Take a photo of a barcode or cover
xan_van_rooyen 's review for:
Blood Over Bright Haven
by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Given the ending, I was convinced this had to have a sequel but I am pleasantly surprised to learn it's a standlaone so props to the author for ending the story that way!
This book got off to such a slow start for me with such an extended chapter on the workings of the magic that I honestly almost DNF'd it. I'm glad I didn't but the first couple of chapters were quite a slog with a character I really didn't like.
That said, the magic system is complex and fascinating and feels very real. The themes here are blatant and were hard to read about given the current state of the world, but I'm glad some of the bigotry was addressed on the page. In such a racist and misogynistic society I know it would've been surprising to have it not also be queerphobic but I would've loved to have seen some queer or disabled characters fighting for their place in the world too. There is only one mention of queerness and of course it's homophobic. There is also a scene involving SA that I think wasn't really needed considering how awful the perpetrator had already proven to be.
This is a dense read that tackles some extremely unpleasant topics and doesn't shy away from gruesome descriptions of death including some explicit descriptions of animal and child death so be prepared. I wish Thomil and Cara had had more chapters and I'd love to read more from either of their perspectives.
This book got off to such a slow start for me with such an extended chapter on the workings of the magic that I honestly almost DNF'd it. I'm glad I didn't but the first couple of chapters were quite a slog with a character I really didn't like.
That said, the magic system is complex and fascinating and feels very real. The themes here are blatant and were hard to read about given the current state of the world, but I'm glad some of the bigotry was addressed on the page. In such a racist and misogynistic society I know it would've been surprising to have it not also be queerphobic but I would've loved to have seen some queer or disabled characters fighting for their place in the world too. There is only one mention of queerness and of course it's homophobic. There is also a scene involving SA that I think wasn't really needed considering how awful the perpetrator had already proven to be.
This is a dense read that tackles some extremely unpleasant topics and doesn't shy away from gruesome descriptions of death including some explicit descriptions of animal and child death so be prepared. I wish Thomil and Cara had had more chapters and I'd love to read more from either of their perspectives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Miscarriage, Slavery, Suicide, Medical content, Death of parent