4.5 rounded up. I could not put this book down. Though I predicted several of the twists and it echoed some of my favorite fantasy books, I was happy to be along for the ride. The names in this book are slightly insane but once I got into it, I couldn’t stop reading. Ywena was my favorite character by far.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for a honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised by how lyrical and descriptive the writing in this book is. I was immediately immersed into the world in such an atmospheric way! I enjoyed the story overall, and believe that any fan of romantasy will enjoy this tale.

Edira is a threadmender, a magical healer, hiding her abilities from everyone in her village. If they knew, they’d sell her out to the Evers, the magical immortal family who oversees the town. One day, her brothers come home infected with the blight, a cursed illness that will kill them in minutes. Moments later she’s offered a bargain by one of the Fernglove Evers: come work with him to cure the blight and he’ll stop the illness from progressing in her brothers. Edira agrees and sets down a dangerous path.

I thought this was really well done but I need authors to stop foreshadowing the second love interest so heavily. At this point I think we’ve all read ACOTAR and can see it coming a mile away. That was, however, one of the few twists I anticipated. Everything else fit with the plot but was actually surprising. I also found this really hard to put down. It was a very interesting magic system with a clear starting point outlined in the prologue that I really enjoyed, and I’m very eager for the second book.

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.

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau follows threadmender Edira as she tries to use her magic to cure the blight effecting the land. Edira finds herself entwined with the elites, the Evers, to find a cure.

Fantasy. Romantasy. Gothic. Open for a sequel.

I enjoyed the world tremendously. I love the range of characters. Edira, Vora, and Rorik *so much*. The authors description of the sickness was very realistic, if you have a sensitive stomach, but the description of Edira’s magic created a stunning visual. I hope there is a sequel.

Absolutely enchanted with this first book in a new fantasy series! The world, the characters, the magic - it was a beautiful blend.

Plot: a young woman of little means lives a perfectly normal existence as an apothecary, making and selling salves and tinctures to support herself and her two young her brothers. Well, mostly normal...except for the fact that she's hiding a secret from the world. She was born with a rare type of healing magic that she has hidden from everyone outside her family since she was a small child. The healing comes with a cost - she gives up a small piece of her life with each healing.

Once a powerful and extremely magical family (the Ferngloves) discover her secret, she is brought into a world of power, wealth, and intrigue that she could barely believe existed. Her brothers contract blight and in order to save them, she has to serve the Ferngloves to try and rid the world of blight once and for all. But nothing is what it seems and in a place filled with danger and desire, she will have to learn that the only one she can truly trust is herself.

This book was beautifully written and the pages practically dripped with actual magic. Looking forward to the next book!

Wow just wow. This book was amazing in every way! I couldn’t put it down! The last 100 pages really had me on the edge of my seat. It’s the perfect amount of romatansy. If you like Sarah j Maas and want something similar to her books this is definitely it. I’m now super bummed that I have to wait so long for the next book! I can’t wait!
Thank you Harper Collin’s publishing for allowing me to read the advance readers e-proof!
Read through NETGALLEY.

Thank you so Much to @netgalley and @maxymmckay for this eARC!!! I truly appreciate this opportunity to read and review this beautiful novel!!

- To be a Moth and Beetle dancing under the stars 🖤

“You’re brighter than the moon and just as steady” - Rorik 🤤

Genre: Romantasy
Spice: 🌶️
Rate: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release date: April 8th 2025

Review: I would love to tell everyone that this is definitely a book you need to be in the mood for because you NEED to read in-between the lines. Nothing is surface level about this read. I had to put the book down for a moment because I couldn’t tell if it was me or the book it was definitely a ME problem lol.
The author beautifully put together families and secrets every family shares within its little circle. The magic system is SUPER interesting especially with threadmending - I liked that with power comes an equal exchange of that power. To know power is to think outside of it in itself and not just see it and use it. To think.
This whole story is thinking, is rage, power and the little beauty that is within even under blistering decay.
I didn’t give this a five star because I needed more details and wanted to know more about the magic, world and characters. I feel however the Author is purposefully holding that back from us to go into it fully in the second book. You get to meet the characters now, see what’s on the surface and peaks underneath the glamour of it all. I am excited for the release and that I’ll get to have a physical copy plus what the future holds within this world.

I loved how this book transported me to another world. Maxym's descriptive writing truly immerses you in her universe—if you enjoy vividly detailed settings, this is perfect for you! We’re introduced to a strong female lead, a woman who sells tonics trying to make ends meet with her two brothers, while secretly hiding her special power. As she’s forced into a deal with an untrustworthy family, secrets begin to unravel, and trust is the last thing that might develop. The story isn’t overly complex, but it’s a great read, and I’m excited to see how the next book unfolds, especially for a bit more romance!

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 1/5
This was definitely a SLOW-BURN.

Wow wow wow! I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait for more from this author. The plot as a whole was so intriguing and left you yearning for another book to dive into.

Maxym Martineau delivers a gripping and immersive tale in House of Blight, blending gothic fantasy, intrigue, and complex relationships seamlessly. The story follows a cast of vibrant, well-drawn characters navigating the dangerous and power-hungry world of blight-wielding magic, which is as dark as it is captivating. Martineau’s world-building shines, pulling readers into a richly detailed and menacing environment where tension, secrets, and treachery are the norm.

What stands out most is the emotional depth of the characters. Each has a unique struggle, whether it’s with power, trust, or identity, making them feel relatable and fully human amidst the fantastical setting. The pacing is well-crafted, keeping the mystery and tension high while allowing for moments of reflection and personal growth.

The only slight drawbacks are that there isn’t much romance, I would haven’t loved more spice between Rorik, Orin, and Eidra. The prologue didn’t really make sense in the story unless more is to be delivered in additional books to explain the bargain with death. Also, the complexity of the magic system feels underdeveloped, leaving you alittle confused about the rules and limitations of blight magic. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise compelling narrative. Martineau balances action with emotional stakes beautifully, ensuring that readers are not only enthralled by the plot but deeply invested in the characters’ fates.

In short, House of Blight is a dark, enchanting journey that fans of complex fantasy will love. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of magic, danger, and emotional depth.

Thank you NetGalley, Maxym Martineau, and HarperVoyagerUS for this eARC 🖤

House of Blight swept me up right away with its dark atmosphere, rich magic, and emotional depth. From the beginning, I was hooked on the story’s intensity and the characters' complex relationships. The tension between loyalty and love, especially with the brotherly conflict, kept me on edge, and the "will she, won’t she" moments added so much suspense. Even though I saw some events coming, I couldn’t wait to see how it would all unfold. The writing is gorgeous, and while I wanted more romance, I’m confident it’s coming soon—ugh, Rorik…

The descriptions were vivid, the story flowed perfectly, and now that it’s over, I already miss these characters. If you’re into fae, deep tension, and a gripping narrative, this should be on your list. Even with some predictable moments, it was still such a fun and enjoyable ride. I can’t wait for the next book to dive back into this world!

Incredible. I am obsessed. This story is so unique and interesting. It makes me want a book two. Such a unique magic system. Betrayal, enemies to lovers.

I want to begin, of course, by thanking Maxym M. Martineau + Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 
 
Well, this is the fastest I have flown through a book in a long time. I could not put this one down! Martineau's descriptive writing and imagery make the story come to life in a way that kept me consistently wanting to know what came next. I loved following Edira on her journey from her home in Willowfell to Fernglove Manor. The magic of the Ferngloves and their ancestral home is captivating. It never felt like the story was dragging. I invested every step of the way.
 
Edira has become one of my favorite female protagonists! I have seen other FMCs who I just don't end up really rooting for, but I sincerely wanted Edira to succeed. She is so witty. She had me genuinely laughing out loud! She certainly has her slip-ups, but her actions are believable, and she learns from her mistakes. 
 
This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster! I reached a point where I KNEW what was going to happen, yet I still had this lingering hope that things could turn out differently. I went through a parallel emotional experience alongside Edira. It was a gripping reading experience! 
 
As someone who has read her fair share of stories centered around fair folk/aos sidhe/faeries/fae/etc., the Evers of this world are SO Fair Folk Coded™️ with their glamours, magical vows/contracts, immortality, and connection to nature. They are a fresh take on a trope seen so many times. I genuinely loved learning more about them.  
 
I loved the way threadmending magic was explored in the novel. You get a sense of Edira's power and how it comes naturally to her but causes her so much pain; it is truly a blessing and curse. The passages where Edira is threadmending are written beautifully. I loved seeing her learn to master her power. It was so satisfying to see her grow and learn how to use her power to both heal and fight back against those who have wronged her. 
 
The Blight virus was horrific. It was not just a rehash of a typical "plague." I appreciated how Martineau showed its impact on the characters and the world around them.
 
I honestly did not get a Gothic vibe from this novel. It was certainly fantasy/romance, but I did not perceive a particularly haunting atmosphere. This did not have a negative impact on me as I'm not a huge fan of hardcore gothic literature.
 
I personally don't love ACOTAR. Some of the elements I didn't really like in Sarah J. Maas' work did show up in this novel. However, this is a personal, subjective issue, and it did not significantly take away from my reading experience. I think I've just grown tired of a certain kind of relationship dynamic in the stories I read. If you love ACOTAR, I'm sure you will have a blast with House of Blight. Even if you aren't a fan of Maas' work, it is still absolutely worth checking out!
 
Some other drawbacks for me were that gods were constantly referenced, but their role in this world wasn't thoroughly explained. I wish we had more insight into how they interact with these characters. There is a chapter with a POV change that did not add much for me. I wish the romance and deeper feelings were a little more developed between our final main couple. I also felt that the major conflict was resolved a little too quickly, I think it would have been more effective to have it continue into the other installment in the series.
 
I thought House of Blight was a great addition to my October reads. I especially enjoyed the world-building and Edira's characterization. Certain elements did not land for me, but none of them had an immense impact on my enjoyment. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys female protagonists who come into their power, fair folk/faerie-like beings, Big+ Rich + F**ked Up Families, adorable but also kinda scary moths, as well as stories of learning what love is, and, most importantly, what it isn't. Go and check out House of Blight, April 2025!

I genuinely wanted to enjoy *House of Blight*, as the synopsis raised my expectations. The world-building and magic elements were intriguing, but the writing felt overly verbose, leaving me confused on almost every page. I eventually had to stop reading around 40% in because it just didn't suit my tastes.

My Goodreads review:
I really enjoyed this one! Devoured it in a few days. Love the concept of a threadmender (and the name). Decent amount of body horror in the book (expected), so this is your warning if you don’t like that. Curious to see what the second book holds!! Will be reading 🖤

I don't have any notes! Great work.

House of Blight is a masterclass in romantasy writing! The imagery, world building, magic system, and character arcs knocked it out of the park. A perfect 5/5 stars. If you like fantasy stories with Beauty and the Beast elements and/or ACOTAR, you'll devour House of Blight like I did.

Edira comes from a family of healers and has kept her powers a secret for her entire life. When her brothers fall ill with the blight, she is blackmailed by the elite magical family of her town into helping them find a cure in exchange for their lives.

This book was my ideal romantasy cocktail ratio: 70% word building, storytelling, mystery, and epic battle; 20% romance, yearning, and will they-won't they; 10% open-door spice.

I cannot WAIT for the next installment in this series and will be thinking about this book for a while! I also hope it gets picked up for a movie adaptation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC!

I was having a particularly difficult couple of weeks, so I got into this story slower than I normally would've, but I picked it back up today at the 30% mark and I am sitting here now having devoured the entirety of rest of this story in the span of an afternoon.

If you're a fan of the mythology of fae that are anything but etherially beautiful, this book is for you. Though my own start in reading this was slower (that was a me problem), the pacing in this book is divine. It's fast-paced without losing any elegance in terms of the prose. I do hope that the romance aspect expands in the next book. I don't want to say too much because I'll inadvertently share spoilers.

I absolutely adored Edira. She is not a fighter in terms of physical prowess, but she is sharp, witty, and smart. It was refreshing to see an FMC that doesn't need to be "taught" to be physically strong to prevail upon the forces that seek to cause her harm. The stakes for Edira couldn't have been higher, and though I guessed at some of what ended up happening, the story was still incredibly satisfying. I can see why others have made comparisons to Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window. The vibes are definitely similar and I found the story almost as enjoyable.

I will be thrilled to read the rest of this series in the future.

3.5 stars

House of Blight is a gothic romantasy set in a world where there are “threadmenders” who can heal people and a “blight”—an incurable disease –that has taken over the world. Immortal beings called “Evers” rule society. The main character is a threadmender named Edira who is forced to join forces with a family of Evers to help try to find a cure for her two brothers and the grandmother of the Evers family, who have all fallen victim to the blight. She goes to live at the Evers’ old gothic house and discovers that not everything is as it seems.

This is the first in a new series. Overall, I thought it was okay. It had a very YA vibe, although I am not sure it is actually classified as YA. It reminded me a lot of the first half of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns in Roses. Like in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the main character has been taken somewhat against her will to live at the house of immortal beings in the hopes of finding a cure to a disease overtaking the land. I absolutely love Sarah J. Maas, though, and this felt like a lesser version. I wasn’t tempted to stop reading it or anything, so I wouldn’t call it bad, but I didn’t really get attached to any of the characters, and I only felt mild interest in finding out how the story resolved. The “twists” were also fairly predictable. I do think I will still give the second book a try, though, because I can see how the plot might become more engaging. But I don’t think this is one I will necessarily run out and recommend to others.

4.5 stars - absolutely loved this book and it had me yelling when the plot twist happened…I was cheering for Edira but also wanted her to make better choices and listen to people! My only complaints about this book were that I wanted a slower burn with the romance and more details on the psychology of the characters since they are so layered and interesting! I am sure this will come in the next book too, which I am sooooo excited for! Absolutely stunning work with beautiful world building and characters that you love and hate at the same time.

Thank you so much for this ARC!! I am definitely bought into this series 😍

House of Blight was a fun, albeit gross, read. I loved the take on magic in this world. While the Evers were not directly named as Fae/Faerie/Elf, they were an otherworldly magic being who needed the help of a magical human. I can directly see the influence ACOTAR has on this novel. Shadow guy vs Garden guy, love triangle, protect her at all costs, Bonded, etc. I'm sure fans of ACOTAR will love this book. There were parts that absolutely jolted me out of the story, specifically the descriptions of Blight on humans and Evers. I'm excited to see what the next course of action will be for our FMC in the next book.