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annies_bookworld 's review for:
Blood Over Bright Haven
by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book broke me. Some might say in the best way possible, and they might be right. But I am still not okay! Those last 100 pages keep spinning in my head and I'm afraid I'll go into a reading slump if I don't rush right into the next story to save myself.
I have sheldomly read such intricate worldbuilding and such a mapped out magic system outside of a series. And while the ending was fitting for the story, a part of me still wishes this would be a series.
Because, as atypical and imperfect as the main characters are, I got really invested in their journey. This started in the first chapter where I almost cried and ended with the last one when I did.
So if you asked me if this could be the next big fantasy standalone, or if this is great writing, if the characters are original, if the magic system is thought through, or if you should read it, the answer is yes. But if you're asking me if you'll enjoy it the answer is maybe. Because this story is not for the Cinderella girlies wanting to fall in love with a handsome high lord or vampire king, wanting to forget the real world and read about happy endings.
This is for all the girls who've tried explaining to people that fantasy is political, that it is commenting on current problems of society. It's for all the girls who feel they're too outspoken, too driven. It's for anyone who loves books that inspire you, books that stay with you, books that break you.
I have sheldomly read such intricate worldbuilding and such a mapped out magic system outside of a series. And while the ending was fitting for the story, a part of me still wishes this would be a series.
Because, as atypical and imperfect as the main characters are, I got really invested in their journey. This started in the first chapter where I almost cried and ended with the last one when I did.
So if you asked me if this could be the next big fantasy standalone, or if this is great writing, if the characters are original, if the magic system is thought through, or if you should read it, the answer is yes. But if you're asking me if you'll enjoy it the answer is maybe. Because this story is not for the Cinderella girlies wanting to fall in love with a handsome high lord or vampire king, wanting to forget the real world and read about happy endings.
This is for all the girls who've tried explaining to people that fantasy is political, that it is commenting on current problems of society. It's for all the girls who feel they're too outspoken, too driven. It's for anyone who loves books that inspire you, books that stay with you, books that break you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Racism
Moderate: Grief, Murder
Minor: Sexual assault