This was a very different book for me. I love fantasy and appreciated this being quite different from traditional fantasy stories. The magic/abilities around Bloodcarving always had me laser focused. I did find the story would drag a bit but the characters were likeable so I didn't mind it too much.

Nhika has a rare magical healing gift... too bad if anyone finds out it would lead to disaster for her. Which is exactly what happens when one small kindness ends with her captured and being auctioned off. Her luck seemingly changes when she’s purchased by a young woman who promises her freedom in exchange for healing someone who may have witnessed a murder. Reluctantly she agrees to help and along the way she might feel a sense of belonging amongst her new friends. But she’s warned away repeatedly by her new nemesis a young physician’s assistant, who is not what he seems. When succeeding at her task puts her in a difficult position Nhika is forced to make hard choices.

It’s a story about loss, belonging, secrets and betrayal...

I absolutely loved this book and need the next one already because I need to know what happens next. Knowing it’s a duology I knew it would likely end on a cliffhanger but that of course only makes me want the 2nd book even more. I loved Nhika and the lore and culture around her ability was fascinating. And really I just can’t wait for more.

Summary: Nhika is a bloodcarver, which means she can alter human biology with just a touch, and she is seen as a monster in the city of Theumas. Nhika gets caught in one of her medical appointments and ultimately sold to a rich family desperately hoping to find their father's killer. As she investigates with the family, Nhika meets physician's aide, Ven Kochin, who is both alluring and infuriating. As Nhika unravels more clues, Kohin, who always seems to be trying to get Nhika to leave Theumas, isn't who he claims to be. Nhika is met with a choice to decide where her heart and trust will be put.

Dani’s Thoughts: I was absolutely blown away by this novel!! It was a dark YA Fantasy that reminded me a lot of The Scarlet Alchemist(which I also loved), when it alluded to necromancy and the other practices that Nhika would perform. It was interesting learning about this new world that was blending technology with traditional forms of healing, which Nhika had learned from her grandmother. I loved Nhika's fierceness and determination at the beginning of the book, which sometimes was seen as being cruel. However, as Nhika was accepted by the family who bought her as well as a growing friendship with Kochin, she learned that there could be other ways to survive that didn't end with tearing more of her kindness away. The twists and turns that this story took were very unexpected at times, and the ending... well you'll just have to see for yourself.

I was able to listen to the audio of this book by Macmillan Audio. VyVy Nguyen did a fantastic job with this story and it really brought it all to life for me. I did not want to stop listening and finished this one pretty quickly.

This was a really cool concept for a book. We love to see the healer who was forced to use their gifts to harm finally getting to reclaim their ability to use it for what it was meant to be used for. Now I will say as always being the morally grey atrocity I am that I would be absolutely diabolical with these powers so all of the feelings about using the gift to kill being wrong just were boring to me. I say if you got talents and are being threatened, use them. Can't use them if you're dead. Overall I liked the story and the interactions between characters. I guessed who the killer was very early on so that was a bit of a letdown but I still enjoyed myself as I read. Pre-warning: Book 1 is decidedly not HEA. I think it will be in book two judging how we left things, but go in expecting a pretty bleak ending. Honestly though because of the ending I am so looking forward to book two. I really liked where the author took the story at the end and I'll be fascinated to see how it all wraps up in the final book.

What I Liked:

- the setting: the society is so unique - I haven’t read a ton of technocratic societies.
- Nikha: Heart soothing is so cool. Nikha is a fully fleshed out character.
- Trin: I found Trin so interesting. I love the friendship that bloomed between Trin & Nikha
- Geopolitics: the writing touches on classism, othering, and the differing experiences amongst the diaspora.

What didn’t work for me:
- I didn’t love the narration
- the love story didn’t work for me, and at times took me out of the story
- the pacing felt off in some parts

Nhika is a bloodcarver, or a heartsoother depending on where you come from. Bloodcarvers are seen as monsters who torture and kill for fun. Nhika uses her bloodcarving abilities in medical appointments, where she pretends to use herbs and natural remedies to heal, but gets caught. She is sold to an aristocratic family to use her abilities to heal the last witness to their father's murder. As she gets deeper into the family's murder mystery, she meets Kochin, a physician's assistant who seems to be drawn to her. Is he a friend or just an ass?

Vanessa Le builds a fantastical world, full of lore, magic, and culture, while introducing us to a strong female protagonist. Le brings an original story to life while weaving a love of human anatomy and physiology into the magic of heartsoothing.

Readers will enjoy all the twists and turns of this murder-mystery fantasy full of magical healing and complex relationships. Thanks to Netgally for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

YA fantasy mystery inspired by Vietnamese culture with a dash of romance, sign me up. This was one of my most anticipated YA fantasies of the year and it did not disappoint.

Nhika is a bloodcarver who has hidden her secret behind the veil of being a healer her entire life for fear of persecution. When she is discovered, she is captured and sold to the highest bidder, but what could be a terrible situation quickly turns into a fascinating murder mystery when she finds herself with a family who just wants answers and justice.

I adored every single moment of this culturally rich tale. The magic was absolutely beautiful, and the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. The romance was sweet, but it was the only part of the book I felt was a bit take it or leave it.

I did not expect this book to break my heart the way that it did, and I don’t think that I will recover until I have the next book in this duology.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.

I’ve started and deleted this review several times, because nothing I write seems to really do this book justice! It’s the first in a YA fantasy duology with Vietnamese mythological roots. It covers so many big ideas like colonization, “otherizing,” legacy, and ethical use of science and medicine - all while telling a fascinating story with a badass FMC at the center of it all (my favorite kind of main character).

I was fortunate to receive both the audio and digital versions of these books to review. I began the story by alternating between the two, but I felt like the narrator fell flat. The narration seemed dry and unfeeling to me, so I read the last 3/4 of the book digitally.

Nhika as a special gift of heartsoothing - also referred to as bloodcarving by Theumas, the reigning territory - which is illegal and has been thought to be eradicated from the population. Her love for her gift and for her ancestors who passed it down to her is paired with her shame and fear of being found out and exploited by others as well as loneliness from having to navigate heartsoothing and life on her own. She finds herself pulled into a mystery and is able to share her secret with a few individuals, but she’s constantly reminded that her worth to them is contractual and is a result of what she can do for others, not for who she really is.

I loved pretty much everything about this book! My least favorite aspect, to the surprise of absolutely no one, was the romance that blossoms. I also got bogged down in some of the medical terminology, but I just skimmed those paragraphs and was able to still enjoy the story.

The plot, characters, and setting are all deeply layered and beautifully written. I absolutely adored Le’s prose in this book and have so many highlighted passages! And the ending - OMG. I will absolutely be reading the second book in this installment and would recommend this to anyone who loves Young Adult books, fantasy, romance, and/or mysteries!

Though society calls her a bloodcarver and believes she's to be feared, Nhika knows her power to change a person's body when she touches them is really used for healing. When she's kidnapped by a ruthless group intent on selling her to the highest bidder, Nhika isn't sure how she will survive - she just knows she will do whatever it takes to run away from whoever buys her. But the family she ends up with doesn't want to harm her or use her for evil purposes. Instead, they hope she can heal the witness to their father's murder so they can find answers. Pulled into their world and the mystery surrounding their father's death, Nhika doesn't always know who she can trust even as she's drawn to Kochin, a boy with secrets of his own. With a unique magic system and an engaging protagonist, this story is a page-turner.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

- I cannot stop thinking about this book! Omg I need the sequel asap.
- The world building is so interesting, especially about the Bloodcarvers. I hope this is explored even more in the next book.
- The romance is not as present as the fantasy, but the end really solidified the romance. I still cannot process that last chapter!!
- The narrator did an excellent job with the different character's voices, and I found it so easy to slip into the story.
- The way some betrayals play out was so fun and stressful to read! I loved getting to watch the fall out in the last 25% of the book.
- I love books with magical healing, and this one is an incredible example of that trope. It's very grounded in science/anatomy, so anyone with a healthcare background may really enjoy this one!

Nhika is a character that you come to care deeply for and you root for her throughout the story as she desperately tries to find connection with the people who seemingly see her as just a means to an end.

Kochin is a character that you want to hate, but wind up feeling empathy for. He is intelligent, caring and charming - when he wants to be.

No Spoilers BUT I will say - THAT ENDING! I did not see that coming and I will be marking my calendar as soon as there is a release date for the 2nd installment of this spectacular duology!

#NetGalley #LastBloodcarver

This book was excellent. I flew through it without even realizing it, and I love when I'm so immersed and interested that this happens. It takes on difficult subjects and complex characters, while weaving in a mystery and believable relationships. I thought I knew where the story was going in the beginning, and wasn't sure I'd be that interested, but I was quickly proven wrong! As someone with a degree and background in the medical field, I loved the descriptive anatomy and physiology terms and explanations throughout the book. The author brought these elements into the story without making it difficult to read or pretentious. This is 4.5 stars rounded up, because the ending let me down some -- but I'll definitely pick up the second book to see what happens!

The audio: The narrator was very good! The book wasn't written in a way that the narrator needed to showcase a wide range of "style," aside from talking more animatedly/quickly during some action scenes, (not a critique on the book or narrator, just my opinion), I did miss that sometimes though. I loved that the narrator spoke clearly and confidently with an even cadence. The audio quality was excellent as always.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

Le artfully introduces herself to readers with this phenomenal debut YA fantasy. This book gives a strong science punch - very centered on eastern medicine vs western medicine philosophies. We navigate new medical information along with our heroine, Nhika. There is a strong us vs them theme played out in different ways (examples I noticed: otherism, colonialism, classism, diaspora). Found family vibes are also easily felt. The ending is magically suspenseful, and big sacrifices have to be made. This is a duology; so anticipate a push off the edge type cliffhanger. I enjoyed the hell out of this book and can’t wait for the conclusion.

An observation: I do think some scientific advancements occur in a peculiar order throughout this story (example: successful animatron bots before in-depth knowledge of human anatomy). It doesn’t hurt the story but did have me scratching my head.

The narration of the audiobook was successful. I have no real complaints of the delivered performance - well done. I do think there may have been a missed opportunity to add a touch of cultural inflection into the accents/dialects of the characters. Basically, I didn’t know the real world cultural influences on this story until I dug further on my own. The narration could have provided a bit more of that info if desired by production.

audiobook ARC - thank you netgalley, Vanessa Le, and Macmillian audio

This year has been full of fantastic debuts and The last bloodcarver was no exception!! I loved this YA fantasy steeped in Vietnamese mythology and a unique medical magical healing system that sees two of the last heartsooths banding together to fight an evil doctor who wants to use their power for his own ends. Action packed with great dialogue and a killer romance, I can't wait to see how this duology ends. It was also amazing on audio narrated by VyVy Nguyen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!!

Author: Vanessa Le
Title: The Last Bloodcarver

Summary: A young girl who, from the outside world, is seen as a monster. Nhika has the ability to heal living things. She can feel their ailments with her touch and uses her power to heal them. She is captured by the Butchers and sold as a rare commodity to a wealthy family. That is where the story unfolds and propels Nhika into a web of mystery.

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
The pacing, character development, and persistent female lead differ from a traditional ya fantasy book. Nhika is a fighter who uses knowledge and opportunity to outwit her foes.

I enjoyed Nhika's depth and character development. She was not a weak character that needed saving. She used the knowledge her mother and family taught her to stay safe. Her reflections on the knowledge her family instilled show that she was loved and cared for. It was the memory of her family that gave her the strength. She was determined to be something and never give up. Her voice is appropriate for her age and experiences. I like that she is the storyteller, so I feel and experience her throughout the book.

The story was gripping from the beginning and fast-paced as a rollercoaster. I never felt the pacing was too slow. The book addresses stereotypes, classism, and the discrimination of Nhika's people. She navigates this world as best she can. I also enjoyed the flushed-out and realized anatomy information she needed to learn to use her power. The author's authenticity of the storyline was done well and showed the commitment to their research. Nhika's anatomy learning allowed her to hone her craft and build a stronger bond with her abilities. She was selfless and loved to create a better world.

Verdict on the book: I loved the story's originality and felt I got a glimpse into a Vietnamese fantasy world that was new to me. I highly recommend this book to ya and anyone who enjoys fantasy.

This is my honest review based on an ARC copy of the audiobook from Netgalley and MacMillian. Thank you for the opportunity.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

The Last Bloodcarver was a vibrant, refreshing fantasy story based on Vietnamese lore. I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this one, but it delivered. As a bioengineer and fantasy-lover, this was the perfect cross between human anatomy and physiology and healing magic. I highly recommend to any readers intrigued by the amazing intersection of soul and body. Can't wait to see what Vanessa Le comes up with next!

Thank you Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for granting me the audiobook ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Last Bloodcarver is a thrilling, refreshing story filled with rich Vietnamese culture that will sweep you off your feet. It blends fantasy and magic with modern technology and medicine. Perfect for fans of These Violent Delights and Cinder!

Before diving into this review, I want to preface this by mentioning that this was the first time I tried an audiobook for a new read. I usually do audiobooks for rereads when I’m already familiar with the story. The reason for this is that my mind tends to wander while listening and I miss parts like descriptions or world-building details. Also hearing things makes me remember less than when I read them. That being said, I think this listening to a new book went surprisingly well and I was very much enjoying the story and my brain wandered off very few times.

The writing was a pleasant balance between descriptive prose and flowing dialogues. It never felt like you'd been reading descriptions too long and the dialogues never felt forced or awkward. It all flowed very smoothly and I enjoyed that natural flow as it made for an easy read.

The main character, Nhika, was quick-witted and headstrong and I enjoyed following the story through her eyes. She was a dare-devil who knew how to use her brain while keeping her empathy.
I liked discovering the different sides of Kochin, the love interest, and loved his dark, alluring rival vibe at the beginning. I enjoyed reading their witty dialogues as they bickered together and enjoyed it more when they slowly started to open up to each other.

I was especially enthralled with the creative blend of magic and modern medicine. It was so intriguing to read about and it worked so well in the story. It was something unique and refreshing I hadn’t yet read before. It was this and the promise of the Vietnamese-inspired world that sold me for this book. I've been really loving reading all types of Asian-inspired fantasy books and learning more about the different cultures through reading my favorite genre and this one did not disappoint.

The plot was a thrilling combination of murder mystery and doctor's drama. (Thing Grey's Anatomy but add murder and magic) (no I have not seen Grey's Anatomy but I imagine it fits the bill). I don't want to give away too much else about the plot except THAT ENDING. I was listening to the ending at work and I just sat there behind my computer, completely frozen in shock as I listened on because I could NOT believe what I was hearing. It definitely makes me curious to see how this will continue in the sequel.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it's a refreshing entry into the YA fantasy genre that will appeal to many readers. A solid debut that ticks all the YA boxes for you to enjoy. For sure one to keep your eye on when it comes out on March 19th!

Let's get into this cover art! FREAKING AMAZING!!

I would like to thank Netgalley for the Audio-ARC of this book in exchange for my voluntary, honest review.

Nhika believes she is the last of her kind. Orphaned at a young age, Nhika uses her special gift of heart soothing to survive. An unfortunate turn of events finds her on an auction block and sold to a wealthy family. Upon her arrival to the estate, she learns that she is expected to heal a person suspected to have important clues to solve the murder of the founder of Cogmi Industries.

During her time with the Cogmi family, she finds herself in the throws of a possible budding romance and at the forefront of uncovered family secrets.

Does she solve the murder? Is she truly the last of her kind? What secrets does she uncover?

The narrator of this book did a phenomenal job of translating the feeling of the characters. Her vocal inflections were perfectly placed, keeping the flow of the story rolling along. It helps that the book was written very well. This is the first time I have read from this author, but it will not be my last.

This was better than I was expecting! I love the way that our FMC stuck with her fellow bloodcarver til the end as soon as she found out who he was. The one thing I will say is it felt a bit insta-love, which I understand because he’s the first one like her she’s ever met, but it feels rushed to me. I LOVED that she actually died for him- somewhere a lot of YA authors don’t go- but I didn’t quite think they were close enough for her to die for him. Or him for her. But putting that aside I really enjoyed this, and it was excellently narrated.

This book was fantastic. I loved the world and the characters. I cannot wait for the next one! This book was not as dark as the cover would have led me to believe, ultimately I found it action packed with just the right amount of mystery and lots of love for the characters.