A review by cclift1114
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’m not sure where recommendation to read this book came from, but I think it may have been some type of “Fiction Books to Read that are Very Appropriate for the Times” list, and, if so, this book fits. It did start off a bit slow, but the very direct messaging about the patriarchy, and the perhaps slightly more subtle criticisms of capitalism, consumerism, nationalism, racism and colonialism, all of it was incredibly well done. The whole book ends up being an allegory for the dangers of following the status quo when it comes to all of these things. Also, I don’t want to give spoilers, but dang, that was one of the boldest endings for a novel I’ve seen in awhile.