ARC Review: Blood Over Bright Haven

In the city of Tiran, where magic has powered an industrial utopia, Sciona, an orphan who has devoted her life to mastering magic, finally earns a coveted position as a highmage, determined to be the first woman admitted to the High Magistry. However, she faces resistance from her colleagues and is given a janitor, Thomil, as her assistant instead of a qualified mage. Unbeknownst to her, Thomil is a former nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier, and he sees this as an opportunity to uncover the forces that destroyed his tribe and gave rise to Tiran’s power. As the two uncover a dangerous ancient secret, Sciona must grapple with the cost of knowledge and decide how much one truth is worth when the fate of civilization is at stake.

This book quickly became my favorite read of 2024.

Let’s start with the setting:

The City of Tiran is protected by a magical Barrier that ensures comfort and progress for its citizens, all thanks to magic. But for refugees from outside the Barrier, life is much harder. They’re forced into low-paying jobs, like working in factories, with little chance of a better life. Outside the Barrier, things are even worse. The Blight, a deadly force, kills anyone caught in its path, leaving only blood and devastation behind.

I can’t get over how brilliant the magic system is. It’s a kind of magical coding that appeals to my tech-oriented brain in such a satisfying way. It’s not only unique but incredibly cool, offering a fresh take on magic that feels both innovative and grounded in the world-building.

Now let’s talk about our characters:

We meet Thomil first, a hunter from a land ravaged by “Blight”. We first meet him while he is running for his life with his family toward Tiran in search of shelter and refuge. But when he reaches the barrier, he sees that none of his people made it with him. This really sets the tone for the book. His journey sets the tone for the entire book, filled with both heartache and hope. When Thomil reaches the Barrier, he’s the only one left from his group, and his arrival in Tiran marks the beginning of his path to uncover the truths that led to his people’s downfall.

Then, we meet Sciona Freynan, who is about to make history as the first woman ever to be admitted to the High Magistry. Focused and determined, she’s spent years proving herself in a male-dominated society. When she unexpectedly passes her final test to become a highmage, she’s immediately faced with resistance from her peers. They assign her Thomil—the janitor—as her assistant, hoping to undermine her success. But instead of being deterred, Sciona uses the situation as fuel to prove herself even more, and the two form an unlikely, but powerful, partnership.

The emotional depth in this book is incredible. You can feel each character’s struggles, fears, and motivations so vividly. Sciona’s drive to succeed despite the odds and Thomil’s quiet determination to uncover the secrets of the past create a compelling, deeply human story that’s hard to put down.

Now what about the themes:

Wang masterfully weaves in powerful themes throughout Blood Over Bright Haven. Issues like gender inequality, racism, faith, and colonialism are explored with nuance and depth, making this book not just a thrilling fantasy but a thought-provoking commentary on real-world struggles. The way these themes are interwoven into the narrative feels both organic and meaningful, never overshadowing the story but enhancing it in ways that feel authentic and important.

Final Thoughts:

This book is relatively short considering the depth of the world and the complexity of its themes, yet everything flows naturally. The pacing is perfect, and the story feels like it’s been crafted with care and intention. Blood Over Bright Haven is a triumph, a beautifully written, intricate tale that balances magic, politics, and personal growth in a way that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine | Del Rey and Netgalley for the ARC.