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

adventurous dark informative mysterious tense fast-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

4.75

This book required me to think for a few days before coming up of a review, despite me devouring it within a week. It definitely gives off Babel vibes (dark academia, social justice), however it was refreshing to see a female lead who is so flawed despite having power, and how she navigates through themes of feminism in a field of misogyny, religion, classism, patriarchy, racism and
ethnic cleansing for the sake of power
which is so relevant in our times. The magic system was a bit hard to understand, and whilst I listened to most of it on audiobook, I had to go out and (willingly!) buy a hardcover copy in order to reread through parts. The physical copy also had a handy glossary which I highly recommend people to read before starting on the book. 

The only 0.25 I knocked off was due to the ending and last 20% of the book. Everything was a bit too rushed for me (although the build up was done so well) and I couldn't help but feel that there must be more to it. What happened next to the characters? If M L Wang ever writes a part 2 or makes it a duology, I'll be eagerly reading its pages. It's only February but I feel like this book is a top contender for my book of 2025!
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