I am obsessed with this world and story, especially the way it addresses the opposing pulls so many diaspora kids feel to hide what makes them different in order to blend in and survive while also wanting to find a way to share the love and pride they have for their culture with a society that all too often seems only capable of either fearing and hating them for their differences or coveting and abusing them for those same things. I also loved the way heartsoothing toes the line between art and science and the story made it easy to see that the potential was there for it to be the perfect complement to augment the modern, rigorously science-based medicine trusted by the technocratic city of Theumas, if only the people of Theumas would give it a real chance instead of reviling it as untrustworthy, inferior, and dangerous. My one complaint is that while I think Nhika and Ven's sudden romance could have made perfect sense, especially on Nhika's side given her desperation for connection, the way it was written still just felt rushed in terms of development. However, I'm never big on the romance plotlines and the romance here felt secondary in this story anyway (despite the ending which I saw as being less about their romantic relationship anyway and more about Nhika's lack of strong ties to the living and determination to leave a legacy of heartsoothing she and her ancestors could be proud of), and the pieces of Nhika and Ven that stood out most to me were not related to their relationship to each other, but their relationships to heartsoothing. I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops and grows as the story continues, and I am dying to read the sequel (in part because I'm excited to learn more about Kochin's perspective in things and it seems like we'll probably get that in book 2!!) and can't wait to see what else Le writes after this series as well! There is some violence and a bit of gore as this book is quite action-packed and the fantasy world's history of genocide is addressed, but the romance is very PG, and I'd highly recommend this one for middle school up.

Where do i begin. I think my favorite thing about this book is the magic system, medicine and magic blend is absolutist intriguing. The writing was beautiful and I love the development of Nhiika and found it to feel so real. I really loved this book, i was engaged and fully captivated by the story. Thank you Vanessa Le for an amazing book. I will say, the ending fell a little flat for me but overall this book was a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillian children’s publishing for this ARC.

I feel like there’s been a lot of exciting new Asian fantasy stories coming out this spring, and this one was definitely high on my TBR list, as I’m even less familiar with Vietnamese mythology than Chinese, Japanes, or Korean. The cover art is also very unique and intriguing, and I thought the main character’s magical trait of manipulating human biology had a lot of promise. I also love murder mysteries, so I was excited to see how well these two genres would be blended together. And, well, it was all pretty good!

What first stood out to me was the lush and descriptive style of writing the author employed. The story starts out fairly quickly as far as plot and pacing go, but I was still able to picture the details of this world and character. This felt like a fully realized, fully peopled fantasy world, complete with a culture that felt distinctive and elaborate. Of course, central to the story were Nhika’s bloodcarving abilities, and this detailed style of writing helped to truly flesh out how this power worked. Many fantasy stories devolve to fairly simplistic explanations of their magical elements, but here I felt like we were given a true insiders-look into Nhika’s magic. This felt important as it helped the reader understand why an ability that could be so useful to humanity could also be seen as something to fear and hate.

I also really liked Nhika’s character and the arc she has in this book. Through her eyes, we see the experiences of a diaspora character, a young woman who finds herself in a world that no longer feels like her own. Even more interesting, her experiences as an outsider who does not fit within this world were mirrored in the other main character Kochin who experiences a similar disconnect. But while this disconnection and “out-of-place-ness” might be similar between them, their experiences and views of how they fit (or don’t fit) within this world are very different.

That said, this is one of those rare circumstances where I feel like the story might have been better without any romance at all. I liked both of these characters, but frankly, by the time the romance really started to amp up, I’d forgotten that was even the direction it was heading. These two were very definitely enemies for much of the time, so the change of tone when it came, did feel a bit strange. It was also rather sudden, not feeling nearly as developed as many of the other aspects of the story.

Overall, this was a great debut novel! I had some quibbles here and there with the way the romance was developed, but the writing and world-building were strong and promise of great things to come from this author in the future!

Rating 8: Rich and vivid worldbuilding combined with a compelling vision of the diaspora experience created a fantastic debut all around!

(Link will go live on The Library Ladies on March 22)

"Love is the most twisted curse of them all"- Satoru Gojo

The Last Bloodcarver is a dark fantasy debut that had me hooked from page one. Based on Vietnamese culture and the medical-based magic system, we follow the main character Nhika as she can alter human biology through her touch. However, she's one of the last people with this ability as it's been passed down through her family lineage and practically wiped out due to the colonization and massacre of her culture's homeland. Brought into one of the city's most aristocratic families with the hopes of healing the witness of their father's death, Nhika is exposed to the deep secrets of the city and the power she holds in herself.

This book had me up and reading what would happen next, especially as Nhika navigates what it means to make meaningful connections and slowly break down the wall she's created. Le highlights the different relationships that Nhika creates, both romantically and platonically.

Now what got me the most while reading The Last Bloodcarver was the way Le discusses the diaspora experiences, especially for those whose family and culture have been colonized and driven from their homeland. As the daughter of a Cambodian refugee, the feelings both Nhika and Kochin have towards their heritage and culture are too familiar to me. Reading The Last Bloodcarver makes me see the thoughts I have and the power I have to still honor my ancestors and carry our legacies.

The Last Bloodcarver's ending still has me reeling. This book has altered my brain chemistry (wink wink). I can't wait to have a finished copy and see what the sequel will bring.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance read of this title. The opinions contained are my own.

The cover was what originally drew me to this book, and I’m so glad it did. I loved the melding of magic and biology in this world!

The characters are lovable, though not as fleshed out as I want. I feel like I could read more details about this world for a long time. I can only hope she will have more.

All in all a quick read with just a little slow section in the middle. Definitely will be recommending to my fantasy reading friends.

An incredible story combining science and magic in a way I've never seen. With a subplot revolving around the subversion of indigenous culture set against an alternate history high-tech world, this book kept me guessing up until the end. Excellent characters who are not necessarily likable, but you still want to know if they are going to be okay in the end. Totally unique and one of the upcoming releases I'm most looking forward to this year.

I have extremely mixed feelings about this one. Despite its somewhat slow pacing, I absolutely loved most of this book--the complexity of what it means the be a bloodcarver/heartsooth, the found family elements, the fascinating world, the wonderfully accurate biological details. This is a powerful book with a compelling main character.

But! That ending! It made me want to slam the book against the wall, and not in a good way--because with an ending like that, I don't see how the sequel could possibly be as appealing when ****spoilers**** the book ends with losing the character I found most compelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and setup for this. The magic system is really interesting and unique — almost a combination of magic and biology. For the first 20%, I thought I would give it 4 or 4.5 stars. But around the halfway point, it started to take a turn I didn’t like. It felt too insta-lovey and I really, really disliked the ending. But the writing was good, so I’ll definitely give this author another try when she writes another book!

This was a great fantasy murder mystery!
3.5 stars, round to 4!

I wish we had seen more world building because this world has the absolute potential to be AMAZING.

The pacing was overall pretty decent, and while I did find myself interested in the story, the book was a tad on the predictable side. Had the author spent a bit more time exploring other side characters, this likely wouldn't have been the case though. Our main character didn't really interact with any of the other possible suspects at all, so when it came down to the big reveal, there was no surprise.

This is still a solid YA story, and I'd recommend it to any YA Fantasy/murder mystery fans!

Very interesting concept and a promising start for a debut author. Looking forward to what Le writes next.

A smart and imaginative novel that has good pace and character development. The ending left me ready to know how the story will continue.

Looking for good YA read alouds with diverse characters/authors that uniquely approach magic/fantasy in a novel way--this book is excellent! The cover is stunning. The characters are fantastically written. The idea of heartsoothing/bloodcarving is fascinating. I am still thinking about the ending and hoping there may be a sequel!!! An excellent addition to any YA collection! Highly recommend for fans of Marie Lu, Xiran Jay Zhao, and Rin Chupeco.

I wanted to enjoy this book. The magic and world were really interesting but the plot was a little too all over the place and I felt the pacing was inconsistent. I kept finding myself getting bored with the plot whenever it slowed down.

Thank you to Vanessa Le, Netgalley, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press for the eARC!

This is one of those debuts that feels rocky, but also I'll be keeping an eye on the author because I feel like there is a lot of potential there for great things. I will start by saying that I loved the Vietnam-inspired worldbuilding and although it wasn't fantastic--debuts are rarely the best with worldbuilding--it felt much more solid and realized than the last YA fantasy I read, HEARTLESS HUNTER. The magic as healing concept was very interesting and decently well fleshed out.

THE LAST BLOODCARVER has a premise I feel a lot of people have seen before, but also one that a lot of people gravitate toward, including myself. The biggest letdown, I have to say, was the romance. Obviously not being a teen anymore, I do acknowledge that what I see in a YA romance is different to what a teen see and enjoys, but here, I felt none of the chemistry and authenticity that I was supposed to be feeling, particularly in pivotal moments. My other big piece of criticism lies at the fifty percent mark, where we suffer from the tired, boring middle stretch before being thrust into a heart-pounding (and pretty great) ending sequences. I put this book down for weeks, mostly because I felt no drive to continue, and if this were not an ARC, I might have DNF'ed.

The lack of interesting tension and plot really dragged the rating of this book down for me.

My final note is on the prose. It was not as polished or as well-written as I'd have liked (subject to change as this is an ARC) and pretty basic. A more lush, interesting writing style really could have elevated this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 4.25 (rounded down for goodreads’ sake)

A sweeping debut that blends magic, science, and familial ancestry in a Vietnam inspired fantasy world, The Last Bloodcarver is definitely worth the read.

By far, my favorite part of this book was the magic system. The way in which medicine is blended with magic is so fascinating and truly so so creative in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. I may be biased as I’m a pre-med student but it was still so cool. The pages long descriptions of Heartsoothing and the intimate connection with the body were gripping and engaging to read. I also enjoyed the hints at a larger society, with mentions of a technocracy, automatons, and a looming war based around colonization. The line level writing was quite beautiful at times and I truly felt that Nhika’s character development was both realistic and well handled.

The plot provided a solid anchoring to carry you through the book, and I felt that in many parts, tension was adequately maintained, although I did guess what I’ll call one of two twists that are revealed about 60% through. That’s nothing against the author, however.

I think my only complaint lies in the development of the romantic relationship. I won’t spoil much, but the ending for me fell a bit flat as I did not fully believe in the relationship in relied on. I wish we could’ve seen more establishment of that. However, I did enjoy the development of platonic relationships although I also would’ve wished for a bit more set up from those. I also slightly wish we could’ve seen more about the world and the greater issues going on that I mentioned above.

All that is to say, this was a very good book. If you’re looking for a diverse fantasy that blends magic, medicine, and murder mystery in a technocratic society, then this book is perfect for you. I enjoyed it, and I hope you will too.

Thank you again to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Bloodcarver is a wonderful blend of science and fantasy. I couldn’t put this book down! Nhika is a young bloodcarver, the last of her kind with the ability to heal or hurt by inserting herself into another’s physiology. Hunted by those who think consuming parts of her will give them power she finds herself bought and used by a wealthy family to help solve a murder. Dark and brutal Vanessa Le weaves a story that will keep your attention right up to the surprise ending.

Finished it days ago and finally have my thought together. The Last Bloodcarver is a fenominal debut! I ended up having so much fun reading it.

The world that Le created was so vivid and the magic system was so unique. Nhika is the last of her kind carrying on the tradition of her healing magic. The story explores how strongly one must fight to keep their heritage when they are displaced. The diaspora perspective is so important to have in fantasy and this book is a wonderful addition to that conversation.

The world that Le created is so vivid and the magic system is so unique. I loved reading her descriptions of it. The characters were well rounded and the romances were satisfying.

Le with great care tackled how it can be when POC enter spaces that were not created for them. I found it so powerful to see that represented. In academia or prestigious professions there's a lot of self doubt for POCs and I definitely have experienced feeling imposter syndrome while I was in a university and later at one of my jobs.

I can't wait to read more from this author!

A very unique book with an interesting cast and a strong protagonist. I hesitate to say it has a unique magic system, as the book itself is uncertain of whether to call bloodcarving - or heartsoothing - magic, and I don't necessarily want to pigeonhole it either, but the love and care given to this system of healing is really breathtaking. Every scene in which Nhika uses her gift to heal feels so visceral and vivid, really showing that sense of connection she makes with those she helps. Her journey to accept herself, her gift, and her desire to care for others in a world that wants to punish her for it is really touching.

While I found the romance aspect a bit quick, I also don't know how else I would have managed it and still reached the same emotional cues the story wanted to hit, so this is less of a critique and more of an observation. I do wish we'd gotten maybe a little more time with the Congmis, but I always felt a bit distant from them. While this fits in with Nhika's initial feelings, I feel like as time went on we should have felt some of that wall come down, and to be completely honest, the Congmis never felt like much more than window dressing for most of the story.

That in mind, this was an excellent story and I'm looking forward to the sequel to deal with that shocking twist!

Nhika is a heartsoother - although in the terminology of the conquerors of her nation, she is a bloodcarver, a person to be feared rather than a healer to be welcomed and thanked. As far as she knows, she is the last of her kind, and, due to her grandmother's untimely death when Nhika was only 12, only partially trained. Her status as a bloodcarver could get her killed at any time; her kind is both legally prohibited and sought by those wealthy enough to ignore legal issues. Caught by the Butchers, infamous traders who will buy and sell anything, including people with gifts like Nhika who are considered subhuman, at best, Nhika has only one choice: to go with the well-dressed young woman who pays far more than any other bidder has offered her captors. But once she's been removed from the Butchers, Nhika finds that her circumstances may have disimproved even more than she thought.

A thought-provoking novel that invokes the dangers of prejudice and stereotype, The Last Bloodcarver is a fascinating look into a society that has, as a whole, decried a subsection of itself as evil because of its genetic heritage, an issue that has plagued history for at least as long as it has been recorded in print. By choosing a special ability that does not exist within humanity at this time, the author separates the issue from any existing prejudices and examines it apart from the historical issues that impact the investigation of discrimination. In addition to its thought-provoking investigation into prejudice, The Last Bloodcarver is a mystery contained within a fantasy novel, and fulfills its various roles well.

This story intrigued me by the cover and synopsis. I do enjoy a good morbid anatomy based story. This started off really great. Nhika is a compelling character and I enjoyed her character growth throughout the story. The plot was interesting for awhile with the murder mystery and her trying to learn how to use her ability better. It started to drag around 50% though, and I felt myself skimming a lot of what Nhika was learning and the interactions she was having. I felt like the romance wasn't very genuine. It felt like she loved him because he was the only person she ever met who had something in common with her. I wish it would have just stayed platonic. The ending while great, gives me the impression this is going to have a sequel and undo what the ending did. I think it would be more impactful to stay a standalone. With that ending it would leave more of an impression. All in all this is a unique story with some fascinating lore but it won't stand out to me in the long run. 3 stars.