Review: Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Blurb:
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.
Review:
“It’s much easier to tell yourself you’re a good person than it is to actually be one.”
Standalone fantasy novels rarely leave a lasting impression on me, but from the very first page, Blood Over Bright Haven proved it would be an unforgettable read. This is a dark academia masterpiece that approaches some incredibly complex topics head-on, and doesn’t shy away from discussing dark truths that may feel uncomfortably familiar to the reader. M.L. Wang’s delicate balance of worldbuilding and character development paired with themes like morality and faith seamlessly blend together in this powerful story that, at its core, is a poignant reminder of the cost of progress.
Set in Tiran, an industrial utopia where magic has paved the way for progress, we meet the gifted young mage, Sciona, who aspires to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry. After years of climbing the ranks, she finally achieves her goal, only to discover that her challenges have just begun. Faced with sexist colleagues who hold her in low regard, Sciona quickly realises that her male-dominated workplace will stop at nothing to make her feel unwelcome, even assigning her a janitor as an assistant instead of a fellow mage. As Sciona and her unlikely ally delve deeper into her magical research, they uncover a secret that could change their world forever, forcing them to confront the very foundations of their society and the harsh reality that some truths come with a heavy price.
The book begins by introducing Thomil, a Kwen from beyond Tiran’s magical boundary, who, along with his tribe, seeks asylum from the Blight—a malevolent force that kills any living thing in its path. This opening scene sets a gruesome and foreboding tone, and from here, the novel delves into core themes that reflect real-world issues. Wang masterfully tackles topics that will feel familiar to readers, prompting you to reconsider your own experiences and perspectives. Blood Over Bright Haven is praise-worthy for many reasons, but in my opinion, its true gem is its blunt and matter-of-fact approach to confronting injustice. What does it mean to be a good person? And what are we willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others?
Blood Over Bright Haven features a myriad of complex themes that are carefully explored throughout the novel. Through Sciona's eyes, we see the deeply ingrained sexism in this patriarchal society, highlighting the systemic barriers women face every day. This connects with the prevalent themes of social status and racism, as evidenced by the treatment of the Kwen inhabitants. The daily discrimination they endure reinforces the oppression found in this society and underscores the control that those in power have over their people. Another core theme is morality, which resonated with me long after I finished the book. Sciona's work is fraught with moral implications, emphasising the ethical cost of innovation—a realisation she faces as she uncovers difficult truths.
The novel also explores themes of faith and the boundaries of belief. In Tiranian society, religion is woven into the very fabric of life, creating a powerful dogma that enables those in power to maintain strict control over the populace. Magic, perceived as a divine gift, is never questioned, and its advancements are accepted without scrutiny. However, Sciona's journey is driven by a singular, conflicting force: the pursuit of truth, a value held in the highest regard by Tiran. This relentless quest for truth propels Sciona to challenge her indoctrination, ultimately leading her to confront an information hazard that forces her to reconsider everything she once knew. It’s also important to note that the author never imposes a particular belief on the reader. Instead, they present a tapestry of perspectives and opinions, making the story profoundly impactful and thought-provoking.
At the start of the novel, I was a little wary of Sciona, our main character. Despite her being very gifted and knowledgeable, she is quite ignorant of the world she lives in. Her singular focus on achieving her goals makes her selfish and self-centered at times, which can make her quite unlikeable. However, this also makes her real and relatable, and it’s what makes her growth throughout the novel so believable. If you don’t see any of yourself in Sciona, then you probably know someone like her, and it’s my hope that anyone who reads this book will reflect on their own journey and the importance of empathy and self-awareness. And regardless of her unlikeable qualities, Sciona is a character of conviction which is something I can greatly admire. She is faced with various challenges and undergoes significant character development but also stays true to herself, no matter which opposing forces face her, and that is without a doubt my favourite thing about her.
In contrast to Sciona’s journey there is Thomil, a character who has already endured unimaginable tragedy. As an outsider to Tiranian society, his experiences with racism and social injustice significantly influence Sciona's confrontation with harsh truths. Some of my favorite scenes involve Thomil challenging Sciona’s beliefs, particularly their differing religious views on what it means to be a good person. Sciona maintains that good intentions are all that matter, while Thomil argues that intentions alone are insufficient; one's actions must lead to positive outcomes to truly be considered a good person.
I also want to highlight the fascinating magic system that we see throughout the book. Early on, it is explained in a way that resembles a programming language, making it feel technical and familiar despite its magical nature. This similarity to our reality reinforces its technological feel and underscores the cost of advancement in both Tiran and our own world.
There are countless reasons why this book is amazing, and this review can’t capture them all. If you love fantasy that resonates deeply, I urge you to read Blood Over Bright Haven. It has quickly become one of my all-time favorites, and I’m eager to dive into more of this author’s work as soon as possible. For me, reading is often a means of escape, but sometimes it also anchors me to the realities of the society I live in. Books like this remind us that reading can be profoundly political, opening our eyes to perspectives we might overlook when dealing with our own struggles. They challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately, they change us.
