Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 384 pages
Author: Vanessa Le
Publisher: Roaring Books Press
Release Date: March 19th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Nhika is a bloodcarver. A cold-hearted, ruthless being who can alter human biology with just a touch. In the industrial city of Theumas, she is seen not as a healer, but a monster that kills for pleasure.

When Nhika is caught using her bloodcarving abilities during a sham medical appointment, she’s captured by underground thugs and sold to an aristocratic family to heal the last witness of their father’s murder.

But as Nhika delves deeper into their investigation amidst the glitz of Theumas’ wealthiest district, she begins to notice parallels between this job and her own dark past. And when she meets an alluring yet entitled physician’s aide, Ven Kochin, she’s forced to question the true intent behind this murder. In a society that outcasts her, Kochin seems drawn to her…though he takes every chance he gets to push her out of his opulent world.

When Nhika discovers that Kochin is not who he claims to be, and that there is an evil dwelling in Theumas that runs much deeper than the murder of one man, she must decide where her heart, and her allegiance, truly lie. And — if she’s willing to become the dreaded bloodcarver Theumas fears — to save herself and the ones she’s vowed to protect.

WOW, SO GOOD.

I had no expectations going into this and found myself wrapped up in a wonderful YA fantasy debut. I loved the combination of sci-fi + fantasy this showcased. It was also very heavily medically based and I’m the kind of person that loves that stuff.

The plot was steady and filled with plenty of highs and lows. I loved seeing Nihka grow into herself and trying to take the next best step. The mystery was great too and I love grand reveals.

There’s a slow burn romance that’s woven throughout with the right dash of rivals to lovers vibes. I loved that Nihka and Kochin got many chances to get to know one another and they really grew on me.

And the ENDING. I have no idea where things will go next but I’m very invested now and look forward to the next book.

Overall audience notes:

• YA Fantasy
• Language: very low
• Romance: kisses
• Violence: moderate

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