This book wasn't really for me, but that's okay! This book is very derivative of ACOTAR (specifically the first book in that series), and if that's something you think you'll love, then you should absolutely pick up this book. Unfortunately, that was not something I was looking for.

The characters are very interesting in this book -- I really liked the side characters, though I wish there was more depth to everyone. They were compelling characters, just a little surface-level. <spoiler>Orin's "secret" motive was very easy to predict, especially considering all the ways he reminded me of Tamlin. The romance just felt too easy and he was too open and trusting. </spoiler>

The plot itself was very predictable and almost immediately I figured out one of the big twists. Though, I will admit that I did not see <spoiler> all of the Evers being blight-ridden</spoiler> coming. The magic itself was also confusing at times. I thought her healing powers worked by transferring the illness/injury to herself, but then it was a big reveal when <spoiler>she learned she could transfer the blight to herself</spoiler>? Like wouldn't that be the first thing you try? I also thought the ending was a little like putting a bandage on the whole thing.

I liked the atmosphere of the novel, I liked how monstrous the Evers were, and I liked how magical the book felt. Making the magic that the Evers use have a scent was a very good decision, it really made the magic come alive. While I won't understand why the Evers couldn't just be Fae, I still liked that they were Fae in everything but name. I'm interested in the lore of the world, as well as what actually causes the blight, as neither of those are explained in this book (they'll probably be explored more in the sequel). I have my theories, and it might be just enough to get me to read the next book.

I think this book has a really good foundation, and that the author is really talented. I also think that this book was too derivative and would have shined more if it was a little more unique. Even if I decide against continuing this series, this is an author I will be very open to reading from again in the future.

This book was a great concept but it dragged a bit for me and I wasn't a huge fan of the FMC but this is a beautiful world and an interesting concept.
3.5 stars

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: House of Blight

House of Blight is the first in a gothic fantasy duology. We meet Edira, a threadmender who loses a piece of her own life essence when using her magic to heal others.

To save her loved ones, she enters into a bargain with an influential family to help counter the blight. As dark secrets unfurl and time runs out, Edira faces shocking discoveries and painful truths that force her to decide what she’s willing to risk and lose.

Tropes:
🙌Female rage
🧚Insect daddy
👀Beast forms
💫Training scenes
🦋Maple moth familiar
🫂Forced proximity
🔥Slow burn romance

I was drawn to Edira’s dedication and was invested in her journey as she encounters looming dangers, unravels mysteries, and forms deep connections during her time in Fernglove Manor.

With clever twists and reveals, this story immerses the reader within its vivid world teeming with unique magic, dark themes, and atmospheric Gothic backdrop.

Huge thanks to the author, Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and The Nerd Fam for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Okay wow.
This could be one of the next fantasy books to blow up on tiktok/instagram.

If you are a fan of darker gothic romantasy and a unique magic system this is your winner.
I was not a huge fan of One Dark Window, but I loved this so much more.

The world building was super easy to follow along with and I felt like I could actually see the world in my head.
Super interested to see what happens in book two of this duology.
Do not overlook this book!!!

Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!

✨What was the last book that left you wanting more?✨

Thank you so much Maxym M. Martineau, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for both the eARc and finished copy of House of Blight. All
Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you ever been in the mood for a magical gothic mystery full of twist and turns, high stakes energy, and a strong FMC determined to control her fate? If so, you absolutely need to add House of Blight to your tbr!

I’m always drawn to books that feature a heaping dose of the mysterious and House of Blight is no exception! I was enthralled by Edira’s journey to Fernglove Manor and her quest to heal the blight before it could consume the people she loved most. I found her to be brave, relatable, and whip smart, which is my favorite kind of FMC!

Another aspect of House of Blight that I enjoyed as a reader was that you know exactly as much as Edira at any given time. The slow unfolding of the mysteries of the Manor had me questioning everything right along with Edira, which made the whole story feel like I was experiencing everything with a friend.

Finally, one of the most addictive parts of the story was never being sure who you could trust! From chapter to chapter I could never quite anticipate who would turn out to be a true companion to Edira and who would betray her to her face or behind her back. If you’re anything like me, House of Blight will have you questioning everything until the very last page!

Finally, the ending gave me so many feels! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

In the pages, you will find:

🤧A mysterious illness
❤️‍🩹Healing Magic
🏰An ominous Manor house
🤝Strong family bonds
❤️Romance (light, one spicy scene)
😳Unexpected friendships
🤯Betryals
👀An ending that will leave you wanting more!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

#maxymmmartineau #harpervoyager #netgalley #houseofblight #mythoughts #romantasy

The author does a great job at showing rather than telling. There was a lot of things to take in and it was nice to slowly be fed that through out the story.

I felt like I was getting whiplash going back and forth on who I think Edira should trust. And the point of that being, you shouldn’t trust anyone. But they’re hot… yes they.

The amount of detail that went into describing the infected was so intense. I felt like I could smell the decay. Ok yes gross, but so well done at the same time.

I think book 2 of this duology was set up very nicely. I am definitely going to read the next one.

Edira has a gift, one she must keep hidden or any number of people might try to take advantage of it and her. One that brings both blessing and curse with it, especially once she is discovered by the Evers, the very immortal elites she loathes. A deal is struck, time is not on her side, and drastic measures must be taken in the name of love.

This gothic vibed fantasy will 100% live rent free in my head and I’m chomping at the bit to read book two! This new release coming April 8th will be part of a duology and it will 100% be added to my collection! I was able to read this as an ARC and I am so eternally grateful to NetGalley for that chance!

I love a story where appearances don’t align with the reality that unfolds and this book delivered it ten fold! Immortals and mortals, tension in more ways than one, banter so good I actually squealed out loud a couple times. And a plot that snowballs so heavily that by the end I was swept away and shocked and broken! There are so many things I loved! The unique magic/gifting that feels like. necromancer, the tension, the banter, the feeling of a why choose about to happen but the choice is so clear but also soooo not!

The characters had great development and depth, plus secrets and I really enjoyed how the author not only described some parts so well but also left some a little hidden to keep pulling you in for more. The ending was a cliffhanger but in a way where it could end there or continue, and I’m frankly very excited for it to continue.

Definitely recommend like a hundred times over, 5 star read for me!

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is the reason I almost don't want to find a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC, because I'm in love with the story and now I have to wait even longer for the next book!

I said almost - honestly it's a dream to find a ARC that fits my mood and fantasy needs. This author had me from page one and I was incredibly invested in how it all turned out.

I knew how most of the story was going to go, but that didn't stop me from getting excited or stressed about the events happening. While I had a rough gist of what was going to happen, I was pleasantly surprised about how it all went down. Those last fifty of so pages had me on the EDGE.

Powerful, twisted, and glamoured. Layers of truths turned inside out and all those beautifully painted promises.

I can see why people suggest this book of you like ACOTAR. I'd also suggest it if you like Labyrinth (1986 movie) and/or Touch of Power by Maria Snyder.

Thank you Netgalley, The Nerd Fam, and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC 💚

This comes out 4/8/25 - Highly Recommended

As a threadmender, Edira Brillwyn’s hidden magic can heal wounds and cure sickness, but every stitch she weaves drains her own life. When an Ever, the powerful, immortal overseers of her home town of Willowfell, discovers her gift, she is forced into an impossible bargain: heal his family from the deadly Blight and risk losing her life in the process, or refuse to help and watch her own brothers succumb to the illness.

The world-building takes time to unfold, but once the story gains momentum, it becomes truly engaging. Tension builds steadily throughout: will she succeed, or will she fail? Can she survive the cost of her magic, or will it consume her? Romantasy readers will appreciate the slow-burning romantic tension woven seamlessly into the plot. While the forced proximity dynamic (where a mortal woman is taken from her home by an immortal, magical being) may feel familiar, it’s executed in a way that keeps the story fresh. The ending delivers a satisfying payoff, bringing everything to a boiling point before leaving us with a taste of what’s to come in the next book. A solid pick for romantasy fans, and I recommend you go in blind.

Thank you Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book sits somewhere between ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas and A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney and I LOVE IT.

This book gave me all of the good vibes a Romantasy book should—complex magic system, intriguing family and character relationship dynamics, and of course, a human out of place with non-human beings. It is everything I wanted and I need to read book two (which is not out...) IMMEDIATELY.

This book is magical, in a gothic and slightly creepy way, and the choices the characters have to grapple with all come with dire consequences.

High stakes, high fantasy, and I LOVE IT.

~~Tropes~~
✨Gothic, Dark Romantasy
✨Magical Vows
✨Fae-Like Beings
✨Slow Burn
✨Forced Proximity
✨1st Person, Dual POV

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

✨Thank you, HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio, Avon, and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager, for the ARC/ALC and finished copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.✨

From the very first page, House of Blight had me utterly captivated. Maxym M. Martineau weaves a darkly enchanting tale full of gothic atmosphere, morally gray characters, and an eerie yet mesmerizing world that lingers long after the final chapter. If you’re a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince, or the unsettling allure of Saltburn, this book delivers on every level.

At its heart, this is the story of Edira Brillwyn, an apothecary with a forbidden power—she can heal nearly any ailment, but at a terrible cost. Every time she uses her gift, she sacrifices part of her own lifespan. When the deadly blight threatens to take her brothers, Edira is prepared to pay the ultimate price. But before she can make that sacrifice, she is intercepted by Orin Fernglove, a fae lord who offers her a deal: if she uses her abilities to help find a cure for the blight, her brothers will be placed in stasis, giving her a chance to save them without immediate loss. Desperate, she agrees, stepping into the eerie, secret-laden world of Fernglove Manor.

Fernglove Manor is as breathtaking as it is foreboding, filled with fae who are flawless, arrogant, and dangerously enigmatic. Orin is no exception. His offer seems simple—heal one fae, and she’s free—but the deeper Edira digs, the more she realizes just how entangled she has become in the house’s dark mysteries. The tension between Orin and his brother Rorik is palpable, reminiscent of the high-stakes power plays between Rhysand and Tamlin. Their rivalry simmers beneath the surface, adding layers of intrigue and danger to Edira’s already precarious position.

Martineau masterfully crafts a world that feels both lush and claustrophobic. The blight isn’t just a disease—it’s a looming, ever-present terror that shapes the lives of those who fear it. The manor itself breathes with secrets, and as Edira unravels them, the story takes twists that will leave readers gasping.

And let’s talk about the romance—slow-burn, filled with tension, and utterly delicious. Orin is the epitome of the brooding, morally complex fae lord, and his interactions with Edira are charged with a chemistry that keeps the pages turning. But beyond the romance, the novel shines in its exploration of sacrifice, power, and the blurred lines between hero and villain. No character is wholly good or evil, making every interaction feel unpredictable and compelling.

And yes, insect familiars have never been more fascinating—or strangely attractive. (Who knew bug daddies could be hot?)

This book is a must-read for fans of gothic, moody cottage core aesthetics infused with regal high society drama. With its unique magic system, morally complex characters, and jaw-dropping twists, House of Blight is a hauntingly beautiful tale that will grip you from the prologue to the final sentence.

Are you ready to be completely consumed by this book? Mark your calendars—House of Blight hits shelves on April 8, 2025, and you do NOT want to miss it!


🖤Length: 384 Pages
🖤Genre: Fantasy
🖤Spice: 🌶️
🖤Violence: 🔥🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: The Threadmender Chronicles
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc.

Edira lives a life in disguise, she is threadmender, with the power to heal others but at the cost of her own life. But with "Blight" infecting the land and people, staying hidden is no longer an option for Edira. Found out by the most powerful and head of the Fernglove family, Orin. Orin is as kind as he is handsome (and he's really handsome). But can Edira trust him? Or the rest of the hostile Fernglove family?

Martineau has written a feast for the imagination, this book has such beautiful imagery that its easy to feel immersed in this new fantasy world. She painted with words so vividly, its beautiful to read. Not mention the twisting and turning dark plot.

From the very first page we are thrown into a Edira's life and her desperate situation. At first it seems to a be leading us down standard formula in fantasy books, but Martineau has tricks hidden up her sleeve, behind all the dark glamour of the Ferngloves so many secrets await to be revealed.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7453037753

This was such a surprising read and I enjoyed it so much! This story follows our main character, Edira, who has magical powers — she can heal people but each time she uses this incredible magic, it takes a bit from her own life. If you like a strong and determined female main character then Edira is your girl! There is a blight that has no cure and it has taken away so much from Edira. When her brothers catch the blight she is prepared to use her magic to heal them. But the Fernglove family finds out about her power and convinces her to (under certain circumstances) work for them, at their home, to research and find a cure for the blight. The Ferngloves are what we would normally call faeries but this author puts her own little spin on things. The magic system is very interesting but I felt like it needed a bit of work, which I’m assuming will happen in the books that follow this one. Up until this point I felt that the book was a little slow but it does pick up the pace once she is at the Fernglove house. This family is very dysfunctional and intense. The story starts developing more and more and we see some interesting happenings and come across some individuals with motives to uncover. There is a bit of a romantic subplot which adds a tiny bit of depth to the story but I hope we see more of this in coming books. There was a twist that I did kind of see coming but I was enjoying the story enough that it didn’t bother me. The ending wasn’t a super crazy cliffhanger which I consider a good thing! It was just enough to keep the reader interested in future books! Overall, I definitely recommend giving this book a chance!

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

House of Blight is a dark, atmospheric, and utterly immersive read that pulls you into a world where power is a dangerous game and secrets lurk in every shadow. Maxym M. Martineau delivers a story that blends gothic horror with fantasy, crafting a tale that’s as haunting as it is compelling.

The worldbuilding is rich and eerie, with a setting that feels alive—twisting corridors, cursed bloodlines, and a creeping sense of dread that never fully fades. The protagonist is complex and flawed, struggling against forces both external and internal, and the side characters are just as layered, each with their own motives and mysteries.

The pacing is deliberate, with the first half leaning heavily on tension-building and intrigue before things really kick into gear. While this slow burn pays off in emotional depth, there are moments where it feels like the plot could move just a touch faster. However, the payoff is worth it, with a climax that delivers both thrills and gut punches.

If you love dark fantasy with morally gray characters, eerie family legacies, and just the right amount of gothic horror, House of Blight is absolutely worth the read. It’s not a light book, but it is a beautifully written, immersive one that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

This book was an absolute page-turner!

Our FMC, Edira, is a Threadmender—gifted with the ability to heal others, though at the cost of her own life threads. When her brothers contract the blight—a horrific flesh-eating disease—she has no choice but to strike a deal with the powerful Fernglove family. And so, her journey begins.

Set in a hauntingly gothic castle where nothing is as it seems, the story weaves together tension, forced proximity, betrayal, and long-buried secrets threatening to tear families apart. The prettiest faces? Not so pretty once the magic fades.

Bottom line: Trust no one.

Thank you @uplitreads @netgalley @harpervoyagerus #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

House of Blight was such a splendid surprise by this first time for me author Maxym M. Martineau. I absolutely loved this one! I am always amazed at how unique and fascinating some authors stories are and this one was one of those! This is set in a magical land where our main character Edira has special abilities that heal people quickly. That sounds like a great thing however when she uses her powers to heal people she herself loses time off her own life. Eek! 😬 There is a virus called Blight that is sweeping the land and Edira is on the job to save people since she’s a threadmender. Edira is invited to the Fernglove family’s manor to learn how to tame her skills and also to try and help her brother who has caught blight. This is where the drama and tension starts to develop because naturally there are two brothers Orin and Rorik and things aren’t a walk in the park. 👀

I love finding new authors that knock it out of the park and this one made my heart so happy! I have been on a romantasy hunt lately and this one definitely satisfied my itch! I loved how high the stakes were with her healing and losing herself each time and of course the fact that she needed to save her brothers! The sense of urgency made this book that much more intense and kept me flipping pages as quickly as I could. The romance was definitely stabby at the start but ended up being incredible. I am super pumped this is a duology and will definitely be looking for the next book. If you’re looking for a gothic fantasy in an atmospheric and magical environment this one is not to be missed. I cannot say enough positive things about this book!

The writing in this was incredible, the author created the best atmosphere in this novel. However I disliked being in the head of the frustratingly naive main character.

I finished this book and immediately wanted to reread, so aka a five star read for me!
House of Blight is going to be part of a duology and with the way this book left me hanging, I’m going to need the next one soon! The world building and magic system was easy to follow and learn and the book as a whole had such good gothic romantasy vibes. The way the author described the blight was too good, I could visualize and smell how truly awful it was. Edira(fmc) was smart and fierce and I can’t imagine having the ability to heal but it costs you bits of your life. Like Edira, I couldn’t figure out which character to trust and who to choose! The slow burn between certain characters was so fun to read and the last few chapters of the book I couldn’t stop reading!!
I need a Ywena and insect daddy!!

Thank you to the Nerdfam, Harper Voyager US and Maxym M. Martineau for the eARC

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau is a first person dual-POV dark fantasy romance. Edira is a threadmender, a healer who sacrifices part of her life when she uses her powers. When her powers are discovered and her brothers contact the blight, a deadly illness spreading through the land, the powerful Fernglove family take her in and promise to help her find a cure. But they have their own agenda.

The Fernglove family who descended from the very first Ever were a glamor that hides their magic and less human qualities. There is a vague monsterlover aspect though it’s something that probably could be ignored for the most part if a reader isn’t into that. The non-human characteristics don’t show up very often in this book (I hope they show up more in the next book) and it’s mostly in tails and horns rather than scales or fur. I think if a reader isn’t super into monsterlover romance but is into werewolves and vampires, this veers closer to the latter than the former.

There is a love triangle of sorts between Orin, who brings Erida into the manor and offers to help her, and Rorik, who is Orin’s brother. Orin is sweet and kind and seems to genuinely want to help Erida while Rorik is a bit of a jerk who very openly flirts with Erida and is more overtly sexual. While Erida is quite charmed by Orin and pushes herself to keep choosing him, she can’t push Rorik from her thoughts entirely. A lot of the romance language is centered around Rorik and he definitely fits the ‘jerk with a heart of gold’ trope while Orin is a bit of a walking red flag.

I’m a big fan of interesting magic systems and I liked this magic system a lot. The original Ever who could wield fire bathed in flames until its magic became part of her and the first Ever basically interested magical artifacts into her skin. I hope the second book explores this even more because I want to know the limitations of Erida’s powers as a threadmender/healer vs the powers of the Evers, because I feel like there must be at least some overlap.

I would recommend this to fans of darker fantasy with a romance plot and readers who love Romantasy with love triangles and brothers competing for the main character

I love a good gothic read and House of Blight was atmospheric in the best way. I also found the magic system that Martineau built to be fascinating especially, Edira’s powers. Edira is a threadmender and can “mend” the soul threads of those in need. However, this magic comes at a price. It’s an even bigger price when she gets caught by the Fernglove family and has to work for them. The good news for readers is that the Fernglove family is fascinating. I loved seeing how Edira interacted with each individual member. There’s also romance in this story, but it’s not as straightforward as it initially seems. This was great for me because I was rooting for a certain character the whole time. I will say, though, an “insect daddy” is a first for me. As someone who really hates bugs, it took me a bit to adjust to that. Ywena, though, was the real winner for me. I love an adorable sidekick, and Ywena definitely meets that. In terms of plot, the story started a little slow for me. However, it quickly picks up with twists and turns. Some of the twists were more predictable than others, but it was still enjoyable to see how Martineau carried out the twist. I combo read this via ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by Alexandra Hunter and Stephen Dexter. Hunter definitely carries the bulk of the narration in this installment, but I’m hoping we get more of Dexter in book two. They both did so well. There was plenty of energy and emotion. I don’t think you can go wrong with either the ebook or audiobook. I’m excited to see where book two goes.