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A review by meganpbell
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
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
4.25
A unique magic system and excellent world-building undergird this dark academia fantasy about colonialism and complicity that follows the first female highmage of Tiran and the Kwen janitor her peers assign her as an assistant as the two uncover the shocking truth behind magic. As brilliant as I found Blood Over Bright Haven, it was also predictable at times and very heavy-handed. I came to think of it as Babel Jr.—a less subtle little sibling to one of my favorite books. I hope older teens will find it!
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Infertility, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty