Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ohfreckle 's review for:
Blood Over Bright Haven
by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a terrible book.
Terrible, unforgiving, and absolutely magnificent. I finished it two days ago, and I'm still reeling.
A lot has been said about the abundance of misogyny and sexism in this book, the racism, classism, religious indoctrination, and colonialism. Yes, it's uncomfortable to read, but this book intends to make the reader uncomfortable. It's not a feel-good fantasy novel. At times, I've wanted to throw up and scream. Not only because of the brutal injustice against everyone who isn't a Tiranish male, but also because Sciona reminded me of my younger self growing up in the seventies and eighties. I, too, rebelled against the rampant misogyny, wallowing in my own misery without acknowledging the xenophobia and general hate for every kind of minority because it was the norm surrounding me. It took, and will always take, a lot of unlearning. Admitting privilege and that one isn't as good as one likes to think is uncomfortable. And the most terrible thing is how much this book reflects the state of the current world.
I have some minor gripes about how these themes sometimes feel like a club over the head, but the beautiful prose and world-building make up for it. This book has so much terribleness, but it weaves a magnificent story that should leave us all with a lot to reflect upon.
Terrible, unforgiving, and absolutely magnificent. I finished it two days ago, and I'm still reeling.
A lot has been said about the abundance of misogyny and sexism in this book, the racism, classism, religious indoctrination, and colonialism. Yes, it's uncomfortable to read, but this book intends to make the reader uncomfortable. It's not a feel-good fantasy novel. At times, I've wanted to throw up and scream. Not only because of the brutal injustice against everyone who isn't a Tiranish male, but also because Sciona reminded me of my younger self growing up in the seventies and eighties. I, too, rebelled against the rampant misogyny, wallowing in my own misery without acknowledging the xenophobia and general hate for every kind of minority because it was the norm surrounding me. It took, and will always take, a lot of unlearning. Admitting privilege and that one isn't as good as one likes to think is uncomfortable. And the most terrible thing is how much this book reflects the state of the current world.
I have some minor gripes about how these themes sometimes feel like a club over the head, but the beautiful prose and world-building make up for it. This book has so much terribleness, but it weaves a magnificent story that should leave us all with a lot to reflect upon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry