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A review by charleyyyyy
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
3.0
UHHH😓 okay, I have mixed feeling about this book. There were definite strengths, like the unique magic system that was so in-depth, and the facinating world building!! But there were also definite weaknesses, like the plotting, characterisation, and the way the main themes and concerns were conveyed to the reader.
It definitely felt like I was in a academic setting, not because there's great descriptive and immersive writing, but because it was like I was in a lecture the whole time😖 Be assured that not a single thought needs to pass through your head while reading this book, the author will explain it all to you like you're five.
I could almost feel the author watching me read, peering over my shoulder: "do you get it?? Did you see what I did there?? Let me explain it all to you again."
Please, us readers are capable of independent thought I swear😩
I do love what this book is attempting to do, just not the execution. Discussions of corrupt government built on the pain and exploitation of marginalised groups of people will never not be important or relevant. Unfortunately, we all live in a world just like Sciona's, and we really need to be smacked over the head with the reminder of it so that we don't cover our eyes to it like the antagonists of this novel did.
One thing I did appreciate was the use of the magic system to further develop and explore the issues of this fictional world (and our nonfiction world), that's something I will always enjoy in a fantasy book.
...I just wish it was written better yk🫣
It definitely felt like I was in a academic setting, not because there's great descriptive and immersive writing, but because it was like I was in a lecture the whole time😖 Be assured that not a single thought needs to pass through your head while reading this book, the author will explain it all to you like you're five.
I could almost feel the author watching me read, peering over my shoulder: "do you get it?? Did you see what I did there?? Let me explain it all to you again."
Please, us readers are capable of independent thought I swear😩
I do love what this book is attempting to do, just not the execution. Discussions of corrupt government built on the pain and exploitation of marginalised groups of people will never not be important or relevant. Unfortunately, we all live in a world just like Sciona's, and we really need to be smacked over the head with the reminder of it so that we don't cover our eyes to it like the antagonists of this novel did.
One thing I did appreciate was the use of the magic system to further develop and explore the issues of this fictional world (and our nonfiction world), that's something I will always enjoy in a fantasy book.
...I just wish it was written better yk🫣
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Gore, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Classism