Wow. Simply wow.

This was my first foray into the world of dark magical fantasy, and let me tell you—I’m officially a convert. A few months ago, I stumbled upon Blood Over Bright Haven on Goodreads, but at the time, I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward a few weeks, and while out Christmas shopping with my wife, the book caught my eye at Waterstones.

The cover alone was stunning, and as a sucker for a good signed hardback, I decided to take a chance. I had some store credit to burn, so why not? Best decision ever.

Blurb from Goodreads….

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. For fans of Leigh Bardugo, V. E. Schwab, and Fullmetal Alchemist.

Review

Standalone or series?

This is a standalone novel, which makes its depth and scope all the more impressive.

How did I get this book?

I picked this up at Waterstones, but it’s also available on platforms like Bookshop.org

Why did I choose this book?

The cover. Honestly, it was love at first sight. Plus, as I mentioned, I’ve got a thing for signed hardbacks. The fact that I vaguely remembered it from Goodreads sealed the deal.

Genre:

Dark Academia / Fantasy / Mystery

General Review

From the first page to the last, this book absolutely blew me away. It was completely unputdownable—so much so that my wife had a tough time getting my attention while I was reading it! I’m genuinely thrilled I took a chance on this because it opened my eyes to a genre I’d largely ignored.

M.L. Wang is a masterful storyteller with a vivid imagination. She’s crafted a world that feels as real as our own, complete with all its complexities. Themes of power, politics, sexism, and racism are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The story also carries echoes of the global challenges we face today, from environmental crises to the lingering shadows of oppressive systems like apartheid, nazism, and the transatlantic slave trade. These parallels are sobering, making the story linger long after you’ve turned the final page.

The characters are rich and multi-dimensional, with Sciona and Thomil’s relationship standing out as both compelling and authentic. Their friction, trust-building, and eventual partnership form the emotional backbone of the story, and Wang handles it beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an introduction to dark magical fantasy, Blood Over Bright Haven is a fantastic place to start. It’s an edge-of-your-seat adventure filled with twists and turns, layered themes, and deeply believable relationships. M.L. Wang has written something thematically epic, emotionally resonant, and utterly unforgettable.

This is a book that will stay with you, leaving you pondering its questions about truth, power, and sacrifice long after you’ve finished reading.

My Rating

⭐ 4.75/5 ⭐

The only downside? I wanted more. The final thirty pages were so eventful and gripping that I found myself wishing for a sequel. This is a book I’ll be recommending to anyone and everyone.