Blood Over Bright Haven is a standalone dark academia fantasy by M. L. Wang. Released 29th Oct 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 448 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook format. Paperback due out in early 3rd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
There are some problematic mechanics in this narrative. There's a redemption arc which relies very heavily on a "white savior" character's magnanimity fighting the racist/misogynistic structure from within. The entire book is undeniably very well written, but the conflict is off, the romantic subplot between the oppressor and oppressed is off, and the denouement and resolution feel off.
Comparisons abound to Kuang's Babel, and though both are beautifully written, this book suffers by comparison because of the fundamental power structure problems and unresolved dynamics.
For sensitive readers, the book is full of blood and violence, sexual assault, deep/violent misogyny and racism, horrifying colonialism, slavery, rough language. Despite the aforementioned issues, it really is wonderfully well written and the world building is original with an impressively intricate magical system.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library, buddy read, or possibly as an SF/Fantasy book club selection. (*LOTS* of meaty discussion material here).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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