The Last Bloodcarver

by Vanessa Le

Book Overview

A pulse-pounding new YA fantasy in which "you'll gasp, you'll scream, you'll cry, and you'll be begging for the next book." (Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights)

Nhika is a bloodcarver. A coldhearted, ruthless being who can alter human biology with just a touch.

In the industrial city of Theumas, Nhika is seen not as a healer, but a monster that kills for pleasure...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250881528
• ISBN13: 9781250881526
• Release Date: March 2024
• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.5" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 7 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

A unique and fascinating magic system

The Last Bloodcarver, the first in a new Vietnamese inspired fantasy duology, follows Nhika, who possesses a rare, blood-based magic which allows its practitioners to change the human body, to heal or to harm. Nhika is an orphan; her family were refugees who fled a colonized land. She lives in Theumas where she was born, struggling on the edge of society, fighting to survive and hide her power. After she is betrayed by someone she helps, she ends up being sold to a wealthy family on the black market for the purpose of healing their friend. A mystery ensues with twists, turns, a romance and a cliffhanger ending The magic system is unique and fascinating, incorporating science, anatomy and physiology. The world building was unique, a combination of magic and modern technology with steampunk elements. Nhika is a strong character who has had to focus on survival. She grows throughout the story moving from anger and fear to learning to trust others and value her power. The Last Bloodcarver was well written and compulsively readable. It explored themes of isolation, colonization, class, prejudice, grief and the limits and ethics of medicine.