This book reminded me of another ARC I read a little over a year ago called House of Marionne because it's kinda just an adult version of that in my opinion, with some slight changes.

I feel horrible giving this book just three stars, and it isn’t because the writing was bad or anything so concerning, but just because it didn’t really suit my preferences. Still an incredible book, with characters that I applaud, as it felt like they naturally fit in their own skin.
I definitely got springy gothic vibes, which wasn’t really what I was looking for at the time that I started it, but I’m glad I stumbled across nevertheless, as it left me feeling refreshed and a little haunted.
If you like Sarah J. Mass’s A Court of Thorns and Roses or the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, I would recommend this to you in a heartbeat; it shares similar heart-rending twists, romantic tension, and seductive characters.
This read was razor-sharp. Brace yourself for lots of emotions if you give it a go.

3.5/5: thank you netgalley for the advance copy. I loved the idea and the plot of this. It was a fast read for me and very entertaining and I loved the end. Some of it predictable but still good. This would’ve been a 5 star read for me if the banter wasn’t SO cringe!! It was bad enough to drop it by a star and a half. Still, would read another by this author

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC! This book was hard to put down the moment I started it. We follow along with the story of Edira Brillwyn of Willowfell who sells tinctures and remedies to scrape enough money to get by, alongside her brothers Noam and Nohr, who works in the town’s mines, hoping to strike lucky with the prospect of an everjewel. There’s an ancient, magical family of Evers who own the town’s mines, called the Ferngloves. Orin Fernglove, in all his remarkable beauty, is back in town to peruse through the town’s vendors, upon seeing Edira. Edira worries he might notice she’s recently dyed her hair a kohl black because underneath this , she has moonlight white hair, the hair of a threadmender. She inherits a magical power that allows her to see people’s life threads, and if she chooses, to heal people at the cost of taking on a subdued form of their ailments. When her brothers become ill, she strikes a deal with this Ever being she despises, as she suspects the Ferngloves took away her aunt all those years ago. This book was beautifully written and is the first in the series. I was vying for more romance, but I’m sure that will come in due time. I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out!

Plot
Edira is a threadmender - she can heal with her magic but it comes at a steep price. Every time she uses her magic, it takes part of her own life. There is, however, one illness she cannot cure and when it comes close to home, she is willing to do anything to save those she loves - including working with an Ever family. The powerful, immortal overlords are dangerous and cunning but she must risk an alliance.

Thoughts
From the get-go, I was drawn into Edira’s world. It was boldly drawn with sensory notes everywhere so I could touch, see, smell this magical land for myself. The description of what happens when she uses her magic (no spoilers) is chilling and detailed. I appreciate a well thought out magic system. I loved the transition from her village to the Fernglove compound.
I loved the twists and turns of the characters as we follow her journey to discover whom she can trust and the hidden agendas that whirl around her. The climax is wrought and heart wrenching, the ending a perfect set up for the second book. The betrayal is so well executed. I gasped when it all starts to come together. I know I can’t wait to read it.

The reasoning for 4 vs 5 stars: Pacing was my primary concern. I enjoyed the begin, the middle began to drag, then the end sped right back up. It was noticeable enough that I had to take a break from reading but I’m glad I pushed through and finished because it was worth it!

Thank you NetGalley and Maxym Martineau for an early copy of House of Blight. Overall the book was very interesting fantasy novel. I look forward to the second book and the continued series.

The downside of reading ARC's is that now I have to wait a REALLY long time for the next one. *cries*

I really, really enjoyed House of Blight and would give it 4.5 stars. It drew me in from the prologue on and kept me engaged throughout the whole story. I found the end "twist" to be a little predictable but I was rooting for that from the start so was not disappointed. This is one of those books that I just want to talk about with my book friends and I can't wait for the actual release so I can share it with my friends!

The threadmending element is unique and the whole Blight upon the land was fascinating and definitely made for an intriguing magic world. The main character was strong, although I found myself irritated at how easily she was persuaded to lose her unease of the Evers. She did illustrate adequate growth by the end to make up for it though.

The romance wasn't crazy, there was good sexual tension throughout but nothing really spicy until more than 3/4 through the book. Overall it felt tastefully done and the story didn't rely on that to keep things interesting.

I would recommend if you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas, "The Fourth Wing", or "The Serpent and The Wings of Night".

House of Blight is here to ensare fantasy lovers with its intriguing magic system, mysterious immortal beings, shocking reveals, and a heroine who's choices will tip the scales between life and death.

Edira is a mortal woman with rare healing powers that come with a steep price. She's spent most of her life trying to keep these gifts a secret, but when tragedy strikes her world tilts. Forced to make a deal with the mysterious Evers, Edira is racing against the clock to beat the blight plaguing the land. Everything is not as it seems though and danger lurks around every corner.

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4.25 stars
Overall well done and engrossing! I was eager for a but more back story and information about the town and the Evers family groups. Hopefully all will be revealed in book 2.

No rating- dnf at 26%.

This book had a slow, dragging beginning and I am just entirely uninterested in continuing at this time. The description of the healing was interesting, but the other descriptions were confusing and not done well. Very predictable so far. Maybe I’ll pick it up in the future if I see more reviews, but Icould feel it putting me in a slump.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first of a new Fantasy duology, House of Blight follows Edira, a healer who loses time off her own life every time she uses her abilites. Because of this, she has spent most of her life hiding her gift from the world but when a terrible blight wreaks havoc in her household, she must accept an offer from the Evers, magical & immortal beings, who lord over her village. But everything is not as it seems, and a darker, more sinister secret is hiding within the walls of the manor. Can Edira put all the pieces together in time to save her family and herself?

I really really enjoyed this book. Martineau did a great job world building and setting the ambiance. A cozy, gothic manor house with macabre woods and an underlying sense of wrongness. Edira is a gutsy, quick tongued, take no sh*t woman, even in a room full of powerful immortal beings who could very easily end her life. The MMCs couldn't be more opposite, one a grumpy, brustish male with a short temper and a soft spot for Edira, and the other the doting and comforting voice of reason and reassurance. There's even a cute little maple moth as a familiar.

There is TONS of tension but not much spice.

Parts of the twist did feel a little predictable, others had my jaw on the floor. The climax was well done and the ending left me begging for more. I am so sad I have to wait for the next book!

Fans of ACOTAR and The Witch Walker series will notice some similarities but in a good way and will definitely enjoy House of Blight

Thank you to Harper for the opportunity to read this ARC!

To start, I am a big fan of Maxym and everything she's written, her Beast Charmer series is one of my favorites.

I was nervous about House of Blight solely because I don't love scary or creepy things and I wasn't sure how deep this one would go into that rabbit hole. Thankfully, it was unsettling and creepy but not like 'this will give you nightmares'. I knew as soon as I met two specific characters, I was being tricked. It was so well done I even started second guessing my suspicions BUT ALAS I WAS RIGHT. No further comment on THAT.

One of my favorite things about any book Maxym writes is how unique the world is. The races, world, names, magic are all entirely new and magical and beautifully done that it isn't some slog to read and learn. It's easy to follow but not so basic as to not feel like enough.

Our FMC is sassy and strong and loyal - our love interest(s) are ....well, you should read to find out but gave me anxiety in the best way LOL

I'm sad this isn't out until April, I want everyone to read it and also didn't realize how long of a wait I was giving myself for book 2 (insert a picture of me crying here).

Again thank you for this ARC, I cannot wait for the world to meet Edira, and all of this cast.

I'm thankful for the ARC to review. This book for me is 4.5 stars!

This book casts a haunting shadow over its readers, weaving a story that lingers long after the final page. Each chapter unfolds like a ghostly whisper, leaving an indelible mark that will haunt your thoughts and stir your imagination. Its definitely a must-read for the fall!!!

The story revolves around an incurable illness that is decimating humanity. In this world, we have humans who include threadmenders and Evers- Immortal beings. Threadmenders possess the rare and dangerous ability to heal others, with each act of healing costing them a portion of their own lifespan. These individuals are few and far between, often hiding from those who would exploit their abilities and bring about their early death. The Evers—immortal beings who seem invincible—dominate the towns and exert their power over all others.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The author's skillful world-building adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The novel begins with a compelling backstory about a woman who defied death, setting the stage for the present events in the story.

I’m eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment in this series ♡

“𝓢𝓸 𝓶𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼. 𝓐𝓻𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓾𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮?”

★★★★★

Rating: 5.0 🤩
Spice: 2.5

Read if you like:
♡ Unique Magic System’s
♡ Page turning twists
♡ High fae
♡ Romantasy

My review:
Can I just start off with saying I am unwell after that ending. This was such a quick and exciting read for me! It kept me entertained in all parts and had me at the edge of my chair all day!

I loved the authors writing style and descriptions! I really enjoyed the beginning and the small hints throughout the book that had me guessing at what would be the next twist (which I failed time and time again 😂)

Overall I will be reading more from this author and looking forward to the second book in this Duology!

I wanted to say a quick thank you to the author, NetGalley and Harper voyager publishing for being able to read this arc for free!

Please note the quote I used can be subject to change as this is the ARC edition.

Unputdownable fast-paced Romantasy, I binged this book in an evening!

The cover of this book is what initially caught my eye it is stunning but the author's writing style is what kept me flipping pages; this is the kind of book you don't set down until it's finished.

I thought the storyline (especially the magic system) was really interesting and easy to follow. The author did a fantastic job crafting a unique world her descriptions made the story really immersive.

I think this book is going to well received by Romantasy readers, I will absolutely be recommending it!

Thank you Maxym M. Martineau, Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC of this book!

LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!! I read it straight through. Couldn't get enough and can't wait for more!! I'm also going to buy the physical when it comes out because the cover is stunning.

I am a sucker for a good romantasy and House of Blight DELIVERED and then some. I devoured this book in about 5 hours and now I’m kicking myself because I NEED MORE. The world building is easy to understand and interesting. Edira is such a likeable FMC and her devotion to her brothers warmed my heart. I loved the story, the characters and this book. I cannot wait for when it’s released and I’m already yearning for the sequel.

This is a story about a girl who has special powers to heal and cure (from what we know). The main character is like a cat in a sense because every time she goes to “cure” someone she loses a life. There is a sickness in her world and the Evers’ world that is like small pox with the bumps and wounds, while it denigrates your body within hours so you turn into a mush pile. She is approached by Evers to find a cure. Meanwhile the Evers family has been plotting to use her aunt and her to harvest their powers and cure to blight, while making them immortal. Other Evers are also trying to take her to do the same for their family so she is under the protection of the family. However, she is unaware of their agenda and must try to figure out what the head of the family is planning while she is falling in love with him. There are no descriptions of the characters, which I think authors do that so that you can imagine it how you want. I honestly kept picturing the cast of ACOTAR because that’s who kind of fits the minimum descriptions. Definitely hope the author comes out with fan art soon.

I don’t really know what the creatures were in this book, but I am guessing Fae. The author never comes out and says it she just gives more details throughout the book of what the Evers are. I am guessing the main character could be characterized as a witch/angel because she is technically healing and cleaning souls.

The only Romance scene is OK, kinda all over the place and the language used is juvenile. There are some words you’ll recognize but most you’re going have to re-read to figure out what is going on and where a character is headed.
Spice: 2/5

Overall, I loved this book, it was so good I couldn’t believe it. It’s a medium paced book, but it will keep you absolutely hooked. The book has an ending that could go either way of a sequel or standalone. I think either way it’s good. A second book would be awesome

The author's use of descriptive language from the beginning of this book was instrumental in creating a rich and immersive world. I was struck by the attention to detail and found it reminiscent of my favorite fantasy novels. The story had me hooked from the outset, with an abundance of emotions being evoked within the first chapter. This is a truly captivating read that I would highly recommend to fans of the genre. The level of detail in the world-building by this author is outstanding. I find myself fully immersed in the world they have created. In the fantasy genre, I have become accustomed to encountering depictions of high fae and glamour magic, yet my mental image of Orin was inexplicably akin to a fox. This association seemed fitting given his initial impression. I was impressed by the skillful way in which the prologue was tied into the story's central plot. I was eager to see where this connection would be further along in the story. The story gave me goosebumps and left me eager for more. The author's use of suspense and plot twists kept me engaged and emotionally invested. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

This whole book is a vibe.
And I am here for it.
I ate this book in one night because I couldn't put it down. And now I'll be sad and wait for book 2.

Edira was strong and I really loved her, which is rare for me in FMC. The worldbuilding is astonishing and I could have gotten completely lost in her world. The twist and turns of the entire book was great and kept you guessing.

It took me a bit to wrap my head around the magic system and the terminology, but that just made me realize I've been nonstop reading your typical faerie/fantasy books for a hot minute now. Her characters having certain ahem, features took me by surprise as it's just not what I'm accustomed to but I definitely did not hate it. So consider my tastes expanded. :)

I will point out that every twist and turn and major plot point is predictable but I'm a sucker for some of the tropes in this book and that kept me wanting more. This book wasn't very long either, which can be a blessing and a curse. You don't get alot of unnecessary filler but at the same time I feel like there's so much more to explore in terms of character development (team Rorik from the start) and backstory so I am very much looking forward to the next one and I do hope it's a little longer. But if anything happens to Ywena, all bets are off!

This was my first time reading anything from this author and I was pleasantly surprised, I'll be sure to check out her other books as well.

8/10, I will be recommending this book to others!