Clever and Cruel - A Blood Over Bright Haven Review

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Genre: Dark Fantasy | Steampunk | Published: 2023

Thanks to what’s easily my favourite book of the year, April was a standout reading month for me. I picked up Blood Over Bright Haven on a whim after a friend, mid-read, messaged me in absolute chaos over how wild it was and how badly she needed to talk to someone about it. Naturally, I had no choice but to see for myself- and I’m so glad I did. This book was sensational. Despite it falling completely out of my literary and genre wheelhouse, the plot, the twists, and the way it all unfolded had me completely hooked from start to finish.

This will be a spoiler-free review, because honestly, I just want everyone to experience this one for themselves.

Summary

In the magic-fueled city of Tiran, Sciona Freynan has spent her life fighting for a place among the elite. After twenty years of study, she becomes the first woman admitted to the powerful High Magistry, only to face sabotage, sexism, and a system built to keep people like her out. But when her research begins to uncover dangerous truths about the foundations of magic itself, Sciona must decide how far she’s willing to go in pursuit of power, knowledge, and justice.

Highlights

Plot:

My favourite part of Blood Over Bright Haven is the plot. From the very beginning, with the descriptions of Tiran and its rigid structure, you start to see the outlines of its belief systems, religion, and political hierarchy. So when the plot reaches its climax, it doesn’t feel out of place; it feels disturbingly fitting. It’s not shocking that something like this could happen in this world, but rather how brutal and cutthroat it truly is. It drives home just how easily an entire population can be manipulated and indoctrinated. The stressful factor was then determining how it would all play out. I was hooked from start to finish as secrets unravelled and stakes escalated

Themes

The book explores complex themes such as systemic oppression in various forms, from racism/xenophobia to sexism and religious psychosis, as well as the perils of ambition, identity, and the ethical costs of power and progress. It challenges readers to consider the price of knowledge in a world where magic and control are tightly entwined. What are you willing to accept in your journey to achieving your goals? What values do we place on those we are willing to sacrifice along the way?

Magic System

I loved the magic system in Blood Over Bright Haven. While it’s a bit complex, M.L. Wang integrates the explanation so seamlessly into the story that it’s easy to follow and deeply rewarding to understand. It draws inspiration from alchemy and steampunk, operating on the principle that magic isn’t created – it’s transformed. It’s a brilliantly crafted system: clever, intricate, and deeply sinister at its core (a truth that slowly reveals itself). Magic in Tiran isn’t just a tool, it’s the foundation of the entire society. Everything depends on it, regardless of what’s being transformed, which underscores the deeper societal tensions running through the novel.

Writing Style

M.L. Wang’s prose is sharp, immersive, and richly detailed, blending vivid worldbuilding with a character-driven narrative. The pacing balances tension and reflection, making the story both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. M.L. Wang’s literary ability is refined and eloquent without overcomplicating what needs to be said and portrayed just well enough to move you and still maintain accessibility.

A Quick Critique

While Blood Over Bright Haven tackles important issues like sexism and religion, the themes often come across as heavy-handed, lacking subtlety or nuance. There is almost no lesson to be taught here. Rather than inviting reflection, the narrative sometimes feels like it’s hammering the message home, which can disrupt the flow and complexity of the story. A more layered exploration might have made these themes feel more organic and impactful.

This isn’t exactly a critique, but I have to admit, I really disliked the main character at times. Yet, despite that, I understood where she was coming from. After all, battling decades of ingrained beliefs and brainwashing over just a few days is no easy feat. There were many moments when her naivety frustrated me, as did her reluctance to fully accept uncomfortable truths. But at the same time, watching someone’s entire worldview collapse in on itself is never a simple or quick process. That struggle felt real and painfully human.

I loved that this book was a standalone. When I picked it up, I didn’t have to commit to three more books. Yet, true to form, I’m now begging M.L. Wang to tell me what happens next. I’m not sure if I fully love the ending, but I understand it might have been the only resolution possible at the time. Beyond that, it felt like a very open ending, inviting readers to explore and fill in the blanks themselves. Honestly, though, I wanted more.

Final Takeaway

In Blood Over Bright Haven, M.L. Wang cuts us deep, it is a fierce, fantasy that asks what we’re willing to burn for the truth, or coverup for power. While existing in a fantasy universe, it speaks directly to the world we live in today, and what we are prepared to believe to maintain and ensure our comfort.