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A review by songmingi
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
M.L Wang has succeeded in delivering a fantasy novel that is unique and complex but so engaging.
I have so many thoughts about this book that are hard to summarise in just one review, but I want to try my best.
Firstly the magic system was so interesting and nothing like I read about before. It's really cool to see mathematics and coding incorporated into a magic system. Like with any fantasy book there is a bit of a learning curve in understanding it but it's nothing too complicated. In fact, if you are a frequent fantasy reader its sure to be a welcome challenge.
The world building is equally detailed and well thought out, however there are less terms to look up in comparison to the sword of kaigen. Nonetheless the writing was descriptive and moving. The pace is incredibly fast with the first chapter in itself being as shocking as a cold water plunge. However I think things are developed appropriately and nothing felt rushed.
Secondly I quite enjoyed seeing Sciona's character, yes she is kind of insufferable at times, but she shows actual growth and changes so much through the course of the book. I think shes a strong example of how someone can be a minority in society but still have privileges and inadvertently contribute to the oppression of others. While Sciona ends up choosing honesty and becoming a disruptive symbol of change, it was interesting reading her journey in getting there. Similarly I also enjoyed Thomil's character, I admired his valiant efforts to keep his culture and history alive through himself and carra. Thomil was always aware of where he truly stood and I'm glad he never comprised his beliefs or identity to be closer to Sciona.
Finally I really enjoyed how this book discusses systematic oppression and especially the role of religion in justifying oppression. Every chapter opening with verse from the universe's religious texts was a nice touch. I think religion is often an element overlooked when it comes to colonialism and oppression so I'm glad to have seen it here.
Overall blood over bright haven was an unforgettable read
I have so many thoughts about this book that are hard to summarise in just one review, but I want to try my best.
Firstly the magic system was so interesting and nothing like I read about before. It's really cool to see mathematics and coding incorporated into a magic system. Like with any fantasy book there is a bit of a learning curve in understanding it but it's nothing too complicated. In fact, if you are a frequent fantasy reader its sure to be a welcome challenge.
The world building is equally detailed and well thought out, however there are less terms to look up in comparison to the sword of kaigen. Nonetheless the writing was descriptive and moving. The pace is incredibly fast with the first chapter in itself being as shocking as a cold water plunge. However I think things are developed appropriately and nothing felt rushed.
Secondly I quite enjoyed seeing Sciona's character, yes she is kind of insufferable at times, but she shows actual growth and changes so much through the course of the book. I think shes a strong example of how someone can be a minority in society but still have privileges and inadvertently contribute to the oppression of others. While Sciona ends up choosing honesty and becoming a disruptive symbol of change, it was interesting reading her journey in getting there. Similarly I also enjoyed Thomil's character, I admired his valiant efforts to keep his culture and history alive through himself and carra. Thomil was always aware of where he truly stood and I'm glad he never comprised his beliefs or identity to be closer to Sciona.
Finally I really enjoyed how this book discusses systematic oppression and especially the role of religion in justifying oppression. Every chapter opening with verse from the universe's religious texts was a nice touch. I think religion is often an element overlooked when it comes to colonialism and oppression so I'm glad to have seen it here.
Overall blood over bright haven was an unforgettable read