Blood Over Bright Haven in On The Same Page

Dec 13, 2024 Cassidy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 ★

“Whatever happened next, whether it led to Hell or Heaven, she was going to have a hand in directing it. Sick or sound, good or evil, she was still Sciona Freynan. And Sciona Freynan didn't slow down.
Sciona Freynan would be remembered.”

WOW! What an incredible and thought-provoking story. Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark academia high fantasy. It takes place in a unique world where mages siphon magic to help power the city. It follows FMC, Sciona, who is the city’s first ever woman admitte 4.5 ★

“Whatever happened next, whether it led to Hell or Heaven, she was going to have a hand in directing it. Sick or sound, good or evil, she was still Sciona Freynan. And Sciona Freynan didn't slow down.
Sciona Freynan would be remembered.”

WOW! What an incredible and thought-provoking story. Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark academia high fantasy. It takes place in a unique world where mages siphon magic to help power the city. It follows FMC, Sciona, who is the city’s first ever woman admitted as Highmage at the University of Magics and Industry. In her work there she accidentally uncovers a terrible secret that unravels the world as she knows it…

This story is frustrating and moving and devastating and beautiful all at once. I have a love/hate relationship with the main character, Sciona. She’s egotistical and selfish. The way she thinks and speaks about Thomil and the Kwen is hard to read at times. (I understand that she is a product of the world around her and I do think she had good intentions). On the other hand, she’s a strong woman doing the best she can to thrive in a world that’s not ready for her intelligence. She couldn’t have gotten to the highest level if she wasn’t a bit arrogant and tough. She’s constantly knocked down by her colleagues, but continues to pull herself back up. Her character growth and journey towards the truth is both realistic and admirable. I love the way the author wrote this emotional journey for her.

Thomil and Carra are an absolute delight; I would die for them. They are both such raw and complex characters. The world building was a little intense in the first chapter, but it does come together really smoothly after that. The magic system is really unique and fleshed out. So much so that some of the parts about spells and webs felt a little bit textbooky and dry. Some parts in the middle were a little slow, but overall the writing is wonderful. The ENDING!!! Just wow. The society is highly flawed and this book is a great discussion on patriarchy, corruption, morality, racism, classism, immigration, and religion.

I’m not always huge into dark academia, but I absolutely loved this one. Highly recommend!

"Except that I'm not anyone's wife," Sciona said, "nor am I anyone's daughter, really, and I've never been very good at pleasing. The things I have to offer are greater than that."

“Truth over delusion. Growth over comfort. God over all.”

Content warnings: death/child death, blood, violence, injury/injury detail, racism, misogyny, sexual assault, suicide/suicidal thoughts, vomit, infertility, cannibalism ...more

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Mar 28, 2025 Ayoub Imilouane rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book is a journey into a world of intricate politics, dark magic, and complex characters. The narrative pulls you into a society where power and loyalty are always in flux, and every decision carries weight. The protagonist’s struggle with personal and political challenges creates a deep emotional core that drives the story forward. With strong worldbuilding and a tense atmosphere, it’s a story that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go, offering a fascinating exploration of powe ...more

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