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A review by boba_nbooks
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Starting off the year with a 5-star read feels SO good. Truly, this book is probably a rare 6-star read for me. It's just that good.
The city of Tiran is considered a utopia--a place where people can live freely and enjoy the conveniences of modern living thanks to the magic provided by the High Magistry. Sciona is the first woman accepted into the High Magistry. With a sizable ego and a strong drive to prove herself, Sciona sets out to become one of the best mages Tiran has ever seen. However, fitting in the boy's club is more difficult than she thought, and she ends up getting stuck with an assistant who doesn't know anything--a Kwen immigrant, originally a janitor in the building, who is at the bottom of the totem pole. As time goes on, Sciona realizes that this indigenous Kwen, Thomil, who used to live in the land beyond Tiran, is more than her peers have made him out to be--he's highly intelligent and asks questions that keep Sciona on her toes. It turns out that his previous experience as a hunter beyond Tiran's barrier, and as a Kwen, is invaluable to Sciona's research and leads her to discover something no mage before her ever has. This secret could change the world for the better... or make it even more volatile than it already is. Sciona and Thomil have to decide if the truth is worth the risk.
Blood Over Bright Haven is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read (its intellect and subject matter comparable to Babel by R.F. Kuang). Not only does it provide insight into the human psyche and how far we're willing to go for our own egos and absolution, it also pulls back the curtain on the true climate of our current reality. If I've learned anything from this book, it's the fact that our actions have consequences, and we need to be aware of what kind of impact they have on our environment and our fellow human beings.
The female main character, Sciona, gives a great character study into a modern white woman who goes through life unaware of what kind of effect their behavior has on others. Her journey was a difficult one to watch as it was all too real to me, but I'm glad I sat in that discomfort and took the time to reflect on my own life and the ways I might be causing harm. After her discovery of the true cost of magic in Tiran, I loved watching how she took that guilt and, instead of pushing it on the Kwen who do not benefit from those feelings, used it as energy into making a mark on the world that would not soon be forgotten. A mark that will, hopefully, lead others to question the cost of magic and how they use it.
The male main character, Thomil, is a complex character mirroring an indigenous person in the real world. His struggles of coming to terms with being the last of his people was heartbreaking but a very authentic experience. Thomil could have easily been a one-dimensional character, but he truly did come to love Sciona even though she stood for everything he despised for years. He had to come to terms with the fact that some people can change for the better and that, despite their best efforts, sometimes their solo advocacy is not enough to revolutionize an entire society. Throughout the novel, Thomil stayed true to his people and his ideals. He did have to assimilate into society to an extent, but through his niece, Carra, his people live on.
All in all, read this book. Blood Over Bright Haven is such a radical read that requires rapt attention and self reflection, and it is completely worth it. I hope this novel is read and remembered for years to come and is one that will compel people to action.
The city of Tiran is considered a utopia--a place where people can live freely and enjoy the conveniences of modern living thanks to the magic provided by the High Magistry. Sciona is the first woman accepted into the High Magistry. With a sizable ego and a strong drive to prove herself, Sciona sets out to become one of the best mages Tiran has ever seen. However, fitting in the boy's club is more difficult than she thought, and she ends up getting stuck with an assistant who doesn't know anything--a Kwen immigrant, originally a janitor in the building, who is at the bottom of the totem pole. As time goes on, Sciona realizes that this indigenous Kwen, Thomil, who used to live in the land beyond Tiran, is more than her peers have made him out to be--he's highly intelligent and asks questions that keep Sciona on her toes. It turns out that his previous experience as a hunter beyond Tiran's barrier, and as a Kwen, is invaluable to Sciona's research and leads her to discover something no mage before her ever has. This secret could change the world for the better... or make it even more volatile than it already is. Sciona and Thomil have to decide if the truth is worth the risk.
Blood Over Bright Haven is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read (its intellect and subject matter comparable to Babel by R.F. Kuang). Not only does it provide insight into the human psyche and how far we're willing to go for our own egos and absolution, it also pulls back the curtain on the true climate of our current reality. If I've learned anything from this book, it's the fact that our actions have consequences, and we need to be aware of what kind of impact they have on our environment and our fellow human beings.
The female main character, Sciona, gives a great character study into a modern white woman who goes through life unaware of what kind of effect their behavior has on others. Her journey was a difficult one to watch as it was all too real to me, but I'm glad I sat in that discomfort and took the time to reflect on my own life and the ways I might be causing harm. After her discovery of the true cost of magic in Tiran, I loved watching how she took that guilt and, instead of pushing it on the Kwen who do not benefit from those feelings, used it as energy into making a mark on the world that would not soon be forgotten. A mark that will, hopefully, lead others to question the cost of magic and how they use it.
The male main character, Thomil, is a complex character mirroring an indigenous person in the real world. His struggles of coming to terms with being the last of his people was heartbreaking but a very authentic experience. Thomil could have easily been a one-dimensional character, but he truly did come to love Sciona even though she stood for everything he despised for years. He had to come to terms with the fact that some people can change for the better and that, despite their best efforts, sometimes their solo advocacy is not enough to revolutionize an entire society. Throughout the novel, Thomil stayed true to his people and his ideals. He did have to assimilate into society to an extent, but through his niece, Carra, his people live on.
All in all, read this book. Blood Over Bright Haven is such a radical read that requires rapt attention and self reflection, and it is completely worth it. I hope this novel is read and remembered for years to come and is one that will compel people to action.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Racism, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Gun violence, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Suicide