I found "The Last Bloodcarver" to be a unique YA fantasy in one regard, it has an absolutely fascinating "power" for our main heroine. The ability to heal, not just "Lord of the Rings" style (i.e. magical powers, flash of light, and lo and behold, sick person is now well), but with remaking and reworking flesh, blood, and bone. I can't think of any other fantasy book that goes into such detail, and it immediately grabbed my attention.
The other aspect of this book I loved: its worldbuilding and characterization. The disparity between the have and have-nots is not a unique idea, but the way it's portrayed in this book is very different from the typical "poor protagonist good and rich people evil" with a possible exception for a love interest. Instead, even among the callous rich folk there is often an element of humanity, if not to others than to their loved ones.
That's not to say that this book is perfect. I found Nhika's character to be a bit flat (outside of her amazing powers), but with the rest of the book so engrossing, it was something I could overlook. Overall, I enjoyed my time with "The Last of the Bloodcarvers."
Thanks to BookishFirst for allowing me to read a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The other aspect of this book I loved: its worldbuilding and characterization. The disparity between the have and have-nots is not a unique idea, but the way it's portrayed in this book is very different from the typical "poor protagonist good and rich people evil" with a possible exception for a love interest. Instead, even among the callous rich folk there is often an element of humanity, if not to others than to their loved ones.
That's not to say that this book is perfect. I found Nhika's character to be a bit flat (outside of her amazing powers), but with the rest of the book so engrossing, it was something I could overlook. Overall, I enjoyed my time with "The Last of the Bloodcarvers."
Thanks to BookishFirst for allowing me to read a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.