M.L. Wang’s novel truly impressed me with its intricately crafted story, blending a unique magic system, strong characters, complex politics, and thought-provoking themes. The magic system stands out with its scientific basis, requiring calculations and an energy source, evolving in complexity as the story progresses. Wang’s character work is exceptional, featuring a dynamic female lead and a wise male character representing an oppressed group, along with a cast of characters you’ll either admire or despise. The dark academia atmosphere adds depth, with the university setting playing a crucial role in discovery and narrative progression. Wang tackles significant political and philosophical issues, effectively presenting the perspective of the oppressed. Even introspective moments in the story are powerful, making you question motives and morality. I highly recommend this book, but be mindful of numerous trigger warnings: violence, body horror, misogyny, suicidal ideation, classcism, racism, harassment, and attempted sexual assault.

Minor minor spoilers ahead.

I truthfully don’t know that I have the words to describe this book, though I’ve been trying to find them and practicing on any and everyone willing to listen.

I have never read anything like this book before, and I’ll be thinking about it for days, months, years to come.

To start, this is an incredibly hard book to read. It forces you to reflect on the true cost of technological and societal advancement, an idea prescient given what we now know the costs of AI to be.

Large thematic existential ideas aside, BOBH is also a phenomenal fantasy story. It’s tense, its characters are fleshed out and incredibly complex and human, and it’s one of the most well-written books I’ve ever come across. Though not a romance by any means, it is romantic and tragic and filled with yearning, love, and hope, between the two main characters but also between the main characters and the world they live in.

If you love books like Babel and Mistborn, I think this is going to be right up your alley. And if you’re typically a romantasy reader, I still recommend it, but know going in this isn’t a love story and there is no HEA.

I absolutely loved this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.

Brilliant!

In this book we follow Sciona as she works toward her goal of becoming the first female high mage. Through this, she is assigned an assistant, a Kwen named Thomil, and this is meant as a slight. In this society, Kwen are seen as treated as beneath everyone else. While our main character has faced sexism throughout her life, that does not mean that she is without prejudices of her own. While working with her assistant, she still displays her prejudices against the Kwen, and even when getting to know him better she acts as if it’s just him, like he is special and different from other Kwen. But as she begins to learn more about what it means to be a high mage, she is forced to question her own beliefs and worldview.

This book is powerful, impactful and thought provoking. These characters and this story will stick with you. This book does an excellent job discussing many difficult topics such as racism, sexism, classism and the weaponization of religion to achieve personal goals, all through a fantasy lens.

I really liked the magic system (magic as computer programming, hell yeah), the worldbuilding was cool and the plot was exciting. I think where this fell short of a 5* for me was that the messaging just felt very overstated and in-your-face concerning systems of oppression, sexism, and racism. I would definitely read more from the author though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang is a third person dual-POV dark academia fantasy that asks how far a society is willing to go for progress and convenience. Orphan and mage Sciona has spent her entire life planning on becoming the first woman admitted to the High Magistry and continuing her magical studies. She achieves her goal only to eventually learn the price for the magic she has dedicated her life to and it’s not worth it.

There are a lot of references to real world conversations in the social justice movement and to what has been done and continues to be done to so many all over the world. One of the more obvious ones was when Carra, a Kwen, calls Sciona out for crying when Sciona is confronted with the part she played in a genocide she didn’t know was going on. This mirrored conversations I’ve seen around white tears and takes a nuanced approach because it is from Sciona’s point of view and validates her emotional response but at no point does it detract from what Carra is saying or the fact that Sciona has to get over herself and start to do the right thing.

I really liked how M. L. Wang handled all of these conversations and this very difficult but important topic because there is so much compassion for the Kwen and their plight while also showing an unflinching look at how truly inhumane oppression and prejudice are. I can tell that Wang did research into topics like forced sterilization and how truly unfair the system and how it works to keep those at the bottom of the ladder at the bottom for generations. At no point did I feel preached at; instead, I felt like I was watching someone in real time come to terms with how they are part of something they would never have been part of if they had known. Not everyone is looking for books about people unlearning, but I would still recommend this book to those readers because Sciona isn’t only unlearning—she is choosing to do something about it even if it costs her everything.

The magic system is both cool and horrifying. Typewriter-esque spellographs are used to help cast spells and there’s a very scientific quality to spells with a category of casting involving spellwebs. I would happily read another book set in either this world or a different world but with a similar magic system from this author because I’ve never seen something quite like a spellograph before. The horrifying part comes at the midway point and it is impossible to separate the cost of magic from the plot, the character arcs, and the grander worldbuilding, which is exactly how I like my magic systems being integrated.

Content warning for mentions of forced sterilization and abuse and depictions of sexual assault and genocide

I would recommend this to fans of secondary worlds that are roughly 1930’s, readers of dark academia who want a dark fantasy, and those looking for a fantasy with very strong social justice themes

This may just be the best thing I’ve read all year! I cannot think of a single flaw in this book! From the characters, to the world and magic, to the ending, this was PERFECT!
I loved Sciona as a character! She is narcissistic and prejudiced, yet still has her intentions in the right place. This book is a great example of how just because you yourself have faced prejudice (Sciona being a woman), you are not exempt from being prejudiced yourself. This is perfectly contrasted with Thomil, who challenged EVERYTHING Sciona stands for. And seeing Sciona’s character development from beginning to end is SO SATISFYING! She’s like a completely different character in the best way possible!
The world and magic system also add so much conflict here! It reminds me a lot of Babel (which I LOVE). And all I can say without spoiling the extremely effective ending, is that this book ripped me into two sad little pieces, but left me with the hope that those pieces can be picked back up. READ THIS BOOK!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨

✨ I love books about magical universities and this is book showcases the most elite of the elite mages studying to become Highmages (one of the highest mage designations in this world).

✨ Sciona is the first female Highmage to pass her test and be accepted. As a character, she resonated with me in a number of ways - she’s ambitious, driven, stubborn, maybe a little ego-driven but recognizes it and works really hard to do the right things. She’s also independent, brilliant, accepting of all, devoted to her family, brave, strong, steadfast, and tough. I liked her.

✨ Thomil is the male main character and represents the Kwen, or the lower class in this world. There is good relationship development, but don’t go into this book thinking it’s primarily a Romantasy book - it is very much more in the vein of high fantasy. But the one love scene is incredibly beautiful. And heartbreaking!

✨ I LOVE the magical system, particularly the ways that energy is harvested from
Zones in the Otherrealm and then processed through a technology called a spellograph. I found myself rather fascinated as Sciona teaches Thomil about energy sourcing and mapping spells!

✨What Sciona uncovers with Thomil in her lab could expose mass corruption and change the course of history for their peoples entirely. And, it was totally mind blowing!!

✨ Every moment from that point (about halfway through) became more fraught with tension - and more exciting!

✨ There are a lot of themes of prejudice against women and women’s strength through it all.

✨ It’s a really interesting ending! It seems rather clear to me that this is meant to remain a standalone story and I admit that was a pleasant change from the typical fantasy cliffhanger ending and lead-in to next book (she types while writing a fantasy trilogy😂).

I went into this book with pretty high expectations. It still ended up exceeding them and becoming what I believe is going to be one of my absolute favorite reads of 2024. I came in thinking I was getting myself into a fun dark academia fantasy. What I got a nuanced commentary on colonialism that discussed how oppressors rewrite history over time, steal from and repress cultures, and normalize this over time, often using religion as a justification.

The beginning of this book immediately hooked me. It had one of the most interesting (and stressful) first chapters I've ever read. I don't think the first chapter of a book has ever been able to make me cry before, but this one did.

This book was full of very flawed characters. Our main character starts off as a not very empathetic woman who is often selfish, and has a lot of prejudices deeply entrenched in her worldview. At the same time, she's a woman in a sexist patriarchal society who sees her as inferior and too emotional. She's given an opportunity typically reserved for men, one she's been working towards for her entire life, and she starts to uncover the damage her society has done and is actively doing to this day.

The commentary did at times feel a bit heavy handed, but the author did an overall fantastic job of using the fantasy genre to comment on real things that happened in our own history. It's unapologetically brutal, there were several parts of the book that absolutely DEVASTATED me.

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about this book, it was one of the most masterfully done fantasy standalones I've ever read. I won't ever stop thinking about it and plan on reading everything else this author has written.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blood Over Bright Haven is my first M.L. Wang book and I am sorry I waited so long. After reading this, I am a huge fan. Wang’s writing is SO good, just artfully and carefully crafted and written.

Blood Over Bright Haven takes place in a utopian, patriarchal society called Tiran. Right away, we are dropped into story where we meet Thomil and his clan. They are hunters from the land outside of Tiran and are trying to get to Tiran to escape the Blight which has taken over their lands. The Blight is an unknown force which indiscriminately and brutally takes the lives of those who live in the cursed lands outside Tiran. There is so much on the edge of your seat action that takes place here and it was only the first chapter.

Now, 10 years later, we meet Sciona Freynan. She is a gifted, ambitious, driven, focused academic who is working to be the first female Highmage in Tiran’s history. Remember, this is a patriarchal society that feels a woman’s delicate sensibilities are. not suited positions of power, but rather as mothers and wives, and occasionally teachers. Sciona passes the ridiculous tests she is put through, only to find she is not treated any better by the men around her. The other Highmages (all men) perpetuate the rumors and lies about how Sciona got to where she is, exclude her, mock her, and belittle her work. In a further effort to slow her work down, they deny her access to an educated or trained assistant, instead having her use a janitor. And who is this janitor? None other than Thomil who we met in chapter one.

As Sciona, with the help of Thomil, continues her studies to try and put together a presentation for consideration to the Magistry, the two make many revelations about Tiran, the people, their religion, and their magic. What follows is an expertly crafted, emotional roller coaster.

The themes found within Blood Over Bright Haven are:
•Dark academia
•World-building
•High fantasy
•Unique magic system
•Legacy
•Morality
•Intentions
•Prejudice

There is so much I could say, but feel this book absolutely needs to be read and experienced. It is a top tier, instant favorite. Wang’s writing is elite and immediately drew me into the story. As she was weaving the words on the page, I could clearly see and experience the raw reality and emotions. The characters were clear, consistent, and felt so real. The pacing was on point and had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put the book down. It was emotional gut punches left and right and I honestly had to just sit with it for a bit after that ending.

All the stars and more to M.L. Wang and Blood Over Bright Haven.

Probably my most disappointing book so far this year. I REALLY tried to love this but I just couldn't find anything to really like about it. My biggest issue by far was the in your face themes that don't even have any real commentary, it's just this thing exists and it's bad. M. L. Wang didn't have a single original thing to say about sexism, systemic racism, religion, etc. Then the characters all felt extremely 1 dimensional with barely any actual development, the plot feels like one I've read 500 times at this point so was extremely predictable, and the prose didn't work for me at all. I also HATED that ending. It made the entire book feel so pointless. Sciona was also one of the most insufferable MCs I've ever read about. I couldn't take how willfully ignorant she was or how it's just constantly shoved down our throat how smart she is and yet she makes countless idiotic decisions throughout the entire book. I still want to give Sword of Kaigen a shot and not completely write off M. L. Wang just after this book but it's just not feeling very promising.

Finished in one day and dang near close to one sitting. This book was full of racial, gender, political, and religious discourse. A very smart and fast-paced fantasy that had me unable to put it down. An easy 5 stars.

I was really looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. I loved the magic system for spellcasting through the spell typer. Did I predict what the blight was before it was revealed? Yes but it didn't lessen the impact. I loved this book and will look forward to what this author writes.

This was a really intriguing read that immediately sucks you into the world. I liked how the magic was science based.

A problem I had with this book was Sciona…I found her a tad bit annoying but Thomil was sweet enough for me to overlook it.

ARC provided by Del Rey Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first M. L. Wang book though I now know I must pick up her first. What an incredible book. I fell in love from the first pages when we meet Thomil and the Caldonnae, and then again when we meet Sciona. What a force to be reckoned with, that one! Her drive, her determination, and yes, even her ego, were all things I absolutely adored about her as a main character. The way she came to realize her own biases as she worked with Thomil...we love to see it. I was perturbed by the sheer misogyny in this book from the Tiranish, but honestly, Sciona more than makes up for that if you know what I mean. (wink wink). No spoilers, but I did get misty-eyed at the ending. I immediately preordered this book to have on my shelves because I enjoyed it so much. Very easily a five star read for me, and eager to pick up another of Ms. Wang's novels!

(posted on 10/13/24 at 6:32pm via Goodreads and Instagram)

If you love dark academia, unique and complex magic systems, unapologetically fierce main characters, and beautifully written fantasy, this is a book you should pick up.

This book has strong themes of racism and sexism, as well as a few other triggers, so please read trigger warnings before you read. But M.L. Wang does a fantastic job of showing character growth and perseverance to both accomplish their goals and create a better society for those who have systemically been forced into subservience.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a great dark academia book unraveling the racism and sexism in this particular society!

One thing I like is that there aren't multiple POVs throughout the book--just two, and the second is used when it's needed, which works perfectly well. Sciona is an excellent, stubborn, and driven protagonist who is very entertaining to read. Her character development was second to none.

Honestly though, I still don't understand the magic system. I get how the magic was...well...collected....but I don't quite understand how it works. It wasn't a huge deal but not sure if I wasn't reading it thoroughly or what.

This was an absolute masterpiece. Five star read without question. This book made me think about so many things so deeply it was uncomfortable and enjoyable all at the same time. I have already recommended it to multiple people.

So damn good! I couldn't put it down and was obsessed! I need more from this author stat! I loved this! 5 stars!

This was so incredible and different. Truly a hard five star read for me. I absolutely devoured it and the story telling is truly next level. There’s not been that many books this year where I keep thinking about them and am blown away, and this very much falls under that umbrella. Just amazing.

This starts off with a bang and rarely lets up. If you love reading about a fairly unlikable main character in a very unlikable world, you will love this. The world and the people in it are infuriating, and our main character goes through a journey that takes her from one of the most obnoxious main characters I’ve ever read, to one of my favorites. This was a truly great read. Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. My Goodreads review has already been published!