Blood over Bright Haven

A Novel

By: M. L. Wang

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen.

“Powerful, thought-provoking. . . . Fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel will find much to admire here, from the intricate magic system to the unflinching exploration of societal issues.”—Booklist

AN ELLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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.

©2023 M. L. Wang (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A scathing but truthful look at the world we live in, and a stunningly powerful story.”—Terry Brooks

“Powerful, passionate, and painful, this book is like a file baked into a birthday cake: a surprise when you first bite down on it, but also a tool that can set you free. Innovative and brilliantly written, this is a glorious jewel added to the crown of dark academia.”—Seanan McGuire

“Wang deftly incorporates elements of science and philosophy into dark academia in this provocative stand-alone novel.”—The Washington Post

Absolute masterpiece

Henceforth it will be my life’s mission to get everyone I know to read this gem of a book. Hands down the best book I’ve read this year! I adored the sword of Kaigen but this is even better! Truly a once in a lifetime read!

Good not great

As someone who feels like a Kaigen acolyte that tries to convince everyone to read that book, this is definitely a weaker project.

If you have never read Sword of Kaigen and are coming into this blind, this is a very solid book. Wang seems to have a tendency to write about strong women in a man's world, which I think they do very well. The MC in this book is very likable with a decent amount of depth. The main supporting character is also very good and is probably the true linchpin of the story.

I'm unsure if the goal was to write a YA style novel, but this is definitely a competent YA story. The scope is quite narrow and the story basically only follows two people. The world building is OKAY but it is also very narrow in scope. The world is limited to a city and vaguely the surrounding area. There is very little idea of a world beyond.

As someone who held Kaigen in the highest regard this definitely falls short. It's a fairly engaging story and I enjoyed my time with it, but I'd probably give it a 3.5 if audible would let me. I'd like to say the narrator was absolutely fantastic and elevates the story quite a bit. I think I'd like the book less if not for the narrator.

TLDR: Worse than The Sword of Kaigen by a lot, but it's a tighter narrative overall and enjoyable. YA level story with excellent narration.

Awesome story

This might be my favorite book of the year. The world and story and characters are so different and interesting. I was sad when it was over. I keep telling everyone I know to read this book.

So good

Enraptured! Loved it, devoured it in two days. Narrator was an A plus. Story was an A plus. Magic system was an A plus. Definitely going to add author to my auto buy list!

Girl power

Loved the themes was a bit heavy but satisfying ending shocking not a wishy washy book and not for the faint of heart

My Heart Hurts but it was so good

I hurt. Everything hurts. Everything was stunning; the story, the characters, all of it.
I’m also always impressed by this narrator. She does incredible work to the point I want to listen to everything she has worked on.

Heartbreaking

4.5/5 stars. Very emotional tale that dives into segregation, indoctrination, and what humans truly are capable of. While it was great overall, I deducted half a star due to it feeling very predictable. Despite that, it was a great story and I would recommend to any fantasy lover

Moving and Visceral

I loved this story. It’s filled with heart and wrestles with the reader to accept truth where it’s at and not the other way around. I loved our antagonists and wish we got to spend more time with them but really respect what ML Wang has done in this standalone novel. Highly recommend.

Loved it!!

Grey story and pacing! I very much enjoyed The Sword of Kaigen so I knew I would enjoy this book. It did not disappoint

Fantastic, believe the hype

Such impressive world building for a standalone book. I won’t lie - the parallels to current events are tough but that’s no fault of the author. I genuinely enjoyed this