Blood Over Bright Haven

A Novel

by M. L. Wang

Hardcover, 448 pages

English language

Published Oct. 29, 2024 by Random House Worlds.

ISBN:: 978-0-593-87335-9

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, …

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.

2 editions

akmassey reviewed Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang

Really fun, but perhaps predictable

4 stars

Blood Over Bright Haven is extremely well-written and fun to read. It's refreshing to read a fantasy world that feels full without having to commit to a 12 book series. I also loved the creative magic system.

That said the allegorical aspects of the novel are a bit predictable in places. This doesn't really bother me much becuase it's still satisfying to see things play out sort of the way you would expect. But if you're more interested in reading something surprising, then this may not be the book for you.

Bellaajordann reviewed Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang

None

5 stars

First read (mar 21): 4.5/5

I had to take a day to figure out how I felt about this book. I loved reading it— the world building and magic system were so cool! Didn’t feel info-dumpy. We learned more about the world through the characters in an organic way. I did find Sciona to be a bit frustrating (that was probably the point haha) but wasn’t enough of a reason to not like the book!! Maybe, as a white woman, it felt a bit too much like looking in a mirror. I did struggle getting through parts of the end. Some parts dragged on for me, but seeing that it’s a standalone there was a lot to pack in to tie up loose ends, finish character arcs, etc. heartbreaking characters and connections.