Member Reviews
First I would like to thank you to M. L. Wang, NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book started off with a literal bang! I was on the edge of my seat within a few pages. After the first chapter we start to get more information on this magic system, main characters and setting which were all so unique. I really enjoyed the magic system which works kind of like a written code on a typewriter of sorts. The whole idea that the city is powered by all of these spells is pretty fun but also leads to a horrifying discovery.
This book has most everything you could want in a book. Action, romance, politics, magic, and so much more. The book does cover some really hard topics which makes the relationship between Sciona and Thomil such a layered read. This book also gave me so much female rage!! The restraint Sciona carried with her through a previously males only role was wild. Just reading how these males spoke to her or handled her made me so mad.
This was my first M.L. Wang book and it won’t be my last! So many emotions from a stand alone!!
Oh no.
I've probably mentioned this before, but I'm going to mention it again -- once I clear my Del Rey backlog, I will no longer be requesting any of their titles. We do not vibe.
As you may know, I used to be a very snobby high fantasy reader, but lately, I am tired of how white/cishet/male the genre is. As I search for fantasy written by women, preferably BIPOC women, I am continuously disappointed in my East Asian reads.
Green eyes are the rarest in the world. A quick search states they are only 2% of the population. So, why is it that so many fantasy novels, namely Del Rey's, written by Asian women, include them? And terrible representations of colonialism?
Yes, this is a colonizer romance. Granted, it's a little different in that Sciona, the woman, is from the colonizing party. You may ask, "What makes this a colonizer romance?" and "Why does this offend you so much?"
Sciona's people use a form of magic called siphoning. This steals the energy from a different source. This source comes from the natural resources of a neighboring nation, specifically, (view spoiler). This is called Blight, but what it is is a travesty. If you can't "see" colonization, and are from the west, boy, do I have some interesting news for you.
I truly don't go into these books wanting to hate them. I want to be surprised. Sciona is not smart. She is annoying, petulant, and very sheltered, even when she thinks she is the smartest person in the room. Thomil, her Kwen assistant, is seen as less than and other, because he comes from the lands with Blight. Their working dynamic gives me the ick. Their "romance" gives me the ick. Everything gives me the ick.
Colonizer romance is not "just" enemies to lovers. Enemies to lovers must be equal in standing. This is oppressor/oppressed. It's giving Stockholm Syndrome. It's not cute.
Buddy read with Zana
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey
I have to be honest - I did not finish this book. The prose was dense but unrewarding. It was frustrating to have such an interesting plot without compelling characters.
It's a masterpiece. I was immediately captivated and unable to put this one down. Destined to be a classic!
This book was a little slow to get into, mostly because I feel the Definition of Terms at the end should have been at the beginning so I could follow better what was going on. However, once I got into the book, it was interesting. I feel this is more a mixture of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, not strictly a Fantasy book. That being said, the interaction between the characters was well thought out, the story line was unique. The portrayal of racism and sexism in the novel were also well thought out and written. It gives the feel of a dystopian world with a touch of the industrial era thrown in. The ending was also a little surprising, however, somewhat enjoyable. I say somewhat because of the happenings of what happens to one of the characters. Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel it was well written.
An absolutely riveting standalone dark fantasy / academia novel that takes place in a fascinatingly unique world and follows two main characters who will captivate readers from the start (especially Sciona). The strongest part of this novel is the atmosphere: it's dark and mournful, and packs a deep emotional punch. The weakest aspect is the pacing: certain scenes, particularly in the middle of the novel, are a bit awkwardly dragged out. However, as a whole "Blood Over Bright Haven" is a can't miss story for any dark academia fan!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Gripping and Thought-Provoking Dark Fantasy
Blood over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is a masterfully crafted dark fantasy that weaves a tale of ambition, magic, and societal upheaval. Sciona’s journey to become the first woman admitted to the High Magistry is both inspiring and deeply compelling, set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world where power dynamics are as complex as the magic itself.
The relationship between Sciona and her mysterious janitor-turned-ally is brilliantly portrayed, bringing depth and tension to their shared quest for truth. Their journey uncovers a conspiracy that challenges the very foundations of magical society, with stakes that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Wang's writing is vivid and immersive, making every scene come alive with detail and emotion. This standalone novel is not only a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking exploration of power and privilege.
A must-read for fans of dark fantasy, Blood over Bright Haven is a testament to M.L. Wang's storytelling prowess and a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Absolutely stunning book! Intricate world building and a captivating plot that touches on so many issues that feel so current and relevant in today's world. I am in awe at ML Wang's beautiful yet accessible prose, weaving a tight plot that really captured my imagination. I cannot give enough stars to this book!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel!
I didn't end up enjoying this book as much as I thought I would. There were a lot of good points, mainly the writing and world building, but it was just a little too direct with the messaging. There was no room for nuance in this book. M. L. Wang had something to say and she was making sure no one could misinterpret her meaning. Basically every word out of a man's mouth (and some women) toward Sciona was overtly sexist and often actively demeaning. For Thomil, every word out of basically every character's mouth (as well as Sciona's thoughts) were overtly racist, cruel, and degrading. It was incessant. So, yeah, this book wasn't bad by any means, I just prefer a bit more subtlety and nuance.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC. This book just wasn’t it for me. I thought I was beginning to like fantasy but honestly this was way too confusing and the world building was too much for me. To be fair - I’ve really only liked romantasy so that could be why I wasn’t a huge fan.
This has super high ratings so seems like I’m in the minority, but it took me over a month to read and had to make myself finish it just so I didn’t DNF.
Overall - 1.5/5
This was an exhilarating read. The pace never dropped and I enjoyed the fact that the protagonist was overtly unlikeable and selfish at first - it made her transformation and ultimate sacrifice much more meaningful.
This is SUCH a good book!! It’s been on my radar for awhile, and was very happy to get an earc of the new traditionally published edition. This is a super solid standalone, and I really enjoyed it.
Something about finding a great standalone is such a great feeling. This one has got so much meat to it!! The first chapter had me absolutely hooked and the rest of the book really carried the momentum.
This book’s primary point of view through Sciona is a really interesting perspective. It was at times so hard to read and had me wanting to yell at her. Her development (or lack there of?) throughout the book as she realizes the role that she plays in a system that is so much bigger than her was so well executed, and I was definitely invested. Her choices, as frustrating as they could be, felt so true to her character and I really enjoyed that. I also really, really loved Thomil’s character and his role to play in the story. He works so hard to take Sciona to task, and he is carrying so much that shapes him into the character he is.
The magic in this world was SO interesting and I loved getting such a fresh take on spellcasting and magic. The workings of it felt super complex without being confusing, and Wang balanced all of it so well.
Definitely 5⭐️!
The beginning of this book had me in tears, and debating on if I wanted to continue. This is a dark academia book that follows the FMC to attempt at being the first female magistry. She is met with challenges that she is able to overcome with strength and integrity. Very interesting and entertaining read. Highly recommend!
Blood Over Bright Haven was an enjoyable and exciting book. It tackles imperialism, sexism, class struggle, and religion. Overall, I liked the two main characters - some of the supporting ones were a bit flat though - and the way they challenged one another although I did not always like or understand their choices. The magic system was unique and interesting. And it ended with a big bang. This story was a lot grimmer than I expected but I still enjoyed it. I will definitely check out the author’s other books.
A dark academia diatribe on ethics, power, and choice that has left me staring at the walls and unable to read anything else. I knew I was going to be emotionally eviscerated, and still I read on.
This book is like if the Barbie movie’s themes of the lack of female power were set in the tone of Oppenheimer. Keeping the distinct undercurrent of “small man make big choice for all people” and add in a dash of racism, classism, narcissism, and general murderous vibes, and there you have it.
I’m going to watch the Barbie movie and pretend that these aren’t the real choices that people make every day until I no longer want to sob kthanksloveyoubye
PS NO NOTES, but ML WANG WHEN I SEE YOU
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
Everything you look for in a dark fantasy novel, plus more (imperialism, racism, elitism, and supremacy).
M. L. Wamg knocked out another great read! Don't know where he comes up with these stories, but just wow!
Another must read.
Expected publication October 29, 2024 by Del Rey
Originally self-published and now being traditionally published on October 29, 2024, *Blood Over Bright Haven* is a standalone dark academia novel with a unique magic system and complex characters. It tackles important issues such as racial inequality, sexism, classism, and more, while exploring the age-old question of impact versus intent.
Sciona has fought tooth and nail to become the first female highmage in the High Ministry of Tiran. In a world designed to celebrate men and stifle women and the poor, Sciona has secured her dream job after devoting her life to achieving it. However, on her first day, she realizes that despite earning her position, she will never be accepted for her skills and talent. Determined to make her mark, she is insulted when a janitor is assigned to be her laboratory assistant. Little does Sciona or the High Ministry know, Thomil is more than just a janitor; he is one of the last survivors of his tribe, most of whom perished in the Blight while trying to enter the city ten years prior. Together, Sciona and Thomil must find a spell impressive enough to expand the city's barrier. In their research, they stumble upon a harrowing truth that changes everything. Sciona must come to terms with a life built on lies, and Thomil must face the true cost of magic.
I usually never read standalone fantasy books because I always want more time with the characters. But wow, this book did it for me. It had an easy-to-process yet unique magic system, amazing but infuriating character development, and a well-paced plot. At no point was I bored; I was incredibly intrigued from the first chapter. Thomil’s introduction and background immediately drew me in, especially with the description of the Blight that plagues his people. From the very first chapter, I knew I was going to love this novel. Sciona was both hard to love and hard to hate—truly a complex character with flaws, prejudices, and ego. She shows that true character development is not linear. There were moments when I was cheering her on and others when I questioned if she had learned anything. The ending was bold, emotional, and exactly what I wanted. The last three chapters alone bumped this book from 4 stars to 4.5/5 stars. Although I somewhat predicted the ending, it was executed beautifully, and I was cheering for each character.
I would recommend this to any reader and will definitely be adding M.L. Wang to my auto-buy list from now on.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, M.L. Wang, and Net Galley for an advanced copy of the traditionally published *Blood Over Bright Haven* in exchange for my honest review.
Blood Over Bright Haven by @mlwangauthor asks the question, “What cost is too high for advancement and comfort and God’s glory?”
My rating jumped all over the place throughout this book. It started at a 5, fell to a 3, went back to about a 3.5, and it managed to end on a 5. It both started and ended strong with the middle being a little too predictable for me, but that is what happens when you read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy.
PROS:
🩸Unique Magic System
🩸The Kwen
🩸Freynan Mirror
🩸Thomil
🩸Carra
CONS:
🩸The Source of Magic
🩸Mostly Predictable
🩸Misogyny
🩸Religious Superiority
🩸Colonialism
🩸Racism
🩸The price “good people” are willing to pay
🪞🪞🪞🪞🪞out of 5 mirrors to the Otherworld for the exceptionally strong ending
Thank you to M.L. Wang and @netgalley for the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated titles of 2024.
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This book was quite the ride. With a unique magic system, that is easy to follow. I enjoy these types of fantasy novels, because they are easy recommendations for friends that are new to the fantasy genre. This was an emotional rollercoaster and Wang is a master at character development.
So far, this is my favorite fantasy I’ve read this year. I would recommend it to fans of VE Schwab, RF Kuang, and Brandon Sanderson. The plot is incredibly engaging and masterfully paced. At one point, I gasped out loud. The characters jump off the page, even minor ones feel real and complex. This is only one of the reasons that the explorations of colonialism and prejudice are so effective. I could gush about this for a while but I think it’s better if you just go and read it yourself.