I really loved this book and I had so much fun reading it. I thought the concept was really new and intriguing and this book did not disappoint. I loved the grotesque and detailed explanations of blight and the way it works. I thought the characters were super fleshed out although I wish more had been done with the two younger girls I still thought the characters made the story more immersive. I did guess one of the plot twists in the book pretty early on, and I did spot a typo towards the end of the book, but those aspects of it didn't take away from my personal reading experience. I would still highly recommend it. I wish more happened in the middle of the book because most of the plot happened towards the end of the book but besides that, I didn't have any qualms with the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager/Avon for access to this E-arc

I loved this world and the magic system. It was different from others. The prologue of this book really caught my attention and had me wanting more. The only reason I rate 4 and not 5 stars is because it was pretty predictable. I knew what was coming throughout the book. Which is not a bad thing, but the story and the plot were so good, I wanted more of a twist or something to happen. But this is definitely a great and quick fantasy read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this eARC.

I have a lot of feelings on this one! Did I overall enjoy it? Absolutely. It was very well written. It had an interesting premise. It had a very unique magic system. It had most of the things I love.

I will say, the pacing in the middle part of the book was slower than I would like and it made it hard to want to pick it up for a few days. It made up for that in the end because the last 30% was great.

One thing the author did very well is her imagery. The descriptions made it very easy to visualize the world (almost too much, because the descriptions of blight had me grossed out to the max)…

One thing I don’t personally like is when a FMC is portrayed as gullible. I feel like there were obvious traps or foul character actions that she didn’t even question…but before leaving her hometown she questioned everything. The main love story line also felt really instalovey especially for someone who’s essentially been forced into a new life they didn’t want.

However, I liked the way this wrapped up and if there will be a sequel, I’d definitely give it a chance!

This is going to be the next big fantasy romance book, and I feel completely honored to have been able to read an early copy. I can't wait to read more. Now I'm off to read Martineau's backlist.

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 ♡

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? 🤨

Irritatingly, EVERY single character is simply awful. Edira may deeply care about her brothers, yet she is just as hostile and volatile as each of the Ferngloves. I’m truly tired of brashness being mistaken for quick wit as well as romantasy tropes, such as flawlessly beautiful characters, brooding love interests and “touch her and you die.” I HATE that trope, my goodness!! Anyone else? Anyway, the romance in this book had me grimacing. Although the book description does not allude to it, there is a love triangle, which is not the source of my discontentment regarding the romance. Being a decent human being should not be the basis of romance, yet romance books in general push this idea.

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 (an unnaturally exaggerated amount 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…

“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.