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

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75

So, this book being marketed in comparison to Babel did it somewhat of a disservice. It was not as expansive in world building--although with deeply different settings maybe that's not a point that detracts from the overall story. Over all, this book is incredible and challenging and leaves me with a lot to think about in regards to my own culture and society. This is the point of the book, I feel, to make readers think through these things in new ways (or for the first time for some).

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation

Moderate: Genocide, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Gaslighting

Minor: Child death, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Cannibalism, and Medical trauma