Blood Over Bright Haven - by M L Wang

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

"Bears comparison to groundbreaking works by Ursula K. Le Guin . . . the best fantasy novel of the year."--The Guardian

"Ambitious and mysterious, imaginative and haunting . . ."--Ms. magazine

"A gaslamp dark academia that will haunt you forever."--Armed with a Book

"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

"The best book--bar none--I've read all year."--Evan Winter, author of The Fire of Vengeance

"M. L. Wang continues to deliver the goods. Blood Over Bright Haven is a storytelling masterclass. Deep themes run through this energetic tale of dark academia, and feats of imagination abound."--Mark Lawrence, author of The Book That Wouldn't Burn

"A fantastic page-turner--clever, emotional, and thematically rich. . . highly recommended! I was completely engaged the whole way through."--James Islington, author of The Will of the Many

"Blood Over Bright Haven is the kind of book that knocks you down, kicks you repeatedly, and then makes you thank it for doing so. I can't recommend it highly enough."--John Bierce, author of the Mage Errant series

"With one of the most intricate and fascinating magic systems I have ever read, Blood Over Bright Haven masterfully draws you into the brutal web of power, corruption, and complicity at the heart of its society. This book is a merciless reckoning that leaves you reeling long after the last page is turned."--Sara Hashem, author of The Jasad Heir

"Breathtaking in its scope, audacity, and the depth of its storytelling . . . the kind of story that changes your heart and mind forever."--Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade

"Beautiful, evocative, and haunting . . . I can't get it out of my head."--Dyrk Ashton, author of Rise of Gods

"Blood Over Bright Haven is fantasy at its best: a compelling read that I couldn't put down, and probably one of my top ten books of this decade."--Virginia McClain, author of Blade's Edge

"Academia at its darkest . . . Blood Over Bright Haven will haunt you long after its final page."--Trudie Skies, author of The Cruel Gods trilogy

"Vibrant, raw, and deeply emotional, this novel is a manifesto about justice as much as it is a thrilling work of fiction."--Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

M. L. Wang is an author, martial artist, and weird recluse currently hiding somewhere in Wisconsin with her maroon-bellied parakeet, Sulu. She enjoys gruesome nature documentaries and long walks in circles around her room. Her other books include The Sword of Kaigen and the YA fantasy series The Volta Academy Chronicles.