The Last Bloodcarver

· Roaring Brook Press
4.8
4 reviews
Ebook
384
Pages
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More

About this ebook

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. And in the city's criminal underbelly, the rarest of monsters are traded for gold. When Nhika is finally caught by the infamous Butchers, she's forced to heal the last witness to a high-profile murder.

As Nhika delves into the investigation, all signs point to Ven Kochin, an alluring yet entitled physician's aide. Despite his relentless attempts to push her out of his opulent world, something inexplicable draws Nhika to him. But when she discovers Kochin is not who he claims to be, Nhika will be faced with a greater, more terrifying evil lurking in the city's center...

Her only chance to survive lies in a terrible choice—become the dreaded monster the city fears, or risk jeopardizing the future of her kind.

Cinder meets Divine Rivals in Vanessa Le's The Last Bloodcarver, the first in a two-book debut - with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired fantasy world.

"Smart, lush, and utterly compelling." Marie Lu, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Legend

More Praise for The Last Bloodcarver:

*Four starred reviews*

★ "An entrancingly well-written debut." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Visceral and exquisitely rendered prose, intertwining a murder investigation with themes of unresolved grief, medical ethics, and lost heritage." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Deeply romantic, and darkly biological." — Booklist, starred review

★ "All collections will benefit from this unequivocal first purchase." — School Library Journal, starred review

"The perfect blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance." — Axie Oh, New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

"Obsession-worthy characters." — Joan He, New York Times-bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant to Find

"Absolutely captivating. This is one to be savored." — Grace D. Li, New York Times-bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief

Ratings and reviews

4.8
4 reviews
Reese
April 15, 2024
"Compelling and well crafted." "The Last Blood Carver" is a well crafted, compelling story with great world building and Southeast Asian representation. Its unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, culture, and mystery left me eagerly anticipating what the author has in store next.It's a bit darker and more mature than your average YA read, which adds a lot of depth and interest to the narrative. The greatest con of this book for me was the ending. Overall this was a great read.
Did you find this helpful?
Amanda Lilah
April 26, 2024
This was fantastic! The world building was extensive and the magic system was unique and fascinating. The magic is a medical magic that requires studying anatomy in order to manipulate the body. Nhika is a wonderful character - bold, angry, brave. She is also desperate to find belonging, which makes the romance so sweet. The ending is powerful and intense - works well as a dark standalone but even better as an exciting cliffhanger. Amazing YA fantasy start to finish.
Did you find this helpful?
Leighton
March 31, 2024
Overall, The Last Bloodcarver is an amazing YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of The Last Airbender and Not Even Bones. One highlight of this book is how it starts off with a punch and never lets go. There is nonstop action from beginning to end. Another highlight of the world building that actually felt original and complete. This book takes place in an Asian-inspired steampunk world that I wanted to visit and never leave.
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Vanessa Le graduated from Brown University with a degree in Health and Human Biology and now resides in the Pacific Northwest. Her writing is an expression of her love for medicine and her Vietnamese heritage. When not writing, she’s wishing she was writing, studying medicine, and/or spoiling her two Shiba Inus.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.