The first chapter of The Last Bloodcarver from Vanessa Le begins inauspiciously for its central character. Nhika, an outcast in her city, is secretly said bloodcarver, an individual who is blessed – or cursed, depending on the day if you ask Nhika – with the ability to heal or harm with a single touch (think a combination of Rogue and Triage from the X-Men and you’re there). Nhika operates as akin to a quack doctor, peddling ineffective herbs to vulnerable people, but healing them when she’s compelled to do so; however one such incident involves her being captured and then sold to the highest bidder, who asks her to help solve a murder mystery.
The premise of The Last Bloodcarver is, if nothing else, pleasingly fresh and unique. set in a world of turn-of-the-century technology and magic alike; in addition, Le deserves a commendation for crafting a mystery that subverts expectations and delivering characters that are – flawed as they may be – a pleasure to read and root for, whether that’s the sheltered and sweet Mimi, the reserved and protective Trin, and the mysterious Kochin. Best of all is Nhika herself, a survivor of a lead who nonetheless goes against her best interests to be a good person, making her incredibly easy to have a kinship for.
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Le uses her Vietnamese heritage to create a world that feels lived-in and gritty, pairing the grim slums with the dazzling privilege of Nhika’s owners-turned-benefactors, such as is shown in extreme when considering the plentiful food and hot water available to Nhika once she aligns herself with the wealthy family she reluctantly works for. Combined with the highs and lows that Nhika’s ability gives her – imagine not only healing the sick but using complete mastery of the human body to trap someone in never-ending nerve pain – the world of The Last Bloodcarver is strongly drawn and compelling enough on its own, let alone with the overarching plot and the magic system to boot.
Armed with enjoyable characterisation, a compelling mystery, and a cliff-hanger strong enough to induce pangs of longing in most readers, The Last Bloodcarver is a strong, grisly, and romantic YA offering overall and a joy to read. Le has promised the sequel to this promising duology in 2025, and this reviewer cannot wait to see where things go from here.
The Last Bloodcarver is out now from Rock the Boat.
