Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9780593916193

Reviews for Blood Over Bright Haven

[7pz864kndc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is great. If you are looking for a dark academia with fantastical elements after being disappointed but A Study in Drowning, this is for you.

[Abby Cohen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Glorious world building and complex characters. I can’t recommend this highly enough if you like fantasy, dark academia, politics and people

[elissaerica83 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narrator is great. The story itself is just fine. This book is definitely overhyped.

[kalliegrace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

fantastic. fantasy is so much better when it's anti-colonist. the magic system was so interesting and well described, and the characters are easy to get attached to. I appreciate that this is a stand alone, even if I could read another book or two in this world.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That ending it gets a wow from me.
Sometimes it came across as a bit heavy handed on the dwelling on the racism themes that are in it but sometimes it hit the nail squarely on the button. Sciona is the first woman admitted to High Magistry in the University of Magic and Industry and she finds herself subjected to terrible sexism from her peers. They assign a janitor as her assistant, but she finds that he's a better partner than she thought, but what she finds with her research rocks her to the core, and has the potential to change things in her city forever.
It was an interesting read and I would recommend it.

[pferdina · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Unique magic system. I liked the setting, it was well-described and interesting. I did not like Sciona, the main character, because she was supposed to be such a genius but always exceptionally naive.

[sammimag_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amazing magical world building. Relevant topics: immigration, racism, sexism, and colonization. Ultimately I think this is done a little heavy handed.

[newnaturalmama · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read

[will.daniel1781 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For being a standalone the world building was probably the best I have seen that didn’t require a sequel to break it down wow truly a masterpiece now I have to read Sword of Kaigen

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dark, immensely intriguing, and with an excellent plot.

[verkruissen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written story about a society powered by magic. When Sciona is elected as the first female high mage her drive to leave her mark on the world suddenly changes when she and her assistant discover the true source of magic.