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A review by nina_rae_131
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang is similar to Babel by RF Kuang in that it has similar themes. They both explore racism, xenophobia, and colonization, along with misogyny. Sciona is very similar to Letty as they are both "white" women in a misogynistic society, who think their struggle is the end all be all, without even considering the struggles of POC/the Kwen. Like Letty, Sciona became angry and violent when confronted with the truth, although Sciona ultimately handled it better.
Sciona's behavior was infuriating at multiple points. Thomil, the voice of reason, was a welcome perspective, although it was difficult to watch how he was treated by Sciona. In that vein, their romance was also difficult for me. It very much felt like a colonizer romance, but ultimately, their relationship at the end of the book was satisfying for me.
The big secret was a bit predictable for me, and I've seen other reviewers complain that more people should have figured it out, but I disagree. This society is very religious, thinking they are superior with god given magic. It makes sense that they would not consider where their magic came from. Even Sciona, seeker of truth, did not want to believe it when she saw it with her own eyes.
Sciona's final plan was interesting, but the way she ignored Thomil's advice was frustrating, showing that she still didn't appreciate him and his knowledge.
The ending was open-ended, but I felt like it worked for the book.
It may sound like I complained a lot, but this book was phenomenal. Sciona's character was extremely believable for a "white" woman in her society. I loved Thomil and Carra, and their relationship. The magic was unique. The critiques of racism, colonization, misogyny, etc. fit well within the world and make you think about ours (although they are a bit heavy-handed at times). The ending was satisfying, and it leaves you thinking about where this world will go from there. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Sciona's behavior was infuriating at multiple points. Thomil, the voice of reason, was a welcome perspective, although it was difficult to watch how he was treated by Sciona. In that vein, their romance was also difficult for me. It very much felt like a colonizer romance, but ultimately, their relationship at the end of the book was satisfying for me.
The big secret was a bit predictable for me, and I've seen other reviewers complain that more people should have figured it out, but I disagree. This society is very religious, thinking they are superior with god given magic. It makes sense that they would not consider where their magic came from. Even Sciona, seeker of truth, did not want to believe it when she saw it with her own eyes.
Sciona's final plan was interesting, but the way she ignored Thomil's advice was frustrating, showing that she still didn't appreciate him and his knowledge.
The ending was open-ended, but I felt like it worked for the book.
It may sound like I complained a lot, but this book was phenomenal. Sciona's character was extremely believable for a "white" woman in her society. I loved Thomil and Carra, and their relationship. The magic was unique. The critiques of racism, colonization, misogyny, etc. fit well within the world and make you think about ours (although they are a bit heavy-handed at times). The ending was satisfying, and it leaves you thinking about where this world will go from there. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Blood, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infertility, Suicide, and Abandonment