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Member Reviews

I would like to start off by saying thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for being generous enough to lend me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The world-building in this novel is amazing. You are quickly drawn into the narrative and are kept on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's a slow-burning narrative about loves and adversaries with a dash of spice. Throughout the novel, there are clear plot twists that will either make you gasp or scream at your book. The banter between two of the main characters is fantastic, and all of the minor characters are interesting as well. The novel, which is part of a duology, provides you a fairly happy ending for the time being, but it doesn't end on a dramatic cliffhanger or a happily ever after.

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I think this was a fantastic start to the gothic fantasy duology! I don’t always gravitate towards gothic fantasies right away but the eerie setting and untrustworthy family even had ME looking over my shoulder and also screaming at our FMC to not trust a soul!! I actually would LOVE for the author to expand and flush out the world and magical elements even more!

This book was very much giving Tamlin and his affliction pretty early on only Orin gave me the ICK from the second he was brought into the story. Rorik on the other hand 👀🔥. I NEED to see more of him in the conclusion and the banter that he brings to the table!

This book was very much giving ACOTAR (the first book) only the FMC had the power to heal, at the cost of shortening her own life. I thought House of Blight was enchanting and eerie and I can’t wait to see how it’s all wrapped up!

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How do you choose between them? How could you trust them? GAH so many emotions while reading this!

• dark fantasy
• forced proximity
• secrets
• gothic castle
• first pov

The only reason I didn’t rate it five stars is because I didn’t feel connected to the characters but overall I really enjoyed this plot and story. The brothers being infected had me hooked. I can’t wait until the second book!

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This felt promising after reading the blurb last year and getting approved by NetGalley and the publisher to receive an eArc of this book.

The blurb was good, then the prologue really made me excited for this book.

But then….we wait for something else to happen. It’s a slow beginning that didn’t really pick up for me, even when Edira meets the love interests and is helping to cure (not just her brothers) people from the Blight.

This book was so hyped up. I’m really disappointed that it fell flat for me. Characters were meh, world building was meh and why are so many fantasy books written with the MMC’s being brothers? There’s always one that’s a bad apple.

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It is entirely NOT okay that this was compared to the greats: SJM and Rachel Gillig. Had to DNF. It’s not even the human falling madly into a guy that has horns and scales she just met a day ago for me. The writing is very sub par and leaves a lot of questions for the reader. I had such a hard time keeping up with the plot and which character was who because the world build was just not there. I made it to almost 50% of the book entirely too fast with entirely too much going on. Do not recommend this at all unfortunately.

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WOW. I kept hearing about this book and was so excited to receive this as an ARC. I was skeptical about liking this as much as an SJM book, but I do believe if you like ACOTAR you will LOVE this book!

Think gothic ACOTAR, steam punk ACOTAR. Loved the world building.

We get enemies to lovers. I am SAT for enemies to lovers. We get two love interests fighting for the FMC attention.

I do not want to give anything away about THAT ENDING! We need another book!!

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House of Blight is a darkly enthralling fantasy that sinks its teeth in from the start and refuses to let go. The unique magic system is utterly captivating, decay and power woven together in ways that feel both fresh and inevitable. What truly elevates the story, though, is the complex web of relationships, especially the raw, unflinching devotion between siblings that pulses beneath every scene.

This book delivers peak dysfunctional family vibes: love, betrayal, and legacy wrapped in rot. I spent the entire second half bracing for the twist, convinced I had it figured out—only to be absolutely wrecked when it hit. And Rorik? Ugh. I know I shouldn't love him, and yet here I am, obsessed and a little ashamed.

I’m counting down the days until the conclusion of this duology. If the first book is any indication, the finale will be both brutal and brilliant.

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This had good promise, but I'm hoping book 2 brings it in. I think that the world is really interesting. I was very intrigued in the beginning learning about her magic and the blight. I normally don't love healing magic, but the cost of it and the limitations worked well for me here. I liked the not fae "fae" and the different take. I did like the banter a lot, but I wish the romance had sucked me in a bit more. Aside from the banter, I didn't feel as much chemistry as I wanted. So while I enjoyed this, I'm hoping the second book can bring home the romance side of things.

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I really wanted to enjoy this book, it had me hooked in the beginning but fell flat towards the end. I don’t think I’ll continue this series. A lot of it was predictable and I just didn’t connect with the characters

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House of Blight kicks off the Threadmender Chronicles duology with an irresistible mix of gothic fantasy, intricate magic, and slow-burn romantasy. I received an eARC via The Nerd Fam and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Edira Brillwyn is a rare Threadmender, able to weave the threads of life at a personal cost. When her brothers fall ill from a deadly blight, she strikes a dangerous bargain with Orin Fernglove, leader of one of the immortal Ever families. What follows is a tense, emotional journey full of secrets, sacrifices, and unexpected bonds.

Martineau’s magic system — rooted in equal exchange — adds real weight to Edira's choices, and the character dynamics are strong and clear throughout. While familiar romantasy tropes are present (enemies-to-lovers fans, rejoice!), they’re handled with enough heart and mystery to feel fresh.

Some twists were predictable, but others genuinely surprised me. Overall, House of Blight was a compelling, emotionally charged read that left me eager for book two.

⭐ 4.5/5 stars. Highly recommended for fans of lush magic, gothic vibes, and character-driven romantasy.

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Short synopsis: Edira is a threadmaster, trying to rescue her brothers infected with blight. She finds herself at Fernglove Manor trying to find a cure.

My thoughts: This took me a minute to get into, but once I was immersed in the fantasy world I couldn’t stop. This is a duology (which I love) and I’m so excited to see what happens in book 2.

I loved how fiercely Edira loves her brothers, she’s so selfless and determined. All of her choices reflect her desire to help them. The familial love is so refreshing.

The gothic vibes in this are a fun addition to the fantasy genre, and the magic was unique and different.

Read if you love:
* Gothic vibes
* Magic
* Selfless characters
* Love triangle
* Feminine rage

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Oh man, from the beginning I was hooked in. I switched over to audiobook about 30% in because I literally couldn't put it down and needed to listen/read it any chance I got. Most books I go in blind, including this one. It's a little bit of a slow start but once it got going, I couldn't stop.

This dark gothic romantasy was so well done. I'm deeply intrigued by the Evers, and not just the Fernglove family. I loved the unique magic system and the mysteries of Fernglove Manor.

I had a slight feeling there is a love triangle involved but I'm in denial bc I hate love triangles (and also what happens with the plot without spoiling it). It does have me excited for book two though! Also. I was NOT expecting that plot twist oh my god. I recognize there's been foreshadow to it, but I am just a passenger princess okay??

And I know insect daddy was just a meme/troll for the marketing but honestly?? I get it. The tension and banter... I need sooo much more!!

Thank you Harper Voyager for the eARC, LibroFM for the ALC!

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I really liked this book! House of blight kept me fully engrossed and I couldn’t put it down! I would absolutely recommend!

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*I received this book as an ARC read from The Nerd Fam*
While the start was a tad slow for me I was also in a real bad reading slump that I almost DNF'ed this sadly. I AM SO ABSOLUTELY THANKFUL THAT I DID NOT DNF! This book was so freaking good, I cannot wait for a book 2 assuming that there will be a book 2. I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about this story. It was very ACOTAR coded but better imo 🫣 Don't come at me I don't wanna hear it. It's my opinion and that's that 💜 Read it and decide for yourself.

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This book was so freakng good — I absolutely devoured it and had such a hard time putting it down. The story felt so unique, and the characters completely captured my heart. I loved how rich and vivid everything felt, and I found myself fully immersed from the very first page. The world, the magic, and the atmosphere—it all pulled me in and didn’t let go. I know this book just released, but I’m already counting down the days for the next one. I need to know what happens with these characters after that ending!

Thank you to the Author and The Nerd Fam for gifting me and ARC of this book!

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Rating / Recommend: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/🌶️🌶️.5/ Yes

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this and definitely want to read book two. Especially after that ending!
Team Rorik IDC!
It has great world building which is definitely needed for a fantasy series.
I don’t wanna say too much and spoil things but definitely add this to your TBR!

If you like dark gothic romantasy you’ll love this.
Similar vibes as One Dark Window & Cruel Prince.
With a horrible illness corrupting things.
Magic wielding immortals, insect companions, two possible love interests.

CW:
One open door scene that wasn’t too descriptive. Easily skippable.
Grief.
Death of loved ones.
Family illness.
Lies and Betrayal.

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This was an extraordinary read that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. Seriously, just reading the prologue alone will have you completely hooked! I went in knowing nothing and ended up absolutely loving it. It's got this fantastic gothic feel, and the world-building? Stunning! Chef's kiss to the author; she nailed it.

All the characters were super fun and interesting to follow. Edira stole the show for me; she was such a strong, caring, and fierce character, even if she had her naive and frustrating moments sometimes.

However, the romantic chemistry in this book was to die for! The banter and slow burn between the main male and female characters were just amazing. I'm not going to mention the MMC's name to avoid spoilers, but trust me, it was fantastic, and I cannot wait for book two to see more of their story.

The plot itself was really well-paced for most of the book, and I absolutely loved the plot twist; it totally left me on the edge of my seat!

Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam, NetGalley, and Maxym M. Martineau for the ARC copy!

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This was great. At first. I thought it was giving 'Beauty and the Beast,' but then it was almost 'Snow White.' It felt so familiar and new at the same time.

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This was a really great romantasy in a complete and unique fantasy world. I'd definitely recommend it for fans of ACOTAR. The world building was especially interesting and hooked me in.

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This one’s got a mysterious plague, creature love interests, magical mystery, political family heirs, and twists that make you not trust anyone. I really enjoyed the dark tale and brooding characters. The heroine is a self-sacrificing optimist, which I could totally relate to. I thought most characters were well developed and relatable, and the plot pacing was good. The twist was somewhat predictable, but still good and satisfying. I was gifted an ARC copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher and this review is my own opinion.

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