I truly enjoyed this book. The concept of the threadmender and a mysterious uncurable disease had me hooked from the description and I fell in love with Edira's character as I read. She was strong and caring and thoughtful without feeling too forced. I was slightly frustrated at her willingness to trust some of the Ever's but I think we were supposed to be. While the basic bones of the plot were predictable I still couldn't put the book down to see how Edira was going to react to the reveals. I am bummed I have to wait so long for the next book in the duology to find out what happens next in this world.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read early in exchange for my honest opinion. House of Blight is the perfect gothic novel mixed with a perfect blend of magical elements. Edira comes from a family of threadmenders where their magic is very unique and can see one’s “life threads”. She can heal others injuries within seconds, however it is very unforgiving when it comes to her health and it takes away her own life threads. The only thing Edira cannot cure is blight, but she can ease the suffering of one passing from it. However being a threadmender can be deadly and if found out from an Ever, an immortal powerful family, Edira will be taken away to work for them. Fortunately, Orin Fernglove, an Ever discovers she is a threadmender and strikes a deal for Edira to work with him in exchange for curing her brothers who contracted blight. All of the Ever families have secrets they are trying to keep from coming to light.

i think the book was very well written, easy to follow. The beginning felt very YA for me but the ending really sold it for me with everything that started to pop off!

Review of House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau

House of Blight is a dark, immersive fantasy novel that grips readers from the very first page. Maxym M. Martineau has created a world teeming with intrigue, power struggles, and a deep sense of danger. The narrative is steeped in tension, and the author’s atmospheric writing ensures that the reader is drawn into every twist and turn of the plot.

The novel follows a compelling protagonist who navigates a world of deception and betrayal, all while grappling with her own past. The depth of the characters is one of the strongest points of the story. Martineau has a talent for writing flawed, multi-dimensional characters who grow through their struggles, making their emotional journeys resonate deeply. The protagonist’s internal conflict is portrayed with such nuance that it adds a layer of richness to the story, allowing readers to connect with her on an intimate level.

The pacing of House of Blight is spot on—there’s never a dull moment. Action sequences are balanced by moments of reflection, and both contribute to the tension that builds as the plot unfolds. The relationships between characters—whether allies, enemies, or somewhere in between—are complex and multifaceted. The shifting loyalties and hidden agendas keep the reader guessing, adding to the suspense that permeates the book.

Martineau’s world-building is another standout feature. The settings are dark and atmospheric, almost tangible, allowing the reader to lose themselves in this dangerous, ever-changing world. The blend of magic, political intrigue, and personal drama creates an engaging and immersive experience.

The unexpected plot twists keep the story fresh, with each revelation adding new layers to the already complicated narrative. Fans of dark fantasy will appreciate the intensity and the emotional stakes that Martineau builds throughout the book.

In conclusion, House of Blight is a captivating, intricately woven fantasy novel that delivers both in terms of action and emotional depth. With its strong protagonist, complex relationships, and atmospheric world-building, it’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and those who enjoy stories that keep them guessing until the very end.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read early in exchange for my honest opinion. House of Blight was a very interesting gothic novel! Edira comes from a family of threadmenders where their magic is very unique and can see one’s “life threads”. She can cure injuries in a blink of an eye, however it is very taxing on her health and it takes away her own life threads. The only thing Edira cannot cure is blight, but she can ease the suffering of one passing from it. However being a threadmender is dangerous and if found out from an Ever, an immortal powerful family, Edira will be taken away to work for them. Fortunately, Orin Fernglove, an Ever discovers she is a threadmender and strikes a deal for Edira to work with him in exchange for curing her brothers who contracted blight. All of the Ever families have secrets, illnesses and things to hide. In trying to cure blight, will Edira be able to survive or will her own life threads give out on her too?

This was an enjoyable read. I think a lot of people are going to really like. I did not find any errors on the ARC either.

I loved that we got that POV near the end as I did like that character early on. I liked the characters for the most part, too, and how it's definitely one of the more realistic reactions to a situation/world like that I have seen. Emotions are raw and real. Our characters experience them.

However, I feel like there were some issues with pacing of the story. It was a bit slow, and characters were either absent for parts or they just changed demeanor really quick. The twists and turns were good. Naturally, some I saw coming and some I didn't, but I am definitely interested in book two.

I feel so privileged to have read this book early. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC.

What a joy to read! Martineau took fantasy in an all-new direction with House of Blight. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique aspect of healing and illness in this story.

What set this book apart for me is that the story had so many twists and turns, and it takes you for a ride! The MCs were cunning and often cruel. The navigation of an enemy that wasn't necessarily sentient, plus the actual sentient enemies mixed with feminine rage was so well done in this book.

The world building and magic systems were easily accessible, and I feel this book would even be good for non-fantasy readers.

This book really stood out for me so far this year because it didn't feel like 1) a traditional romance and 2) a traditional romantasy. It is definitely worth the read, and I'm excited to say it will be a book I'll happily reread again.

3.5 stars

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Maxym and it won’t be the last for sure! The prologue of this book hooked me immediately. I do feel like as we got further into the story, the plot started to lag a bit and wasn’t quite as impactful as that first 10% of the book. But holy cow, the gothic atmosphere and vibes and the mystery of it all was everything I wanted. Slow-burn romance, magical notes and haunting tones, I really enjoyed this one.

Looking forward to reading whatever the author puts out next.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book so much! I was not expecting all of the twists and turns at the end. I loved the relationships that Edira made along the way. I am excited to see how this story progresses in the sequels. I thought that the Prologue really set you up to learning about Threadmenders and evers. I think that this gothic/romantasy was a really good take on the whole "Fae" based era we are in. I think the addition of the blight was interesting and a different take. I can't wait to read more in this series!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau on sale April 8, 2025! Thank you @thenerdfam, @maxymmckay, and @harpervoyagerus for this beautiful ARC!

“𝖂𝖊𝖑𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕱𝖊𝖗𝖓𝖌𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝕸𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖗. 𝕭𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖋𝖚𝖑 𝖜𝖍𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖗𝖚𝖘𝖙.”

This book absolutely captivated me from the second I saw the cover (isn’t she stunning) to starting to dive into its words. It blends gothic romance, magic, heartbreak, and beautiful world building all into such an interesting story. I found the characters very likable, and spent the entire time trying to figure out what would happen next!

There is so much intrigue and mystery that left me on my toes. I truly loved the world, and the magic system was super unique. There were so many layers of secrets and suspicions I couldn’t stop reading, even when I struggled a little in then middle and felt myself skimming, I needed to know what would happen! (P.s. this could have been a me thing, I’ve had a stressful week) I’m really curious where the series will go next and can’t wait to go back to that world!

I can’t thank Harper Collins, The Nerd Fam, or Maxym M. Martineau for my copy of this book!

I was truly hooked from the first page of this book. The way the author gave back story and weaved so many different stories together was truly magical. Not to mention the suspense, the banter, and the tension!!

Edira, our FMC, is a threadmender - an individual with the ability to heal injuries and cure diseases. Living in a time when a sickness so great even she can rid it is running wild. She‘s no stranger to heartache and loss, but when her brothers contract the sickness, she’ll do anything to save her last remaining family members.

Magic comes with a cost, in this case, it’s her life.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

I am always a fan of books that break out of the typical magic world. HOUSE OF BLIGHT by Maxym M. Martineau does exactly this. Edira is an FMC trying to navigate a world that wants her for her power, but nothing is as it seems. The sickness created by Martineau is so intriguing, and I can not wait to see how the characters and world continue to develop. If you like Fae, forced proximity, darker tones to a book, romance, and strong FMC, then I highly recommend checking out House of Blight! Comes out April 8, 2025.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"House of Blight" by Maxym M. Martineau was captivating from the very first page. This gothic romantasy follows Edira, a human with a rare type of healing magic that she has kept hidden from everyone. She's tasked with trying to save her family and the immortal Evers from the deadly blight that's been running rampant. The book features unique magic, intricate world-building, unexpected plot twists, and a slow-burn romance.

I'm going to need the next book to come out soon!

What you get when you mix the atmosphere of Spring Court, the fae characteristics of Cruel Prince, the creepiness of Saltburn, and the twisted romance of Quicksilver.

This book was so unique and atmospheric with a GREAT twisty plot, I could not put it down. Vibes are gothic moody cottage core with a small dose of regal high society.

All of the characters have questionable morals, no pure bad or good, all filled with secrets that keep you turning the page wanting more.

Not to mention the insect daddy MMC (who knew bug familiars could be hot).

This is unlike anything I’ve read before and I’m SO happy I gave it a chance.

Oh this… was everything I could have ever wanted. It took all of my favorite parts from other series that I love and somehow made a story so unique. Incredible.

TL;DR at the end

House of Blight was one of my most anticipated reads, and I was thrilled to get an ARC from NetGalley. The gothic atmosphere? Perfection. From the eerie Fernglove estate to the tension simmering between its inhabitants, the book immediately pulled me in. It had that haunting, unsettling quality that reminded me of One Dark Window, mixed with the push-and-pull love triangle dynamics that gave me Vampire Diaries vibes. While I really enjoyed my reading experience, a few things kept it from being a full five-star read.

What to Expect:
• A gothic fantasy with a dark, eerie setting
• A love triangle between Edina and the two mysterious Fernglove brothers
• A slow unraveling of secrets—who can really be trusted?
• A heroine balancing survival, duty, and dangerous attraction
• Casual LGBTQ+ representation woven into the world

What I Loved:
The writing was engaging and easy to get lost in, and the gothic atmosphere was everything I wanted—dark, immersive, and dripping with tension. The Fernglove estate felt like its own character, and the eerie, closed-off setting added so much to the story’s mystery. There was a constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and I loved how that unease lingered throughout the book.

The romance was intriguing, especially with the two brothers, Odin and Rorick, who each brought something different to the dynamic. While I wished there was more emotional development between them and Edina, the tension was definitely there. It kept me invested, even when I wasn’t sure where things were going. The shifting loyalties and hidden motives made for a compelling read—I was constantly questioning who could actually be trusted.

I also really appreciated the way queerness was casually included in the world. Edina’s bisexuality is mentioned in passing, and same-sex relationships exist without question, which I always love seeing in fantasy.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
The biggest issue was the pacing in the middle. The story starts with high stakes, but the main conflict fades into the background at a certain point, making it feel like we’re just waiting for things to pick up again. While the romance had some great moments, certain shifts felt abrupt, and I wasn’t always convinced by how quickly feelings changed. Edina also made some frustrating choices—she overlooked things that felt very obvious, which made some plot developments feel too convenient.

The ending left me with mixed feelings. While I loved the reveals surrounding certain characters (especially Orin), a few elements felt rushed or underexplained, leaving me with more questions than answers. I also couldn’t help but wonder why certain information was withheld for so long when it could have changed everything much earlier.

Final Thoughts:
House of Blight was an engaging, atmospheric read that hooked me even with a few pacing and character frustrations. The gothic vibes were spot-on, the mystery had me second-guessing everyone, and the tension (both in the romance and the story itself) made it hard to put down. If you love eerie, creepy fantasies with morally grey characters and dark secrets, this one is definitely worth checking out!

Will I continue the series?
Absolutely! Even though it may seem like I criticised a lot, it was overall a delightful read, and I can't wait for the second one to come out!

TL;DR
House of Blight delivers immaculate gothic vibes with an eerie estate, a slow unraveling of secrets, and a love triangle that gives major Vampire Diaries energy. The writing is engaging, the tension keeps you hooked, and the morally grey characters make for an intriguing read. However, the middle loses focus, the romance shifts a little too quickly, and some plot elements feel underexplained. Still, if you love dark, atmospheric fantasy with a hint of romance and a constant sense of unease, this one is worth picking up!

Thank you to NetGalley, TheNerdFam and Harper Collins for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!



(Instagram post following, this paragraph will be deleted when post goes online (around 12th February)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This started out great and the entire premise of the story was great. However I think I'm getting sick of the whole "fmc falls for one brother but other brother also is intriguing and who does she really love." Also the "twist" at the end not really a twist, but when the fmc discovers the real truth about the Evers, that was good. It will be interesting to see how this all wraps up in the sequel. 3.5 stars.

I could not put this down! The emotions that I went through....it felt like I experienced every emotion that Edira did. The book was written in such a way that you felt the despair for her brothers, the confusion in finding an ending for the blight, and the anger between Rorik and Orin. This book was everything I needed.

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this book!

This book was not what I expected! Edira is a threadmender. So has the ability to see others life threads and heal them from almost anything. But In doing so it takes time away from her own life. She was told to never use her abilities for fear of the Evers finding her. The Evers are a race of immortals with extraordinary power. And they want threadmenders. For what she doesn’t know. One day her brothers catch The Blight and who is to find her…. An Ever.

The plot of the story never felt slow, but it did feel a little rushed at times. The world was beautiful and alluring and the mystery’s that were involved and me snared! I felt that the characters where relatable. Especially Edira, as someone who cares a lot about the people in my life and at times put their needs before mine, It was easy to be drawn to her.

If you like gothic fantasy, romance, mystery, cottage core vibes. This book is for you! Overall I enjoyed the story and can’t wait read the next one!

I really enjoyed this book. I like how it isn’t your cookie cutter romantasy it has some gothic vibes and kept my attention the whole time. I love that in book 1 she didn’t just live happily ever after with the MMC but that she went home and lived her life now don’t get me wrong the way the book ended I’m excited to see where we pick up at in book 2 but it was refreshing that she didn’t just forgive and forget instantly.

This was a fun, fantastical romp! I felt like I was hooked from start to finish. Plus, anything classified as "gothic" is an automatic win in my book.