YALLLLLLLLL you need to read this book!!!!! It's fantastic!!!! Thomil is such a deep, great character. The world building is dark with a complex magic system. It's perfect for spooky time too! I have to share this little quote “The worthwhile run is never the short one. You know we're not running from oblivion, Thomil. We're running toward hope.” I'm crying seriously. The ending is gut wrenching. Please prepare yourselves!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read early in exchange for a honest review. I honestly LOVED THIS BOOK. This book is everything you want a stand-alone fantasy to be. Also, did I mention stand-alone already?! I know many people that struggle to get into secondary books, but love fantasy and this book is perfect for them! The beginning of this book SUCKS you in right away wanting to know more and to keep turning pages. Extremely well-written, beautifully developed characters. I truly don't know how M.L. Wang does it, but I'm ready to read everything she writes!

“Truth over delusion. Growth over comfort.”

Wow, I think this is my book of the year. Do yourself a favor and preorder this now.

I thought this was just going to be a good old fashioned dark academia book, but I was wrong it’s so much more than that. The vibes are a mix of Babel, The Poppy War, and Sword of Kaigen with a sprinkling of Scythe. The city of Tiran is protected from the blight by a magical barrier, but the city is becoming too big for the barrier to hold. Our FMC, Sciona, is the first female mage to enter the High Magistry (the highest order in their society). Here the men on her floor pair her with a Khen janitor, Thomil, to research magic for their border expansion project. In this society Khen are akin to slaves, so the men don’t expect Sciona to succeed, but the two form a unique relationship and uncover world changing secrets. What unfolds in this novel is a beautifully aching take on sexism, colonialism, racism, greed, racism complicity, and putting “God” and men before all beings.

There is a unique magic system at play here, and how Wang describes it to the reader is fantastic. It did not feel heavy and dreadful as some fantasy books world building can be, it was digestible and almost felt interactive from the first page. All of the characters in this are deeply flawed, Sciona is selfish, egotistical, and cold to others, while Thomil is quietly raging, straining to be free from his oppressors. The main characters challenge each other in ways that often don’t work in a fantasy novel but did here. The readers get to see in real time their belief systems ripped from under their feet and how they manage that. The themes of guilt and hope seep from these pages and make the reader anxious to see how everything panes out. The last 30% of the book was so good that I couldn’t put it down. I think the ending is a perfect conclusion to the story told and leaves the reader with hope. I can’t wait to my physical copy and reread already. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Intense, bold, and the kind of deep world building and explorations of power I can't get enough of. M.L. Wang was already becoming a name in fantasy but I wouldn't be surprised if this really blows up. Joining the chorus of people saying that I read the book in just over a day- for a book that's over 500 pages it just shows how propulsive it is.

Brilliantly written. M.L. Wang is the best-kept secret in fantasy. This book is perfect for all of the dark academia fans out there!

This book will stick with me forever. I’m having trouble finding the right words at this very moment and will add comments later. It’s dark academia with sci-fi elements for those looking for a mix of both genres. Just know it’s amazing and will rip your heart out. Just incredible.

I think this is the best book I have read this year.

Sciona is a brilliant female mage in a world of men who don't believe that a woman can hold the same role. Raised by hardworking women, she pushed to forge a new path for herself and create a legacy of greatness. When given a "lesser" Khen janitor as her assistant, Sciona find secrets long kept quiet and lies about their entire existence that are enough to break even the best minds. Sciona and Thomil work together to piece together amazing plans to show the truth and right the world.

This book was devastating and beautiful. It resonates strongly with so much of our human history and how we treat each other and looks into how hard those ingrained beliefs can be to break.

The world building was absolutely top tier and the character development felt so incredibly realistic. I just highly recommend this story.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for allowing me to read this early!

I was already a fan of M.L. Wang’s writing but this solidified it for me! The story telling, characters and world building are absolutely incredible and always leave the reader in awe! The book tackles some challenging subjects and does it in such an eloquent way. This is a book that you can’t miss!

"Truth over Delusion. Growth over Comfort. God over all."

-NO SPOILERS-

Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark, twisty, thought-provoking standalone fantasy novel. When the first female enters an order of mages, a story of family, heritage, women's rights, a warped caste vs class system, faith and hope come together to make this lovely reading experience.

I enjoyed many things about this book. I liked reading about this different magic system (though at times, pretty complex) and that there was action from the very first chapter! Our main female character, Sciona, is not your typical female character. I found myself rooting for her, then not liking her at all, then rooting for her again. I found myself asking, "How will I leave my mark?"

I would have enjoyed a little more background (details) on Sciona's history to really understand some of her early decisions, thought processes, and confidence.

If you enjoy a solid fantasy standalone with a super unique, detailed magic system, then this one is for you!!

Plot: 5
Characters: 4
World Building: 4
Magic System: 5
Themes: 5

This is officially one of my favorite books of all time. Thank you so much to the publishers for allowing me to read it before it is published again, I tore through this book.
I often find fantasy books either fall flat with their political and social messaging, or there is a glaring absence of any kind of messaging where one is appropriate. This, like Babel of RF Kuang, hits the nail on the head with both its fantasy elements and its extremely poignant, shocking and well-written political message.
This book is NECESSARY, especially right now as we bear witness to another genocide being supported by those in power. The narratives around colonization, exploitation, dehumanization and the lengths we go to numb ourselves to all of these things could not be more carefully woven through a fantastic and all-encompassing fantastical world which sweeps you off your feet. The characters each embody important aspects of our current era, and truly feel human in every way that is important.
I URGE you to pick up this book in any way you can, and tell your friends because this is soon to be a modern classic.
Review will be posted soon on TikTok to @bkrbooks

I was so excited to read this book because I've heard great things about M.L. Wang. This book did not disappoint. Thank you for the ARC!

The book is incredible. Hands down one of the most thought provoking, stand alone fantasy stories I have ever read. Wang had created a world that’s complex, with beautiful world building that manages to draw the reader in and show them how it mirrors our own ways of life. The discussions of religion, race, social class, misogyny, and power have left me reeling since finishing the last page.

The story itself is captivating: Sciona is a female mage in a world where only men study magic, but she’s smart and on the path to become a high mage, the highest ranking magic practice in their world. She has spent her entire life on her studies and magic and is eager to break the mold as the first female highmage. She lives in the world of Tiran where magic provides its citizens modern comforts (electricity, plumbing, transportation) and she is working to figure out a method to extend the barrier of the city that protects all of Tiran.

Thomil is a Kwen man who sought refuge in Tiran, giving up his family and livelihood to make it past the barrier. He makes ends meet as janitor but becomes her assistant by accident. The two build an unlikely partnership as they work on Scions’s project and she is delighted that Thomil is able to question her methods and help her dig deeper to achieve her goals. They two ultimately work well together and uncover some secrets about their world and magic that change things forever.

I won’t get too much more into the plot because I really think it is best uncovered as you read, but know there are dark themes at play and it will have your mind bending to figure out what exactly is happening behind the scenes. I saw myself in Sciona, wanting to believe in the science and her studies, wanting to believe in the goodness of people and ultimately was not surprised with how the story played out.

Vibes:
Unique magic system
Dark academia
Strong character development
Female rage

Content warnings: abuse, sexual assault, racism, misogyny, violence, gore

This might be the best book I’ve read so far this year. “Blood Over Bright Haven” isn’t just a book; it’s also a commentary on morality.

M.L. Wang paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live in a society that values the few over the many. Throughout the book, you’ll start to question what it means to be a good person. Not just that—you’ll start to question what it means to be human.

The main character is inherently flawed, which is my favorite type of character to read about. Her character development is incredible. She’s constantly unlearning the societal biases that were taught to her as she’s presented with information that contradicts what she always believed to be true. It’s just marvelous character work from Wang.

The magic system is one of the most complex I’ve ever read. It’s unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a fantasy book. It’s analytical and rooted in scientific realism and reasoning. Wang does a great job describing it to the reader.

“Blood Over Bright Haven” isn’t just an amazing piece of literature; it’s also thought-provoking and will have you questioning everything you thought you knew.

Everyone NEEDS to read this book!

Thank you so much to Del Rey and Random House Publishing Group for gifting me an ARC of this book before its official release.

Blood Over Bright Haven: A Poetic Review

In Tiran’s grasp, where shadows dwell,
A tale unfolds, both dark and swell.
Sciona, an orphan, dreams take flight,
In search of magic, she seeks the light.

With ambition fierce, through trials she’ll tread,
High Magistry’s call, a path she must thread.
But fate intervenes, with a twist of the plot,
A janitor named Thomil—her partner, though not.

Together they navigate secrets of old,
In a world of ambition, where hearts turn cold.
Through echoes of tragedy, morality's fight,
They wrestle with darkness, in search of the light.

An industrial utopia, both wondrous and grim,
Where knowledge is power, and shadows grow dim.
Dark academia whispers, in corridors vast,
As they unravel the future, and confront the past.

Wang weaves her words with a lyrical grace,
Each sentence a brushstroke, a haunting embrace.
With vivid depictions, emotions laid bare,
The struggles of Sciona linger in air.

In the depths of ambition, where dreams intertwine,
Morality dances on a delicate line.
Blood over Bright Haven, a tale rich and deep,
A gripping addiction, a story to keep.

So delve into pages where shadows entwine,
In a world filled with magic, where destinies shine.
For those who seek darkness, and mysteries crave,
M.L. Wang’s creation is a journey to save.

Transparently, I went into this book thinking that it was going to play out a lot differently than it did. However, I am NOT upset about it. Think magical realism in kind of a dystopian society but not....because this was clearly to be framed to model a sort of mid-century time frame. Honestly, the time frame was a bit ambiguous but I'm guessing what the estimate could be.

This was a story of social hierarchies. It was a story about how society is set up to truly benefit only one of those social levels. It was a story about selfishness, and ego, and thinking (or not thinking) about others.

This is not a story about a girl who is selfless and fearless, and always has the best intentions. Our FMC is flawed, through and through. But you love her. Because she grows. She's egotistical, mean, fanatical, defensive, and reckless, but she never does any of it because she is evil. She wants to leave her mark on the world.

The magic system in this world is heavy and dense. It's scientific and there is a lot of time spent describing it in immaculate detail that blew me away. Essentially, think of the magic system like the magic was performed by code and there are 100 people in this world that write the code. It was truly fascinating to watch this world build and unfold.

This story is nothing what I expected it to be, and I couldn't be more glad for it. The feelings that this brought forth were thought provoking and uneasy, but they are good.

I would recommend this book!

Blood Over Bright Haven is a well written and highly regarded book. The story follows Thomil and Sciona working together to solve a vile problem that nobody seems to care about. They team up and have to work through their differences with each other in order to succeed. Sciona is the first woman in a decade to be tested and allowed into the high magistry. She is a strong, motivated woman, who will not let any man stop her from achieving her goals. Thomil is a man trying to recover and build a new life in a city who does want him there. He is determined to be the best man for his niece and Tribe.

I really enjoyed taking my time with this read, slowly learning about Sciona and Thomil. This is a heavily feminist and female focused book. The quote “a woman in a man’s world” kept running through my head so much while reading this. There were times though where the characters would constantly bring up that she is “a woman in a man’s world”.. It felt repetitive and unnecessary because as the reader you know and understand the hardship Sciona is going through. I was starting to get annoyed because it seemed like half way through the story focused in on her having to constantly remind us that she is better than the me. I wish it was just a bit more subtle and not the main focus of the plot.

I felt like this also suffered from not being long enough. I could read a prequel novel about Thomil and his Tribe before they decided to endure the crossing. I could read a sequel novel about what happened after the ending of Blood Over Bright Haven. I just wanted so much more than this book gave, but I still appreciate everything that M.L. Wang was able to create in just one book. This is the second book I’ve read from M.L. Wang and I think that her stories are so strong and gripping. Her ability to create such unique and intriguing plots is truly remarkable.

I recommend this book to just about anyone who is looking for a standalone fantasy that is slightly grim dark but still heartwarming. The setting is dark academia and perfect for a chilly fall day.

Final rating: 3.5 stars ✨

I always have mixed/complicated feelings with fantasy novels that discuss colonialism or include colonialism as part of the novel’s theme. Babel by RF Kuang, for instance, is undoubtedly a brilliant novel, but by the end I feel unsettled and thinky - like I need to immediately reread the book and reevaluate all of the points made. This is what happened with Blood Over Bright Haven. There’s no doubt that ML Wang is a fantastic writer, and there were several quotes that made me pause and think before I continued reading. I feel like I need more time to set this book sit and marinate in my brain - but that’s also a sign that the author is doing something right, in my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the arc!

M.L. Wang has delivered yet another breathtaking masterpiece with Blood Over Bright Haven. This novel is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, blending intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and razor-sharp political intrigue. The plot is rich with unexpected twists, and the stakes feel real on every page. Wang’s writing is vivid and immersive, with beautifully crafted prose that balances action, magic, and deeply personal moments.

What truly stands out are the characters—they are flawed and deeply human, and their struggles resonate long after you turn the last page. Their dynamic relationships, particularly the tension between loyalty and betrayal, will keep you on edge and make you question where your sympathies lie.

The magic system is wonderfully detailed, but the way it weaves seamlessly into the political landscape elevates it beyond typical fantasy fare. The themes of power, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition hit hard, and Wang doesn’t shy away from examining the darker side of human nature.
In short, Blood Over Bright Haven is a spellbinding, thought-provoking read that fantasy lovers can’t afford to miss. M.L. Wang has once again proven herself a master of the genre. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of the traditionally published version of this novel.

5 Stars

I’m not sure how to feel. There’s a strange mix of awe, nausea, wonder, heartbreak. This was amazing. This was devastating.

Who are we as people? Are humans, at their core, good, and will they do their best to do good, or are we selfish by nature? Are we okay with turning away from suffering in the name of our own small comforts? I feel like I’ve always known the answer, no matter how pessimistic it may seem. Knowing this did not make this story sit any easier with me.

I have a hard time with questions left unanswered and possibility left unexplored, but I can’t give this any less than 5 stars. The conclusion of this story is open ended and there’s so much to think about, to contemplate. It’s definitely not a happy ending, and I’m hesitant to call it hopeful, but at the same time I don’t know how it could be anything but that.

I’ll be thinking about this for years to come.

I just love M.L. Wang - she can do no wrong in my eyes. Her prose is just exceptional and the way she knows when to give the reader more information versus allowing them to come to the conclusion on their own is bar none. Blood Over Bright Haven was very thought-provoking and explored wonderful themes around corruption, complicity, morality, greed, misogyny, racism, sacrifice, and more in a very easy to understand way. Sciona's character development was beautiful to read and I think Wang made character and plot-ending decisions that many authors would shy away from because it's not a "typical" fantasy ending. For the other Sword of Kaigen lovers out there (potential spoiler alert), in many ways Blood Over Bright Haven fills the gap of what could have been Mamoru's story if he had the opportunity to exploit the corruption he learned of. Really loved this story - rating 4.5 stars.