This took me a bit of time to get into and a while to finish, but overall I liked this!

The best way I can describe it: a very nuanced read, complex characters, reminiscent of a higher fantasy version of Babel in its overall tone. The pacing didn't necessarily have me hooked the entire time ( a lot of explanation and time developing the magic system), but it really picked up around the 50% mark.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the arc! :)

4.75 ⭐️

I have heard so many amazing things about M.L. Wang before going into this book. So I had high hopes. I’m so happy to report my hopes were exceeded with this book. The magic system in this world was one of the most unique I’ve read and I loved the heavy topics and themes it discussion. This book was written with excellent care and had me gripped from the start.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an early arc!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

3.5 stars

Content warnings: sexual harrassment, detailed attempted sexual assault, misogyny, racism

I am afraid that this book is simply not for me.

Good things first, I LOVE the magic system! The way it operates similarly to computer programming is so unique, and is something I have never come across before. I already know coding so it was easy enough to follow along, but I think the author explains it well enough for non-coders to understand. I also appreciate the handbook at the back of the book that explains all the different roles that mages have, although I wish I knew it was there before I started reading so I could refer to it. The world-building is pretty straightforward and easy to grasp, while leaving potential for more to be explored beyond the city the book is set in.

Where this falls off for me is the main character. I have seen reviews comparing this book to Babel by R. F. Kuang, and I definitely agree, if Babel was from the perspective of Letty. Sciona is a white feminist through and through, with her constant complaining about the patriarchy and misogyny, but only because it affects her, while not caring about her fellow women or non-white-coded characters. She does undergo a character arc, where she realises and learns that systemic racism is a thing, but it takes her FOREVER to get there. I suppose that might be a realistic portrayal, but it was beyond grating to read. I do appreciate the narrative about her having to work extra hard to prove herself academically, but I wish the author had chosen to focus on either that or Thomil's story. This book deals with themes of racism and misogyny, but I wish the book had chosen to only tackle one of them, because it fails to fully address or explore either. If you want a compelling narrative that explores colonisation and systemic racism in academia, that is NOT from the point of view of a white saviour, just stick to Babel.

The dialogue is also awful. Whenever Sciona is talking, she is either a) explaining to Thomil (or her cousin, or other assorted men) how the patriarchy is oppressing her (while ignoring the fact that she is his higher up who can literally have him executed, and also ignoring the fact that she doesn't care about empowering women either), b) arguing with Thomil about whether or not his people deserve human rights (like the human right to live) or c) in disbelief that people are racist. I do understand why she is that way; it is hard for white people to acknowledge racism, and harder still for white feminists to realise that the world does not revolve around them. However, I do not like it.

Speaking of Thomil, he deserved so much better. I wish this book had been completely from his perspective. While we do get a few chapters from his PoV, we really don't know what he's thinking for most of the book. He is so much more interesting than Sciona, with a much more compelling backstory. In that regard, I appreciate how fleshed out his character is. I wish there was no romance between Thomil and Sciona; they have zero chemistry, and the time spent on Sciona being surprised that Thomil isn't stinky like his race (🙄) could be better spent on like. Literally anything else.

To round out this compliment sandwich, here's two more things I liked!
1. The writing is accessible and engaging. I already sort of said this, but the author is really good at introducing world-building concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
2. The plot is well-paced and exciting. The way the conspiracy is gradually unravelled raises the stakes in a way that feels realistic and makes sense.

I do think this book could be appealing to a different reader. If you found Babel too wordy or slow, or, for white readers, if you want to read a book with a protagonist you can relate to while also supporting an author of colour, this book could be for you.

M. L. Wang does it again. That’s it. That’s the review. But in all seriousness, “Blood Over Bright Haven” is another superb standalone fantasy novel from Wang. This novel will have a permanent place in my dark academia library alongside the likes of “Ninth House,” “Babel,” “Ordinary Monsters,” and “The Secret History.” I loved the blend of the unique yet logical magic system with the powerful underlying message regarding racism and imperialism. In my opinion, the mark of a truly good book is how much it forces the reader to have long moments of introspection, and Wang does just that. As always, thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine/Del Ray for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Is someone a good person just because they believe they are? And does having good intentions make them good, even if their intentions yields no positive results? Or worse, yields catastrophic ones that harm others? How should one determine if there is goodness in a soul if one's actions has multiple consequences, both good and bad? This is something we're constantly prompted by Wang to reflect on throughout the story, and one that really stuck with me even as I sit here.

M.L. Wang has yet to cease to amaze me with her compelling characters, and the creativity and ingenuity in her storytelling. This masterpiece was worth letting Wang wrench my heart out once again, as she did with Sword of Kaigen.

An auto-buy author for me at this point, I look forward to M.L. Wang's future works and hopefully one of these days she'll leave my heart intact.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the e-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Blood Over Bright Haven
By M.L. Wang
Narrated by Moria Quirk
5 ⭐️

Once again, I am captivated by Wang’s writing. Even as I’ve finished, I’m still within its pages. There’s something magically powerful in the way Wang weaves their characters. There’s so much of modern humanity/society embedded in this story. It’s impossible not to reflect on how the flaws in Tiran are mirrored in the US/the patriarch/the “developed” world/and beyond. It’s impossible not think of what you would do in the many situations depicted where it’s easy and expected to continue the status quo. This is a powerful story about passion, dedication, admitting wrongs, and defying all you have ever known with everything you have.

The audiobook is masterful. I’m awed and am a serious fan of Quirk following this read. I cannot recommend this book and audiobook enough. It is a top read of 2024 for me.

I was provided an eARC from Penguin Random House and M. L. Wang via NetGalley. Thank you! I have also purchased personal copies.

I didn’t know what to expect going into the story, except that a lot of my fellow friends found it very emotional. The story involves magic, privilege, sexism and ultimately dictatorship. Both of which the main characters must struggle with. There’s no romance to speak of, but an undertone of what could be if times are different for the main characters. Sciona is the first female high mage, and experiences a lot hatred because of that. And Thomil, whose journey has not been easy. And you’ll learn why from chapter 1. I found the magic system in this book very unique, but pretty to understand. The author took a lot of time to think through all of the small details.

I have been waiting for this book to come out for like a hundred years. This was a fantastic stand alone fantasy novel. This was definitely one of the best fantasy books I've ever read, and absolutely one of the best standalone fantasy books ever. Such great world, descriptions and characters--with ultra compelling plot ideas and pacing. Everything about this was great. The magic system in this was fantastic, the dark academia notes, the themes and messaging woven in, everything was jsut *chef's kiss*. I am floored, and I cannot wait for more from this author. If I could give this 10 stars I would.

M.L. Wang is quickly catapulting herself to my top author's list. This grabbed me from the start and was an absolute emotional roller coaster.
This book tackles sexism, xenophobia, capitalism, and colonialism with tact. There are important ethical and theological debates and conversations throughout the book as a method of character development between Thomil and Sciona. The magic system might be the coolest, and definitely the most unique one that I've read to date.
Honestly, I can't find a single flaw in this book.

3.5⭐️

M.L. Wang’s Blood Over Bright Haven is a bold exploration of complex themes such as oppression, sexism, capitalism, and racism, deftly woven into a narrative that often balances hope against a backdrop of societal bleakness. Wang’s ability to handle these subjects with nuance sets her apart, presenting readers with a thoughtful engagement rather than simplistic solutions.

The magic system is a standout feature of the book, particularly the innovative concepts of mapping and siphoning. These elements contribute to one of the most unique magic systems I’ve encountered, although the extensive explanations can feel overwhelming at times. The first chapter hooks you with its gripping premise, but subsequent pages often descend into heavy exposition that sometimes feels akin to a classroom lecture. As much as I appreciated the depth, I wished for a more seamless integration into the narrative.

The setting—a rich academic environment—offers a tantalizing backdrop that enhances the story, and the coding-like typewriters as magic conduits are a delightful touch. However, despite the intriguing worldbuilding, the pacing suffers. There are moments of lull where the plot should be advancing, creating a sense of unevenness that detracts from the overall experience.

Sciona, the main character, presents a complex challenge. Her growth is rewarding, yet her initial anti-feminist and racist attitudes are difficult to reconcile with as a reader. This internal conflict makes it hard to fully root for her, even as her character arc unfolds in a compelling manner. Wang’s exploration of her beliefs, particularly the ethical implications of intentions versus consequences, adds a significant layer to the story. The dynamics between Sciona and Thomil invite readers to reflect on their own beliefs, though the journey may be uncomfortable.

While the climax delivers some satisfaction in resolving the antagonistic forces, the conclusion leaves much to be desired. An open-ended finale feels less like an intriguing invitation to ponder the future and more like a missed opportunity for a more definitive resolution.

Ultimately, Blood Over Bright Haven is a thought-provoking novel with a powerful magic system and complex themes. However, its pacing issues and the struggle to fully connect with its main character left me wishing for a more cohesive experience. Despite its flaws, Wang’s storytelling ability and thematic depth ensure it will resonate with many readers, sparking conversation long after the last page.

This is a standalone novel and it’s so well written. Sciona has been studying magic since young with the goal to be the first woman admitted to the High Magistry. Watching her work her complex magic in the trials and be in control over her skill was fascinating to watch. I enjoyed that Sciona was not a character cutout we would usually see. Her nerve and defiance stand out. She is in it not just for the credit of her work but also for the glory. She loves power and wants to leave her mark on the world. She can be selfish and yet we still see the good in her.

When her fellow high mages assign her a custodian as her lab assistant we see her rise to the challenge of both teaching him and building on her own skill. Thomil is a character whose people have been beaten down and forced to be subservient when that is not who he is at all. Watching both Sciona and Thomil grow as characters was both heartbreaking and bittersweet. There is some romance but it is not the focus. It felt real. You will feel every gamut of emotion.

Yes, it could fall under dark academia but it’s a lot more than that. It’s a heavier book than I was expecting while still being hopeful. It asks a lot of questions. Just looking at the title and the cover after reading evokes a strong emotion now. I won’t be forgetting this book anytime soon. Read this as soon as you can.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine|Del Rey for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

Are you looking for a really unique, intense, emotional, and incredible read?? Look no further than Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang!!

From the start, this story pulls you in, shocks you, and makes it hard to put down. The magic system is unique and complex. While it’s sometimes hard to understand at times, you mostly figure it out by the end. It also helped learning the magic system thru Thomil’s eyes.

This story tackles really tough issues like misogyny and racism. As a woman, there were many times I could understand and relate to Sciona. I loved watching her take on the patriarchy at every turn.

M.L. Wang really built an incredible world, story, magic system, and characters. As someone who often sees twists coming, there were so many I never predicted! I really enjoyed this book!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gosh, why is it such a struggle to put into words how much I ATE THIS UP? FINISHED IT, LOVED IT, and now I need this book in every edition possible!

Set in an industrial utopia governed by high mages who source their power from the Other Realm, this story takes us through the journey of Sciona, the first-ever female High Mage. As she enters this elite order, she uncovers a secret that could forever change the practice of magic. The depth of themes in this novel is at times hard to read, prejudice, oppression, sexism, religion, and the corruption of patriarchal societies, also has themes of hope through found family and the dream of a better society..

The magic system is nothing short of incredible, thoroughly detailed from spellcasting to the mechanisms of siphoning magic, even down to the spellographs. Admittedly, some aspects went over my head at times because your girl here is surviving on two brain cells, but the amount of thought and structure in the magic system deserves applause!

Sciona is a protagonist worth rooting for as she navigates a male-dominated society and struggles against ingrained barriers. Her journey felt painfully real which highlights the very real frustration women face in traditionally male spaces. F*ck the patriarchy! Sciona is deeply relatable, but also flawed, selfish, and occasionally frustrating, which made her human. She has real desires, ambitions, and vulnerabilities, all of which brought her character to life.
One of the best aspects of the book is the dynamic between Sciona and Thomil, her lab janitor turned assistant. Thomil’s tragic backstory hits hard from chapter one. Despite his status as lower class and Sciona’s own struggles with acceptance, the two form an unlikely alliance. When they uncover a conspiracy, their conflicting perspectives on how to handle it create tension and depth that I absolutely loved.

This story is beautifully and well thought out, with complex worldbuilding, a well-developed and detailed magic system, and flawed yet relatable characters. I’m not usually one to cry over books, but tears were shed! From chapter one to that last chapter, this book pulled at my emotions in a way few others have.

Highly recommend if you’re ready to be emotionally destroyed and left staring at the wall for the unforeseeable future.

Thank you Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is probably the longest review I will ever write for a book, but it was earned.

Incredible. Perfection. There cannot be any criticism. This is the best book I have ever read, which is a huge statement considering how much I read.

The themes in this book are its strongest element. Racism, sexism, classism, and immigration to name a few. This would be an incredible book for assigned reading for a class. It contains so many topics to dissect, I wish I had a group of people to discuss it with.

This is set in a dystopian world where the city of Tiran is protected by a barrier from the blight- which essentially kills the people that live outside of this barrier. These people are known as Kwen.

The magic system is one of the more unique ones I have read, and was so interesting.

A university in Tiran contains the highest level of essentially magicians- highmages who invent and produce to keep Tiran and its people within it, functioning. Only men can become highmages, although women are given the opportunity to test in once each decade.

Which brings our main character Sciona, who becomes the first ever woman highmage.

Sconia as a character is so complex and deep that she is so hateable at times, but other times you have to root for her. She is so flawed, but how much of this is her and how much of this is the society she’s been raised in? She is brilliant but fails to realize she supports what she believes is “right” so blindly without always grasping how flawed her morals can be. She steadfastly abhors the fact that she is looked down upon because she is a woman, but fails to realize her hypocrisy when she does the same. - “sciona foundered, frustrated by her inability to come up with a logical answer when tiranish culture was the one built on logic. The kwen were the illogical ones, everyone knew that”

I NEVER use the highlight feature on my kindle and I was highlighting lines of this book like it was my job.
I literally do not know how I’m going to read another book after this and be able to give it 5 stars because it just will not compare to this one.

Blood Over Bright Haven
By: M.L. Wang
Stars: 5 Stars
Format: Ebook
Review: Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is an extraordinary read and one of my favorites of the year. Wang crafts a rich, intricate world with one of the best magic systems I’ve encountered, complete with “coding-like” spellcasting and spellographs. She addresses complex themes like oppression, sexism, capitalism, and colonialism with nuanced storytelling, embedding messages of hope and healing.
Set in an industrial utopia, we follow Sciona, the first female High Mage, as she navigates a male-dominated society full of prejudice and corruption. Sciona’s journey is both compelling and relatable, reflecting the challenges women face in such spaces. The story’s ethical depth shines through the evolving dynamic between Sciona and her assistant Thomil, whose tragic past adds weight to their choices and conflicts.
Wang masterfully explores intentions vs. consequences, leaving readers with much to ponder. Blood Over Bright Haven is a profound exploration of societal issues through a unique Dark Academia lens, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deep, thought-provoking read.
Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): 100000000% YES
Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey for allowing me the opportunity to review the title.

Fantasy academia with a side of Brave New World. With that dystopian lens, this novel feels best viewed as a vehicle for discussion, primarily, and a story second. The emotional and intellectual heart lives in Sciona and Thomil’s interactions, both outsiders but still unequal, their work together underlining the oppressive hierarchies and doctrines at work around them. Sciona rages against the patriarchy, which would see all women demure and docile, while Thomil endures racial prejudice and hatred. Everything is dealt in extremes, hence the Huxley comparison.

The end leaves a bitter taste, which I’m sure is intentional. I’m not particularly fond of the bleakness. There can be hope in sadness, and there isn’t here.

I feel like I’m being overly vague, but I don’t want to give away the main beats. I guess I’ll say, at many points, I was riveted by the moment and the raw emotion. That first chapter death sprint. Sciona’s exam. The cascade of discovery into shattering disillusion. The screams of rage into the night.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang takes place in a world full of science, technology, magic, and most of all, dark secrets that could tear apart the society that has been built on hidden atrocities. The story follows Sciona, a recluse, diligent, frighteningly intelligent, and dangerously ambitious mage seeking to become the first ever woman admitted to the High Magistry, those mages who sit at the top of magic society, in terms of research, resources, and power. However, once her dream has been realized, she slowly realizes what a lie she has followed her whole life. In this journey of discovery, her sole companion is a Kwen janitor, Thomil, who was unwittingly made her assistant.

This book is incredibly emotional and tackles such heavy issues as being complicit in genocide, institutional racism and misogyny, religious fundamentalism, and more, all in a way that seems very respectful and real. Likewise, the magic system was incredibly fascinating, combining a very scientific industrial revolution-esque aesthetic to magical transfers of energy and alchemical reactions. The magic system too is directly built into the book's twist concerning the dark underbelly that this world is built on and around which the story focuses, adding a certain horror element to the magic as well, something which is intimately felt by the characters.

Content warning for mentions of forced sterilization and abuse and depictions of sexual assault and genocide

I would recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent dark fantasy or dark academia novel that is not afraid to confront some of the heaviest issues of our age.

"She is, in my estimation, the greatest mage of her generation. I have confidence that, given time, my colleagues will come to see what I do in her: innovative spirit and determination the like of which Tiran has not seen in a century. She embodies all the virtues we value in the Magistry and lacks all the psychological weaknesses common to her sex. Thus, it is my firm belief that her induction into our ranks will herald a new era of magic and expansion.

Feryn tells us that the role of a mage is to shape history where the lesser mind is not equal to the task. I stake my reputation as an archmage when I say here is one worthy of that responsibility. Here is a mind equal to the task."

I mean. Wow.
Wow wow wow wow wow wow WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!

INSTANT best seller in my brain and INSTANT book that’s going to live in my brain rent free for the next 10-20 years.

Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark fantasy novel that follows a girl named Sciona as she is preparing to try and test into a prestigious league of mages—but they’re an exclusively male organization that won’t even let a woman take the test on a regular basis. they allow one woman to try every 000 years. the mages are responsible for creating the magic that powers the seemingly utopia city of Tiran. Sciona has been determined since childhood to become one of them. when you look past the glimmering surface of Tiran, you’d find a minority group of people called the Kwen—people who were native to the area outside of Tiran’s barrier but moved into the city for safer living. outside of Tiran, the world is harsh and there’s a mysterious power called the Blight that kills anything near it, seemingly at random.

I struggled a little bit at the beginning of the story (I often do with new fantasy worlds, especially when I have a feeling the magic system will be complex), but it didn’t take me long to settle in. I’d say by chapter 2 I was having a difficult time putting the book down.

I also want to say right away that I LOVE the way the magic system is set up in this story. the way M. L. Wang took complex magic, and built it together as if you were writing code on a computer (or populating Excel formulas, if it wasn’t obvious I do office work before) was so fascinating for me to read.

plot: ★★★★★
I thought the plot was soooo fascinating, especially considering our (speaking as a white American) history of not wanting to see things that we’ve done in the past as bad, especially in scenarios where the intentions weren’t necessarily bad. I was a little nervous about the book hitting a “white savior” trope, but I don’t really think that happened here since Sciona is repeatedly flawed and has her flaws pointed out to her and she’s not exactly successful in her saviorism. I just really liked the journey that Sciona and Thomil had to uncover both of their feelings towards each other, the mages, and the Kwen.

writing: ★★★★☆
the writing and the world building was probably my favorite part. I said it once already but I really loved the magic system. I think because it was something that felt similar to things we do in the real world, it felt like something (like Sciona) that I could actually do too. I think this also helped play into relating to Sciona as a character—being able to look at what these powerful mages do and having the feeling of “I could do that too”. I do wish we could have gone more in-depth with the city political officials and how they would handle everything, or even Sciona’s father. also would be thrilled to see a future Tiran (hint, hint @ M. L. Wang).

pacing: ★★★★★
I think this was a medium and fast paced story. it alternates a bit as the story goes, but it never feels like it’s dragging.

romance: ★★★★☆
so the romance is LOWWWWWW on the priority list in this story. it does exist, but it’s such a small fraction of the story, it almost doesn’t feel like I should mention it. but I want to, because even though it was small, I still feel like it was impactful. do I wish I could have had more? absolutely. am I still happy with what I received? absolutely.

characters: ★★★★★
PLEAAASSSEEEEE I love our core group so much. Carra was a little rough (intentionally so, I imagine) but I love how unapologetically “her” she is and how unwilling she is to bend for literally anyone. she was a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. Thomil was more of tortured soul type of character, but he still had his edges. he was a bit softer than Carra (maybe just more beat down by life) but still had grit. he was also just a bit of a softie inside (imo) once you got past his shields.

and of course, SCIONAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! I fcking love this girl. nothing but respect for MY highmage freynan!!!!!!!! I love how flawed she is and how the story really takes steps to make her work THROUGH her flaws and her misguided mindsets. she never just instantly changes. she sits with her thoughts and beliefs and talks through them. I also love her need to be challenged by discussions and her desire to talk things through in order to fully understand them because I’m the exact same way.

over-all: ★★★★★
I loved this book. I can see myself picking it up again many many times in my future. it absolutely gutted me, but in the best way possible.

Happy traditional pub day to Blood Over Bright Haven aka the book with one of the best female MCs I’ve read in so long 🙏🖤

“She would do more than take his stupid joke, she decided; she would grip it tight and fashion it into greatness he couldn’t fathom.”

I’ve leaned that when @milesofpages tells you to read a book, you read that book. Or in this case, pre order it and then head over to netgalley with a mad hope they’ll approve you (thank you @delreybooks for deeming me worthy)

Sciona Freynan is my idol. She’s unabashedly egotistical, honest, and determined to not only reach her goals but achieve them on her terms. It was refreshing to follow a FMC who’s 27. Don’t get me wrong— I love YA. But the change of views and wants was a great change of pace.

“I’m not sweet. The world isn’t about love for me. It’s about power.”

Especially when coupled with the masterful plot and world building. I could’ve spent forever exploring this world, from the tribes and their lore to the Founding Mages and Sabernyn’s notoriety.

The social commentary in this book is razor sharp and I loved how M.L. Wang handled it. The way she depicted the denial of discovering everything you’ve believed in is a lie and how you can let that information change your mind, coming to terms with a new reality isn’t something I’ve read often.

“But a woman who wanted glory…that was a woman who had something really wrong with her.”

Honestly, just go read this. You slip in easily and before you know it, end up heartbroken.

#BloodOverBrightHaven:⁣
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Thanks for the gifted book @prhaudio @delreybooks @randomhouse #RandomHousePartner ⁣
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This is my favorite book of 2024. I haven’t felt this way since One Dark Window. I sobbed, I cheer, I gasped, I cried a bit more. This book really brought out the emotions from me. It might as well be a green book, because you know greenies somewhat do it for me.⁣
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Sciona was a beautiful character. Full of strength and grit when the world is against her, my god I loved her. ⁣
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Audio was phenomenal. This was one I savored because I did not want to end. Moira Quirk, she did the darn thing. Knowing it’s a standalone hurt because I needed more, I wanted more of this world. The magic, the casting, the hierarchy was so fascinating and easy to understand.⁣
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I’m still emotionally unwell from the ending. Absolutely one of my favorites, even if I can’t remember the title correctly (ever).⁣
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Out trad pubbed today, please grab this gorgeous book (inside and out) ⁣
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QOTD: What’s a book you absolutely love? Or what are you reading?⁣
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#MilesOfPages #MLWang #DelReyBooks