4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

This book truly exceeded all my expectations! It had such a unique magic system - magic based in science and physiology. Nhika, the FMC, is “the last bloodcarver”, or so she thinks. This gives her the ability to enter a person’s anatomy through touch - which can be either healing or damning, depending on her intents. This power is also referred to her “empathy organ” and “heart soothing”.

Given the myths surrounding bloodcarvers, she has been in hiding, until one day she is caught and sold off to the highest bidder - which happens to be the daughter of a very high ranking man who was recently deceased. Nhika is enlisted to help heal their driver, who survived the incident leading to their father’s death, and was the only witness to what may have been a murder.

The damage is deep in the brain, which Nhika is unfamiliar with, so she must spend her time working with the family to learn everything she can about the brains anatomy to help heal their driver and friend. Along the way, she encounters the family doctor and uncle, as well as his assistant, Ven Cocine, both of which offer unique opportunities to Nhika - a job opportunity, and a potential love interest.

Nhika is soon realizing that things are not as they seem and something dark is unfolding - along with the realization that she may not actually be the last remaining bloodcarver.

The ending was shocking - I did not realize it was duology until I came to write my review, and thank god for that! Very excited to see where this goes in the sequel.

This was a great fantasy read and the narrator did a fantastic job at keeping me engaged. Definitely recommend!

This young adult fantasy was a unique story. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job. My only struggle with the audiobook was that I needed to know what happens next and audio is my slowest modality for finishing a book. I liked the world building quite a bit. I love when there is a new slant to a fantasy world and this one had it. In a world of blossoming technology there once was an island of people called Heart Soothes who could heal with a touch. But their enemies grew afraid of them and called them Bloodcaver. Those people were murdered in an attempt to steal their abilities. Nhika’s family escaped but since her grandmother and parents died she has been the only Heart Soother she knows. After using her forbidden abilities to save one of her sham holistic medicine clients who would have died without her help she is repaid by being hunted by black marker traders who grab her and put her up for auction. Terrified of what would happen, since it is believed eating the heart of one of her people grants the eater the abilities, she is determined to escape. She is purchased by a teenage girl who she finds to be from of one of the richest families in the land. The girl and her family ask for her help healing a man who is in a coma after an accident that killed their father. But this family has secret motivations and the upper class world she’s now exploring is full or secrets, lies, and pitfalls. I didn’t love the ending (or the cliffhanger I am assuming will result in another book) but it was well written and a fun and wild ride.

The Last Bloodcarver
Author: Vanessa Le
Dates read: 3/12-13/2024
Rating: 4/5
Review:

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Audio Arc in exchange for an honest review!

When I say I need a YA rec, this is what I’m looking for. I was connected to the characters and I was invested in the story till the very end. The world-building and magic system were described beautifully. We have elements of classism and depictions of the southeast Asian diaspora. We have loss. We have yearning. We have perseverance. Also, the romantic subplot made my little hopeless romantic heart flutter.✨ Overall beautifully written and well executed.

The Last Bloodcarver was an amazing audiobook. The narrator was great, her annunciation was awesome I could understand everything she said even at a 2.5x speed and that is great since I love to listen to my audiobooks on a faster speed.The narrator set a great tone for the book it was really enjoyable. The Last Bloodcarver is such a ride it made me laugh, made me cry, and the ending left me wanting more. Definitely give this book a listen.

I've been intrigued by The Last Bloodcarver mostly by the title alone, and didn't read much on it besides that and the pretty cover. What I got was a contemporary fantasy tale with a magic system that integrated the practice of medicine, and a fast paced plot with an intriguing protagonist.

I'm not going to lie, my favorite part of this book is the world building and magic system. This takes place in a modern world influenced by Vietnamese culture, and I love the contrast between modern science and ancient practices, which was a common theme explored throughout the book. It's also about what happens when a culture is wiped out by dominant power hungry empires and that it's not a good thing, as well as consequences of when one is forced into another culture because theirs is gone. Though it did feel like some things were brought up without much payoff, but I figured it's likely for the next book. Also, the magic system, which was heart soothing, aka blood carving (the more derogatory term), is all based on altering the human body, like a robot surgeon in a sense. There's lots of medical terminology and it goes super detailed, which is great for those that are interested in this kind of stuff. So if you're squeamish about medical stuff like blood and body parts, then this might not be the right book for you.

Nhika (pronounced like Mika) was interesting to follow as she goes from being on the run to the next job, learning about the world and herself along the way. In the end, she uses her heart soothing to get by by helping others, and feels it's the last thing that connects her to her heritage and doesn't want to taint it, and I like how it deep dives into this concept. While some of her choices I did question at first, when looking back, I understood why she did what she did as she's about day to day survival in a land that at best dislikes someone like her. I also enjoyed the connections she makes throughout the story, and the other characters, with most of them having some hidden part of themselves that had to be unraveled throughout this mystery setup, as well as exploring hierarchy. The romance was fine enough.

Though I was quite surprised that it ended the way it did, though I assume the sequel will tie up some smaller loose ends.

The narrator, VyVy Nguyen, has an energetic voice, which was a change of pace from a lot of narration, kept me engaged with the descriptive prose and

I'm looking forward to His Mortal Desire, but please don't read the sales copy until you finish this book, you'll be spoiled. Either way, looking forward to more of Vanessa Le's work!

I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a free arc of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Content Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence, blood, injury, gore, medical trauma, the use of weapons, and kidnapping.

This book had a ton of the trappings of what I love in a dark fantasy novel. It was well written without being overly flowery in language. It was easy to follow. The characters were interesting. I found the premise intriguing and the fast-paced plot kept me entertained. What set this book apart for me was the setting and atmosphere of the world in which the story took place. I was captivated by this city with its old-world high society classism, and polite smiles hiding mistrust, treachery, and unwarranted fears of the “foreign” or “unknown,” all of which were juxtaposed with futuristic automatons and medical advancements. The influence of Vietnamese mythology on this book kept it from falling too far into the cliches of steampunk but still managed to capture the duality of future tech and antiquated society that most punk-type genres aim for. Along with the protagonist’s modern sense of justice, a mystery plot to solve, and the beautiful lore-rich magic system, this was almost a 5-star read for me.

My only critiques are with some of the interpersonal relationships between the characters. I liked the characters themselves, but some of the dynamics that the heroine had with them just didn’t feel grounded enough for me. The main romance had a great “rivals to lovers” style build-up in the first half, but it felt very rushed after the characters made their first major turning point. The payoff was lessened for me by the way it kind of felt underdeveloped. That being said, this is the first in a duology, so the second may alleviate some of that tension for readers.

Our protagonist’s relationships with her employers also felt underdeveloped. There was a lot of tension about whether or not they were ever going to give her their trust, but I had hoped that tension would feel a little bit more resolved. Their reticence was believable and even sometimes understandable, but I grew more frustrated as the narrative went on that the tension there was neither escalating nor dispersing. It plateaued the plot momentum a bit for me.

The narration of the audiobook was well done. I tend to prefer audiobooks because I sometimes struggle to sit still without anything to occupy my hands. Listening to an audiobook while playing an idle game or doing a craft project is my ideal. Sometimes if a narrator's voice is too monotone or they don’t pause for punctuation. I can struggle to keep focused on the story. I didn’t have that problem at all with this text. However, I did listen to it on 1.5x speed, as the regular narration speed was just a little too slow for me (but I almost always have to speed up narrations, so that’s not really a complaint). I thought the narrator’s voice was a perfect fit for the characters and I never had any trouble discerning which character was speaking.
I rated this book 4.5 stars on Storygraph, and 4 stars on Goodreads. In the system that I use for my reading statistics, I rated “The Last Bonecarver” as 8.9 out of 10.

With that rating, I would recommend this book to readers who love fantasy stories with fast-paced mystery plots, magical adventures, and dark themes.

If that sounds like you, “The Last Bonecarver” by Vanessa Le will be officially published in just a few days– March 19, 2024– so add it to your TBR or order it now.

It’s been a minute since I’ve read YA fantasy, but Vanessa Le’s The Last Bloodcarver was a fun reintroduction to the genre! The book follows Nhika, a master of “heartsoothing” (a healing practice passed down from her ancestors), also known by the more derogatory name of bloodcarving. Most of the fantasy elements are built around this practice, which involves the protagonist entering the body of her patient via touch in order to heal their ailments. Nhika’s powers are either feared or taken advantage of, primarily due to racism and classism within her world. When Nhika is hired by a well renowned family to help heal a patient (and in doing so, solve a mystery), she finds herself navigating a new social world that is simultaneously intoxicating, inviting, and potentially dangerous.

What I enjoyed:
- The fantasy world that Le has built is unlike any that I’ve read before, and it was easy to get swept up in the fast-paced story.
- I appreciate that while this book is marketed for young adults, I also think the content could absolutely be appropriate for a middle grade library (pending teacher/parent judgment). I’ve already recommended the book to a few of my students whom I believe would appreciate the story and the medical/scientific aspects of the novel.
- The ending took me by surprise, and I actually really enjoyed the direction that Le chose to take the story.

What didn't quite work for me:
- The romance element was sweet, but it felt a little rushed. I wish it had been developed out a bit more.
- Le can get a little in the weeds with medical terminology; at times, it felt like she was showing off her own medical knowledge in a way that didn't seem to advance the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my advanced listener copy!

As I delved into this captivating and thrilling novel, it became abundantly clear that this debut work would resonate with enthusiasts of the steampunk genre, particularly those drawn to the fusion of Asian culture. While there are romantic elements, they do not overshadow the central mystery. The romance is understated yet undeniably tender, evoking a sense of empathy for the characters. Crucially, it does not detract from the main plot, a quality I greatly appreciated. When the romance does unfold, it enhances the depth of the main plot, emerging as a necessary and poignant development. Upon reading the novel, some may question the coherence of certain passages. However, the narrative's brilliance becomes evident as one progresses through it.

The audiobook provided an exceptional listening experience, as the narrator's cadence brought the novel to life. I had the pleasure of both listening to the audio version and reading the ebook. While both formats were excellent, the audio version imparted a greater sense of vibrancy and immersion, enhancing the overall experience. It is worth noting that this level of excellence is not consistently achieved by narrators of other novels, even those by the same author.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

... how am I just supposed to go about my day after THAT ending?!

Oh, highly recommending this one because it was truly so good! I wasn't really in the mood for a murder mystery when I picked this up, not realizing that was the premise, but it very quickly knocked some sense back into me. Fierce Reads was right to advertise this one so much on my twitter timeline because it was so worth the read. This was a clever story with a fabulous cast of characters and an interesting magic system in a world of automatons and medical advancement. Please consider me absolutely on board for book two.

The Last Bloodcarver is a wonderfully original fantasy story centered around a murder mystery. The magic system of blood carving is well defined and described and I found it really worked with the story and characters Le created. I found the dynamic between the characters to be well written and believable, Nhika and Kochin make a great team and I'm hoping to see more of them together. I was a little upset by the ending until I realized it's a duology. Looking forward to diving back into this world.

4.5 stars
This book was so good! I hadn't heard anything about it and decided to request it from Netgalley solely because I liked the cover.
In this world, there is an almost extinct race of people called Bloodcarvers. They can change human biology by touch. Main character Nhika was taught to use this to heal, but people who are not Bloodcarvers think of them as monsters. They think Bloodcarvers are myths. Nhika is then captured and sold to cure the witness to these sibling's father's murder.
Nhika was a great character. I loved following along on her journey. She was so lonely after losing her family when the island of Bloodcarvers (or Heart Sooths as they call themselves) was taken over and a lot of people were killed. Her family managed to get out, but her father died at sea. Her mother and grandmother also died by the time she was 12. She wasn't super friendly and didn't believe anyone would ever like her for who she was since everyone was afraid of Bloodcarvers. The siblings that bought Nhika were great charaters. The girl's name was Mimi, but I will not try to spell the brother or bodyguard's names! They made a broken family as their father had just died. They hesitantly welcomed Nhika in after finally gaining her trust. Another character I liked was the physician's (the sibling's uncle) assistant Ven Kochin. He had great banter with Nhika.
The plot was very unique. I love it when fantasy books also include murder mysteries as a big part of the plot. The world building and magic system were easy to understand and follow. The book flowed from one part to the next very well. Everything felt like it was put there on purpose and nothing felt out of place or like filler. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There were some things I guessed, but a lot I didn't. And the ending really took me by surprise. It was so good.
The audiobook narration was fantastic. The narrator really brought the characters and world to life and really kept my interest.

"The Last Bloodcarver” is an immersive and gripping tale of Nhika, a young woman grappling with her unique abilities amidst a world of fear and betrayal.

As the mystery surrounding the death of a prominent businessman unfolds, Nhika's journey of self-discovery and redemption is both poignant and captivating. I really enjoyed the extremely unique take on the 'magic system' (using that term loosely) in this book. This book delivered a captivating story throughout the entire book with a very satisfying conclusion, enriched by themes of identity and found family.

Overall, a very compelling read and would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys YA or NA fantasy!

What a fantastic start to a new duology. This fantasy world features MC Nhika, an outcast in society by all standards but mostly by her most kept secret- she is a Bloodcarver. As a bloodcarver, she has the power to heal, or harm, people by feeling their body systems.

What a great world the author develops; I enjoyed how the story unfolded, as tidbits of adventures were dropped throughout the story to keep the story moving. Nhika was such a great developed character, I wish a few other characters had reached her depth. The romance at the back of the story also left me wanting a little bit more of the beginning and a little less romance.
I wish I had requested the print version as the audio was a little too monotoned or too lacking for an emotional difference. But I look forward to the second one in future

really solid fantasy!

I really loved the writing style! The atmosphere of the book was great, it was really easy to visualize the characters and the world that was presented.

The narrator was fantastic I really enjoyed her style of narration.

it's a a more gruesome book with some gore in it so be sure to check out any triggers before reading this one!

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Bloodcarver was such an incredible book. Nhika kept us on the edge of my seat with her back and forth of whether to heal a sick patient or not since her gift of "blood carving" is feared. This sets off a chain reaction where we are introduced to the blackmarket underground of the city, to slave traders, to a murder plot? I felt like I had whiplash from everything happening, and when the reveals started happening towards the end, it was absolutely horrifying.

A lot of the horrors we see stem around the human capacity for cruelty towards their fellow people, just because what they are or where they're from is considered beneath them. Which brings me to the themes discussed in this book such as medical ethics, the immediate distrust towards certain groups of people.based on their race (racism), and the age-old argument of science vs magic.

I found this book to be such a beautifully written piece, and couldn't help but fall in love with every character along the way.

The audiobook was great, the narrator and production was excellent, and I am looking forward to the next book in this duology. Oh, and the cliffhanger ending?? SERIOUSLY?! I NEED to see what happens!!

Actual Rating: 4.75 ☆

The Last Bloodcarver wasn't on my radar until a few weeks ago when I read the first few chapters. I was enthralled by the world and obsessed over wanting to read the rest of the story as soon as possible. The Last Bloodcarver is a Southeast Asian fantasy with medical-based magic, devoted friendships, and a rivals-to-lovers romance.

Nhika's an outsider in Theumas. Not only does she stand out by her skin, eyes, and hair, but she's one of the last bloodcarvers - magic users who can heal or harm someone by seeing and feeling their body systems. Bloodcarvers are sought out on the black market, used for their specialized skills, and often killed. Nhika never really feels safe or settled, even when those around her think she should. When a powerful family takes Nhika in, she knows there must be a catch. 

Holy moly, I loved this book. Nhika is such a powerful character, and the murder mystery that unravels throughout The Last Bloodcarver is incredible. The magic of the bloodcarvers is unlike anything I've ever read, and I loved that it was based on healing and a form of medicine. Nhika is also just trying to find her place in the world and see where she can belong with her gifts. Ven Kochin represents everything Nhika doesn't have; unlike Nhika, he fits in with the upper echelon of Theumas. Their rivals-to-lovers romance is so delightful, and slow-burn lovers will enjoy the journey. 

Final Thoughts:

The Last Bloodcarver is easily one of my favorite young adult books of the year so far. I can't wait for the second book in this duology, since it appears to have dual point-of-views. Hopefully, we see more of Ven Kochin, Nhika, and our trio of friends.

I listened to The Last Bloodcarver audiobook, which I highly recommend. From what I read of The Last Bloodcarver book, though, it is also beautiful. I recommend choosing the format that works best for you, your reading preferences, and quirks.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy! All the above thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed The Last Bloodcarver. When I first found this book I was so intrigued by it, it really sounded amazing and oh boy was it! If you are a fan of romance, magic, with a slight mystical feel then this book is for you. I think you don't have to be a young adult to thoroughly enjoy Nhika's adventures.
If I were to give anything back for this book, it wouldn't be the written portion of it as it was very well done, it would probably be the read sometimes was a struggle to listen to. I am not sure if it was the volume, or the way some of the words were pronounced but I did fine I needed to take frequent breaks when I really wanted to keep listening. It makes me wish I had gone for the non-audiobook version.

This is soundly a YA novel, even with some darker themes, so if you go into it expecting that, you'll enjoy it!

Nhika has been living a hard scrabble life after the loss of her family and culture. She gets by pretending to be a homeopathic healer, while she's actually a Heart Soothe, a person with the ability to connect with and heal, or harm, other's bodies.

Unfortunately there's quite the black market for Heart Soothes. People use them as weapons and some believe cannibalizing them will heal them of their ails and give them power. Most are afraid of Heart Soothes and call them Blood Carvers.

When Nhika is caught by those operating a black market, she's bought by an prestigious, wealthy family. They want her to heal an injured family member to uncover the truth of their father's death.

Along the way Nhika tries to find her place among the family, learn more about her culture and soothing, and determine a way forward for herself. However twisted plots based in desperation and the shocking discovery she's not alone throw a wrench in her plans.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this wonderful book. This was a fast listen with an interesting medical system, great characters, and beautiful descriptive language. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an interesting, a bit different fantasy. Can’t wait for the next book in this duology to find out how everything ends.

The Last Bloodcarver is an action packed on the edge of your seat type of book. The world building, characters, and plot are very well written and I was hooked the minute I started the book. Nhika, the protagonist, is a character to love along with the other main characters and the book is a perfect mix of fantasy, steampunk with just the right amount of romance sprinkled within.