I was kindly given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Blood Over Bright Haven is a beautifully written Dark Academia world that reflects real world social inequality. M.L Wang weaves themes regarding misogyny, xenophobia, colonialism, immigration etc. into a fantastical magic world.

The way she touched on these very heavy and emotional topics was deeply authentic and emotional. This book leaves you reflecting for days after.

“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.”

Our main character Sciona, defeats the odds and becomes the first female mage in society. In a patriarchal system, she learns quickly that she will have to work harder than her peers. In her time as a mage she befriends a Kwen man, Thomil. He and his niece fight to survive after their deadly crossing into Tiran to face a society that outcasts and oppresses them for being Kwen. Together Sciona and Thomil uncover dark secrets regarding Magic and their government. Ultimately their lives can never be the same after learning the truth.


Blood over Bright Haven will be a book I think about for years to come. If you like fantasy books, but also appreciate the evocative nature of dark academia this book is for you.

Firstly, a huge thanks to the author, ML Wang, NetGalley, and the publisher, Del Rey, for the digital ARC copy of Blood Over Bright Haven. I loved this novel, and am looking forward to purchasing a hardcover copy of my own to keep! ML Wang truly brings magic to the pages. The characters leap to life through their suffering and growth. Sciona and Thomil will pull you into their world and make you want to stay, even though it is at times scary and unpredictable.

The story is dark and riveting; the writing itself exquisitely mythical in the way it structures and lays out a scene and story. I thought a lot of the word choices were no less satisfying than the first bite of a favorite treat, and the thoughts stirred when reading inspired me to think more about concepts like friendship, class structures, identity, hard work, and how pure bad luck in the genetic lottery can place people in the worst of situations.

If you ever thought about political events and wondered, “What would I have done? How would I have reacted,” this book will make you want to be a Sciona. She refuses to remain stagnant or be limited, and cannot help but be her, even if that leads her into a truly harrowing struggle. Sciona and Thomil feel like real people. Their struggles, even though on one hand, feel far from anything we can imagine on our planet, are common to most of us. We all feel we can be made smaller by the world around us, placed in a box preventing our reach into life paths that would be so enjoyable and challenging.

ML Wang is an extremely talented writer with a bright future ahead, and I am very much looking forward to more. A truly beautiful and thought provoking, genre-bending story. I highly, highly recommend. One of my favorite reads of the year so far.

Get ready for a transformative journey with this book! It will shift your perspectives, challenge your thoughts, and evoke a range of emotions. Prepare to be amazed, laugh out loud, and even feel a little uncomfortable at times. But most importantly, be ready to grow as a person. This book is a magical rollercoaster that will leave you wondering what just hit you!

This book is so dark in the best way! Some books I just can't put down, this one I had to put down a few times just to catch my breath. Absolutely riveting storyline, character development, and plot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It’s much easier to tell yourself you’re a good person than it is to actually be one.”

This is one of the best standalone sci-fi fantasy novels I have ever read! This is an ARC and its release date is October 29, 2024. I’m not even joking when I say that this book should 1000% be turned into a movie and the moral of the story is so important and so relevant not only in the US, but in many parts of the world.

First, can I just say how amazing the “about the author” section is… “M.L. Wang is an author, martial artist, and weird recluse currently hiding somewhere in Wisconsin with her maroon-bellied parakeet, Sulu. She enjoys gruesome nature documentaries and long walks in circles around her room.” UMM SAME M.L. SAME.

There’s a ton of spellwork and machinations that I still don’t understand in the book, but it’s written in a way that you don’t really have to get it to see what’s important. Sciona is an independent, uber focused woman who’s spent her entire life working to achieve the pinnacle of all jobs, a highmage. There’s a pretty severe hierarchy where the “haves” and “have nots” couldn’t be more different and the Kwen (have nots) are treated like garbage and their life really has no value to the people of Tiran. Anyway, it begs the question: if you unearthed a secret that all top officials have been keeping and innocent people, animals and lands are being murdered and destroyed… would you turn a blind eye to it or would you stand against the status quo and use your voice in an attempt to create change for the better? It brought to mind Christopher Columbus and his BS lies, the slaughter of indigenous peoples, the treatment of immigrants, child trafficking, nazi germany, segregation.. I mean the list goes on and on! This may be a fantasy novel written by a woman in Wisconsin chilling with her bird, but it’s SO much more than that. This book was powerful and I cried. Buy the book, trust me if you like sci-fiesque fantasy with magic and heart and love and compassion mixed with brutality you’ll love this! Again, this should be a movie.








#netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #arc #netgalleyarc #mlwang #mlwangbooks #bloodoverbrighthaven

Wow!!! Wang's weaving of religion, magic, and science creates an immersive and compelling world you want to linger in. It's a world where magic is studied like chemistry and physics, creating a unique academic setting. It is a little funny imagining characters wielding their magic by writing lines and shapes on stacks of paper, typing everything into a typewriteresque machine, calculating coordinates, and then hitting enter, but it brings to life the dark academic world in which the characters move in. Outside of the unique magic system, this world is enriched by having established class structures and the people's ideology is expressed throughout the story to reinforce the stakes and the opposition the characters are up against.

While I wasn't a fan of Sciona, I did appreciate her ARC and growth. She's a character that grows for the better but recognizes what makes her, her, isn't always morally good. She is a character that understands herself and doesn't shy away from the ugly parts and I can respect that.

I loved Thomil and his niece. I cared about them the most and while they may not be the MCs they are present enough to have a significant role in Sciona's story and smooth her jagged edges. They are the type of supporting characters that are in the story but they feel separate because they can't last in the world. That's one of the plot points in the book.

This book has been the best fantasy book I've read, so far, this year.

Well written but not for me. The concepts explored were perhaps too many/if the author had zeroed in on one specific issue and brought it to a resolution, the pacing may have been better. I also didn’t jive with the ending. 2.5/5

I absolutely loved this book. I am a pretty slow reader but I ate this up so quick! An easy 5 star read for me.

I am not great at writing reviews but one point I want to make clear is that this book is a must read. It’s SO good.

I am always a little imitated by fantasy books but this one was so easy to follow but discussed such deep topics. I loved Sciona and Thomil. Both were such complex characters. The story line is not completely new but I still really loved it especially with the magic system. I feel like it’s different than other books I have read. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend

The Dark academia genre is really intriguing and I was excited at being able to read this book. Who wouldn't want to read about the sole woman allowed in the school working her way up the ranks to become a mage. I found the characters really interesting (even when they weren't the most likable) and I'm excited to read more books from this author

Bit too much going on, this book was kind of difficult to follow. There was a lot of info dumping at the start and I never really settled into the world. A shame because it's a good idea!

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy to be reviewed

Short Answer: I absolutely loved this book. For many reasons.



We follow a woman named Sciona, who lives in a world where woman are determined the weaker sex in mind, body, and soul. In her case specifically, she was never meant to practice magic and become a Highmage. But despite societal pressures, she passes her exam and becomes the first woman ever admitted to her Magic's university.

(Likely spoilers from here)

There was so many times where I related to Sciona. At first, she wanted to run away from the truth, but she knew she could not lie to herself. Once she saw the Blight for what it was, she couldn't sit by and do nothing.
What I liked about Sciona was her pure fire and honesty. Like myself, she struggles with empathy and emotions, focusing only on the things that helps her own progression. At first, she is ashamed at this, but very quickly comes to terms with her own character. She knew she was selfish, she knew she rarely had empathy, and as the book progresses, she claims this proudly. As I read her character, I realized I wouldn't want her to be anything else. Sciona simply wouldn't be Sciona if she wasn't selfish and self-centered.
But what really hit home about her is that, when it comes down to it, she has a heart of empathy, selflessness, and love. The way she loves...it's incredible when you consider her circumstances and environment. She's shameless in the best way possible, and *takes* her credit. A strong female lead that I really should learn from despite all her obvious flaws.

Thomil, I don't have much to say on. But I love his character because he's so...simple? Like, of course he's not simple. He expresses his values and how he weighs good and evil in ways I've never truly thought of before, because I was scared to delve too deep into that section of morals. But everything about him came so matter-of-factly to the point of heartache. He knows what he believes in, knows what he's feeling, even when he doesn't. There's apart of him that's shameless, just like Sciona.


These two and their relationship grabbed my heart and squeezed until tears spilled from my eyes. It was clear that they could not have each other, but despite this, they still appreciate each other in small, subtle ways. They never even had a truly proper confession moment, never laid their hopes out because they both knew where their paths were headed. Yet, I found myself wishing I had a love like theirs(despite how they ended). Thomil was what Sciona needed. Sciona was what Thomil needed. They were a fleeting moment in each other's lives that felt like walking a marathon, but every step was worth it.


What I like about the book overall is that it's so *imperfect*. The characters were so shamelessly flawed (I know I've used shameless a lot lol), and instead of ending up saints, they *stayed* shamelessly flawed. Their imperfections, while they lead to their downfall, were also what helped them grow.

This book is not about happy endings. It's not about having a perfect love story or about making excuses to make yourself seem righteous. This book, in my opinion, is about having hope where it can not be found. It's about how we push *just a little bit further* with every breath we take, every step we walk, and every time we break, just to put ourselves back together again and go even further.

I absolutely loved this book.

Wang’s talent for character development, world-building, and themes shines in this book. Despite her challenges, Sciona’s selfishness and drive for truth and recognition push the plot in fascinating ways. Her growth, as she faces harsh truths, highlights Wang’s deep storytelling. Supporting characters like Thomil’s quiet strength, Carra’s intense anger, and Alba’s simple love add depth to the story. The villains, with their brainwashed, cruel, and oppressive behavior, make the narrative even richer.

The world-building and magic systems mix “Babel” and “Harry Potter” with magic that feels like coding. Tiran’s magical Barrier and comfort sharply contrast with the complex lives of refugees and those outside the city facing the deadly Blight.

The themes in “Blood Over Bright Haven” are thought-provoking. Sciona’s endless curiosity and her debates with Thomil raise questions about intentions versus actions. The book explores hope, love, and connection amid dehumanization in a world full of fanaticism and elite control.

“Blood Over Bright Haven” is dark, intense, and highly engaging. It addresses imperialism, racism, elitism, and supremacy while telling an exciting story. Wang surprises readers with bold, emotional choices. The magic system is logical and elegant, adding more intrigue.

Some might find certain characters simple, but the emotional depth and storytelling make “Blood Over Bright Haven” stand out. It tells a complete story with a satisfying ending, exploring gender injustice, faith, and the consequences of intentions. Wang takes bold risks and delivers powerful twists, making this book unforgettable.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the eArc!

𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐌. 𝐋. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠
Magic has made this city an industrial utopia, but magic has a cost and the collectors have come calling. This standalone dark academia novel brimming with mystery, tragedy and the damning echoes of the past follows two characters.

Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fuelled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first women ever admitted to the High Magistry. When Sciona finally becomes a highmage, she finds that her challenges have just begun.

Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond the magical barrier who survived the perilous crossing that killed his family. He sees an opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland and keeping these people in power.

It would appear Sciona’s peers did not realise the taciturn assistant they forced upon her has secrets of his own and an obsession with uncovering the truth. Their fractious relationship between mage and outsider, may lead to them unmoving the secret that could change the course of magic forever. If it doesn’t kill them first.

The magic system is fascinating, the issues of the selfish pursuit of prestige is startling and it subtly shows the inadequacy in our reality. An easy five stars.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐌. 𝐋. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠

From NetGalley, I received the trad published version of Blood Over Bright Haven ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 🌟 rounded up. This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in awhile. As a standalone, it is so well written and tackles relevant social issues- imperialism, racism, faith, and gender inequality to name a few. M.L. Wang truly mastered the history and world building of Tiran. The way that magic was used and treated more as a science in this novel was fantastic and refreshing.

Tiran is an industrial utopia that utilizes magic to power its infrastructures and day-to-day functions for its citizens. The novel predominately follows Sciona, the first female Highmage, and Thomil, her assistant. Both characters come from completely different backgrounds- one an orphan dedicated to her studies of magic and a Kwen refugee worker. Because of her general lack of social awareness or relationships, Sciona is often obtuse and selfish in her thinking. When she is met with a discovery that challenges her faith and morals, she is forced to face the reality of her prejudices. This inner turmoil helps to push the plot forward with her actions that cause great conflict in the city of Tiran.

Overall, this novel was great. None of the side characters felt like fillers; they all served a significant purpose. I can offer no critiques other than it feeling flat and void of emotion at times. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy of the new publication when it comes out in October.

ML Wang has so many strengths, but I think chief among them is her raw ability to portray humanity, in all its beauty and horror and selfishness and tenacity and love.
This book is another triumph for Wang, evidenced by her continued mastery of prose, character growth, and above all, profound emotional connection from character to reader. She trusts the reader to understand her message.
Wang really has proven herself to be a powerhouse in fantasy and in literature. Blood over Bright Haven is brimming with hope amidst tragedy. I loved it.

I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is wow, great character and world building. Highly recommend and can't wait to see where the author goes next

I don't think there's any world where I cannot give this book five stars, as I sit here sobbing at the beautiful parallels between the start and the end of this book.

From the get-go, this book appears to have everything I need in an elite-tier book: a absolutely insane and kind of complicated but very fascinating magic system, a dark academia environment, a woman breaking glass-ceilings into male-dominated spaces, and a pair of unlikely allies. This book does have all that, but it also dives so much deeper on themes of religion, what it means to do and be good in the world, what we owe to ourselves and our community, the cost of our choices, actually understanding what our true beliefs really mean and do we actually want to believe in those things, and how all of these themes come together in a fantastical world but make us truly reflect on the world we live in today. ML Wang, you are a true genius and I will listen to anything you have to say!!!

I'm not going to lie, the first 20-30ish% of the book is dense in trying to understand the world, the magic, and what the greater mystery/concern is. There are a lot of conversations that characters have in debates that are painful to read because of how reflective they are of our society. But all of that is so important in helping us get the greater message of this book, which to me is that throughout everything, despite the hardships and the differences we may have, the chance to hope exists. Sciona hopes to make a difference with her magical discoveries. Thomil hopes that he can keep his people's memories alive. Carra hopes for a chance to live the life her parents hoped for her. Good or bad, hope is at the core of pushing us to do what we think is right.

Standing ovation for an incredible book. Thank you, ML Wang!

(And thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review)

An incredible tale of mystery, tragedy, and truth. How easily one can commit evil acts simply because they turn an oblivious eye to the truth. How change is possible with the right motivations. My heart has ached right along with these characters, I’ve cried, I’ve raged and I have smile. I cheered on Scionia and Thomil and Cara and wanted to so badly for a found family ending. But alas, my heart was broken. This will be a book that I will not get over soon.

With such an intricate magic system, a mysterious blight that’s enough to terrify readers, and a society that seems to have it all but underneath lies something incredibly dark and sinister, and characters that are well thought out, flawed, but still wonderful, it’s not wonder I couldn’t put this book down. It will leave you on the edge of your seat and fearful of what’s to come but hoping for something better and wishing it wasn’t a standalone.

It took me a few days to really get into it but whew once it gets going you don't want to stop reading! Blood Over Brighthaven is a tense, quick-witted novel about a brilliant mage who wants to put her name in the history books and the stubborn janitor who becomes her assistant.
I really liked the analysis of colonialism in this book. Sciona was not always likeable as a main character but she's extremely believable as a person within a colonialist society who discovers exactly what the price of her magic is.

Thomil is one of the last surviving membors of his tribe and has to keep his head down and reign in his fury in order to make a living. He's always honest with Sciona, and I really loved their relationship. He doesn't soften any edges for her and she needs that in order to come to the conclusions she reaches.

It's a brutal story, honestly, but it's very well written and I found the characters compelling.

A huge shoutout to M.L. Wang, the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was definitely a different style read than I’m used to but I wasn’t against it either. It had a very dark feel to it. There were some very graphic scenes in the book that could be unsettling to people but the characters and the character development is absolutely amazing.
This probably wasn’t a book I would personally pick up again, but I do highly recommend it if you fancy the dark, and disturbing style of books!