An enjoyable read and very interesting to see how it has influenced literature and other media! I realised, though, that most of the fun I had reading this book was because of the hilarious and interesting forum posts here and not the book itself 😬 also, there wasn't as much lesbianism or creepiness as I had hoped for. I guess it makes sense given the time period and who the author is, though, so I shall forgive this. still had a good time though and enjoyed the slowly creeping sense of dread and internally shouting at the protagonist.

Blood Over Bright Haven is an ambitious novel that manages to encapsulate unique arcane magic and multiple types of oppression in a single standalone. With a unique magic system, infuriatingly realistic characters, and a philosophical premise that leaves you asking questions, this is an undeniably great read. It is, however, a difficult read. Wang impeccably portrays the machine of oppression and the many products it creates; you will be angry and hurt and deeply saddened, but the journey is worth it.

The prose is, as always, perfectly to my taste; Wang is a master of beautiful prose that refrains from distracting you. Additionally, her trademark character work is on full display in this work with characters so painfully realistic that you may find yourself wishing they actually were real, if only to wring their necks. Wang allows none of her characters the luxury of perfection. I would have liked to see more of the Kwen, though; this novel was laser focused on Sciona's immediate circle and so we got comparatively few glimpses into Kwen life.

I found the beginning a little slow with a few lulls for conversations I wasn't sure we needed at the time, though on the other end I think they contributed to my overall appreciation of the book. This is, however, not an action-packed heist or revolution novel; it is a thought-provoking dark academic fantasy novel and thus by nature it is slower overall. There was one scene that I thought didn't contribute well to the overall theme of the book, namely a sexual assault scene, but it was fairly short and was not a primary focus, so it did not take up much of the lens despite its feeling out of place.

As far as tools go, this novel is more jackhammer than potter's wheel; Wang makes her points with striking clarity which may frustrate some readers who are already on the right side of understanding them. If you can still appreciate a novel for what it is despite hammering home the same point, you will likely appreciate this one.

Overall, this novel is a fabulous dark academic fantasy novel and every promise it makes, it keeps.