Blood Over Bright Haven is one of my most anticipated books and 100% worth it. I was absolutely over the moon which how much I loved this book. Action packed and full of rage, it’s definitely one of my favorite of 2024. Keep reading this book review of Blood Over Bright Haven for my full thoughts.
Summary
An orphan since the age of four, Sciona has always had more to prove than her fellow students. For twenty years, she 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. When she finally claws her way up the ranks to become a highmage, however, she finds that her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues will stop at nothing to let her know she is unwelcome, beginning with giving her a janitor instead of a qualified lab assistant.
What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was once more than a janitor; before he mopped floors for the mages, Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier. Ten years have passed since he survived the perilous crossing that killed his family. But working for a highmage, he sees the opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the Tiranish in power.
Through their fractious relationship, mage and outsider uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. Sciona has defined her life by the pursuit of truth, but how much is one truth worth with the fate of civilization in the balance?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Blood Over Bright Haven is a story that had my blood boiling. It explores prejudices, society, and oppression. It explores the indoctrination, brainwashing, and exploitation built into our everyday lives. Exploring both sexism and racism, Blood Over Bright Haven is a searing look at how far we will go to fix a broken system. Can we impact and enact change from the inside? And if we can ever find our way out of the mess of what our society has done, can anyone else?
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Just because we have suffered, that does not excuse the suffering we wrought upon others. Blood Over Bright Haven does not let us look away. It reminds us that the way we live is directly dependent on pieces of our society living the way they do. And that’s true for our world. Blood Over Bright Haven locates us in a fantasy world with mirrors and windows into ours. There’s so much I want to say but that is SO spoilery. But this dual POV story has the perfect ending! Blood Over Bright Haven examines religion, morality, and our origin story. It asks us about what makes a good person. And what we will do to stay one.
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