A review by acourtofsaraflames
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced

4.25

I don’t think I can capture everything that I’m feeling… however I’ll start with how I wish this book was mostly from Thomil’s POV instead. Sciona’s POV was difficult but I think that was intentional by the author.
I wanted to be on Sciona’s side in the beginning where she was the first woman to become a mage, but then it all unraveled from there. She was incredibly smart but also naive and at points in denial until she did further magical testing. At first I didn’t see her as selfish but her ego clouded her thoughts and the actions she took were for the wrong reasons. The chapter where Alba yelled at her put Sciona’s choices in a different light. This book should upset you. While the magic system is interesting, once you learn the dark side of it and how the Kwen are treated throughout the whole story is disturbing. The blight was not what I expected it to be. Also, the way women are treated in this world… specifically chapter 16 I believe when Sciona was trapped with Renthorn. Let’s just say overall this book is triggering. Between the political and ethical dilemmas, Sciona having suicidal thoughts from the moment she learned the truth, and the fact that this is a standalone, I definitely wasn’t expecting the book to end on a happier note (I’ll be honest that I typically prefer books with a little more romance element and the main couple getting their happily ever after). However, the book does end up hopeful for those who escape.
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