As far as I’m concerned, Nhika is a perfectly constructed YA heroine and the magic system is nuanced yet believable. I cherished the opportunity to root for a well-developed fantasy hero that looks like me (Asian), which doesn’t come along too often. I especially loved how the author blended ideas of traditional and allopathic medicine without promoting one over the other, and instead used them to provide context to heartsoother practices. I will be following Vanessa Le for more like this!

VyVy Nguyen is delivers a clear narration with a youthful tone. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance copy of audiobook.

Why haven’t I hear more about this book? It’s a hit!

Short Synopsis:
Nhika is a bloodcarver. She has the gift and magic to change human biology and anatomy with just one touch. She is seen as a monster with a dangerous power. But when a wealthy family purchases her power to heal she gets involved trying to solve a murder.

My Thoughts:
I was fully engrossed in this novel. It was dark, but filled with magic, science, found family and romance. The worldbuilding was excellent and I loved a good slow burn romance. Nhika was such a strong, female MC.

If you’re a fan of Kylie Lee Baker books, than you need this one in your life.

I did the audio for this one and loved the narration. The ending was excellent and I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!

What You’ll Find in this Book:
🐺 Blend of science and magic
🐺 Found Family
🐺 Enemies to lovers romance
🐺 Dark YA fantasy
🐺 Murder Mystery

OH MY GOD the ending 😭😭

This was an amazing read/listen. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me wanting more. I love Nhika, such a strong and smart character! She has an ability that makes her kind hunted down and sold to the black market. Regardless of what she’s been through she’s always looking out for someone else. It was written beautifully and the narration was good. The ending was completely unexpected

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the copy of this audiobook!

A Vietnam-inspired dark fantasy using medical technology?! YES PLEASE. As a biomedical engineer, I ADORED the medical aspect of this book and the magic system of bloodcarving and heartsoothing. This is such a unique story, blending ancestry and generational gifts with a technological society. The book vibes reminded me of another one of my favorites, THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST. Highly recommend this one for great magic, fun inclusion of anatomy & biology, some romance, some thrills, and quite an ending!

I loved this on audio, narrated by VyVy Nguyen!

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, author Vanessa Le, and NetGalley for providing me the ALC. This audiobook will be released on March 19, 2024.

Society calls her a “bloodcarver” and sees her as a monstrous murderer. Our heroine is part of an oppressed, hunted class of people. She still bravely uses her inherited magical abilities to heal. One day, an aristocratic family saves her from captivity only to bind her to their service. Nhika is ushered into the world of the rich and privileged and is tasked with solving a medical mystery. Along the way, she finds belonging.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a Vietnamese-infused fantasy! I loved the scientific, technical feel to the magic given its medical nature. There’s beauty in the writing, as we get to see through Nhika’s eyes and into her world of anatomy. I appreciated that while Nhika is strong and bucking the constraints of society, she never feels excessively combative, snarky, or bratty like so many fantasy female protagonists do.

I felt some distance from fmc. The narrative is plot-driven (not action-packed) and does not linger on the heroine’s inner life and emotionality. I would’ve liked more depth and nuance to the relationships and interactions. Perhaps that is why I also struggled to be wholly interested in the mystery reveals.

The Last Bloodcarver does what I like in YA fantasy, presenting a straightforward plot with a fun magic system. The broader worldbuilding is rather sparse, and I would love to learn more in the sequel.

NARRATION: VyVy Nguyen does a spectacular job with clear delivery and natural flow.

This book! This year I have been stingier with my 5 start ratings. This book absolutely deserves 5 stars. Not only was it a unique concept (bloodcarving), but it was quite the ride trying to figure out who was the "good guys" and who were the "bad guys". The culture of the bloodcarver people and family system was very rich and made me long for a place that doesn't exist. I was legitimately crying at the end of this book. If you like fantasy and thriller, you will love this book!