I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I think Martineau did a really good job with creating a dark magical setting and the characters were likeable. The only thing I would critique about this is the way the characters always had a heated look, I felt like it was a little overdone.

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau is a gothic romantasy that drew me in from the first chapter till the very end. I could not contain my joy being able to get a hold of this arc and reading it in a couple of days!

The story starts with the main female character named, " Edira Brillwyn" who is a twenty-five years old Threadmender. As a threadmender, she has a magical gift to heal. Tragically, every time she ails and heals anyone it takes some threads of her own life. By threadmending it diminishes and causes her life to be shorten. In the later story, a disease called, "The Blight" creeps and is discovered within her two brothers. The blight is a sickness that is a incurable , grotesque and terrifying disease that is spreading through the land. As the story is revealed in the story, she is assisted by the Ferngloves who is led by Orin Fernglove. She learns to yeild her power as a threadmender as she stays in the Ferngloves manor. The more Edina stays in the Ferngloves manor, secrets, deception and mystery begins to stir within the manor.

House of Blight is beautifully written. I loved the world that Maxym M. Martineu built and had me image. She knows how to draw you into a different world and relm. Not only did I love this gothic romantasy, I envied the way the blight was described. There is no one else that I would be a perfect fit to describe the Blight than Maxym M. Martineau! This is a read that I've been yearning on reading around Halloween. I know this the first book in this duology. I can't wait to read the second book! There was a twist in the book that had me SPEECHLESS and FLABBERGASTED.

Thank you so much Maxym M. Martineau and Harper Voyage for this ARC on NetGalley!

3.5 stars rounded up

House of Blight is a good start to what will be a duology. While some aspects were a little predictable IMO, I did really love the whole premise of the book. Edira who’s a threadmender who can heal people but at the expense of her own longevity so she’s been hiding her magic her whole life.

A blight that’s attacking the land and killing people means that there are some who are desperate for a person like her to help them. This story follows Edira as she trains to hone her magic skills.

As mentioned above, there were a few predictable bits that I saw coming from a mile away but it didn’t bother me enough that I would stay away from the next book. I’ll def be reading it. A few parts especially near the last quarter of the book went at lightning speed and I feel like they could have been fleshed out a little more so they didn’t feel so rushed.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.

I really enjoyed this! The story was unique, the vibes were dark, the characters were interesting! I don't want to discuss too much and give things away, but I would highly recommend this one. Especially for fans of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace!

I liked the romance - it's definitely more of a side plot, but I'm reaaaally looking forward to where it goes in the next book!

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC.

I love the unique story. It is captivating. There were times it dragged and was frustrating, but the end made up for it. I look forward to the sequel.

I loved the gothic feel to this book! I was hooked from page one and knew the FMC was going to be a favorite of mine. The imagery was so unreal and no one page in the book was boring!

what a wonderfully gothic and well paced fantasy!!! i already can’t wait for the second book, this did everything i love and im already invested 🤭

first of all, the writing is so gorgeous and atmospheric i think i read it at the perfect time and it was a little reminiscent of belladonna with a hint of one dark window- do with that what you will ;)

overall, solid start to a new series!!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book!

I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the plot, the world, and the magic system. Once I began reading this book I couldn’t stop. The entire story held my attention because something interesting happened in every chapter. I caught onto the storyline fairly early, but that didn’t spoil anything and even still it panned out differently than I had expected. I couldn’t recommend this book enough!

Thank you #HouseofBlight #NetGalley for an Arc of this amazing book !

I loved this book , I honestly would love to see it as a movie or show ! The imagery this book paints is just next level the gore and intense detail really makes you feel it and tantalizes all your senses .

I kinda guessed what was going on pretty early but it was a wonderful experience waiting for it all to come to fruition.

I connected to the characters immediately and needed to know more .

The spice is tame but that didn’t bother me you still get a wonderful story without that being the main focal point.

Im so excited for the next book and sad for the wait !

I highly recommend this book , it might not be for everyone but I’m a bit twisted myself !

I'm so in love with this book I cannot get it out of my head.

5/5 I devoured. One of my new favorites from the 300+ books I've gotten through this year. Enchanting writing style I'll dream about for years to come.

As a prologue hater, this was the best prologues I've ever read and had me hooked, desperately hanging on to find out what came next. The writing flows magically well. Not only was the story enchanting, but I read every single word because of how beautifully written it was, and I needed to soak it up.

I hope they release a special edition because I need the physical book on my bookcase.

The magic system was maybe not the most unique, and there were a lot of borrowed ideas from Fae for the Evers, but they were still interesting and had enough unique aspects to grab my attention. I love Fae as they're wildly popular right now, but I was happy with the twists on them and making a new creative story with new ideas. The story walked us through every aspect in a delicate way that did not bog down the storytelling. I also liked that the story wasn't dark but hinged on darker ideas so I could see the story appeal to a lot of people, even people newer to fantasy stories. I'd recommend it to everyone who loves a good book. I don't know how anyone could rate less than 5. I'm still mesmerized by the writing style and voice of the story. The plot hooked deep claws into me, and I can't wait for more.

I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to finish with this book. The pace was perfect and the hints about the blight and the Evers were so mysterious that I could not stop guessing what was going on. Edira has a secret power, she’s a theeadmender, and she must keep it secret after her aunt, also a threadmender, was taken. Edira’s brother contract the Blight and right before they die from the disease, a stranger stops it from spreading in exchange for Edira’s help with the Blight.
The fernglove family is an Ever family, the most powerful in the region, so Edira must help them cure the Blight and cure her brothers. The trick is too not die herself. I think that loophole was the cherry on top. Edira having this power but including the consequences. It made sense to the story and it gives insight as to why it is so difficult to cure the Blight. Because it pains her and shortens her lifespan every time she uses her power.
It was very easy to get lost in the magic of the Fernglove family along with Edira. It gave it a better edge for when we find out the truth about their evervow and their biggest secrets. Odin always seemed a bit suspicious to me with all his charm and power maybe a bit obvious but it did not bother me. I was really glad to see Rorik’s secrets, that was the surprise for me and I liked it.
I was really happy with this ending and how Edira is now this hardened version of herself. I really want to see where this heartbond storyline will go, it has potential for sure.

Please see below for my review. I will include a Book Synopsis and a List of Tropes in my post on IG. This review will be posted the week of 10/28/24 and I will add links for both Goodreads and IG to NetGalley after it goes live.

Thank you so much Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for gifting me for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was gothic Romatasy perfection! I will be super shocked if this book is not trending on Booksta next year when it releases. This book centers around Edina who is a a threadmender. Threadmenders are rare magic users who can heal people, but with a huge cost. Every time they heal, they lose a bit of their life. Edina is caught using her powers to save her two brothers by Orin Fernglove, who is the head of a powerful immortal family. She is forced to make a deal with him to save them.

This book had plenty of twists and turns. The gothic Romantasy genre is seriously becoming one of my all time favs. This book was atmospheric, eerie, and even had some fun creepy moments. Blight the illness her family catches, sounds horribly gross and makes perfect sense in this book setting. I really enjoyed the interactions Edina had with the Ferngloves. They are a family who puts the fun in disfunction. You really never know what any of their intentions are and I greatly enjoyed all those scenes. I also loved the descriptions of the Ferngloves magic and I want my own Ywena (Mothlike creature.) I can’t wait to read the second book in this duology. Solid 5 star read. Highly recommend this book.

You should read this book if you love the following tropes:

Gothic Romantasy
Magical Vows
Haunted House
Slow Burn Romance
Forced Proximity
Mothlike Creature Pet :)

I absolutely loved this book. House of Blight dragged me into its depths from the very first pages and I could not put it down. With amazingly well written characters, a plot that even I couldn’t begin to truly guess at, and a backstory that still has me reeling and wanting more, I have to say this is one of the best ones I’ve read in some time. And the authors writing style was perfect to me. Not overly flowery nor was it plain. The perfect blend to keep me entertained and fully capable of envisioning what was happening without feeling like it was dragging things out or rushing anything.

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC and being my first ever ARC.
What can I say is that I’m definitely reading the 2nd book. The story line had me hooked after the story of Edira and her magical powers that allow her see life threads of people and help the injured and sick. However it comes to play when she now has to save her brothers from a sickness that once took their own parents lives.

The Evers Family in this story basically keeps the town Edira lives in to its potential and keeps the people sustained while having money, power and some secrets. When Edira works for them it’s everyone for themselves. The first MMC basically helps Edira save her brothers for the meantime while she finds a cure for the Blight (the sickness) as well as a few other secrets along the way!

This story really had me intrigued from start to finish! I’m so happy I rooted for the right Ever family member 🥲 this author almost had me fooled with me thinking it was a one man deal. I was going crazy with the lore and the betrayal that had me screaming for more.

⭐ 3-3.5

The prologue of this book was the best part. It had atmosphere and felt magical and left me wanting more, but the instant the book started in earnest, I lost that rapt interest. The rest of what followed wasn't bad, just much more predictable with some pretty slow pacing. I was constantly waiting for something to happen but then either nothing did or the events that transpired felt unimpactful, leaving me unsatisfied. Thankfully, none of the characters were annoying, except Edira perhaps with how naive she seemed at times. The plot had to be put in motion somehow, I suppose.

I just wish we explored the magic more! And the characters! And the world! So much of this story felt like it COULD be satisfying, fulfilling, or interesting (which is why I gave it a 3.5-ish rating) if only it was fleshed out better. Perhaps the second book will do this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a unique fantasy that didn't follow the typical fae fashion of today, which I appreciated. Very interesting and worth a read.

The land and its people have been suffering under the ever-growing blight. The humans that are infected have very little chance of survival. When the affluent Fernglove family, masters of social and magical influence, becomes aware of Edira's abilities. Edira's power as a "threadmender" allows her to save others, but her power depletes her own life. Orin, the mysterious head of the Fernglove family, presents himself as both an ally and a potential love interest. Enjoy the relationship tension build as it is a slow burn. Orin's genuine efforts to aid her brothers' survival appear to challenge his family's cutthroat demeanor. Fernglove Manor is a house of secrets as dark and deadly as the blight. A lurking menace heightens the Fernglove family secrets, creating a gothic feel with dark magic and the struggle for power. As Edira uncovers more, the storyline takes on the edge of suspense.

Edira's character has a strong sense of agency and moral resolve. Her cost-bearing magic system is rooted in real sacrifice and selflessness. d Edira's determination to protect those she loves knows no bounds. Aside from Edira, Rorik is the best character. I love his sharp wit and his mysteriousness throughout the story. It was a fun read, especially with the added allure of strange, magical creatures. There were a few pacing issues, but nothing you feel that you have to dredge through. I have very high hopes for the next book from this author.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, Harper Voyager.

I found this eerie setting perfect for spooktober. I love a good gothic novel and this one did not disappoint.
I fell in love with Edira and her abilities to heal. I felt saddened that her healing comes with a cost to her but it gives you empathy for her and helps you see more about her character.
I enjoyed how twisty this book is and found myself not wanting to put the book down. I kept thinking just one more chapter then I'll put this down lol.
I like what the evers brought to this story. I can see this being made into a series and would be willing to read more books if this occurs.
Overall, this was a great read.

I loved this book! This was the first I have read from this other but I will be following her from now on and I can’t wait to continue this series. I felt as though the main Character Edira was well rounded and the author did very well showcasing her thought processes and conclusions in a way that brought me along with her. She also does VERY well with foreshadowing and you start to see everything come together in the end. The middle 30% or so was a little slow in my taste, which made the ending feel slightly rushed but it was all worth it for the unique storyline and absolutely wonderful characters! I already can’t wait to return for the next book!

I was literally hooked from the first page of the prologue! This was an insanely good, gripping read. I can't wait for the next book to release because I seriously need more of Rorik! This was probably one of my favorite reads of the year.

A huge thanks goes to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.