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A review by cassidy_rain
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“Whatever happened next, whether it led to Hell or Heaven, she was going to have a hand in directing it. Sick or sound, good or evil, she was still Sciona Freynan. And Sciona Freynan didn't slow down. 
Sciona Freynan would be remembered.”

WOW! What an incredible and thought-provoking story. Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark academia high fantasy. It takes place in a unique world where mages siphon magic to help power the city. It follows FMC, Sciona, who is the city’s first ever woman admitted as Highmage at the University of Magics and Industry. In her work there she accidentally uncovers a terrible secret that unravels the world as she knows it…

This story is frustrating and moving and devastating and beautiful all at once. I have a love/hate relationship with the main character, Sciona. She’s egotistical and selfish. The way she thinks and speaks about Thomil and the Kwen is hard to read at times. (I understand that she is a product of the world around her and I do think she had good intentions). On the other hand, she’s a strong woman doing the best she can to thrive in a world that’s not ready for her intelligence. She couldn’t have gotten to the highest level if she wasn’t a bit arrogant and tough. She’s constantly knocked down by her colleagues, but continues to pull herself back up. Her character growth and journey towards the truth is both realistic and admirable. I love the way the author wrote this emotional journey for her.

Thomil and Carra are an absolute delight; I would die for them. They are both such raw and complex characters. The world building was a little intense in the first chapter, but it does come together really smoothly after that. The magic system is really unique and fleshed out. So much so that some of the parts about spells and webs felt a little bit textbooky and dry. Some parts in the middle were a little slow, but overall the writing is wonderful. The ENDING!!! Just wow. The society is highly flawed and this book is a great discussion on patriarchy, corruption, morality, racism, classism, immigration, and religion.

I’m not always huge into dark academia, but I absolutely loved this one. Highly recommend!

"Except that I'm not anyone's wife," Sciona said, "nor am I anyone's daughter, really, and I've never been very good at pleasing. The things I have to offer are greater than that."

“Truth over delusion. Growth over comfort. God over all.”
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