The Last Bloodcarver is Vanessa Lee’s debut novel, and what a start! It is the first of two books set in the city of Theumas, which has the aesthetic of a traditional Vietnamese city, but woven through with steampunk, and embroidered with modern medicine. And then there's the Bloodcarvers, or Heartsooths, who can alter a person’s biology, heal them or harm, with just a touch. The resulting cultural fear and racism is fascinating to read. The main character, Nhika, is the last Bloodcarver in her family, but she keeps her gift a secret, until one day she is caught, and sold on the black market to a rich family, who need her to heal the only witness to their father’s murder. She ends up getting dangerously intertwined with the mystery, and an alluring yet entitled physician’s aide, Ven Kochin. 

 

This book is brilliant. The setting is interesting, the concepts are deep and complex, raising questions about what it means to have a legacy, the ethics of medicine and colonialism. The action scenes are packed with adrenaline and the main character is flawed, yet likeable. The rivals-to-lovers romance is slower than most, but doesn’t feel stretched out. The decisions the characters make feel realistic, not forced for the sake of plot. Even though the conflict doesn’t have far-reaching consequences, it is still deeply important to Nhika and the other characters, who are also written with interesting motives and backstories. This book has it all.

 

If I had to pick the best thing in this book, it would be the unique magic system. It is miraculous, but it intertwines so much with science that it is both magical and logical at the same time. The parts where we get to see this magic in action through Nhika’s eyes are expertly described, and the fantastic biology references are woven in really well. As is to be expected with blood magic, there is a lot of gore, so this book comes with a trigger warning.

 

Interestingly, I predicted one of the plot twists. Initially I thought this was a shame. I thought of it as giving myself a spoiler, or a result of a far too predictable plot, but the murder mystery that unfolds during the book was one of the most exciting parts, and in my opinion, wasn’t marred by predicting one of the pivotal revelations. In fact, I felt really pleased when my prediction turned out to be right.

This is an interesting question- when faced with a murder mystery book, do you get more enjoyment solving it yourself, or letting the book surprise you? Personally, I enjoy it either way. 

 

The Last Bloodcarver is a superb story made all the better by a fascinating magic system, and the expert, descriptive way it is written. Definitely worth a read if you like The Hunger Games, These Violent Delights or Mortal Engines.

 

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Lee is published by Rock the Boat £8.99.