Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel Hardcover – October 29, 2024

4.5-5.0, This was another book I could not put down. Similar to her other book, Sword of Kaigen, this was an unexpected treat full of strong themes, unique magic and compelling characters. This is a standalone and this is a darker themed book, do not expect rainbows and roses at the end of this book. M.L. Wang pulls no punches when it comes to her characters.The main characters in this story are Sciona and Thomil. You mainly read from Sciona’s point of view but there are a few chapters with Thomil’s point of view, which I enjoyed. The main premise is that Sciona is applying and testing to be a Highmage but no woman has ever been named a Highmage. It is the city’s belief that women should only be homemakers, teachers or secretaries—they should never aspire to be a part of the High Magistry because the woman’s mind is too emption and fragile. Sciona sets out to prove those ideologies wrong but she is constantly facing backlash and criticism. The author really dives into the theme of sexism and shows the strength and courage it takes to set into a profession where you are not welcome and told you do not belong.On top of the gender inequality theme the author then explores the themes of prejudice, imperialism, faith and social status. It is amazing how many themes the author tackles in this one book and she does it so well.Regarding the theme of prejudice, Thomil’s is from a tribe of Kwen people and the people of the city of Tiran (the City where the characters live) believe that the Kwen are the lowest of the low, that they are essentially animals and cursed by their god. Thomil has been assigned to be Sciona’s lab assistant and the dynamic of them working together and their different lives forces Sciona to reflect on her city’s beliefs. This self-reflection is expounded further when Sciona and Thomil discover revelation about the darker side of the City’s magic.Sciona goes through a whirlwind of emotion when her life and beliefs get thrown upside down and she has to decide if she is going to act on their beliefs and whether she is going to use her position to make a change even if it causes her to lose everything.This book tackles a lot. For being a short standalone book, it is so fleshed out and thought provoking, I have a feeling this will be a book that sticks with me. The beginning of the book feels more light and optimistic but about halfway through, the book takes a darker turn as revelations are made.The magic system is unique and different. It has a more scientific computer coding type feel with some alchemy involved. It was not my favorite type of magic system as I had a hard time following it but I did enjoy it being something new and different.I do recommend this book. I enjoyed it and I had a hard time putting it down. I could not stop reading it. I probably enjoyed Sword of Kaigen more, but this book is so different and just as unique I would not compare the two. If you looking for a light/happy read, maybe hold off on this one. But if you do not mind when not all endings are rosy, then definitely give this book a try since it will likely be one that sticks with you.

Wow.4/5 for me. I did figure out most of the twists except the last one fairly early in the book. But I don’t think it was meant to be a secret. She even spells it out later that most people in the magistry figure it out. I also knew our FMC would be sacrificing herself and I would be set up for a sad read and that the romance would be very subtle and not truly realized.I wished it was longer, but it was succinct.The main FMC I hated at first, even though she does redeem herself. I found myself wishing she would come up with a better action plan for changing the world they lived in. However, I realized that this is a more realistic view of a story. Martyrdom.People die when trying to make great change to a civilization.I loved how Wang used love as the ultimate change mechanism for our FMC protagonist. It’s also never fully realized and spelled out for you but subtle in the way she writes it in. So subtle the FMC can barely register what has happened to her own thought processes and then evolves to even reflect on how horrible she has been to everyone she knows.What more can we ask of ourselves than to evolve so fully as Sciona. She takes her greatest character flaw and makes it her strength while also maintaining that it is still her greatest weakness and flaw.I love the themes in this book, very overt so as not to miss them.I love her writing as she starts with one character and then finishes the book with the same character but it’s just a glimpse of his life really while you have to infer the rest of it. He is the mechanism that produces change but he’s not our full story.He’s such an amazing character I wish there was more.This was excellent.

Wow, I am a huge M.L. Wang fan! Her previous book, The Sword of Kaigen, is one of my all-time favorite books. This book is going to be up there. The way that Wang writes is just truly amazing. The things she makes you feel and how she makes you question things are impressive.Sciona is a character that I will think about for a long time. She was orphaned when she was young and lives with her aunt. She’s an up-and-coming in the world of magic. Her mentor is sure she can enter the High Magistry, where she would be the first woman. It’s a male-dominated field, and they do not respect or allow women. She’s powerful, smart, and skilled. She’s constantly treated unfairly and grossly. She doesn’t seem to care too much. She has this way of letting things roll off of her and focus on her work. Then we have Thomil, a Kwen, enter the picture and unravel her world.Wang’s writing was captivating from the very beginning. She’s brilliant at writing such dark themes but making you understand the lesson. Her characters are fantastic and so well-developed. Even some of the side characters added so much to this story. I didn’t realize this was a standalone until about halfway. I think this would appeal to so many! There’s the magic, the dark academia, and the many important themes. It’s not a happy book, but it’s such an important read.Overall, this was a fantastic read. I had high expectations, and it did not disappoint. I have purchased a physical copy because it’s also stunning. Wang is an author that does not fear going there. This book is sometimes brutal, but there’s also love and hope. I highly recommend reading this one. I will be impatiently waiting for the next thing Wang writes!Thanks to the publisher for the gift!