"The Last Bloodcarver" is an excellent debut novel by Vanessa Le. The story includes Southeast Asian mythology, unique magic, political intrigue, and provides commentary on inequality, prejudice, and discrimination.

I absolutely loved Nhika, a bloodcarver who has to keep her talents secret. She is rightfully angry but also wants to live up to her parents and ancestors ideals, using her gift to heal to help those in need. As she is bought/hired by Mimi Congmi, an heiress trying to solve her father's death and a close friend's injuries, Nhika gets more involved than she intended. While getting involved with the Congmi's and trying to better understand and use her own gift, Nhika meets Ven, Dr. Santo's assistant. Along with the supporting characters in Andao (Mimi's older brother), Trin (bodyguard, and more), and Hendon, the book forms an excellent dynamic of individuals from various backgrounds and how individual goals, and betrayals, have brought them all together.

This is the first book in the duology and I am excited for the next. I recommend this book for fans of mythology-based fantasy, fantasy with mystery, and unique magic systems. If you enjoyed "Threads that Bind" by Kika Hatzopoulou, "Garden of the Cursed" by Katy Rose Pool, or "Bonesmith" by Nicki Pau Preto, this book is for you.

The Last Bloodcarver presents a unique world and magic system. The narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to live and I fully believe I would not have enjoyed this book as much if I had read instead of listened.

The Last Bloodcarver (Hardcover)
by Vanessa Le
A creative new look at colonization, exploitation, and the oppression of culture. The book has hints of Japanese mythology, but in a new twist. You find the book leads you through a world in transition. When something substantial is lost because of roomer and oppression. The obsession of grief, and loss mixed with the ideology of social contracts and perceptions. The idea that you can heal with thought is fundamental in native practices but is over looked and abused by colonization. The book has many layers to it, with an intriguing mystery at its heart. It shows the understanding that family can give, and the betrayal of trust that greed brings out. Its a great middle school young adult text that will help children see more than their own point of view.

All I knew about Vanessa Le’s THE LAST BLOODCARVER was that its tantalizing romance was similar to THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS, which I absolutely adored. Add in the cover that I keep staring at; it’s a fantasy I want to read. I was super happy that it was as excellent as I hoped!

THE LAST BLOODCARVER is a truly unique fantasy tale. I read a good portion of it before I had access to the audiobook. Typically, I will switch back and forth when I have both, but I found that I really enjoyed the audiobook more. VyVy Nguyen is an exceptional narrator. I appreciated the different voices. This unique audiobook experience made me connect with the story more deeply.

Vanessa Le’s creativity in this book knows no bounds. The different characters are interesting, and you always learn more about them. The setting and magical system also differ from what I’ve read before, and I enjoyed that immensely.

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to reread it before the sequel comes out!

Thanks, Macmillian Audio, for the ALC!
Thanks, Roaring Brook Press, for the ARC!

With twists and turns, romance, friendship, and injuries to all; The Last Bloodcarver is likely to thrill any teen/YA reader that picks it up (and most of us YA adult readers too). In her debut novel, Vanessa Le introduces us to the unique magical power of our leading girl in the confines of a private home where she is using her magic in secret. From there we are whisked away on a journey where: hiding is necessary, betrayal is looming, a hint of romance presides, and a larger than life friendship keeps us company.

The magic here especially interested me as I have fibromyalgia, a nerve condition with no cure, no known cause, and only current offerings are medications to help get ‘quality of life’ as high as possible. Therefore hearing of our girls power to turn her pain receptors off, repair physical damage to many organs, including the brain, or the vascular system, greatly appealed to me. What I wouldn’t give to have this ability myself, or for someone with it to bless me with relief!!

Interestingly, and brilliantly, Lee shows us that this same magic can be used to kill and destroy just as readily as it may heal and save. Where one might use it to for healing individuals ailments; another might use it to decimate their enemies. Putting ultimate power of life and death in the magic welder’s hands. This was the point at which I wished I wasn’t reading a YA fantasy (with some typical romance, of course) and instead wished this set-up in the hands of a writer of grimdark adult fantasy. Where an author could really elevate the game and discuss the morals and options posed to our characters at a level that would leave interpretation open to the reader. Alas this is a YA novel, and so instead we get some typical romance on the side, the uncertain confidence of a teen, and the reluctance to become an adult (and having to take responsibility for your actions). As a YA novel it’s bang on to the genre. My difficulty is l see how it could be so much more!

That’s not to say this isn’t good; because it is. And I could definitely see many a pre-teen/teen becoming obsessed with it (especially if it’s one of their first gripping fantasy reads). I hope future novels in the series take a closer look at the politics and conundrums of society as it relates to the magic I n The Last Bloodcarver. I have great hope for the future books promised to come and that Lee will open up the discussion of morality, good versus evil, and the cost of healing over death. At the end of the day I will be seeking the sequel next year and definitely picking it up sooner rather than later.

A solid choice in the teen fantasy realm and one that is well written by a debut POC!! A refreshing breath of fresh air compared to so many in this genre that are stale or stagnant of late. Just remember it’s written to its audience (as it should be) even if it could be so much more!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

I absolutely love that this is a part of a series! I think students will enjoy that this exciting story continues in latter texts.

The world building was superb and gives both educators and students a lot to work with in terms of imagery and prose. The content has great connections to history and social justice, allowing students to understand the ways in which colonization impacts Nhika and by and large their own world.

The pace of the text is fast enough to keep students interested without being so fast that you miss parts of the text.

Overall, a great classroom text for a whole class novel study, a lit circle text, or just an addition to a classroom library.

In The Last Bloodcarver with follow Nhika who is one of the last know Heartsooths alive after war and colonisation has sent those like her to either early graves or to other countries. Growing up in the industrial city Theumas Nhika’s powers have left her outcast as a “Bloodcarver” but also hunted due to a superstition that consuming her heart will grant her abilities to another. When she is eventually caught and put up for auction she finds herself embroiled in an investigation into the suspicious death of one of the cities most powerful people. All the while being thwarted by the young seemingly wealthy Kochin.

I really enjoyed the story of this one, the characters and the world are interesting, and I did enjoy the romance elements that are sprinkled throughout the book. I’m looking forward to the sequel and I hope that we really get to see and learn more about the world and the powers of a heartsooth.

The narration of the audiobook with crisp clear and easy to understand. I think the narrator did a good job of conveying the emotions of the scenes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Nhika and her powers are interesting (though I didn't love that she called it soothing, I think there could be a better description of what she can do). The mystery was engaging though somewhat predictable, but the climax was good.

I wish readers were given more time with the side characters to flesh them out more, especially Ven Kochin. I didn't find the romance (for what it was) believable at all and would have preferred that not be part of the plot (not every YA needs romance in it).

I really liked the concept of this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The cover art is gorgeous though and I think it'll catch the eyes of teen readers.

VyVy Nguyen does a good job with the audiobook narration.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners in exchange for an honest review.

I got an ARC of this book.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was incredible. There was deep emotions in their voice and it worked so well. It never felt overdone or underwhelming. I just adored the way the narration worked. I highly recommend the audio version!

The book itself was a lot. It had so much happening. The first real plot I thought was going to be the whole book, but at around half way through it became clear that I was incredibly wrong. The book is pretty straight forward for the first half, but them BOOM plot twists and high paced action. By the end I was exhausted. I need book two now please.

That ending. I just can’t. It was everything. I feel like I didn’t understand what happened, but it wasn’t because it was overly complicated. It just happened so fast. I felt like I was sprinting just to keep up. I will admit I was tempted to turn up the speed of the audio just so I could see what was happening faster. I couldn’t wait to see what happened. I was enthralled.

The plot covered so much from racism, medical autonomy, the hierarchy of medicine, and the lengths people will go for those they love. It was intense. I don’t think I could fully explain all my thoughts on any of it. I don’t even know where to start with the magic system. It was my first Vietnamese inspired fantasy. So I am not sure how much was part of that inspiration and how much was the author going wild. I was super into the magic system. It was so inventive and really showed the duology of power.

Genuinely fascinating world building here. The characters all have massive amounts of motivation and now one is either pure villain or pure saint. Love that. Check this out if you are into a slow-burn romance (YA, so not spicy) in a magical world with lots of found family and the testing of those found family bounds. The audiobook narrator does great work on this one.

The Last Bloodcarver is the first in a two-book debut of a complex magic system wrapped in a mystery.

Going in I know a few things, one, a drop beautiful cover, two medical magic and third a murder mystery. Nhika is a bloodcarver and we soon learn about her magic which is so interesting. We are soon tossed into a murder mystery of the wealthiest district the opposite of her world of struggling from day to day.

I enjoyed all the characters, they are fun but for me, it was the mystery and world that kept me reading. I wasn't to see how things turned out and where the magic plotline was going.

I liked this book and will read the next book to see how things unfold. I also read that this book was inspired by Vietnam and I want more fantasy worlds inspired by more different countries that I feel don't get spotlighted enough.

I listen to the audiobook, it's Narrated by VyVy Nguyen, and it was done so well. VyVy does just a good job at building up tension, drama, and mystery. So if you are interested in this book then give the audiobook a go.

A YA lust fantasy of medical magic, an unfolding mystery, and characters who fight for what they want.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Roaring Brook Press, Vanessa Le, and VyVy Nguyen (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of The Last Bloodcarver in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Bloodcarver is the first novel in a planned duology following the main female character, Nhika. Her people, the Yarongese, refer to her power as Heartsoothing, an important aspect to her identity and culture. She must hide her unique blood magic, her ability to manipulate the human body. In her culture, she is a healer. But to the people of Theumas, she would be called a Bloodcarver. Hunted, collected, and even dissected for their power, Bloodcarvers are thought to be gone from the world completely. Nhika finds herself to be the last, and she knows what is at stake if her powers were to be found out.

Nhika does get captured, and it would seem her powers are known. In exchange for her life (though not necessarily freedom), she is forced to heal the last witness to the murder of a high class, well-known man. She is tasked to work for a renown physician, using her Heartsoothing abilities to heal his clients.

There she meets Kochin, the physician's apprentice. Between the involvement of the murder investigation and working for the physician, Nhika finds a strange allure to Kochin as they are acquaintances, friends, and maybe something more. But he has more secrets than she bargained for. Will it tear them apart, or draw them even closer?

An absolutely intriguing novel to start off a fantasy duology. The blood magic system is unique and interesting, and is explained well with varied means. The murder mystery aspect of the novel adds a little extra kick to the already thrilling plot. The twists and turns are relatively predictable, but also flawlessly executed with a precision in writing craft.

This book is perfect for lovers of fantasy and strong female main characters, as well as thill-seekers.

This had such an interesting world and story. I loved the pace of the book, the world building was really well done without bogging the reader down in details, and the characters were unique and interesting. I highly recommend and love that I can comfortably recommend this YA to my teen and her friends.

I loved every minute of this book! The world building was impeccable and I absolutely fell in love with these characters. The pacing kept my interest and made me unable to stop reading. I just needed to know what would come next. The romance plot was tension perfection and I just CANNOT with that cliffhanger!!

I was able to listen to this as an ALC and VyVy Nguyen was an especially compelling narrator and a perfect choice to bring this story to life.

The Last Bloodcarver was easily a five star read for me and I am so anxious to read His Mortal Demise!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rarely, do I experience a book that captivates me from the beginning, to make me dead bored sometime after, to bring me back full force in the second half. Not often, also, some titles include derogatory terms of a person from the presented realm.

It is not a secret; I am a sucker for any type of medical drama. In The Last Bloodcaver, this medical drama is entangled with a murder mystery and a solid dose of fantasy. The relationships between characters, although boring at parts, are flavored just enough to keep me interested in the next book, if that will come up soon enough.

In this book, The Last Bloodcarver, we follow a girl named Nhika, who is believed to be the last of her kind. She is a Heart Soothe, but most people refer to her kind as bloodcarver (or necromancer, or witch, or whichever cruel term that comes to mind). She is able to heal with a touch, and unfortunately, most people no longer view this as a useful, healing craft but more of an evil magic. Needless to say, her kind has been killed off, which has caused Nhika to live under the radar for so long. She lives in the city of Theumas, which, being Yarongese, is not her homeland, however she makes do (fraudulently) selling holistic remedies, tinctures, and oils. During one visit with a client, Nhika felt remorse and empathy for the old man just trying to save his wife, that she ended up healing her instead. The man spotted this and immediately called "the butchers" on Nhika. Nhika ends up being sold by these black market traders, but fortunately, to a kind girl with the hopes of healing her friend. She believes this friend has some useful information that can help in discovering who murdered her father.

The story is a pretty good one, and I was completely invested up until we find out the truth about Ven Kochin. That is when the story seemed to go downhill. A lot of what was mentioned seemed irrelevant and in my opinion, the author could have taken path, especially when it came to the ending. It was an alright read, but I can't say I'm excited for the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this read in exchange for my honest review!

Vanessa Le's debut novel captivates from the first page, drawing readers into a richly imagined world filled with complex characters and intricate relationships. The immersive writing style effortlessly transports readers into Nhika's world, allowing them to feel every emotion and decision she faces. The characters are expertly crafted, each with their own compelling backstory and motivations, making it easy for readers to become invested in their fates.

Le's world-building is masterful, seamlessly integrating essential information without resorting to cumbersome info dumps. The magic system and societal dynamics are intriguing and well-developed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The narration was a strong addition to the story helping increasing the pace and emotional depth.

Overall, "The Last Bloodcarver" is a remarkable debut that promises an exciting future for Vanessa Le as an author. I eagerly anticipate her next release, confident that it will captivate readers just as thoroughly as this enchanting tale.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received audio eARC for my honest opinion.

This book is about Nhika who believes that she is the last of her kind, a Bloodcarver. She has the power to alter human biology with just her touch, but where she lives, they do not see her as a healer but a monster that can kill. For her to survive in a city of people who want her dead, she must act like a doctor and scams people for their money until one night when she saves a woman from death and the husband calls the bonecravers after her. Now she must escape them and what better way to do that is to trick nobility into thinking that she can heal someone that she isn’t sure she can, but to only find out a secret that she was not expecting.

This is Vanessa Le debut book and let me tell you it did not feel as though it was her first. The way that this author writes was done so well with the right amount of details to the characters and the plot, the way that she brings the characters emotions to life, the magic system being unique and well developed. The characters were well developed throughout the book as well and this will leave you wanting more right away and not wanting the book to end.

I loved Nhika right away in this book. She is a little feisty, not blind to the world around her and the events taking place, she is not remorseful for having to live her life as she has too because she knows she must survive the world around her but at the same time she knows that she could meet death any day as well. I loved that she was funny to be around, with her banter, her questions about the medical field and the changes that she was not aware of. I loved that in this book you will have the story told from her point of view and I was not saddened by it not having a dual POV, but I can say I am hopeful to have the next book told by Ven Kochin POV. That is all I can about Kochin because I will give away spoilers if I say more, but I will say I hated him at first but came to understand his reasons and even a bit loved him for it.

I loved the ending and how Vanessa left it. I truly can’t wait to see what will happen in the next book. This book is perfect for lovers of great characters, amazing world building, just a bit of romance, found family, and great character growth. Also, look at that cover, it's amazing!

The narrator of this book did an excellent job, I felt everything the characters were feeling and VyVy Nguyen really helped to bring this book to life for me. I could close my eyes and the scenes were playing out right before me.

I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

This story had me on the hook from the beginning.

When Nhika is taken by some thugs and sold for her abilities to heal, she must help a rich family figure out who their father's murderer. But not everyone is who them seem they are.

This book had me guessing who did it the whole time while also intersecting a beautiful story about accepting your gifts, found family, and dared to dream for a better life.

Can't wait for book 2.

Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for allowing me to listen to this book. This book deserves all the praise. The magic system was chef's kiss. The world building was just beyond compare. Can't wait to read the next book.