beautifully executed POVs? Get outta here! It's elegant in it's destruction and it will force you to confront and think about topics that make you uncomfortable but are all the more important because of it. It's timely, it's wonderful, it's painful, and it's critical that people realize that while this is a fantasy novel, it is very much based in reality.

Read this, and Sword of Kaigen - you'll hate and thank me later.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Blood Over Bright Haven.
I have struggled a little bit reading this book but not because it’s not good I just think it wasn’t for me. Overall it was a very well written story with interesting characters and not predictable storyline.
I definitely think a lot of people will enjoy reading this especially if you like dark academia, mystery and mages.

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group for the eBook ARC of Blood Over Bright Haven!

This was an easy 5-star read for me. If you are looking for a fantasy book with a little more depth and stakes than your average fantasy read, pick this up!

This was by far one of the best fantasy books I have read this year. M.L. Wang did a stellar job of weaving heavy topics like sexism, class, and colonialism into a book that I could not put down. From the very first chapter, I was invested in the characters, and intrigued by the magic system and world they operated in. I loved the way pieces of the puzzle slowly came together as I read. I found the reveals to be unpredictable and satisfying, which is not usually the case for me. Seeing Sciona develop as a character was simultaneously relatable, heart-wrenching, and a little frustrating (in a good way). I loved her dynamic with Thomil. The way they learned from each other on so many levels was really beautiful. The magic system was unlike any other I had encountered, making it stand out from any fantasy read I’ve experienced before. I don’t often finish a book with a feeling of awe at the way an author dreamed up a unique story and executed it so masterfully, but M.L. Wang left me with that feeling when I finished reading Blood Over Bright Haven. I’ve already purchased the book for my personal collection, recommended it to several friends and library patrons, and I’m certain I’ll be beginning a re-read soon.

I devoured this book in a day, so that should tell you what a great novel this is. ML Wang knocks it out of the park with the dark academia and magic system to hook you in, and then expands upon that with the themes of oppression, genocide, exploitation of environmental resources in the name of "progress", and systemic racism. One of the best fantasy novels I have read in a few years. I am moving up The Sword of Kaigen on my TBR because I need more ML Wang in my life sooner rather than later.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing- Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the eARC I received on NetGalley!
This was one of those books that I knew was going to be a new favorite within the first 25%. I bought a physical copy before I even finished the ARC.
A powerful book with a devastating but important message and surprising ending. The characters are lovable and the FMC has such powerful growth.
Feminine rage, political rebellion, redemption, with a bit of forbidden friendship and love. It gives the vibe of “Next time someone tells you ‘the government wouldn’t do that.’ Oh. Yes. They. Would.”
Highly recommend!!!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I have reviewed it on my Instagram highlights as well as storygraph, GoodReads, and Amazon.