Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry.

When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and, instead of a qualified lab assistant, they give her a janitor.

What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago, he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the privileged in power.

At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first.

This was one of my favourite reads of the year. If you enjoyed Babel by R. F. Kuang, then you must give this one a try (I personally liked it even better than Babel).

First off, the magic system was so fresh and interesting. It somewhat reminded me of computer coding - with having to create a spell and typing it into a machine to produce the actual magic. Very fresh and went perfectly with the academic setting.
I also loved how the author weaved current social and political issues into a fantasy narrative. Although it's not something unusual in the genre, the way it was done was very impectful and made it very easy for anyone to empathise with the struggles of the Kwen. Also, being a woman, it was very natural to relate to Sciona and how hard she hard to work to strive in a patriarchal society. It also brought to light that sometimes things are more complex than we think, and someone we might consider a good person will still look out for themselves first and foremost when faced with having to give up their comforts for the good of others less fortunate.

If I had to point out any negative (skip this paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers), it would probably be how the ending wasn't what I had hoped for (I'm a happy ending justice delivered kind of girlie). I also wish we had more closure in terms of what happened to the city of Tiran after Thomil left and also what happened to the Kwen group that left. Did Blight end? Did they find other Kwen survivors outside? What happened to Thomil and Carra? Did Tiran forsake magic altogether or did they go back to their ways? I have so many questions!!

Anyway, I truly loved this story and even though I doubt it will get a sequel, if it ever happens, I'll be first in line to read it!

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC. This review was left completely voluntarily and contains only my honest thoughts.

4.5 Stars. Original story with wonderful characters. Loved it!

"Sciona didn't answer until she had downed that first glass. Then she perhaps answered a bit too much and too truthfully."

Can't we all relate? 😅

I liked this book almost as much as I liked "Sword of Kaigen", Wang's previous standalone novel, and at this point anything she writes goes on TBR.

No other book had me crying as fast as Blood Over Bright Haven and no other book had me crying for a longer period. God, these last 50 pages destroyed me.

I loved the scholarly setting, I loved Sciona's defiance, her need for greater achievements and the truth. And I love that, above all, Highmage Sciona Freynan was a good person.

There were so many important topics in this book; feminism, racism, political/state oppression and so much more.

I expected the end of this story but gods, it ripped my heart out.

I loved Sciona's development, I loved Thomil's quiet rebellion by arguing and discussing with a Highmage, I'm so impressed with M.L. Wang that I cried for so many people in this story even if they weren't always "good" (or good to Sciona). Aunt Winny, Alba, Carra... I cried for all of them.