Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I began this, I thought it was just going to be a magic-school type fantasy that could have gone the way of Poppy Wars or even Will of the Many, and indeed, it has many similar features, but the moment of the big reveal, the secret that had been hidden for so long, I rather fell in love.

The novel, at least to me, was like an orange. You expect the sweetness, but you need to get through the pleasant smelling, but tough rind. But indeed, once we got in there, it was juicy and disturbing and hit all the right buttons for outrage. After a certain point, at least when it comes to writing a synesthesia review, I have to say it went down as smoothly as orange juice. Maybe not too pulpy, but definitely fresh.

And yes, this could very well be a novel to be read with subtext, but it is also a pretty wonderful--and terrifying--fantasy. In a lot of ways, I'm reminded of Sabaa Tahir's fantasy.



Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.

Arctunn.com

View all my reviews