Loved this! I feel like this should be a required high school reading on social statuses in cultures. The author very thoughtfully touched on lots of social issues in this with out actually exposing social issues, keeping us in fantasy, but able to relate fully. I really enjoyed the character development for both Sciona and Thomill. Great read!

This book is like a weird mirror inverse of Babel. Instead of the magic system being examined from the point of view of the colonized children who have been groomed to exploit their own heritage, the protagonist of this book is basically Lotty the white girl from Babel instead, renamed as Sciona.

Sciona is one of those characters that I want to root for. She's the only female scholar to get a chance at becoming a highmage in a generation, and she does it! I like myself a bluestocking girl who has problems relating to other people but who has a burning undeniable drive to accomplish the things that everyone has told her that she cannot do.

And I liked that the book allowed Sciona to be totally wrecked emotionally after she figured out what really makes the magic system that powers her city run. What I didn't like was that I was waiting for about half the book for Sciona to figure it out. It's not hard! My friends who have read the book also figured out what was going on quite early and impatiently waited for Sciona to catch up.

After Sciona had her breakdown, I enjoyed her less and less. The book tries to have Sciona have a relationship with an assistant whose people have literally been destroyed by her city. This assistant is massively forgiving with Sciona's complicity in this hideous system and he has thoughts- good ones!- about what to do and what not do to next.

Unfortunately, Sciona's training in relying on herself means that she ignores everything this man has to tell her about how power actually works in her city and about how her plans to try to change the system WILL NOT WORK and will instead cause her and anyone close to her tremendous danger and pain. Sciona is ultimately a woman who grew up in a society built on colonialism who cannot leave that paradigm behind enough to actually listen to someone whose whole life has been about surviving that colonialism and the brutal ways that it exploits his people.

Basically, Sciona does some really stupid stuff. There might not have been a good way to change the system without tearing it all down, but if there was a way, Sciona's path was definitely NOT IT. And the book seems to want to romanticize her choices even when they lead to suffering and destruction. I'm giving the book as many stars as I do because I do think the author can write and she did try to engage emotionally with the horror of the system she created. But the plot (especially the romance?!) and the path that Sciona took were painful to read and I'm not sure the author had the chops to handle what she started with this book.

50000/5 stars! This is one of my favorite reads of the years and one of the best epic fantasy novels I've ever read. I have not yet read M.L. Wang's Sword of Kaigan but will be adding it to my TBR list immediately. I loved the melding between industrial age and magic and the dark academia vibes pulled me in. I will likely be rereading this several times per year for many years to come.

4.5/5 Dark, Brilliant, and Utterly Addictive

Blood Over Bright Haven is dark, disturbing, and absolutely addictive. I’m not especially well-versed in dark academia, but you don’t have to be to fall under this book’s spell. M. L. Wang has delivered a sharp, emotionally resonant story that explores imperialism, racism, elitism, gender injustice, and supremacy—but above all else, it’s just a damn good book.

The setting of Tiran is vivid and unsettling: a magically enclosed city powered by the suffering of those beyond its walls. Refugees scrape by in factories, and the outside world is plagued by a mysterious, body-stripping Blight. Inside, Sciona Freynan is poised to become the first female highmage—if she can survive the exam, the politics, and the weight of the truth she’s about to uncover. Sciona is everything I love in a flawed protagonist: ambitious, obsessive, socially inept, and absolutely compelling. Her arc is a masterclass in deconstruction, and watching her unravel—and evolve—is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

Just from a craft perspective, this novel is stellar. The magic system is one of the most elegant and original I’ve ever seen—logical, coding-inspired, and seamlessly integrated into the world. I adored the magic-conduit typewriters. And the academic setting? Scrumptious. Combine that with a tight plot, an ethically thorny narrative, and characters you want to scream at and hug all at once, and you’ve got a story that’s impossible to put down.

What really sticks with me, though, is how Wang tackles complex, painful issues without falling into the trap of oversimplification. There are no easy solutions here, no “chosen one” resolutions. The ethical conversations—especially around intention vs. consequence—are handled with nuance and respect for the reader’s intelligence. Through Sciona and Thomil, we get to see how privilege and power distort perception, and how surrender and trust can sometimes be more radical than control.

My only small critique would be that a few characters and plot threads felt a bit rushed—but honestly? That didn’t stop me from devouring it or thinking about it long after I turned the last page.

In short: Read this book. If you love dark academia, ethical dilemmas, intelligent magic systems, and character-driven fantasy that respects nuance, Blood Over Bright Haven belongs on your shelf. M. L. Wang proves once again that she doesn’t just tell stories—she dares you to feel them.

Such a unique story, every story written by this author has been a hit for me. I was really nervous about this one because I enjoyed the last one so much but do not regret getting into this at all. Loved the characters, the world and everything about this.

I can not believe I didn't realize I had this as an e arc. You're telling me I could have read this masterpiece before anyone else and I didn't jump on that opportunity!? Wow this book was so fun and I loved it. I was definitely a little confused at the beginning but once I got the hang of it I was obsessed!!

5/5 stars!

Summary: Unique magic system and thought provoking story on class and resource utilization.

Characters: I loved the characters and felt they were very believable, even if they were frustrating. They all acted in human ways. While Sciona may be frustrating to read, I think she is a great example of a multi-faceted human. I really appreciate that she was open-minded and honest in examining her beliefs.

Plot: The plot and pacing was great. I couldn't wait to continue reading and it flew by so fast. I thought the system and actions made sense for the world. It was eerily similar to our society and easy to draw parallels between the two. I really appreciate the commentary and exploration of many topics like class structure, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, colonialism, cultural appropriation and over-utilization of resources vs convenience.

Setting: I enjoyed the setting of the city. I wish there was a bit more detail to distinguish the neighborhoods (wealthy, middle-class, poor) but overall I good a good sense of the place. If it weren't a standalone, I would've loved to explore more of the world outside and the Kwen people.

Overall: This was a great story in itself and incredibly thought provoking. The magic system was interesting and the characters relatable and lovable. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Profoundly thought provoking, Blood Over Bright Haven completely exceeded all of my expectations.

This fantasy stand-alone is action packed with beautifully written character arcs, political discourse, feminine rage, alchemy, and strong written prose. All the details come together between these covers to make one hell of a novel.

ML Wang is one to keep an eye on for fantasy lovers. I’m very much looking forward to Sword of Kaigen after falling in love with her writing through this one. This book is a prime example of when we say, “Reading IS political.” It will challenge you to reevaluate things you’ve believed true in society since school ages, constantly encouraging your mind to step out of its box.

I highly recommend this one to fantasy lovers who enjoyed similar reads like Poppy War Trilogy and The Green Bone Saga.
6 ⭐️// No Spice

RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 4⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️

Thank you for allowing me to receive this book to review!

Oh man, it was great. The characters, the setting, the plot? Everything I wanted and needed right now.
The timeliness of this story as I read it in 2025, is scary, to say the least.

The way that ML Wang tackles racism, classism, sexism, and colonialism is spectacular. The magic system is unique and honestly one of my favorites that I have read in ages.

Some of my favorite quotes are in Sciona's conversation with Thomil regarding intent or lack thereof. The age-old question of ethical dilemma. Are you a better person because your intentions are just but the outcomes bring tragedy vs, you're a selfish person only out for self but in those decisions and actions there is a ripple effect that brings goodness to others.

This is the first ML Wang read for me, however certainly not my last. The writing style is very impactful and kept me turning page after page.

There is a lot to unpack in Blood Over Bright Haven. Themes range from sexism, racism, consumption, government transparency and more.

Sciona is a strong and intelligent main character. She’s intuitive and very open minded given the constraints of her culture and the criticism from those around her. Thomil is equally interesting matching Sciona in his inquisitiveness and intelligence. His patience is a great grounding element for the ambitious and driven Sciona. Faced with the realities of the political system, origins of magic, and the costs, the two struggle through conflict and adversity in the name of truth and hope.

The story is gritty, violent, up front and does not hold back. There is a lot of conflict and social issues that permeate the story from beginning to end. While the ending is bloody and sad, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of hope. Overall, a great read. It moves very fast for the length. The story is solid, the world building is really well done, and the magic system is unique. The characters are well developed and thought out. I loved the growth they experienced through the plot and their interactions with each other. They felt real and plausible. I also love that this is currently a standalone book. There is a sense of closure at the end of the book.

I highly recommend Blood Over Bright Haven who like books with social commentary with elements of hope and redemption.

A fascinating commentary on consumption and our role in that. What are our “necessities” costing our planet and humanity. At times it was a little heavy handed but unfortunately I do think that at this point in the world, such representations may need to be more blatant as opposed to veiled allegory. Not entirely what I expected out of the novel but thought provoking nonetheless.

Blood Over Bright Haven is a bold, brutal, and breathtakingly smart novel that blends dark academia with high fantasy in a way that feels wholly original. M.L. Wang crafts a world that’s as intellectually rich as it is emotionally devastating, filled with sharp magic systems, morally gray characters, and searing critiques of power and privilege. From the first page, the prose demands attention—lush, unflinching, and laced with a quiet fury that builds into something explosive. This is a book that doesn’t pull its punches, and it’s all the more compelling for it.

At the heart of the novel is a protagonist who is both deeply flawed and deeply fascinating—driven by ambition, shaped by trauma, and constantly pushing against a system built to consume her. Wang weaves complex philosophical questions into the narrative without ever losing narrative momentum, and the result is a story that feels as much like an emotional reckoning as it does a political one. The tension is masterfully paced, and when the story hits, it hits—with scenes that are as viscerally painful as they are beautifully written.

If there’s one minor caveat, it’s that the intellectual density might overwhelm readers looking for a lighter fantasy read—but for those willing to sink into its depths, the payoff is immense. Blood Over Bright Haven is ambitious in the best sense of the word: a fierce, intelligent, and emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. Wang has crafted something extraordinary here—dark, dazzling, and impossible to forget.

As a long-time fantasy reader and someone who lives for stories that center women and explore injustice with nuance, Blood Over Bright Haven left a lasting mark. Sciona’s arc—flawed, fierce, and deeply human—felt earned. The magic system was brilliant, and the rep? Refreshing and real. I didn’t need romance to be invested; the tension, the pain, the hope—it was all there. M.L. Wang made me feel. Again.

I have to admit that I was less than impressed with this book. The magic system was cool, but the rest of the book left a lot to be desired.

The "big twist" was so obvious that I figured it out in the first chapter and struggled to believe that, in a society filled people who study magic on a daily basis, only the tiniest handful of their "elite" actually ever figure out the "big secret."

The handling of the sexism theme was so ham-fisted that it felt like the author was going down a checklist of "all the sexist things that men can say to women" and trying to cram every item into every single conservation.

One of the villains basically turned into a mustache-twirling cartoon character two-thirds of the way through the story, and he sexually assaults the protagonist completely out of the blue in the third act, an event that the book tries to make sense of by literally back-filling information after the fact.

The plot has some strange pacing and development issues. There are lulls where there shouldn't be, and the plot progresses unevenly. And while the climax is kind of satisfying in the way that it deals with the antagonists, I don't like how open-ended the conclusion is. I felt that it could've been way more definitive than that, given the setup for the climax.

I wish I had liked this book a lot more than I did, because I know that people really love this author's other novel, The Sword of Kaigen. But this book just didn't land well with me. Lots of cool concepts, but the execution could've been a lot better.

I was surprised and delighted by this novel. A wonderful dark academia novel with high stakes, terrific characters, and amazing world building. How the elements all come together in the end is phenomenal. I loved the way spells were cast. The two leads crackle with energy and so does their connection. A must read for any fantasy lover. One of the best books I've read this year.

Story: 5 ⭐

It's been a while since I've been stunned to silence over a book. This wasn't even my typical genre of books. but, man it really left a mark.

This is a steampunk/gas lamp fantasy (I don' t even know if they can be put together but that's how I would describe it) And is based in a world where a county's foundation is a religion made 300+ years ago. You have all the hard topics within this story. Classism, misogyny, and even racism.

Sciona a woman, who obsessively worked to become the first women in the Magistrate. Basically, the group of intellectuals who run this county of their religion and magic. She gets paired with an unexpected partner.

The magic system is so unique. I would call it an industrial magic system.

You get to watch as all these truths come to light and who/how Sciona responds to them. It's heartbreakingly hopeful. Be prepared for tears.

It took me a few attempts to get into Blood Over Bright Haven with the hefty scientific world-building but once I was hooked, it did not disappoint.
The patriarchy and racism at the heart of Tiran felt heavy-handed at times but still relevant to today. An interesting blend of magic, technology, and religion that could be hard to follow but made the reveal gripping. Still thinking about the ending weeks later.

the city of Tiran, an industrial utopia powered by magic. However, beneath its gleaming surface lies a grim cost, as the collectors come calling to claim their dues. The story follows Sciona, an orphan who has spent two decades striving to become the first woman admitted to the prestigious High Magistry. Her relentless pursuit of magic finally earns her the title of highmage, but her journey is far from over. In a world where her colleagues are determined to undermine her, Sciona is unexpectedly paired with a janitor as her assistant. Yet, this seemingly inconsequential assistant, Thomil, harbors secrets of his own. A former nomadic hunter, Thomil's past is entwined with the mysteries of Tiran's magical barrier. Together, Sciona and Thomil must navigate their tumultuous alliance to uncover an ancient secret that could alter the fabric of magic itself.

Reading "Blood Over Bright Haven" was an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience. The narrative's exploration of power dynamics and the societal structures that enforce them resonated deeply, especially in today's political climate. M.L. Wang masterfully weaves a compelling story filled with impactful, powerful, and at times, painful moments. The book's commentary on social class and racial stereotyping is both timely and timeless, highlighting how these constructs are used to "other" individuals. Sciona's journey raises profound questions about the lengths one might go to reclaim power unjustly denied. This book is not only a gripping fantasy tale but also a profound critique of societal norms, making it worthy of academic discussion. I believe "Blood Over Bright Haven" should be taught in schools, as it provides both an engaging story and insightful commentary on human nature and society.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Blood Over Bright Haven" by M.L. Wang is a dark academia fantasy novel that delves into themes of ambition, morality, and societal structures. The story follows Sciona Freynan, a determined and skilled mage striving to become the first female highmage in a male-dominated society. Her journey is marked by challenges that test her resolve and ethical boundaries.
Wang's writing is captivating, immersing readers in a richly developed world with a unique magic system that mirrors coding or formula writing. The narrative is intense and thought-provoking, exploring complex moral dilemmas and the pursuit of knowledge at all costs. The character development is particularly noteworthy, with Sciona portrayed as a multifaceted protagonist whose growth is both compelling and realistic.
However, some readers may find the heavy emphasis on themes such as gender injustice, social status, and faith to be overwhelming. The dark and sometimes brutal nature of the story might not appeal to those seeking a light or escapist read. Additionally, the intricate magic system, while innovative, may be challenging to grasp initially.
In summary, "Blood Over Bright Haven" is a powerful and engaging novel that offers a deep exploration of societal issues through the lens of fantasy. While it may not be suitable for all readers due to its dark themes and complex narrative, those interested in thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories will find it a rewarding experience.

I loved everything about this book.
The science, the religion, the message. Everything was great
Easily one of my top reads of the year

I'm still awake struck and trying to process that ending.
I'm emotionally wrecked