BLOOD OVER BRIGHT HAVEN

Narrator Moira Quirk shines once again in this dark academic fantasy, which explores the ripple effects of colonization. As the first-ever female highmage, Sciona has dedicated her life to overcoming misogyny, pursuing her magical research relentlessly within the male-dominated High Magistry. But as she learns about the ugly machinations that underpin her people's magic, she's forced to reckon with a new truth: Everything she's ever believed in relies on violence toward the Kwen, a nomadic tribe that has been systematically oppressed. With her Kwen assistant, Thomil, Sciona must decide how to use her newfound status for good--if that's even possible. Quirk delivers a stand-out performance, bringing immersive emotion to every scene. This is a story about how revolutions arise, and Quirk is the perfect leader. A.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]