Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

"Magic has made the city of Tiran an industrial utopia, but magic has a cost--and the collectors have come calling. 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? A standalone dark academia brimming with mystery, tragedy, and the damning echoes of the past. (Content warnings for gore, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation)."--Amazon.com.

This was one of my favourite reads of the year. If you enjoyed Babel by R. F. Kuang, then you must give this one a try (I personally liked it even better than Babel).

First off, the magic system was so fresh and interesting. It somewhat reminded me of computer coding - with having to create a spell and typing it into a machine to produce the actual magic. Very fresh and went perfectly with the academic setting.
I also loved how the author weaved current social and political issues into a fantasy narrative. Although it's not something unusual in the genre, the way it was done was very impectful and made it very easy for anyone to empathise with the struggles of the Kwen. Also, being a woman, it was very natural to relate to Sciona and how hard she hard to work to strive in a patriarchal society. It also brought to light that sometimes things are more complex than we think, and someone we might consider a good person will still look out for themselves first and foremost when faced with having to give up their comforts for the good of others less fortunate.

If I had to point out any negative (skip this paragraph if you want to avoid spoilers), it would probably be how the ending wasn't what I had hoped for (I'm a happy ending justice delivered kind of girlie). I also wish we had more closure in terms of what happened to the city of Tiran after Thomil left and also what happened to the Kwen group that left. Did Blight end? Did they find other Kwen survivors outside? What happened to Thomil and Carra? Did Tiran forsake magic altogether or did they go back to their ways? I have so many questions!!

Anyway, I truly loved this story and even though I doubt it will get a sequel, if it ever happens, I'll be first in line to read it!

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC. This review was left completely voluntarily and contains only my honest thoughts.

4.5 Stars. Original story with wonderful characters. Loved it!

"Sciona didn't answer until she had downed that first glass. Then she perhaps answered a bit too much and too truthfully."

Can't we all relate? 😅

I liked this book almost as much as I liked "Sword of Kaigen", Wang's previous standalone novel, and at this point anything she writes goes on TBR.

I don't really know how to review this - on one hand, I feel like I've been reading it for about 10 years and have some issues with it, but on the other hand it's amazing and I was in tears by the end.