Blood Over Bright Haven

Author M. L. Wang
Narrator Moira Quirk
Publisher Cornerstone
Publish Date 29 October 2024
Run Time 15 hours and 21 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Crime and mystery fiction, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Dark fantasy, Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Fantasy, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Social issues.

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fuelled 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 achieves her ambition 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 finally 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.

©2024 M. L. Wang (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

This powerful and engaging novel… bears comparison to groundbreaking works by Ursula K Le Guin. […] For me, the best fantasy novel of the year.

Lisa Tuttle, The Guardian

A fantastic page-turner – clever, emotional, and thematically rich. I was completely engaged the whole way through. Highly recommended!

James Islington, author of The Will of the Many

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

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, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Jasad Heir

A storytelling masterclass. Deeper 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 scathing but truthful look at the world we live in… A stunningly powerful story.

Terry Brooks

Breathtaking in its scope, audacity, and the depth of its storytelling.

Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade

The best book – bar none – I’ve read all year.

Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons

Blood Over Bright Haven is, well, bloody brilliant. (Pun intended.) I wish I could craft a character half so well as M.L. Wang, that I could set a scene with half so rich an atmosphere. 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 Mage Errant

User Reviews

Book 5.0

Narration 5.0

5.0

Brilliant discussions in this book. What a well written story by ML WANG. Kudos to the narrator as well for delivering such an atmospheric story.

sangita 13/02/2025

5.0

Interesting magic system. Absolutely beautiful story.
My heart has been ripped out and Iu2019m happy it happened.

Going back to cry some more. Be warned.

storythreads 06/02/2025

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