*deep breath* This was compulsively excellent.

If there is one book, one author really, that booktok is not lying to you about. That really lives up to the praise you hear. It’s this one. Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang.

The Sword of Kaigen made my top reads of 2023 and I’m confident this will make my top of 2024. Some people say that The Sword of Kaigen, for all it’s splendor, starts off a little slow and I don’t know… but I feel like Wang heard that take and rubbed her little hands together and said fine, FINE. You want to see what an insane start looks like? I’ll show you. So the opening of this book? Had me floored. An immediately gripping launch with bursts of context and world building woven into a bloody and anxiety inducing sprint of a chapter one. Iykyk

We first get introduced to this world through Thomil, a nomadic hunter who lives in a region plagued by “Blight”, as he attempts to seek shelter in the gloriously urban and sophisticated city of Tiran. In Tiran we step into Sciona’s shoes, a brilliant student and researcher who is trying to become the first female highmage ever. When Sciona succeeds and receives her first highmage task (to work on expansion plans for the magical boarder of Tiran) the other highmages play a cruel joke on her and give her Thomil, a current janitor, as her lab assistant. What happens when you put this unlikely pair together? Well they’re going to uncover some sinister magical secrets aren’t they.

Explanation time is over let’s talk about everything else that I want to: characters, world building and themes. Wang is a master at all three and she does it with my favorite nebulous term: NUANCE.

I think it’s something quite special to create characters that are not only fascinating and complex, but who’s characterization and development serves a narrative purpose. Sciona is selfish, egotistical and single minded in her pursuit of truth, advancement and recognition. She is also incredibly prejudiced while being oppressed herself. Watching her discover and grapple with atrocity moved the plot forward in compelling ways that would have been lost if a perfect Mary Sue hero character had been given the reins. Can Sciona grow to understand someone else’s oppression through her own? Or will inequality only concern her if it directly affects her goals. Importantly, can she overcome her ignorance when faced with disturbing truth?

The supporting cast was just as moving - the quiet resilience of Thomil, the deep rage of Carra, the simple love of Alba. And the villains? You don’t even want to get me started on their brainwashed, sadistic, misogynistic, and oppressive behavior. I WILL start yelling.

The world building/ magic system… think Babel x Harry Potter with a magic system which is basically coding? This also managed to have a lot of the themes of dark academia with a cyberpunk/ technological overlay. I pictured the city of Tiran to be a kind of carnivorous gaping maw - the spires of the buildings being the teeth that chew up its residents for the sake of societal progress. I feel like… I shouldn’t say any more. Know that it’s EXCELLENT stuff.

Now for the THEMES~ my favorite part.

Sciona’s insatiable curiosity creates a manic propensity for finding the truth at all costs. This brings her and us as readers to some truly hideous revelations… and having a character both privileged and oppressed is the perfect slate for the kind of moral conversations Wang is trying to have.

Early on, Thomil and Sciona have a philosophical/ moral debate which essentially boils down to what is more important: having good intentions but accidentally causing harm or unintentionally creating a better world while not having any thought towards doing so. Aka - Do our intentions matter as much as the results of our actions? I found myself constantly going back to this question while observing the characters in this story. Sometimes these characters create good while meaning evil, sometimes they aim for kindness and instead wreak havoc, and sometimes they both wish and enact cruelty. Some don’t think at all. Most alternate between all options. None are perfect. Who’s going to “Heaven” then?

These questions are particularly fascinating in a world that seems rotten to its core - a city where blind fanaticism can be used to control historical narratives and serve the desires of the elite. BUT this is also a world that houses humans with that pesky little inclination for hope despite it all. How do we as people have the capacity to dehumanize an entire population while also retain the ability to love, to seek connection, to hope for better? Do our intentions matter here? Our actions? Or both? What legacy do we want to leave behind… and does that even matter in the slightest?

Somewhere along the way of all these questions, this book became a 6 star read. READ THIS.

The writing in this book was incredible and had me wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen and how everything would be phrased.

“She would do more than take his stupid joke, she decided; she would grip it tight and fashion it into greatness he couldn’t fathom.”

It was a much more intense book than I was expecting. I was thinking it was mostly dark academia based off the synopsis. It definitely had a very complex magic system, which I was really into! Very unique and mathematic.

“It was the beginning of a conviction: she would not be soft, but nor would she be the hard ice that Bringham wanted. She was going to show the mages of Tiran something they had never seen before. She was going to show them Hellfire.”

However, I felt most of the book revolved around religion and questioning your beliefs and how you were raised once you find out information that clashes with your ideals. I'm not a religious person and frankly, reading about it starts to bore me. I really wanted to know what happened in the end though and that's why I powered through.

“I’m starting to understand how ridiculous it is to demand civility when the world is so disgustingly uncivil.”

The writing was phenomenal and I have so many highlighted passages. I'm definitely interested to read other works by this author. While this book was good, it was too religion based for me to ever read again.

“Is it better to be safe and broken or dead.”

Read if you love:
-Complex magic systems
-Dark academia
-Deep thoughts about religion

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.

Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for this ARC!

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*takes a lot for me to rate a book 5 stars but this was easily one of my favorite books this year out of the 144 I’ve read

It comes out October 29, 2024 so not a long wait

Tropes: dark academia, unique magic system, sexism, racism, secrets, love/sacrifice, standalone

I loved both main characters and the main FMC had a lot of personal growth. She starts out somewhat selfish just wrapped up in her own issues and goals oblivious to others and their struggles. But throughout the book she begins to see her reality is beyond just her needs and that others struggle with things far worse than she does, she begins to question her main goal in life and tries to change her destiny to do good

The book was so well written and I was engaged literally the whole time, pacing was perfect and the plot was incredible. Beyond that the magic system was one of the most unique I’ve encountered in a long time, almost a mixture of mage magic / coding.

One theme I found very deep and intriguing that I haven’t seen talked about a lot is the somewhat religious aspect of the book and the idea of morality and blind acceptance of a belief system because you are just supposed to follow it. The book very well depicts what we may see as flaws in our own religions, that in many cases are ignored or covered up because it doesn’t fit the overall narrative and is questionable. The book really makes you think deeply and apply some of these ideologies to the real world which I really enjoyed

Summary:

For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry.

When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and, instead of a qualified lab assistant, they give her a janitor.

What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago, he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the privileged in power.

At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first.

I absolutely inhaled this book.

Disclaimer: I haven't read The Sword of Kaigen (obviously, this is going on the tbr now) and... i may have thought this was about vampires?

Obviously, i was completely over my head as soon as I realized what I had gotten into: Blood over bright haven was so much deeper and intricate than anticipated.

⇢ complicated, incredibly well written magic system: think of a mix of physics, chemistry and coding, with magical typewriters.

⇢ plot but even more character driven: Thomil made me cry and Sciona was a complex protagonist: self centered, driven to the point of obsession but not not likable. She was the oppressor and the oppressed, privileged but not male.

⇢ the story and universe made me lowkey angry, shocked me more than once and I found the last third of the book exponentially better than the rest.

⇢ the ending was both fantastic and devastating, a full circle. Bittersweet but perfect.

⇢ but why do they all have various shades of green eyes? Did I miss some kind of explanation? I’m really overthinking this part.

Absolutely recommend this book. It's more on the smarter side, science fantasy rather than fantasy and the author is going on my auto buy list.

Please see below for my review. I will also be including the book description on my IG post. This was posted to Goodreads and IG today. See attached link for IG Post.

“Do you ever read a book and feel like your brain chemistry has been altered? That was this book for me. It is times like this, I wish I was a better writer. I honestly feel like I don’t have words to adequately express how much Blood Over Bright Haven moved me, but here I go.

This story is a Dark Academia Fantasy novel that centers around a young female Mage who is breaking boundaries by trying to be the first woman ever to become a High Mage. This novel truly is Dark Academia at it’s finest. The prologue immediately draws you into the story. I started this book late one night and I could not put it down. The magic system in this book was on an entire different level than anything I have read in a really long time. It is mathematically base and it reads very similar to coding. I am by no means a coding expert so don’t worry if you aren’t either. The author does a great job breaking it down so it is very understandable to the reader.

This is one of those books that sticks with you. I found myself thinking about it constantly when I was not reading it and every night since I finished. One of the topics that has stuck with me the most, is the conversations that our two main characters had around the philosophical topic of “good intentions vs bad intentions.” I wish I could go more into detail about how that relates to the book but I feel it would spoil important plot points. I was emotionally unwell after finishing this book but I was so so glad that I read it. I would give this book 1000 stars if I could. I even went ahead and pre-order this book because I had to have a copy for my bookshelves.

Swipe to read full book description. This review is a bit different for me because I decided to not include tropes due to spoiler risk. If you decide to check this book out and read it PLEASE let me know! I would love to talk about this book with anyone and everyone. It comes out on October 29th.

Thank you so much Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review. “

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang follows Sciona as she becomes the first female high mage. Despite holding the title of high mage her challenges have just begun as she struggles to earn the respect and camaraderie of her fellow mages. Paired with an unqualified lab assistant, Sciona embarks on a journey of discovery that could completely unravel the truths she holds dear. Blood Over Bright Haven is a rare treat in Fantasy. The world and magic system M.L. Wang has created is both intriguing and complex. The characters constantly challenge each other and their world views in a way that inspires self reflection of the reader.

Overall this was a wonderful stand alone fantasy read which I would recommend to any fantasy lover. Thank you Random House Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5/5 - I've been struggling with how to rate this but overall, the book is pure genius and I can't dock it for much. There is one part of the ending that I feel unsatisfied with but I don't want to include spoilers so feel free to chat with me if you've finished! M.L. Wang has an incredible imagination and created an incredibly interesting world and I've never read anything like it. This is high fantasy so don't go into this expecting an easy read but it is EPIC. Dealing with feminism, social structures, racism, and so much more within a totally different world was very impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed these elements. Now I need to go read the Sword.of Kaigen (sp?)!

This is the best book I’ve read in 2023. Why can’t every book be this good! I wish I could give a 6 star rating. M. L. Wang is my favorite author of the year and possibly of all time! This story started off feeling like a dark academia with a fun magic system, but quickly morphed into something with a powerful message. I am in awe of this author’s ability to create a fantasy story that makes me examine my own life. Just outstanding. Absolute perfection.

Sciona had long dreamed of being promoted to the position of high mage and had worked hard her whole life. After being abandoned by her father she is determined to show him that she is worthy. She is determined to not only obtain the position but to be the first woman ever to achieve it. She finds herself unwelcome by the other mages. Instead of giving her a qualified assistant, she is given a janitor. During her research, she finds things that will turn her world upside down and undermine everything she has ever believed in.

At first this seemed like a book I wouldn’t usually run after but the synopsis really intrigued me. Wow am I glad that I was able to get a chance to read it because I loved it! This is a fantastic dark academia fantasy. There’s depth in this book and at times a lot to unpack but it’s so worth it. Just excellent!

This dark academy story has given us the exact tone of dark that I love.

The magic system is so unique, I love the female protagonist has great development throughout the story.

The magic is seen implemented in the magic tools and spells to make different specializations.

Good writing and great narrative where they reflect colonialism, misogyny, inequality, among other important issues.

I thank Netgalley for this amazing ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of Blood Over Bright Haven!

THIS WAS SO GOOD. This was, by far, the best book I've read this year. As someone who is just getting into coding, I loved the magic system and I thought there were a lot of unique elements. The world building was intense but still approachable, exploring themes of misogyny, colonialism, class systems, and racism. This was also one of the few books where my brain didn't try to skip over the epigraphs. I just wanted to be as immersed in this world as I possibly could be. M.L. Wang weaved in wonderful philosophical questions about identity, intent/motivations vs actual actions, and moral goodness that made me contemplate the character's choices and my own life.

I was a little bit conflicted about Sciona. I loved the passion, drive, ego, and how consumed she gets in her work. I don't know that she was similar to any character I've ever read before. But, she was very whiny and her ability to not read a room astounded me at times (I understand her entire world was pulled apart so I'm not deducting stars for it). That said, I was absolutely devastated for certain parts (no spoilers) of her story and I felt her grief like it was my own. So her whining was definitely warranted for parts of it and it was written well. I really enjoyed both Thomil and Carra, but I do wish we met more of the Kwen. I did get a little tired of meeting all the old Tiranish dudes. And I wanted to absolutely destroy Renthorn.

Overall, 5 stars and added to my all-time favorites list. This was a book that could have been 1,000 more pages and I would have been 100% fine with that. I guess this is my sign to finally read Sword of Kaigen!

This was probably my most anticipated read of the year and it didn't disappoint! I love the dark academia vibes and that the female main character isn't necessarily a warrior, but a brainiac. I thought the magic system was so interesting and really reminded me of the Magicians and Babel. The relationships built within the book are well written and I thought the narrative on religion and race were very apt and needed at this time given the state of politics.

This is one of the best books I have read. I loved it so much. I was sad when I sat down to read the last bit because I didn't want it to end.

I was immediately grabbed by the opening, describing the horrors of the crossing. Then we are introduced to Sciona, and I immediately loved her. I was rooting for her to become the first female high mage and to fight the old boys club (and hopefully change it or tear it down). I love her fierce determination. And the entire book kept me gripped.

I loved her and Thomil. The way they interact and work together was so good. Every revelation about magic and how Tiran is structured around it was horrifying.

I also love the magic. How cool is it that they use old timey typewriters for their spells? And that finding, sourcing and using the magic is like coding? Very unique system.

A new favorite!

Blood Over Bright Haven is one of the best books I read all year. It tackles conversations about misogyny, class, race, and colonialism with ease. The city in this story is the one safe place from The Blight, which attacks without reason or mercy. The people inside believe themselves to be God's chosen and any who flee to the city for shelter are second class citizens.

Thomil flees the Blight for hope of a future, even though he and his niece are all that remains of his tribe. Sciona is the first female high mage in history, with a lot to prove and the hope that she will be the one to expand the barrier of the protective city. As the two work together they uncover a nefarious plot that had me burning through this book. The magic system uses a typewriter like instrument called a Spellograph, which functions similar to a coding language. The book goes into so much detail about the magic, world, and society but is never bogged down by those details. I couldn't put this down and highly recommend this super intriguing standalone fantasy!

*Blood Over Bright Haven* is hands down one of the best fantasy novels I’ve ever read. It tackles heavy themes like sexism, racism, colonialism, and the ways people in power justify their cruelty under the pretense of religion and civilization. Be aware that the book also touches on sensitive topics like sexual assault, depression, self-harm, and the outdated treatment of women’s mental health—necessary elements considering the historical setting.

What immediately hooked me was the fresh take on magic. The magic system is uniquely inspired by software development, making it feel more relatable and grounded compared to traditional high fantasy. There’s even a handy glossary at the end that explains how the magical tools and spell components work, and the author excels at imagining what different mage specializations might look like in such a world.

Sciona, the main character, is not likable at all, but that's part of what makes her fascinating. She embodies the same racist and sexist views as those she claims to oppose, creating a compelling dynamic where you both cringe at and love to hate her. I won’t spoil the plot, as it’s something best experienced firsthand, but the story’s progression is thrilling and had me on edge the whole way through.

Overall, *Blood Over Bright Haven* is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh twist on fantasy that isn’t afraid to explore tough themes. If you’re in the market for a fantasy novel that challenges you and stands out, this one should be at the top of your list.

M L Wang hit a home run. Thank you to the publisher, netgalley, and the author for this arc in exchange for a honest review.

Prose: This is an interesting one because it's fantasy and academia, but this is a very accessible book to read. I've read several academia books and this seems to be the least pretentious of the ones I've read. M L Wang's use of common and accessible language will most likely turn more people to reading dark academia and SFF.

Plot: She has such a incredible grasp of storytelling in a way that almost makes you feel like you're watching a movie. The plot was cohesive and medium paced til the last 30-40 percent, then it ramps up quite a bit. Without giving anything away, the ending was spectacular and I could not have imagined a more perfect ending.

Characters: Sciona makes for a great main character. She has so much development throughout the book til the very end... BUT my only complaint is I wish we had seen more Thomil and Carra, seeing as their journey was so fascinating and heartbreaking. I wanted more. As far as the other mages go, I think every woman knows those men in real life, and so every action that was taken by them was unsurprising, yet as in real life- disappointing.

Worldbuilding: Perfect. Amazing. Interesting. Zero criticisms.

In total, Blood Over Bright Haven is a god tier book for me. 6 stars.

This one is for anyone how has justified rage from academia, the workplace, your community due to boot heel of "The Way things are." M. L. Wang doesn't beat around the bush with "Blood Over Bright Haven" (Out 29 October 2024).

Honestly I'd rather you just dove in cold and didn't read my opinion. I devoured it at a feverish pace on a flight, possibly startling my aisle with my cursing.

Utopia exists, in a land with a plauge that strikes randomly and unspools what it touches. But there is a haven. For some. Shielded from the cold and the Blight the Tiranish people (mostly the men) enjoy a society with the comforts of magic. The Kwen, can come in and work the jobs no one wants, since they don't embrace the truth of God. Sciona is possibly the most brilliant mage to try to join the High Magistry at the University, a position a woman had never held. As the woman to become a high age her coworkers are not the best. A janitor, promoted to lab assistant as a joke, named Thomil exposes exposes her to things she has not noticed. Unfortunately, knowledge brings pain.

Reasons to read:
-If you have ever felt a spark of anger at the hypocrisy in anything and wanted to do something about it
-The pacing hits so well
-The different voices for the POVs show the frustration in different ways
-Crazy magic technology
-JUSTIFIED ANGER AND HORROR

Cons:
-Are the Kwens oppressed gingers...let my people go

This was the second book I've read from author M. L. Wang with the first being The Sword of Kaigen. I enjoyed her first book immensely. This book was enjoyable as well but not on the same level as her first book. I understood the themes that this book was exploring. Overall though, I felt like the story was missing something else. Maybe a bit of pacing. I found myself taking a long time to read through it. I didn't feel very connected to either main character, By the time the overall conflict was upon me, I just was like ok.

It's a story of dark academia but I just didn't feel super connected to the story or the characters. If you like stories of magic and themes of religion and humanity, you might enjoy this one.

Prior to reading Blood Over Bright Haven, I didn’t know of author M.L. Wong. Now, I will happily read anything this author publishes and can’t wait to read The Sword of Kaigen. I saw someone on TikTok put this on their “Wish I could read this again for the first time” recommendation list and I couldn’t agree more.

If you love adult fantasy, dark academia, and girl power - this is the book for you!

Thank you to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the eARC!