5 STARS!

Thank you to M. L. Wang and Del Ray for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

I think I need to lay down for a bit. This was just a masterpiece of a standalone fantasy, which is already a very difficult thing to get right. I had heard good things about The Sword of Kaigen, one of M. L. Wang's other books, so I was super excited going into this and it just blew me away.

This is just a remarkably well-crafted novel. The world and magic system are utterly unique. I'm going to harp more on the magic system because I just thought it was awesome. It combines elements that remind me of real life computer programs with this very refined, mathematical system AND magic typewriters which are always fucking cool. Unlike a lot of magic systems where the action is the focus and the source of energy or matter are second to that, sourcing is an integral part of the magic system and the narrative of Blood Over Bright Haven, particularly because it's the specialty of our protagonist!

Speaking of, Sciona is the perfect mix of insanely smart, powerful, aspirational, and arrogant that we very rarely get to see in a female main character. I also like that she's morally grey and her prejudices are as persistent as they realistically would be for a racially privileged living in a society built on racial prejudice. I love an obsessive academic, I really do. Similarly, Thomil values as a Kwen as well as the traumas he's experienced realistically influence (and in some cases, cloud) his thoughts and behaviors. His learned helplessness, his paranoia, his anger all feel so genuine.

The plot is just...y'all I'm running out of words. There is so much tension here. I felt the dawning horror and shock of the characters as revelations were revealed. After one...let's say *clarifying* moment (iykyk), I genuinely had to like get up and do a lap of the house to process. I don't get surprised by twists often because I read enough to pick up hints and know when to expect them. You can go back in my reading log and see, I was fully fucking gobsmacked.

The conflicts and messaging in this book are so relevant to a hundred different real-life conflicts. The mistreatment and dismissal of women in academia. The way that many privileged communities thrive on account of the suffering of other. The dangers facing factory workers. The dangers of child labor. The violence towards immigrant populations. The way that systematic discrimination and prejudice pits different marginalized groups against one another. The validity of violent protest. Even the way that different cultures define good and evil (this was one of my favorite parts of the book). Blood Over Bright Haven covers all of it and gives it the magnitude that it deserves. This world and this narrative is very dark and very complex in the same way that the real world is very dark and very complex.

Okay, I've yapped a lot. This book is great, you get it. I would say that if you're new to fantasy, I probably wouldn't recommend you start with this since the magic system is quite technical and it can be a bit much. Other than that, if you're a habitual fantasy reader I think this is a must-read. You might be put off by the fact that it's a standalone, but you're gonna have to trust me when I say it carries the weight of a series. This is also kind of specific, but if you really enjoyed Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, I think this is kind of a more-adult readalike. It has the same exploration of prejudice and power, as well as a batshit insane fmc, in a more complex package.

Happy reading!

Too much time spent world building and explaining the magic system. Made me lose interest quickly. I gave up after 20%.

What’s the price of civilization? M.L. Wang explores the answer to this question and more in this standalone dark Gaslamp fantasy that tells the story of a barbarian native refugee and a woman seeking to make a name for herself as the first female highmage in the industrial utopia of Tiran. Wang grabs you by the throat with that epic, jaw-dropping prologue and refuses to let you breathe for even a second as she tackles colonization, deconstruction, morality, exploitation, and the horrors and depths of depravity of men.
This book is not a comfortable read. It’s tension-filled, absolutely brilliant, and extremely thought provoking. It’s one that will serve as my personal barometer for readers that are brave enough to read it

First, you must know, that this book deals with some heavy topics that some may be triggering for others.

I am so sad! I loved M.L. Wang's writing in this book and the way they created this entire world with the depth of characters within was pure astounding. However, where I gave it 3 stars was I don't think I connected with the actual story as much. I loved learning about certain aspects within this book but overall, it just didn't give me that giddy feeling I was desperately wanting!

I know there are going to be so many people that love this book and rightfully so! Just sometimes, it doesn't hit the mark for me.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

✨🩸 Blood Over Bright Haven 🩸✨
By M.L. Wang
✨ Thank you to @delreybooks and @netgalley for a copy of this eARC - available October 29, 2024! ✨

🩸 Academia
✨ Sorcery
🩸 Inventive magic system
✨ Sexism
🩸 Religion
✨ Dual POV
🩸 Standalone

✨ Characters ✨
An underdog, savior, destined to labor.
A strong, studious woman who pushes boundaries.
Together, they just may overcome their obstacles and become something truly remarkable.
These characters felt like real, complex people. Real, flawed, unique, people. I loved the way they contrasted yet complimented each other.

🩸 Plot 🩸
Where to even begin?
Highmage vs lowly kwen come together to uncover the ugly truths of a thriving society.
Thrust right into the thick of things, we see Thomil and Sciona living two vastly different sides of the same coin.
The academic portion and problem solving was undeniably the focal point but with the added emotional and spiritual elements made this book the intensely satisfying read that it is.

✨ Overall ✨
First thing, my words will not do this book justice, it is absolutely incredible.
This is the second book I have read by Wang, she certainly has a distinct writing style with consistent and incredible world building. It will draw you in from the action packed, emotional, first chapter and spit you out at a whirlwind ending.
Do be prepared for a bit of a heavier read, but oh, is it WORTH IT.
With such a profound message [no I will not say on the basis of what - that would spoil it!] you will find yourself thinking of this one long after it’s been read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
If Ali Hazelwood tried to write a serious fantasy novel, but it’s actually just a ham-fisted colonizer romance that thinks it’s more woke than it is. It can raise questions of morality, it just can’t answer them. A magic system that works like computer coding is a genuinely cool concept though, so points for that. The first half of this book is good. The back half and the ending are so offensively bad that it’s going on my do not read list.

Pre-reading:
Emily Fox sold me on this book. I hope it lives up to the hype. I don’t know anything about it other than that it’s a fantasy and it’s supposed to be very good. I think the covers are criminally ugly.

Thick of it:
I don’t know if this is an unpopular opinion, but I love when chapters actually have titles

It’s the way that gods sentence had me fully convinced I was having a stroke.

It’s reminding me of Valley of the Horses. (Only for this first chapter.)

I don’t know about this writing style though. It’s very stilted.

Oh, I really don’t know about this writing. It’s giving ye old, but then the dialogue itself is too modern. It’s a lot of telling not showing.

Why do I get the feeling these people are gonna die? (Because they are.)

Damn, this is kind of crazy. Excellent tension. Very cinematic.

So far, very good worldbuilding.

Feminist fantasy? Immediately, yes.

Don’t Peeta Mellark this shit. (We are safe.)

I’m sure it’s probably pronounced Tie Rahn, but I will be pronouncing it Tyrannosaurus.

Are they like at the North Pole? This is really interesting.

OK so magic instead of electricity. I gotcha.

Oh please give me some enemies to lovers smarmy politician romance. I have no idea if this book has romance. It probably doesn’t because men like it, but like I love a romantic subplot. (It attempts to.)

Politician villain? I’ll take multiple politician characters, like that’s chill. Give me a romance, please. I don’t want the baker boy.

This would make excellent TV. The structure and pacing of this is immaculate.

I’m not loving 100% of the writing, I think it’s a little heavy-handed and clumsy with the character work, but the plot- I’m IN.

So my instinct just from other books is that maybe the blight isn’t evil and it’s something crossing over from the other side, trying to get the magic that’s being stolen back and the people who gave the city the magic are the ones who purposely set up the shield so that it couldn’t get it back. Like they did it knowingly. (On this episode of Samantha doesn’t read blurbs and tries to guess what her books are. Like ooo, maybe this is a paranormal fantasy. So dead wrong.)

I immediately don’t trust Derrith on the name Derrith alone.

I’m picturing everything in this book so easily, so props to the author for that.

I better not need to know all these names. My brain is so stupid. (You really don’t.)

I don’t want a romance with this Jerry boy either. (We’re safe.)

What if every time they siphon something, they’re killing something in the other realm? (There ya go, bestie.)

This magic is just computer coding. I dig it.

You know there’s no way that traitor mage is evil. He’s 100% a good guy that they killed to cover up a corrupt society.

Eat the world, baby girl.

I love this girl.

Oh see, I think he’s evil. (The mentor. I am so good sometimes.)

There’s that Perramis guy again.

HE’S HER DAD. OH THIS BOOK JUICY. (We do nothing with this plotline. What a waste.)

Religion truly is the one true evil.

Is Sciona Carra? Or like is Carra gonna be her girlfriend? Or like when do we get back to the beginning characters?

This book is angry feminist and I support it. Heavy-handed, but like you know, the girlies are angry.

I feel like she’s very autism/ADHD coded.

Oh, that’s definitely Thom.
(I love being right)

Oh no because I am DOWN for this romance. (I was so young, so naive.)

This book is GOOD.

If you’re a girlie in STEM, this book is gonna hit.

No, because immediately yes.

If Ali Hazelwood wrote a serious feminist fantasy novel where the magic system works like computer coding.

She said race commentary, religious commentary, academia commentary. We. Love.

I don’t trust the clock. I assume it’s a bad news conduit. (This is a better plotline, and I stand by that.)

You’re not like other girls, Thom!

I think the clock is cursed to take energy from the reserves and bring down the barrier and then he can blame a woman for it. (Dead wrong, Samantha.)

Samantha, they keep setting him up as a feminist hero how can you think he’s a villain? Exactly. Trust no one, ladies. It’s always your closest allies. I’m like so positive he’s evil. It’s gonna be so embarrassing if he’s not.

I don’t know if I like this sort of fetishization of power dynamics. You shouldn’t like someone because they offer you total deference or because they try to dominate you. That’s weird. Equality, baby. (And it’s the beginning of the end.)

I am live laugh loving. (This is what they call irony.)

Wow, I can’t wait for them to hate fuck.

Was that a Shrek joke because I did just read that in Donkey’s voice.

Dude, I have such a bad feeling that they’re the blight. They’re sniping the native people.

I really hate being right sometimes.

How dare she hit him? I do not want this romance anymore.

Why is this low-key turning into a colonizer romance because I do not want that.

The effortless sexist rage this book triggers in me. The problem is it’s not even exaggerated. Like this is all shit every single woman has heard.

Dude, this book is so good. I don’t even care that I guessed it.

This book said fuck your religion, and Sam said this book fucks.

And the trader mage was actually siphoning from the city to try and prove that it was killing people and that’s why they killed him. (Ehhhh-)

I would just like to point out that I clocked that bastard as evil the second he was on the page.

I love books that I can guess and I don’t have to wait very long for the characters to catch up to me. And what I’ve guessed is still enjoyable to read. Formulaic in a good way.

Me: what a stupid title
Me: what a brilliant title
(Me: what a stupid title.)

Fuck your submission. The girls. Are. Angry.

Listen, I love this book, but it’s a massive bummer. I just don’t know how you solve racism and our consumptive society, and I don’t see how this has a happy, hopeful ending, but like I don’t want a sad ending. Girlypop literally has to solve the modern world to have a happy ending. How do? (Simple, don’t! UGH!)

Live laugh lobotomy. I am literally just a girl.

They better not give her dad a redemption arc. That’s all I’m saying. (We’re safe.)

He really just said we kept women out of power because they have too much empathy, and ain’t that the motherfucking truth.

God’s plan 🎶

You know, pet peeve when the love interest has to save the heroine from rape. That’s yuck.

You know from 60% on, not live laugh loving. Got unenjoyably cliche. Got cheesy.

Take a shot every time this book brings up her green eyes.

While I appreciate that our revolutionary girlypop in her twenties doesn’t succeed because if it were truly so easy, someone else would’ve done it already, I don’t know how this book gets to a happy ending from here. (Simple, it doesn’t.)

Who’s afraid of little old me? 🎶

If Ali Hazelwood wrote Defying Gravity.

Dude, this is getting so bad. The first half of this was five stars, and this back half is 3, maybe even bordering on 2.

Like it’s a girl thing? Girl, come on.

Cool, so they flee with next to no supplies and they’re injured. Into the middle of winter. Yeah, they’ll survive that. What a garbage ending.

But you didn’t get all the mages? Two of those sons are still out there.

Girl, what was that?

How do you fumble that bad?

Post-reading:
Brother, ew. What’s that brother?

How do you fumble a book this badly? Like genuinely, I don’t understand.

The first 50% of this book is excellent. Is it a little ham-fisted with its rah-rah feminism? Absolutely. Is the dialogue predominantly clunky? For sure. But it’s well paced. It’s cinematic. That plot fuckin moves. It’s delightfully predictable. It really gives its audience that dawning sense of horror.

And what does it do with that horror and all the questions of morality that it poses? It drop kicks them into bad YA dystopian platitudes. It’s incredibly disappointing.

The scope of this book is its undoing. You would really have to solve all of modern day society’s big ethical conundrums to get a happy ending, and you just can’t do that in a few hundred pages. Everybody dies is a shit ending. I’ll take it over an afterschool special, everybody gets a redemption arc type of ending any day, but I never wish for death as an ending.

The magic system in this book is really cool. I’ve never seen magic done like it’s computer coding before. That was really fun.

The women in STEM experiences feel authentic, if straight out of an Ali Hazelwood novel. And I don’t think it’s out-of-pocket to compare this book to hers. There’s quite a few cliché romance moments in it. But the romance subplot is… calling it bad is generous. It’s a colonizer romance. It doesn’t work. It feels inappropriate. It feels gross.

I think her mentor as a villain is very fitting. I clocked it the second he was introduced, but it was a satisfying corruption arc. It just had nowhere to go. She wrote herself into a corner and could not get out. And again, I sympathize with the author because there’s really no way out of it. She didn’t write a world where there is an easy solution. I don’t know what the solution should be. I was really relying on the book to come to some revolutionary idea, but it’s just more of the bummer existential crisis that is humanity‘s current state. The path we’re on is untenable and unethical, but there’s no quick fix easy solution. And the book’s ending is a complete cop-out from even attempting to answer that dilemma.

I don’t think this book needed its rape scene. It felt cheesy. I never like when the love interest has to save the heroine from it. This book had so much to say when it came to religious commentary. It really went for the jugular, and that part of this book was so successful, that this felt trivial in comparison. Rape should never feel insignificant. I bring it up all the time, but Ninth House really did redefine my standards for that subject. That book made it jarring and it pulled no punches. And that’s the only appropriate way to do it. Everything else is just gratuitous.

But back to that religious commentary. I think that’s really what made me love the first half of this book. It was so adept at pointing out the hypocrisies that religion is based on. It illustrated the mental gymnastics people go through to cling to their religion, even as it’s falling apart around them. Religion is absolutely a weapon of the patriarchy. It is not beneficial. It is not moral. And that tirade felt so fitting in a novel about academia. And I really thought this book had something to say when it made its main character a racist and a bigot. She and the audience were set up to get the wake up call of the century. And it never comes.

I don’t think the writing in this book is so bad that it deserves a two-star, but I do think that failing to deliver on the moral crisis your book instigates is so offensively irresponsible and underdeveloped that I can’t give it anything else.

This book wasn’t done. You can’t end your book without answering the question you center it around. I went into this book thinking the title was ridiculous. Just before the midpoint, I was convinced that the title was brilliant. I was convinced that this book was going to deliver a story about choosing family and humanity over the false promises of religion. And if it had stayed on track, this could’ve been a five-star. It could’ve earned its title. Instead, it’s just disappointing, and I’m back to thinking it’s a stupid title that’s not worth your time.

Who should read this:
Feminist fantasy girls
Dystopian fans
Unique magic system fans
Ali Hazelwood girlies

Do I want to reread this:
If you had asked me at 50%, absolutely. Now, no, I’m mad.

Similar books:
* Nightbreaker by Coco Ma-YA dystopian, urban fantasy, COVID commentary
* Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots-superhero dystopian, corruption arc
* Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo-dark academia urban fantasy, social commentary
* The Stranded by Sarah Daniels-YA dystopian
* Docile by K. M. Szpara-dystopian sold as a romance, but is not a romance
* Nimona by N. D. Stevenson-YA fantasy graphic novel, superhero dystopian, corruption arc
* Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou-YA dystopian, urban fantasy, family drama
* The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem-fantasy romance, corruption arc
* Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros-fantasy romance, corruption arc
* The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood-STEM romance

This was a great, super solid fantasy read! It covers a lot of big themes like racism, misogyny, and how we raise children in a messed up world, all within a moody, dark academia setting. The magic system was AMAZING! For probably the first time ever, I found it genuinely impressive to be good at magic in a book because of how complex it is. Super well thought out and detailed work from Wang there.

The only reason it is not getting a full 5 stars from me is because of its comparison to Babel by RF Kuang. Babel was my #1 favorite book last year, so it is very hard to live up to in my mind. There are similar qualities and themes in Blood Over Bright Haven, but it is simply not the same.

However, I will say: If you are someone who struggled with Babel because of it's pacing and would like something my accessible, approachable, and readable, then Blood Over Bright Haven is absolutely for you. BOBH was super fast paced and always kept me on my toes.

Overall, this was a phenomenal read and a great addition to the standalone fantasy realm.

A fish of out water romance, until it wasn't. Kudos to the author for not taking the easy way out by giving readers a happy ending. The magic system was confusing in the beginning but became clearer by the middle of the story, which was surprisingly poignant.

Thank you to Del Rey & NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

M.L. Wang does it again. It’s so incredible to be able to read standalone fantasy novels that are so engaging from the very first page. The talent speaks for itself. The characters and character development were fantastic. And the magic system? Quite literally top tier. Sciona and Thomil are such dynamic, fully formed characters. I loved getting both of their perspectives.

It takes time and effort to write a novel, but to write a standalone fantasy novel that makes me reflect on humanity and the choices we make? That’s a skill I applaud Wang for. Our current world is full of catastrophes and violence and political mess and genocides, and Wang made it apparent that she’s watching the world and is holding a mirror up to the reader’s face to ask, “And how are you living in the midst of racism, injustice, police brutality, and violence that happens around you every day?” Blindly trusting in a government that does not care how they have gained their power but that they have it and believe they cannot lose it.

And then, to go against the status quo when finding out the truth—when the curtain has been moved to reveal the true inner workings, there is reflection and a drastic plan of government upheaval. Every moment of Sciona’s plan unraveling, I was floored!!! So well thought out, and I love when I am surprised and shocked by choices characters are making. Also, the way the book ends??? And how it’s a full circle moment???? Jaw on the floor.

I also felt extremely nostalgic reading this as well. At certain parts, I was reminded of The Giver, The Divergent series, and Babel.

CW: violence, blood, racism, death, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts

WOW. Just wow. This is so much more than a fantasy story and I am blown away. Blood Over Bright Haven begs the question: what makes someone a good person? ACTUALLY good? What, if anything are we as humans entitled to?

The magic system and world building are unique, haunting, and complicated in the best way. You can’t help but feel for Sciona as she navigates this male dominated world that she has to fight to be apart of. Tiran’s secrets come to light and Sciona has to decide what to do with that knowledge. Is she good? Or does she just have good intentions?

The relationship between Sciona and Thomil is the best part of this story by far! They needed each other in profoundly different ways and never would have gone as far as they did without one another.

I wish this story wasn’t over but I will cherish it forever.

I love everything M L Wang writes. I’ll read their grocery list!

This book has everything, plot, characters, amazing fantasy world, magic! The whole package.

Nothing could have prepared me for the way this book ended. An amazing standalone fantasy that shows what it means to be the first and only in a non-progressive system. This book is a perfect illustration of intersectionality.

It makes you question what is the line between right and wrong, and what is the best way to disrupt an oppressive/ destructive system.
I loved this book so much! Would definitely recommend

Blood Over Bright Haves is excellent. It tells a complete story, provides a satisfying ending, and is an emotional rollercoaster as the narrative takes bold risks and delivers gut-wrenching twists.

Ever read a book that feels like peeling back layers with each chapter? Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is exactly that. This was my first 5 star read of the year. I sing high praises!

Blood Over Bright Haven is a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Tiran, where we follow Sciona’s quest to become the first female high mage.

M.L. Wang masterfully develops each character, making their motivations and struggles feel incredibly real. The world-building is equally impressive, with Tiran’s rich culture and intricate magic system adding layers of depth to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the dynamics of power, ambition, and identity are explored in a way that keeps you HOOKED until the very last page. Highly recommended for fans of complex characters, and immersive fantasy worlds that take you to another world whilst reading.

"To hope. Sciona lifted her glass, and Thomil raised a fist in return. To hope, Highmage Freynan."

HOW WILL I EVER RECOVER FROM THIS PAIN??

For anyone who is currently a victim of the global reading slump, this book is for you. This is a fast-paced dark academia fantasy where our ambitious FMC, Sconia, becomes the first ever female "Highmage" after passing an extremely competitive exam. However, when she gets there, she realizes her gender and social standing puts her at a severe disadvantage, with her male co-researchers not accepting her, and ridiculing her by assigning her a janitor, Thomil, as her assistant. Thomil is from a race called Kwen, and is currently living in Tarin with the mages, where him and his people are SEVERELY mistreated by the city.

I can honestly gush about this book forever. The magic system is basically magical coding, and as an engineer myself, needless to say I was in love with it. It is sometimes a bit hard to wrap your head around, and a lot of the world building is through dialogue and info dump, so beware of that. Additionally, the conversations in this book were excellent, with philosophical topics that combine religion, colonialism, and the ultimate question "what makes a good person?" I saw a lot of reviews comparing this book to Babel by R.F. Kuang, and I 100% agree. I will say, I found this book to be even more heavy handed than Babel, so if that bothered you before, it'll probably bother you more now.

The characters were INSANE. I will happily admit that I despised Sconia for the majority of the book, and yet her arc was very impressive. I also loved Thomil and Carra's arcs, although I wish we got more chapters from Thomil's perspective. The structure of the novel was also amazing, and everything just comes together in the end.

Overall, I honestly adore this book, and I honestly cannot even think of a more perfect ending.

Such a beautifully written dark acedamia fantasy! M.L. Wang definitely did not disappoint!! She’s about to be one of my favorite authors of all time! I actually bought a special edition of Sword of Kaigen a while back that I haven’t gotten a change to dive into yet. Now I can’t wait to start!!! ♥️

Lord, I don't even know how to start this review.

Since everyone I know loves ML Wang's books, I decided to request the trad pubbed arc thinking that this would be a new fave.

Yeah, so... That was a huge mistake.

This was a buddy read with my fellow hater from another mother, Mai, and I was glad that we had the exact same thoughts throughout the novel.

Mine was mainly: Who is this novel written for?

While I'm always down to support marginalized authors, I've noticed that ever since my favorite author, RF Kuang, started to dominate the bestseller lists, there have been several clones popping up in SFF. A lot of debut authors think they can handle heavy themes such as institutionalized racism and colonialism/anti-colonialism with an ounce of Kuang's finesse, but then they let me down with their obvious lack of understanding with such complex topics.

I'd label Blood Over Bright Haven as either Babel-lite or a Babel wannabe.

But make it about a white savior.

As a fan of Babel, I honestly don't care too much if a novel is heavy-handed with its themes. This novel though... Sure, it was heavy-handed, but it also made the extremely huge mistake of holding the reader's hand by literally writing out all of its themes like I was 18 years old again enrolled in Sociology 101.

I mean, this is cool for readers who never knew that SFF can be a mirror for societal issues, but for longtime readers and fans of SFF, this book felt like it was talking down to the reader.

Hell, even for newbies to this genre, I'm pretty sure you can easily figure out this book's themes without having the author treat you like a child. Especially since this is supposed to be a novel geared towards adults.

For example:

Kwen were dangerous beasts when it meant tightening control over Tiranish women. Tiranish women were damsels when it meant tightening control over Kwen. They were all hapless children when it meant denying them access to power—and it was that lack of power that made them helpless, made them monstrous, made them subject to the benevolent Tiranishman, who would save them from their deficiencies. Each gear turned tidily into its neighbor in a soul-grinding system designed to sustain the men who had named the pieces and made them so: damsel, devil, servant, wife.


Not only that, the main POV character, Sciona, was insufferable. There was no redeemable quality about her. Was there even character growth by the end? Not in my opinion. I love morally grey characters as much as anyone else on BookTok/Bookstagram, but she was so narrow-minded and one-dimensional that it was difficult to root for her, much less like her.

Literally everything she did was self-serving. Even the major event she pulled at the end was self-serving.

The entire time I was reading this arc, I was wholly in denial that a BIPOC author would write about a white savior/martyr character. My god. Do better.

There was no one else to stand up for Thomil's people, for Carra's future, for the sanctity of Truth in the face of this insidious lattice of lies.


And Thomil? Poor Thomil didn't deserve to be saddled with an idiot of a main character. The author really tried to make his character complex, but he felt lumped in with the faceless mass that was the stand-in for the Indigenous/POC community in this novel.

Speaking of that, it was really uncomfortable for me to read about a marginalized community's role as the defacto downtrodden, second/third class citizens when readers are introduced to only TWO characters from that community who are given names and are mostly well-written (Thomil and his niece, Carra).

And next to that, the novel introduces us to handfuls of the white folks upper echelons of society who are white majority coded, along with their names, their roles in society, their personalities, their relationships to each other, etc.

As Sciona grew closer to Thomil, why weren't we introduced to more Kwen folk?

I didn't think this would be an issue, but in the second half, the Kwen become a literal riotous, bloodthirsty mob with only revenge on their mind.

Which, well...

If this was supposed to be a book about the Kwen being treated like lowly members of society, it definitely got the point across well. We get no names, no introductions, no personalities to this zombie horde that starts attacking the Tiranish and their property.

A second shock wave crashed through the crowd, and Sciona heard more bones snap, more cries of agony. But the Kwen didn't stop coming. Why should they? Their ancestral land was ravaged, their kin Blighted, their future stolen. What did they have to lose? And who in the wide world could tell them to stand down?


It felt so wrong to paint them that way. Like the author couldn't be bothered to give the Kwen the same level of respect that she gave the Tiranish. And even though they were the last Caldonnae, Thomil and Carra felt cut off from the rest of the larger Kwen community because we were never introduced to anyone else.

The vibes were so off.

Like I asked above: Who is this novel written for?

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this arc.

So thankful to NetGalley for an arc of this book. 4.5 stars for Blood Over Bright Haven, a dark academia novel with a magic system that is unique and interesting. I was caught up in the story and the characters from the very beginning and now I feel like I need days to process all of the different feelings I’m left with. The way M.L. Wang writes is a perfect combination of world building and information while also keeping the reader engaged within the story with heart wrenching plots and memorable characters. Sometimes books are read and then forgotten. That is not the case with this book. I’ve thought about it every time I had to put it down and now, I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Thanks to Del Ray Books and NetGalley for the eARC…

What a fun book this is with great pacing, fun characters, a satisfying plot that tackles tons of topic.

It starts as what seems a simple Dark Academia with a FMC, Sciona, going up against the patriarchy in her attempt to become a high mage, but that is the biggest “undersell” possible. This book challenges everything about Sciona, her belief system, who she is, love, family, religion and attacks topics such as racism, sexism, colonialism, immigration through this world. All these heavy topics don’t weigh down the story, but are continuous challenges for Sciona to determine who she wants to be, and it’s a great ride down, and back up with her through to a thrilling end. Thomil is an outsider with a different perspective and life experience and is able to challenge Sciona’s search for truth and knowledge. You really get invested in these characters and want good things for them. This is all intertwined with a magic system that feels and sounds like computer coding.

This story was great, the fantasy world was different, and this was my first read of Wang’s but will definitely be going to read the Sword of Kaigan, also by her.

I highly recommend it, especially as it is a stand alone book, that you can still enjoy the world in but you get a climax payoff in just one book.

5 stars.

Blood Over Bright Haven was the dark and twisty academia story I didn’t know I needed. The way this author makes you feel as if the world is crashing down around you along side the characters with the weight of the truth of this society is so masterfully told