The Last Bloodcarver

"The Last Bloodcarver (Duology #1) by Vanessa Le <br/><br/>Nhika is known to "normal people" by many names. Witch, liver eater, Necromancer, and more often a Bloodcarver. An evil being who can kill people by altering human biology with just a touch. Forced to hide her true nature in Theumas city, she is seen not as a healer, but a ruthless killer who uses her powers for evil. She lost her family young, doing whatever she could to support herself, and was forced to hide her true self, a heartsoother.<br/><br/>When she is caught by her client using her abilities during a medical appointment pretending to be a regular healer, she's captured by the butchers who collect people like her and sold to the highest bidder. Blackmarket boogymen who illegally collect rare things, and Bloodcarvers are the rarest selling for a very high price. The people selling them do not care how they are treated once paid. Some would kill them and use their parts for nefarious reasons. Such rumors were that eating the heart of a Bloodcarver would grant immortality, pounding their bones into tea for good health, or libido, which was false but didn't stop the rumors and those trying it. <br/><br/><b>Once upon a time, her gift was meant for selfless purposes. It was intended to be shared, celebrated, known, but she didn't have that luxury anymore. Now, it was used solely for survival.</b><br/><br/>Luckily she was sold to an aristocratic family to use her for her healing powers to help a man who was badly hurt in an accident with their father who died. Their family Dr. said there was nothing that could be done for him. They are desperate to save him not only because he is a close family friend, but also because he is the only witness of their father’s suspected murder and Nhika is their only hope.<br/><br/>This story talks about Nhika's history and her efforts to help these people to appease them enough to be released hopefully. If not, plan an escape. <br/><br/>Nhika's magic is interesting, similar to a Heartrender Grisha (from Six of Crows) but it's explained a bit more as she uses her powers. She has a bit of a battle within herself of what she wants to do and what she knows that she needs to do as her powers will her to heal those in need. Being off the harsh street not knowing when she will have her next meal and now safe with those who know what she is and in luxury at this home makes her wish she could stay. Of course, this task will not be as easy as she thought and she must figure out more than she bargained for. <br/><br/>This debut YA Fantasy has love interests but is not spicy (for those who aren't fond of that) but there is death, mystery, and heartbreak. <br/> <br/>His Mortal Demise - The Last Bloodcarver Duology #2 Expected publication March 18, 2025"

"The Last Blood Carver has a little bit of everything. People whom are heartsooths that can heal or take lives, an obvious caste system, automatons, murder, love interests and a strong female protagonist. The beginning starts out strong as we are introduced to Nhika. She lives day to day using her heart soothing gift as a means to survive. Usually scamming others to make money. This part of the story takes off and runs into a brick wall towards the middle. And this is where I picked up other books to read because I couldn’t get the motivation to move forward. But determined to finish I gave it another go and soon the story gains some traction and Nhika’s love interest (which for the sake of young adults is pretty bland) takes hold and we start to see how their story intertwines. Unfortunately for me I didn’t like the ending. I thought this could have played out better. It seemed like an unexpected and unnecessary way to twist the story. But oh well. I didn’t write it. Thanks Macmillan and Roaring Brook Press for this wonderful opportunity to review this book in return for my honest review."