The Last Bloodcarver wasn’t on my radar until a few weeks ago when I read the first few chapters. I was enthralled by the world and obsessed over wanting to read the rest of the story as soon as possible. The Last Bloodcarver is a Southeast Asian fantasy with medical-based magic, devoted friendships, and a rivals-to-lovers romance.

Amazon / Goodreads

Synopsis:

The tantalizing romance of These Violent Delights meets the mechanical wonders of Cinder in The Last Bloodcarver, the first in a two-book debut — with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired fantasy world.

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.

Review:

Nhika’s an outsider in Theumas. Not only does she stand out by her skin, eyes, and hair, but she’s one of the last bloodcarvers – magic users who can heal or harm someone by seeing and feeling their body systems. Bloodcarvers are sought out on the black market, used for their specialized skills, and often killed. Nhika never really feels safe or settled, even when those around her think she should. When a powerful family takes Nhika in, she knows there must be a catch. 

Holy moly, I loved this book. Nhika is such a powerful character, and the murder mystery that unravels throughout The Last Bloodcarver is incredible. The magic of the bloodcarvers is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I loved that it was based on healing and a form of medicine. Nhika is also just trying to find her place in the world and see where she can belong with her gifts. Ven Kochin represents everything Nhika doesn’t have; unlike Nhika, he fits in with the upper echelon of Theumas. Their rivals-to-lovers romance is so delightful, and slow-burn lovers will enjoy the journey. 

Final Thoughts:

The Last Bloodcarver is easily one of my favorite young adult books of the year so far. I can’t wait for the second book in this duology, since it appears to have dual point-of-views. Hopefully, we see more of Ven Kochin, Nhika, and our trio of friends.

I listened to The Last Bloodcarver audiobook, which I highly recommend. From what I read of The Last Bloodcarver book, though, it is also beautiful. I recommend choosing the format that works best for you, your reading preferences, and quirks.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy! All the above thoughts are my own.