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A review by jlynnelseauthor
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Oh. My. Gosh. WHAT an ending!
First, I will say that the culprit is not hard to guess, which brings my rating down to a 4.5 overall. There really aren't any red herrings, but I'm also grateful the author doesn't try to add too much in solely for this purpose that could water down the plotline. Everything was kept very tight and character focused.
Nhika has such beguiling character growth. Where she starts versus what you experience with her at the end is sublime. The ending is powerful and beautiful. And a bit devastating...just saying.
The worldbuilding is captivating. Warring colonizers have overtaken Nhika's homeland before she was born and almost entirely eradicated her people and heritage. She learned from her grandmother before her death. Despite its derision in society, Nhika's gift is the heal, and its something she's compelled to do despite the dangers. She is known as a heartsooth by her people, but in the country she lives, she's called a bloodcarver.
There are some techno aspects/perhaps an angling towards steampunk? The wealthy own automations that perform menial tasks, and newly-developed medical technology has started being used. Medical techniques like organ transplantation are just being tested. Meanwhile, Nhika also sees her gift as a science also and sees the body by its components as she heals.
I will say, the book gets dark and gruesome. But its done solely for the purpose of the story. However, this is somewhat off-set by the beauty of Nhika's gift.
Overall, I could not put this book down. I loved the character of Nhika. I see there's a sequel coming, which I worry will take away some of the power of the ending of this book. But we'll see! The author is talented at complex worlds, intermingling science and fantasy, and engaging characters so I'd definitely read more!
First, I will say that the culprit is not hard to guess, which brings my rating down to a 4.5 overall. There really aren't any red herrings, but I'm also grateful the author doesn't try to add too much in solely for this purpose that could water down the plotline. Everything was kept very tight and character focused.
Nhika has such beguiling character growth. Where she starts versus what you experience with her at the end is sublime. The ending is powerful and beautiful. And a bit devastating...just saying.
The worldbuilding is captivating. Warring colonizers have overtaken Nhika's homeland before she was born and almost entirely eradicated her people and heritage. She learned from her grandmother before her death. Despite its derision in society, Nhika's gift is the heal, and its something she's compelled to do despite the dangers. She is known as a heartsooth by her people, but in the country she lives, she's called a bloodcarver.
There are some techno aspects/perhaps an angling towards steampunk? The wealthy own automations that perform menial tasks, and newly-developed medical technology has started being used. Medical techniques like organ transplantation are just being tested. Meanwhile, Nhika also sees her gift as a science also and sees the body by its components as she heals.
I will say, the book gets dark and gruesome. But its done solely for the purpose of the story. However, this is somewhat off-set by the beauty of Nhika's gift.
Overall, I could not put this book down. I loved the character of Nhika. I see there's a sequel coming, which I worry will take away some of the power of the ending of this book. But we'll see! The author is talented at complex worlds, intermingling science and fantasy, and engaging characters so I'd definitely read more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Death of parent