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

This story about magical worlds is so different than I expected. In Tiran, magic is available if you can study enough you may become a highmage. However, Sciona is the first woman to gain the title. Her peers are not thrilled and treat her terribly. When they decide to offer her the janitor for a lab assistant, she decides to take on the challenge. However, her new assistant is a Kwen, he comes from a tribe outside Tiran who lost his family to the blight. His kind is treated less than human. Together they uncover secrets about their world that could get them killed and dismantle everything they knew about magic. Great book!

Perfect fans of Full Metal Alchemist and 86

This book altered my brain chemistry.

I was not expecting to find myself so engrossed in this book, but darling I was.

Part sci-fi, part fantasy mixed with dark academia and dystopia this book is everything. I went in thinking this book was going to be a run-of-the-mill dark academia fantasy.

I was quickly proven wrong.

I'm not sure I have the words to describe what a triumph this book is. It's well-written, thought-provoking, and introspective. It's brutal and honest. It poses questions and addresses issues without offering any half-baked simple solutions. Because complex problems have no easy answers.

The book is as horrifying as it is hopeful. This book might go down as my favorite book of the year.

I won't say much else except that if you have even the slightest interest in this book I urge you to check it out.

Happy book birthday to ML Wang, on the trad pub release of Blood Over Bright Haven! I gobbled up this book in two days-and I’ve been waiting anxiously to post a review until release week. This is certainly one of those books that it’s better to go in blind than to know too much context-at least, that was my own experience with the novel. I’ve read Sword of Kaigen, and absolutely ate up the epic fantasy, deeply entrenched (and entrancing!) magic system, and ML Wang’s depth of storytelling. Considering that Blood Moon Under Bright Haven is shelved under Dark Academia, I had no other expectations other than the precursor that I would read this author’s grocery list.

Blood Over Bright Haven is a novel set in an eerily dystopian city ruled by a religious system and text of an assembly of mages, Tiran. Our MC, Sciona, is an orphaned magician tasked with being the first female mage of an elite echelon of mages that rule over the city’s prosperity. The story unfolds through Sciona’s gritty, determined personality—which the reader will, throughout the book, slowly begin to realize is not all that it seems. Her story is interrupted by the likes of a janitor at her workplace, an unlikely pair that becomes the focus of the novel. Full systems, political systems, religious systems, and chock full of intriguing social commentary, readers of R.F. Kuang, Leigh Bardugo, and of course fans of Fullmetal Alchemist, will love this book.

As I went in completely blind, I was pleasantly shocked by the themes in entrenched in Blood Over Bright Haven. ML Wang’s understanding of character, in creating a main so viscerally disillusioned and at times utterly despicable—yes, it’s giving all things Vicious (VE Schwab, Yellowface, etc.)—and yet, so nuanced. Brava! Without going into depth, I would characterize this more under the lines of grim dark, in the grand scheme of things. Everything is NOT what it seems through the eyes of our first character’s point of view, and I love the misdirection—without getting too far into it and spoiling things, it’s the driving stake of the novel. And the ending? Brilliant.

Sciona has had to work harder than all her peers but is now on track to become the first female high mage. The city she lives in is under a dome primarily run by magic. The people outside of the city are seen as inferior but they make up a significant amount of the labor force. After achieving her dreams of becoming a mage, Sciona soon learns that her difficulties in being accepted have just begun. Instead of being assigned a qualified lab assistant she is forced to work with a janitor. Much to her surprise the janitor, Thomil is more than what he seems. A former hunter from beyond the dome, Thomil is driven to discover what magical sources killed is family and tribe. Together they uncover a deadly secret that the elite magical community has been hiding.

I really loved this book. Sciona and Thomil having to work together to overcome society's limited expectations of them really drew me in. The focus on imperialism and questioning why the elite get to be who they are and how they hold power over others was handled very well. I really enjoy dark academia so the setting was really interesting. The world is well thought out and feels lived in. The magic system is also really innovative. I enjoyed Sciona and Thomil as main characters. Seeing Sciona's world view get broken into pieces and rebuilt was fascinating. I look forward to doing a reread of this soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

That ending, my goodness... I am dead. Simply dead. ML Wang has done it again with a book that couldn't be more different than her earlier works.

I would recommend this book to fans of Babel, and also to people who thought the message in Babel was spoon fed to the reader a little too obviously. I'm not 100% sure I would call this a dark academia - it's a fantasy with an academic setting, sure, but it is just so much more.

Read it to see the parallels with our own society and get righteously angry. I know I did!

And the magic system is based on coding - so cool!

Seriously, after a slow start (the beginning might be a little info-dumpy, but I forgive it) the book takes off and never takes a breath. I'm trying really hard to avoid spoilers because you really need to experience this one for yourself. Five stars!

Unequals in every aspect, the first female Highmage Sciona and her Kwen assistant Thomil, become the most unlikely pair as they take on the leaders of a flawed magic system aimed at benefiting the powerful while destroying the weak. Revelations threaten to destroy the stable conditions of the city and familial bonds once thought to be unbreakable.
This dark academia full of rivals, blood, and displaced families really picks up around the middle of the book. We're set up for a sequel, and I really hope it happens

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this novel! <i>Blood Over Bright Haven</i> comes out on October 29, 2024.

<i>Blood Over Bright Haven</i> follows Sciona, a woman devoted to magic and determined to carve her own path as the first woman admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry. Finally having achieved her goal, Sciona finds herself inundated from the start with challenges from her new colleagues, who are determined to make her feel unwelcome and inferior. Paired with an a janitor from the lands outside of the city as her new assistant, Sciona finds out that the cost of magic may come at a price she never could have imagined.

I have been interested in this novel since it was self published, and I'm so happy to see it receive a traditional release! <i>Blood Over Bright Haven</i> is a fantastic stand alone fantasy. It grapples with truth and power and the high cost of both. Sciona is such an interesting and well rounded character. We see her grapple with her beliefs in a way that is frustrating but also authentic.

The writing is great -- I was sucked into the story from the first chapter, interested to uncover what the magic system was. This is a story really interested in the pursuit of knowledge and study, and while I may not necessarily call it dark academia, I think if you enjoy that type of novel, you'll like this. Sciona is certainly relentless in her pursuit of knowledge.

I thought the world building was well done; it was just enough to get me interested in the complexities of Tiran and the Kwen without falling into too many info dumps.

Even though she very much annoyed me in some parts, I did enjoy following Sciona as our main character. I also really like Thomil -- I do wish we had a bit more chapters from his POV. The balance between the two felt a little off and could have been woven throughout more smoothly, though I do understand why a majority of the chapters are from Sciona's POV.

I don't want to say much because I think folks should know as little as possible before going into this one. Content warnings for some pretty tough descriptions of violence and death, as well as racism.

I think if you liked <i>Babel</i> by RF Kuang, you'll enjoy this one. It has similar themes of knowledge v power, settler colonialism and violence, etc.

Blood Over Bright Haven spares no emotional punches. Revolution is necessarily messy. Change is always hard fought and this is never more true than in the skirmish between the peoples of this book.

I was so hype for this after the Sword of Kaigen. While it's an incredible world built from the ground up, it's just not as strong of a book, relying heavily on in your face main social issues that are thinly veiled similarities to the world we live in today. I DO love this book, but the black white men/women poor/wealthy dynamics are so blatant. Which is the same criticism as I had for R.F. Kuang's Babel. It repeats itself over and over.

However, what makes this stand out from similar works is how much we see our main characters struggle with character growth, and really push the boundaries of their thought processes. It avoids the trope of main characters who are immediately on the side of right/wrong. This book acknowledges that internal struggle.

Definitely read this if you love fantasy books that tackle the social issues of the world we are living in today. It is rich in magic, lore, and human emotions.

I have no words for this book, it was...utterly phenomenal. Unless something insanely unexpected comes up I'm more than comfortable saying that this will be the top book I read this year. Everything about it was breathtaking, and I'm in awe of Wang and her abilities as a storyteller. This is a novel that everyone should read, and I think it should be right up there with the likes of Sanderson and Rothfuss. Wang has crafted a insanely intricate world full of elements that are both completely new and fully familiar. She's added thoughtful commentary on gender and race, as well as creating a complex female lead that is brilliant but selfish, but who changes throughout the novel. Now that this book is getting a wider release (aka a publisher has picked it up) I have no doubt there are going to be people (mostly men) who pick it up and complain that the lead is unlikeable, and hell yeah she is, but I was here for it. Anyone who tries to say that great characters in great fantasy novels aren't exactly like her is lying, the only difference here is that they're all men and she's not. Honestly I think my only real "complaint" with this book is that I wanted more. An epilogue or something, hell, I would certainly be up for a sequel, but I can see why Wang decided to leave it as she has. I am just blown away by this "debut" and I can't wait to see what Wang comes up with next. There's no doubt in my mind I will be seeking out her other self-published work, and I am eagerly awaiting anything new she plans to release. I also plan on harassing anyone I possibly can at work to buy this book, and I have already hyped it up to several customers and a shelf-talker is all set up to go out with the release tomorrow.

This was relentlessly fantastic and one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far.

ML Wang created a world mirroring our own with such unique and inviting fantastical elements that made me completely hooked from the emotional action packed first chapter, to the very last page.

The magic system was unique with scientific elements that were still understandable. Wangs writing style allows the reader to be unrestricted in imagination while also feeling that every concept was concise and purposeful.

The characters were very flawed, making them all the more real. The attachment I felt to the characters was apparent very early on. Many people will likely have a hard time with this story because of the FMCs credulous, immature nature at the beginning, but it would be a disservice to not see this story to the end for the simple fact of watching one of the most interesting character arcs I’ve read on a page. I felt extremely satisfied with where they all ended.

The way the story touched on racism, self-proclaimed privilege, genocide, and religious discourse was shockingly true-to-life. I couldn’t help but compare a lot of what was going on in Tiran to the events happening in our real day to day.

What left the biggest impact for me and what I will think the most about for days and months to come is the debate over whether actions have consequences, or if having the right intention but the wrong outcome is simply enough.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

UGH. What can I say about this book. I think if you liked Babel, you'll like Blood Over Bright Haven. Even if you didn't like Babel, I think you would like Blood Over Bright Haven. I could not put this book down over the few days that I read it.

The magic system is loosely based off of what felt like coding and it was really interesting to see a world based around this time of power. It delves a lot into so many social issues and our biases even as someone who means well. It brought out so many emotions in me and I cannot wait until this book is out in the world.

Drop every book you're reading and pick up Blood Over Bright Haven. This story centers on Sciona, an ambitious mage, and Thomil, her determined assistant and a refugee in Tirana, as they confront what feels like a constant, high-stakes “trolley problem.” Together, they navigate a patriarchal society rife with colonialism, xenophobia, sexism, and so many more complex issues. Wang skillfully intertwines these themes with the characters' moral dilemmas, questioning the cost of betterment and what is worth that sacrifice.

This story goes beyond just a gripping plot; it’s thought-provoking, reflecting on real-world issues and posing essential questions about justice, societal progress, and accountability. By the end, it left me with a deep sense of reflection. If you’re looking for a novel that’s as socially relevant as it is captivating, Blood Over Bright Haven is an absolute must-read.

No woman has ever been granted admission to the High Ministry of Tiran—and Sciona Freynan is determined to be the first. To beat the odds, she must be the best, the brightest, the most ruthless in her pursuit of magic, especially when partnered with Kwen janitor Thomil rather than a respectable lab assistant. But as their research progresses, they draw closer to an awful truth—a long-buried history that could upend everything Sciona knows about magic, Thomil’s people, and the deadly Blight that hunts outside the city’s walls.

Blood Over Bright Haven truly left me at a loss for words. I have some gripes, yes—the magic system, though interesting, is over-explained, and some conversations (particularly those between Sciona and the archmages) feel heavy-handed and drag toward of the middle of the book. Those gripes, however, are vastly overshadowed by the sheer weight and brilliance of what Blood Over Bright Haven gets right. Wang’s dark academia has real stakes, and the secret at its heart is cruel and compelling. The plot drives forward with agonizing precision, seamlessly slipping between tender moments of unexpected connection and the inevitable brutality of colonial rule.

Wang’s writing doesn’t pull a single punch, and I turned the final page feeling uncomfortable, challenged, heartbroken, and hopeful. Bright Haven tackles the intersections between marginalised populations with both fearlessness and rare nuance, and never has an author so perfectly captured the condescension present in male-dominated spaces or the deliberate ignorance of systematic racism amongst those who benefit from its privilege. Though this isn’t a book that is particularly easy to stomach, it is undoubtedly a GREAT book, and a true must-read for dark academia fans and newcomers alike.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5 stars)

This is my first experience with M.L. Wang's writing, and the enthusiasm surrounding her work is entirely justified.

The initial chapters took some getting used to. The book opens with an action-packed, gripping scene, but quickly transitions to the main character Sciona's perspective, and thqat took a moment to fully grasp and understand. The setting changed drastically, but it was able to show the two sides of the coin.

However, after about 60 pages, I found myself completely immersed in the world. Sciona is prickly and flawed, yet profoundly relatable, making it easy to root for her by the story’s conclusion.

In a remarkably short span, Wang establishes a captivating atmosphere. The stakes feel exceptionally high, and the conflicts resonate deeply with our current political landscape, all while retaining a magical essence and feeling like its very own story. I loved reading something so unique, this experience was entirely new for me.

I plan on sharing this review to my fable, goodreads, and my tiktok account.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Del Rey for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was about 35% into this book and knew in my heart that this had - if not 5 star potential - certainly the potential to be one of the best reads of the year. Yes, it was heavy handed but I enjoyed the world I was launched into. The opening sequence was intense and chilling. I loved the magic system and the way it mirrored coding or formula writing in Excel (which I use a lot). The reader is introduced to seemingly colorful characters oozing with potential narratives. And M.L. Wang was clearly trying to establish a base of real heart into the story.

And yet, this is by far my most disappointing and frustrating read of the year. Not because it is terrible, but because it doesn't capitalize on its potential.


Sciona is a mage in the patriarchal city of Tiran, a protected magic-based technological oasis in a land otherwise afflicted by The Blight - an environmental disaster that randomly strikes and kills anything or anyone in its path. Tiran utilizes magic for many of its marvels such as its railway and electrical systems. But most importantly, the mages of Tiran use magic to shield the city from The Blight. 

The indigenous who live outside Tiran, "the Kwen", often seek refuge in the city as second-class citizens. Or perhaps third-class citizens as Tiranese women are the true second-class. They are allowed to study as mages but their promotions are capped. There has never been a female "High Mage" in all of Tiran's history.

Perhaps until now. If Sciona can prove her worth, she may be able to assist in the development of a secret, prestigious project that would cement her legacy as one of Tiran's greatest mages in all its history.

Yeah, what's not to like about that setup? Now Sciona isn't the easiest to like on the surface because she's arrogant and a little obnoxious, but I enjoyed that about her. Sciona isn't the friendliest person in the world as so many singularly-obsessed individuals can be, but I found her easy to sympathize with because of what she was up against. I was all in on Sciona. And I wanted to see how author M.L. Wang explored these relevant themes of oppression, misogyny, religion, racism, classicism and more. 

There were elements here that reminded me of Harry Potter in a slightly more adult form, so this was so far up my Diagon Alley that I was positively giddy in the early goings of the book. I enjoyed the dynamic between Sciona and Thomil and the incremental headway they made trying to understand one another. Their relationship is the strength of the book and I loved it. I was just less clear by the end that it should have been the core focus. 

Clearly, there is a really good story here. I just don't think it's been cracked.

There are essentially three major issues with author M.L. Wang's follow-up to the popular, Sword of Kaigen. The first is - despite there being a good story buried here - the plotting is nearly non-existent. There is almost nothing that happens in the middle portion of the book, virtually nothing that happens at the start of the book that triggers developments later on beyond the obvious main thread.

Now I was not bored by the middle section. That's not the problem. The problem is while I wasn't bored, it becomes clear later on that this portion of the book was underutilized in setting up a satisfying narrative later on.

There's a lot of messaging with a lot of speeches. Now I enjoyed some of the debates being had between the two central characters: Sciona and her Kwen refugee assistant, Thomil. Both of these individuals are oppressed in drastically different ways and there is one conversation in particular I thought was absolutely fascinating. However, because we are focusing primarily on the potential - for all intents and purposes - white savior of the story, it throws some of that messaging off balance. I like the beginning of the story, I like the idea of the ending and I like the idea of the journey in between but the execution wasn't as interesting or as impactful or as satisfying as it should be.

The second problem is the clumsy way in which characters are utilized. Outside of Sciona and Thomil, the characters in the Academia setting established in the first act have almost nothing to do for the rest of the book. And too often these characters seem to behave only in ways that the story required them too - it never feels organic because we never really get to know any of them. There is one turn by a key character towards the last act that is so extreme and feels like it popped out of thin air. And it almost feels like Wang is aware of this as the book then spends time trying to explain this turn after the fact like a Band-Aid. It feels tacked on.

Now I loved what Wang was going for with this ending. But again, the execution was just so clumsy and for a character we are told again and again is so smart, I found myself second guessing her over and over and with good reason.

This leads me to the third problem I had with this book. It is so incredibly predictable. I am not one of these people who is always two steps ahead in a thriller or mystery novel. Yet I don't believe there was a single reveal in this book that I didn't see coming. Now I'm not that smart, it's just that everything is so obviously telegraphed, the themes are so heavy-handed that there is no doubt as to where its all headed.

Despite my issues, I love aspects of this book. I enjoyed much of this book and I loved this world. I loved the premise, I loved the themes Wang layers in the story. I do not dislike this book. I am just so incredibly disappointed because I know I could have loved it if only the execution was there.