Blood Over Bright Haven
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.
- Pages
- 428
- First published
- July 25, 2023
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ebook
Narrators (1)
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1 audiobook edition · 15 hr 21 min · en
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Reviews
Finished March 11, 2025
- Anonymous
Finished February 20, 2025
Wow. Okay, so three hours later and I'm still speechless. This is the first book like this that I've ever read, and honestly I really liked it. It was a lot different than anything I've ever read, and I think that's what pulled me into it. I really loved how the topics in this were handled. I also think the author did a really good job at talking about religion in this. For me personally, I think M.L. Wang did a fantastic job at discussing these topics while also integrating them into a really driven story. I think it did a really good job at talking about moral dilemmas as well. Overall, I give this book 4.5/5 stars!
Started February 19, 2025 · Finished February 20, 2025
Finished May 3, 2025
“It’s much easier to tell yourself you’re a good person than it is to actually be one.” ~ “Because good people can turn desperate when the horrors are upon them—especially people whose culture of plenty has left them with no systems to cope with scarcity or cataclysm. Good people will turn monstrous when it’s down to their survival or someone else’s.” ~ This book felt like nothing else I’ve read before. It had such good messages and such a powerful story. The atrocities of this world the author has built were so hard to read at times. Most of the book I spent wanting to yell at everyone including the main character for their ways of thinking but I loved how the story progressed and while it wasn’t a happy ending it was a realistic one and one I really enjoyed. The end leaves you wanting more and to know what is going to happen next. But I love how the end of the book was so full circle to beginning. I’ll definitely be checking out more by this author.
Started June 1, 2026 · Finished June 1, 2026
Started September 30, 2025 · Finished September 30, 2025
Started March 26, 2026 · Finished March 30, 2026
Started January 25, 2026 · Finished February 1, 2026
Finished March 26, 2025
WOW, I'm still reeling! Seriously, this book deserves ALL the stars!! A solid 5 out of 5 for me. Before I even stepped into the city of Tiran, I was hooked! The author has built this incredible world that feels both magical and real, if that makes sense? What I really loved is how this wasn't just about magic. It delved into some really heavy themes about power, corruption, injustices against women/different cultures/impoverished peoples, and what people are willing to do to get what they want. Long live Sciona and the Kwen!
Finished January 4, 2026