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A review by ciarazard
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Truth over delusion. Growth over comfort. God over all."
This quote is giving me BioShock Infinite vibes.
While I'm still deciding whether to rate this book a 3.75 or a 4, there's no doubt that Blood Over Bright Haven is a must-read for fans of dark academia and gaslamp fantasy. I can see why people say fans of Full Metal Alchemist would appreciate this.
Blood Over Bright Haven delves into how the pursuit of power can lead to moral decay and corruption. Our main character, Sciona Freynan, is frustrating, ambitious, hard-headed, and for most of the story, unlikeable. Throughout the book, she grapples with the ethical implications of magic and innovation, and the consequences of desire for control. But above all, her vulnerability and admission to her faults makes her a deeply human heroine.
The book also addresses numerous heavy themes, including sexism, colonialism, racism, and more. Much of the dialogue between characters explores moral dilemmas, social stratification, and inequality, making this a thought-provoking read.
The main standout aspect of Blood Over Bright Haven is its intricate and complex magic system. Here, magic is likened to coding, where mages input a series of 'codes' with variables on a spellograph, which then executes these 'codes' as spells. This fresh approach to magic is both intellectually stimulating and seamlessly integrated into the world of Tiran, where magic is a learned skill akin to mathematics and science, rather than an innate ability.
PS: I would love to see a movie adaptation of this book! *fingers crossed*
While I'm still deciding whether to rate this book a 3.75 or a 4, there's no doubt that Blood Over Bright Haven is a must-read for fans of dark academia and gaslamp fantasy. I can see why people say fans of Full Metal Alchemist would appreciate this.
Blood Over Bright Haven delves into how the pursuit of power can lead to moral decay and corruption. Our main character, Sciona Freynan, is frustrating, ambitious, hard-headed, and for most of the story, unlikeable. Throughout the book, she grapples with the ethical implications of magic and innovation, and the consequences of desire for control. But above all, her vulnerability and admission to her faults makes her a deeply human heroine.
The book also addresses numerous heavy themes, including sexism, colonialism, racism, and more. Much of the dialogue between characters explores moral dilemmas, social stratification, and inequality, making this a thought-provoking read.
The main standout aspect of Blood Over Bright Haven is its intricate and complex magic system. Here, magic is likened to coding, where mages input a series of 'codes' with variables on a spellograph, which then executes these 'codes' as spells. This fresh approach to magic is both intellectually stimulating and seamlessly integrated into the world of Tiran, where magic is a learned skill akin to mathematics and science, rather than an innate ability.
PS: I would love to see a movie adaptation of this book! *fingers crossed*