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mooglerific 's review for:
Blood Over Bright Haven
by M.L. Wang
dark
emotional
tense
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
What can I say other than I loved this book from start to finish? There was never a time reading it where I felt it slowed to a crawl or my interest waned, and I think that's a testament to Wang's writing and the characters she created for this story.
This book is a stark reminder of many societal issues we still face today: sexism, racism, corrupt political and religious powers, and much more. There is nothing I love more in fantasy worlds than the dissection of a corrupt society and how it works and how it came to be that way, and I feel like Wang created something very nuanced with Tiran and the issues surrounding it. I also really, really loved the unique magic system.
I really loved the relationship between Thomil and Sciona. As a person who is quite picky with romances, I feel the one between them was executed so well. Both of these characters challenge each other's point of views, and they debate different things, and every single part where they interacted had me hooked. I was immediately invested in them and the conflict and tension between them, as Sciona is a character with plenty of room to grow - they both are, and that's what I loved so much about this book; that the main characters develop so well, and other characters are not what they seem.
There were times where this book was difficult to read because it was just so so brutally real, and it reminded me of the state of the world today, especially in the USA, but not exclusive to it.
My only critiques about this book, which are more nitpicks and not as consequential, is the fact that I did find it quite predictable, and I knew what the issue at hand was before it was revealed. It's not a huge issue at all because the way the book unraveled all of this was entertaining to read. There is a scene with one character I felt came a bit out of left field and I felt a bit of whiplash because of it, but I think it really plays into the fact that not everything or everyone in Tiran is at it seems. All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough. Strap yourself in, it's going to be a very emotional and bumpy ride as Sciona grows as a character with the help of Thomil and fights for what she believes in. It's so raw, and brutal, and real, and it truly does hurt in every wonderful way. This book does not hold back its punches. Bravo, M.L. Wang. I will be eagerly anticipating her future books, and definitely check out the Sword of Kaigen.
This book is a stark reminder of many societal issues we still face today: sexism, racism, corrupt political and religious powers, and much more. There is nothing I love more in fantasy worlds than the dissection of a corrupt society and how it works and how it came to be that way, and I feel like Wang created something very nuanced with Tiran and the issues surrounding it. I also really, really loved the unique magic system.
I really loved the relationship between Thomil and Sciona. As a person who is quite picky with romances, I feel the one between them was executed so well. Both of these characters challenge each other's point of views, and they debate different things, and every single part where they interacted had me hooked. I was immediately invested in them and the conflict and tension between them, as Sciona is a character with plenty of room to grow - they both are, and that's what I loved so much about this book; that the main characters develop so well, and other characters are not what they seem.
There were times where this book was difficult to read because it was just so so brutally real, and it reminded me of the state of the world today, especially in the USA, but not exclusive to it.
My only critiques about this book, which are more nitpicks and not as consequential, is the fact that I did find it quite predictable, and I knew what the issue at hand was before it was revealed. It's not a huge issue at all because the way the book unraveled all of this was entertaining to read. There is a scene with one character I felt came a bit out of left field and I felt a bit of whiplash because of it, but I think it really plays into the fact that not everything or everyone in Tiran is at it seems. All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough. Strap yourself in, it's going to be a very emotional and bumpy ride as Sciona grows as a character with the help of Thomil and fights for what she believes in. It's so raw, and brutal, and real, and it truly does hurt in every wonderful way. This book does not hold back its punches. Bravo, M.L. Wang. I will be eagerly anticipating her future books, and definitely check out the Sword of Kaigen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Classism
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
Minor: Violence, Vomit, Cultural appropriation