Premise:

Edira is a threadmender, she has hidden her gift a secret until her two brothers fall under the sickness that ravages their town called Blight. Threadmenders are rare, and can heal people at a huge cost to themselves. It is not until she is caught using her magic to save her brothers, Orin Fernglove an immortal promises to save her brothers in exchange for a deal that could cost her life.

Wow! What a read! Definitely from the prologue I knew I would be hooked. There were so many plot twists with this book from the beginning of the story until the very end I could not put it down. The characters, story, banter was so delicious and a perfect book to read with this weather. The toxic family dynamic was very entertaining, I couldn't stop giggling when there was an argument taking place.

I do have to say one plot twist was predictable right when I hit 40% into the book. But once you reach about 80% it went into a spiral of madness. I could totally imagine this book as a Tim Burton movie, with the gothic fantasy vibes of the manor and the illness of blight.

You get both "insta love" and "enemies to lovers". I am not a huge fan of "insta love" but "enemies to lovers" helped subdue that. The banter between Edira and another character is chef's kiss.

This book will be a duology and I cannot wait for book 2.

I want to thank Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing me an arc in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
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This book hooked me in IMMEDIATELY. I loved the FMC having powers from the get-go; they weren’t something she had to earn or get through her relationship with a man.
I really liked the world of the Evers - while sometimes it’s nice to have the Fae be ~just like us except pointy eared and magical~, I really do enjoy when shit gets weird!
I figured out about midway through that Orin was not the good guy, and DEFINITELY noticed when Rorik became Mr. tall, dark, and handsome but the moment that whole situation actually clicked felt really well done imo.
I think the only thing I actually really didn’t care for what the last 1/4 or so. Edira gets kidnapped and it’s resolved like… the same chapter. I wish it had been more drawn out and actually meant something. It all started to feel kindof rushed at the end - I usually feel like books could cut some extraneous content and be shorter, but I felt like this could’ve used another 100 pages to extend on some of these scenes! I wish she hadn’t been able to cure the Blight in this book!
Regardless, I’m going to be feral for the sequel when it comes out and I’m ride or die for Rorik and idec.

House of Blight had the makings of something truly special. The concept of 'threadmending' – a magical ability to heal at a personal cost – is intriguing. And the gothic setting, with its brooding atmosphere and hints of a sinister secret within the Fernglove family, initially drew me in.

However, the promise quickly faded. Edira, our protagonist, felt disappointingly flat. Her reactions often felt contrived, and her decisions lacked the agency I expected from a character with such a powerful gift. The romance, while a central plot point, lacked genuine spark. Orin, despite his supposed kindness, remained an enigma, and their connection never truly ignited for me.

The world-building also felt underdeveloped. The setting, while atmospheric, lacked the necessary detail to truly immerse the reader. I yearned for a deeper exploration of the magic system, the societal implications of threadmending, and the history of the blight.

Ultimately, House of Blight felt like a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be a captivating story, but it was ultimately let down by underdeveloped characters, a predictable plot, and a lack of depth in the world-building. While it wasn't an unpleasant read, it left me feeling unsatisfied and yearning for more.

The twists and turns in this one were so good and so unexpected. I’ve never read a gothic Romantasy book before so this was a first for me, and I definitely liked it so I believe I’ll be reading more!

Also… I want a Ywena. Please.

This book was good. I love romantasy and when you add in Gothic aspects. It was perfection. I loved the characters and th3 story its self. Will be recommending

A Gothic Romantasy with slow burn. This book was actually very intriguing and well worth the read. If you haven’t had a chance to read it please do it’s worth it.

This book is an utterly enchanting story that captivated me from the very first page. The dynamic between Edira and Orin Fernglove adds an intriguing layer to the story. Orin's kindness and unexpected honesty stand in stark contrast to the rest of his family, who exude suspicion and danger. The tension is palpable as Edira navigates the treacherous waters of the Fernglove Manor, trying to save her brothers while uncovering the family's dark secrets. The author masterfully weaves together themes of magic, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships, which kept me edge of my seat. As the plot unfolds, the true nature of the Fernglove family's power and intentions is revealed, which leads to a breathtaking climax. The moral dilemmas Edira faces and the choices she must make are thought-provoking. This book is a beautifully written and immersive tale that will leave you pondering the cost of magic and the strength of the human spirit.

I highly recommended for fans of fantasy and anyone who loves a story that combines enchantment with deep emotional resonance.

I never thought I would seriously enjoy an entertaining gothic, action-packed, romantsy series at this level. What kept coming to my mind while reading this is Rapunzel’s golden hair except this one extended to curing and saving lives for the kingdom of Fernglove. I love the representation of female power and intelligence while contemplating the asinine world. A bit of YA feel but overall it is quite an emotional read. BTW, no cliffhanger so I know the next book should be fantastic without strings attached. I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you so much to Harper Collin Publishers for the ARC of The House of Blight!!!

I’ll be honest the name sounded like a sickness which led me to not pick it up very quickly, which now seems so silly. As the book is about a magical sickness that is destroying the world the title is fitting!

Now on to the review, I loved the story, the characters and the unique magic aspects! The plot did slow down a bit in the middle for me personally but I pushed through and it was really worth it! I loved the ending, the character development was everything. The romance was the perfect amount for my preference. I guessed early on the plot twists, but it didn’t mind as I really enjoyed them. I hope there’s a second book & we get more romance with my favorite MMC!

I know Goodreads has listed this book as one of the to-watch romantasy books of the year and I can see why. House of Blight wraps beloved tropes in a unique plot concept, complete with a smart and compassionate FMC with a really interesting power. While I don’t necessarily understand how this is a GOTHIC romantasy, and parts of the book seemed to be somewhat predictable (cough cough blond men), it was still deeply engaging and easy to devour.

BLURB:
Edina Brillwyn’s entire life has been dedicated to protecting her family and hiding her rare, lifesaving power. Edina has the ability to heal injury and cure disease, but all magic comes with a steep price. Each time that she uses her gift to heal another, she sacrifices a small thread of her own life. Although Edina is willing to give pieces of herself to help others, she must conceal her abilities to prevent the ruling class from finding out and using her for their own gain.

When both of her brother’s contract blight, an illness that she cannot cure on her own, she must make a deal with a member of family that she has been hiding from her whole life.

REVIEW:
The storytelling is immersively descriptive and imaginative. And there is an air of sinister intention throughout the novel that provides an eerie backdrop. The unique magic system and veiled monstrous human / creature hybrids add a layer of whimsy to the otherwise mysterious and gothic vibes. There is familial loyalty, romance, manipulation and betrayal weaved together to create an interesting storyline.

The last couple of chapters felt a bit rushed and the ending felt like a sharp cut off, which left things feeling a bit unfinished and unsatisfying. Not quite a cliffhanger, but leaving enough room for future sequels, which is understandable. I only wish that there were a few more crumbs at the end to really keep me hooked on reading the next book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The style of storytelling really created a cool, spooky atmosphere for the characters to move through. I just wished for a little more from the ending.

This book is a solid 4-4.5 ⭐️

I want to start out with a big thank you to Maxym M. Martineau, Avon and Harper, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover and description first caught my attention. Life line magic, “fae”, and some uncontrollable illness plaguing the land. This book is definitely for fans of ACOTAR with a little less spice. There is a slight love triangle, but it is not unbearable like Lightlark. Warning the ending leaves the reader wanting more and now I’m mad that I have to wait to read what happens next with Edira and her newfound feelings.

This book has lots of playful teasing and the spice is a lot of build up to with only one lightly described scene.

My only negative with the writing is that the jumps to some plot points are jarring. I know it is to stress the urgency of healing the blight, but it disrupts the understanding of why and how Edira develops feelings for the handsome Evers. The only explanation, I can think of is that it is an instant love “fated mate” scenario without calling it that. Other than that, I devoured this book especially after the halfway mark.


Look out for the “House of Blight” release in April 2025. This one is one that shouldn’t be missed. #netgalley #houseofblight

Edira is a thread mender, a being who can heal others through her magic. The town she lives in is ruled over by a powerful family of Evers, beings who have a different type of magic as well as being immortal. But when Blight, a horrible sickness that deteriorates the body incredibly quickly, starts ravaging through her lands, Edira must make decisions, fast. Her brothers contract the illness, so when the head of the Fernglove Evers family offers to save them if she will only help and work for him, Edira has to decide what her fate shall be.

This book was magical. It had new ideas, new forms of magic, and a wonderful setting. I felt like I was transported into the story every time I picked it up. I felt what Edira was feeling and I loved rooting for her good decisions and mourning her bad ones. Truly an artful story!

Thank you to Maxym M. Martineau, Avon and Harper, and NetGalley for this ARC! All thoughts are my own.

Truthfully, this book wasn't my favorite but it was a good read overall. While this story didn't fully do it for me, I will honestly be surprised if this book isn't really popular once it hits the shelves. The MC is well-written, the magic system is very unique, and the author does a really good job of worldbuilding without over-explaining anything. I think anyone who is a big fan of romantasy will really enjoy this.

My goodness, I do not know where to begin with this review… I suppose I shall start by thanking Avon and Harper Voyager as well as NetGalley for providing me with this arc of House of Blight. <3 Although I abhor writing negative reviews of books that authors put their heart and soul into, I am going to be completely honest about my thoughts on this book.

House of Blight has a promising start with a riveting prologue. By employing the concept of threadmending/glamour, this book should have thoroughly engaged me. However, it DRAGGEDDDD (emphasis on dragged) until the last few chapters. The ending makes me consider giving House of Blight two stars, but I’m staying firm in my resolve to give it one star because it was an incredible struggle to finish, so much so that I considered not finishing it halfway through. :/ Seriously, EVERY single element fell short, including the Fernglove family’s magic. Instead of fleshing out the abilities of each character, the author reverts to describing them as “invisible and yet somehow tangible, a raw current of pure energy that charged the air like the moments before lightning struck.” Like what? 🤨

As someone who does not believe in romantic love and is awfully cynical, I truly think I need to stop reading books focused on romance. In particular, House of Blight helped me realize that I have loved certain romance books in the past because of their intricate/unique concepts and storylines. From now on, I will stick to (animated) family movies/series if I want to be giddy over a romance. All in all, with graphic violence, minimal swearing and spice (unnaturally exaggerated amounts of tension, a handful of kisses and one unnecessary/uncomfortable scene), House of Blight is a book I would never recommend reading for the aforementioned reasons. :(

p.s. the Fernglove family has animalistic attributes like horns, tails and wings…

Edira and her brothers are barely getting by after the blight killed her parents. The blight is an infection that once contacted, kills mortals within an hour. Edira has magic that is called threadmending, which allows her to heal while stealing time from her own life. However she has never been able to cure blight and she hides her magic from the Evers. The Evers are magical near immortal rulers of the land. She must hide her magic as her aunt was taken by the Evers because she should also threadmend and she was never seen again.
When Edira's brothers get blight, she enters into an agreement with the Evers to learn more about her powers to try to heal them.
I was quickly drawn into this book and this magic system. Being a healer is not a new power, but the idea of life threads and mending leading to shortening your own threads was new to me and felt original to this story. There is a romance entwined in this story which I predicted and I even predicted the twist but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I wish there was more explained about blight- where it came from, how it infects people and plants, I also hoped Edira would learn more about her threadmending power and where it came from and how it works but maybe that's in future books!

I recommend this book and I'm excited to see where the series goes! I give it 4.25 stars

This story took way too long to grab any fragment of interest from me. Right from the prologue, I asked myself: what in the world did I just read?!

Descriptions were overdone and I found myself skipping through those, not caring about the details (SO many details).

The storyline was unique to anything I've read so I did push through to see if I'd enjoy it more as it went on, but the ending felt rushed and predictable.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I feel like it had more potential than what was given, but still a unique concept.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

**"House of Blight" by Maxym M. Martineau** is a gripping dark fantasy that plunges readers into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden secrets. The story follows a young protagonist navigating the treacherous world of the Blighted Houses, powerful factions corrupted by dark magic. As alliances shift and danger looms, the protagonist must uncover hidden truths while grappling with their own inner darkness. With high stakes, morally gray characters, and a richly built world, this book is a thrilling journey from start to finish.

Martineau excels at crafting an atmospheric and immersive setting, with vivid descriptions that bring the Blighted Houses to life. The characters are well-drawn, their complex relationships and shifting allegiances keeping the tension high throughout. The pacing is solid, blending action, mystery, and emotional depth in equal measure. Themes of power, corruption, and identity are explored in compelling ways, adding layers of meaning to the plot.

While the story is engaging, some twists were a bit predictable, and a few subplots could have been expanded for greater impact. However, these minor flaws don't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

**Rating:** ★★★★ (4/5)

*House of Blight* is a dark and enthralling fantasy that offers a compelling blend of action, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. Fans of morally complex tales and richly imagined worlds will find much to enjoy in this captivating read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review!

Quick Thoughts

House of Flame & Shadow by Sarah J Maas. I can’t believe I finally finished these books! Crescent City is sprawling & inventive, with lots of characters battling the big decision of safety versus compassion & freedom. This is my least fave series of hers & contains the main romance arc I was least invested in, but with that being said, it’s still great fantasy & a very high bar to try to reach. 4.25 ⭐️.

Miss Amelia’s List by Mercedes Lackey. Miss Amelia’s List dragged in many ways, & I can’t say that I fully loved any of the characters, who sometimes veered on stuffy, but it’s also an oddly interesting story of manners in a magical England. 2.5 ⭐️, out now. (Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)

Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma. This has been a great contemporary series with friendships that I really love. My fave is book 2, but this is a solid, if not 💯 ending, & I’m definitely looking forward to reading more. 4 ⭐️.

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau. The vibes are there in this fantasy, but the heroine forgives & forgets way too quickly for me in this one. I grew frustrated at her decision-making. Still, the visceral descriptions paint an effective fantasy setting where the stakes are high, even if I was not cheering for the love triangle romance tension. 3.25 ⭐️, out 04/08/25. (Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)

📖 have you read any of these or are any on your TBR?

I felt at the beginning that this had the potential to become a new fantasy favorite but unfortunately it did not deliver for me.
The unique magic system with amazing potential drew me in immediately. The gothic manor setting could not be improved upon. I loved the descriptions as well as the lore that was revealed about the house and grounds, perfectly placed in all its revelations. But none of that could make up for the lack of interesting characters, all but one were so incredibly dull or mere carcitures of a hundred other fantasy characters that I have read about in other books. Now Rorick was fascinating to me. I wanted to learn more about him but of course he was the one we spent the least time with. But I have to say the plot point that kept me from enjoying most of the story was how quickly our main characters emotions changed. Without spoiling the who in this review I will only say that it takes all of 1 entire day for her to go from hating the person who was responsible for harming her entire town and taking her aunt, to having feelings for him. It was maddening. I wish I got more from the characters because the setting could not be beat.

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.