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Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever in this “provocative stand-alone novel [that] deftly incorporates elements of science and philosophy into dark academia” (The Washington Post), from the author of The Sword of Kaigen.
“Bears comparison to groundbreaking works by Ursula K Le Guin . . . the best fantasy novel of the year”—The Guardian
Features gold and red foil on the jacket, a full-color endpaper map, and an interior illustration of an in-world magical item!
AN ELLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
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.
“Bears comparison to groundbreaking works by Ursula K Le Guin . . . the best fantasy novel of the year”—The Guardian
Features gold and red foil on the jacket, a full-color endpaper map, and an interior illustration of an in-world magical item!
AN ELLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
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.
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Community Reviews
Some quick thoughts, probably not going to revisit this review in the future.
This was a really good book! I found its approach to magic to be novel, yet its mechanics got a little too tedious to read at times. Still, I think M.L. Wang succeeded in explaining such a complex magic system in this single stand alone book. It's obvious that this was a fully baked and realised concept, which, as a reader, I appreciate very much.
Wang was right to pitch this book to fans of Leigh Bardugo's work. The parallels between Blight and the Fold are apparent, and I loved how it was executed in the book.
The issues explored in this book were done so excellently as well. From misogyny, class differences, and abject racism, these issues were interwoven into the story pretty masterfully. I even appreciated Tiran as an allegory for a certain genocidal settler colony, which was a realisation that sold me on the complexities of Sciona and Thomil's value systems. In a similar allegorical vein, I offer the following: Free the Kwen. That said, I wasn't a fan of the romance between Sciona and Thomil that blossomed quite suddenly, in my opinion. I did not find it convincing, and it ultimately lends this book to conventional Romantasy tropes, which I HATE. But #TBH, this was not a big issue, and I still can happily say that I enjoyed this book a whole lot! Yay to my first book post-uni YIPPEEEE
This was a really good book! I found its approach to magic to be novel, yet its mechanics got a little too tedious to read at times. Still, I think M.L. Wang succeeded in explaining such a complex magic system in this single stand alone book. It's obvious that this was a fully baked and realised concept, which, as a reader, I appreciate very much.
Wang was right to pitch this book to fans of Leigh Bardugo's work. The parallels between Blight and the Fold are apparent, and I loved how it was executed in the book.
The issues explored in this book were done so excellently as well. From misogyny, class differences, and abject racism, these issues were interwoven into the story pretty masterfully. I even appreciated Tiran as an allegory for a certain genocidal settler colony, which was a realisation that sold me on the complexities of Sciona and Thomil's value systems. In a similar allegorical vein, I offer the following: Free the Kwen. That said, I wasn't a fan of the romance between Sciona and Thomil that blossomed quite suddenly, in my opinion. I did not find it convincing, and it ultimately lends this book to conventional Romantasy tropes, which I HATE. But #TBH, this was not a big issue, and I still can happily say that I enjoyed this book a whole lot! Yay to my first book post-uni YIPPEEEE
Just finished the book after my book club chose to read it together. Really resonated with me politically and personally, and the blend of magic and technology was really cool and unique.
What I loved: a unique magitech system (engineering meets magic), a clear and compelling story, solid pacing, well-defined characters, and honest, politcally-resonant storytelling
What I didn’t love: wanted more of Thomil POV to balance Sciona’s egotism and ignorance, wished the story was a little more subtle about its point (sometimes feels like dialogue is just a vessel for the author to lecture the audience), and a little more subplots (Sciona’s father being a politician feels like a missed opportunity to explore the political world of Tiran)
Overall, I loved it, particularly with the current political climate and how it’s affected my mental health. Even if the point the book tries to make isn’t subtle, I feel like others who have never engaged with critical thought about power in society could benefit from a story like this. It’s a good start.
As for the ending, I know some dislike it. For me, I loved Sciona’s ending, but I feel like Thomil’s could have been a little more impactful than it was. If we had gotten more of a character arc for him than we did, I feel like it would have been more satisfying.
That’s my two cents. I gave it an 8/10. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a dark fantasy tale that confronts the evils within ourselves and society.
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