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

5.0

Review of “Blood Over Bright Haven”


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How I read: 📖

Disclaimer: Please note that I received a Physical ARC from Penguin Random House Canada, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Rating System Below)

”Blood Over Bright Haven” completely blew me away with its intense, action-packed start and never let up. The world M. L. Wang has crafted is rich, dark, and full of layers that kept me hooked from page one, as we dive into the cutthroat world of magic, academia, and power. Watching Sciona fight tooth and nail to be taken seriously as a highmage—and then get slapped in the face by relentless sexism, like when she’s condescendingly called “Miss” instead of her rightful title—was both infuriating and incredibly gripping.

What really made this story stand out was how it tackled the idea of blind faith in authority and the chilling lengths people will go to maintain their grip on power. The narrative expertly weaves in social and philosophical themes without ever feeling heavy-handed, and Sciona’s strained partnership with Thomil added an extra layer of intrigue and emotional complexity. I mean, the tension between these two was palpable, and watching their dynamic evolve as they unearth dangerous secrets was thrilling.

Honestly, I didn’t want this book to end. The world-building was phenomenal, and it had that perfect blend of fantasy and dark academia vibes. If you’re looking for a well-developed, thought-provoking fantasy with high stakes, compelling characters, and a hauntingly beautiful setting, “Blood Over Bright Haven” is an absolute must-read.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
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*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.