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House of Blight
The first novel in an eerie, darkly creative, and romantic new gothic fantasy duology from Maxym M. Martineau, for readers of Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.
Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender. She holds a rare, lifesaving power that can cure disease and heal injuries in the blink of an eye. But magic always comes with a cost, and saving anyone sacrifices a sliver of her own life. She’s always kept her abilities hidden…until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.
The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, possess powerful magic, and don’t take no for an answer—especially Orin, the head of these ruling elites. When Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight—an incurable virus killing people throughout the town, and an illness too strong for her to heal them both—Orin offers to help. Together at his estate they’ll research a cure while Orin slows their sickness and Edira hones her magic. His kindness and honesty surprises Edira, as does her undeniable attraction to him.
But the other Ferngloves are suspicious of her power and may be more dangerous than the ever-present disease. The longer Edira stays within the confines of the Manor, the more the family’s pristine exterior begins to crack—until Edira discovers a terrifying secret and must choose who she can save and at what cost…
Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender. She holds a rare, lifesaving power that can cure disease and heal injuries in the blink of an eye. But magic always comes with a cost, and saving anyone sacrifices a sliver of her own life. She’s always kept her abilities hidden…until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.
The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, possess powerful magic, and don’t take no for an answer—especially Orin, the head of these ruling elites. When Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight—an incurable virus killing people throughout the town, and an illness too strong for her to heal them both—Orin offers to help. Together at his estate they’ll research a cure while Orin slows their sickness and Edira hones her magic. His kindness and honesty surprises Edira, as does her undeniable attraction to him.
But the other Ferngloves are suspicious of her power and may be more dangerous than the ever-present disease. The longer Edira stays within the confines of the Manor, the more the family’s pristine exterior begins to crack—until Edira discovers a terrifying secret and must choose who she can save and at what cost…
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 8, 2025
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Want to read
August 29, 2024if u know me u know how obsessed i am with maxyms beast charmer series so having this on my kindles got me shitting bricks i’m so excited
September 26, 2024
DNF
Ever read a book with an amazing prologue and the book fell short? This was it for me.
I was quite excited to read this book considering how it was compared to Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window duology. And it's a shame I just couldn't find myself to finish the book.
I read 89 pages and if something or someone was introduced, it was in full length paragraphs. The Fernglove manor, gardens, characters, and the town was explained in paragraph after paragraph. I started skimming at that point because I didn't want to read about how the walls were decorated or how polished the floors were.
And the characters were so flat and had no depth to me. I knew the romance was a love triangle from reading other reviews and the fact it was introduced after 60ish pages just was the last straw for me.
I guess I can't really give the book a solid review because I dnf it and didn't see it to the end but the fact that it's compared to Rachel Gillig's books is crazy.
The gothic world was fun and I enjoyed seeing another book with those vibes. But everything felt too rushed and instant. There was so much potential for this book and it makes me sad to review books so low when authors spend so much time pouring everything into them.
*𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤*
Ever read a book with an amazing prologue and the book fell short? This was it for me.
I was quite excited to read this book considering how it was compared to Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window duology. And it's a shame I just couldn't find myself to finish the book.
I read 89 pages and if something or someone was introduced, it was in full length paragraphs. The Fernglove manor, gardens, characters, and the town was explained in paragraph after paragraph. I started skimming at that point because I didn't want to read about how the walls were decorated or how polished the floors were.
And the characters were so flat and had no depth to me. I knew the romance was a love triangle from reading other reviews and the fact it was introduced after 60ish pages just was the last straw for me.
I guess I can't really give the book a solid review because I dnf it and didn't see it to the end but the fact that it's compared to Rachel Gillig's books is crazy.
The gothic world was fun and I enjoyed seeing another book with those vibes. But everything felt too rushed and instant. There was so much potential for this book and it makes me sad to review books so low when authors spend so much time pouring everything into them.
*𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤*
September 11, 2024
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!
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!
September 6, 2024
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!
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
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
September 11, 2024
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers and Maxym M. Martineau for an ARC copy of House of Blight!
This one gets 3.25 stars because I’m indecisive.
Three words to describe it:
-Seductive
-Intriguing
-Ethereal
The only reasons I gave this book such a low rating is because the spice was a bit high for my taste, even if it was honestly still pretty moderate, and I feel like it took a while to grasp my attention and fully make sense.
Beyond that, I considered this an enjoyable read. Once I got through the first couple chapters, I was locked in, and actually finished it in two days. The magic, the springy gothic vibe, the characters? I will definitely be reading the sequel, let’s just say. I couldn’t get enough. The imagery was beautiful, the storyline flowed like water, and the depth of the characters has left me missing them now that I’ve finished it.
If you like faeries and tension and enough plot-twists that you have to set the book down and just stare at the wall for a minute so you can comprehend what just happened (as I did about six times), then this needs to go on your TBR. You won’t regret it!
This one gets 3.25 stars because I’m indecisive.
Three words to describe it:
-Seductive
-Intriguing
-Ethereal
The only reasons I gave this book such a low rating is because the spice was a bit high for my taste, even if it was honestly still pretty moderate, and I feel like it took a while to grasp my attention and fully make sense.
Beyond that, I considered this an enjoyable read. Once I got through the first couple chapters, I was locked in, and actually finished it in two days. The magic, the springy gothic vibe, the characters? I will definitely be reading the sequel, let’s just say. I couldn’t get enough. The imagery was beautiful, the storyline flowed like water, and the depth of the characters has left me missing them now that I’ve finished it.
If you like faeries and tension and enough plot-twists that you have to set the book down and just stare at the wall for a minute so you can comprehend what just happened (as I did about six times), then this needs to go on your TBR. You won’t regret it!
September 1, 2024
I received this book as an ARC.
I found the premise of the story to be interesting. It follows a young woman doing her best to survive along side her twin brothers. She is quickly forced to help a family as blight strikes both her family and theirs.
I enjoyed the story and twists and turns along the way. I felt like the main shock was quite predictable. I was waiting for it to happen for the majority of the book so the shock value was nonexistent. However, it was still a fun read.
I found the premise of the story to be interesting. It follows a young woman doing her best to survive along side her twin brothers. She is quickly forced to help a family as blight strikes both her family and theirs.
I enjoyed the story and twists and turns along the way. I felt like the main shock was quite predictable. I was waiting for it to happen for the majority of the book so the shock value was nonexistent. However, it was still a fun read.
September 27, 2024
Thank you so much to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC! This book was phenomenal -- I was completely hooked from the beginning. House of Blight is a gothic fantasy romance that follows Edira, a threadmender who is able to heal others at the cost of sacrificing part of her lifespan each time she uses her ability. She lives in a mortal village where she must keep her powers secret, especially from the magical, immortal Fernglove family, who preside over the territory and steal away threadmenders in search of a cure for the blight.
When Edira's two younger brothers fall ill with the fatal and mysterious blight, she makes a bargain with Orin Fernglove. She reluctantly agrees to go with him to the Fernglove Estate to work on a cure in exchange for buying precious time for her brothers, whom Orin places in a temporary coma to halt the illness's spread. As a threadmender, Edira is believed to be the key to finding a way to cure the blight.
Nothing at the eerie Fernglove manor is as it seems. The Ferngloves are mysterious, deceptive, and even cruel: each of their true intentions are never clear, and hidden agendas and trickery run amok. Just when I thought I'd figured something out, there would be a captivating plot twist. This will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats, as it did for me!
I fell in love with Edira's character: she is kind, empathetic, and selfless-- willing to do anything to save her brothers. I loved following her journey as she navigates being plunged into the orbit of the Ferngloves; even the house itself. And, of course, Orin and his brother, Rorik. I cannot wait to see how the dynamics between Edira and each brother will play out in the sequel in the wake of all of the twists and turns in this book, and a crazy ending! I was so immersed in the fast-paced plot and the treacherously captivating world of the Ferngloves.
When Edira's two younger brothers fall ill with the fatal and mysterious blight, she makes a bargain with Orin Fernglove. She reluctantly agrees to go with him to the Fernglove Estate to work on a cure in exchange for buying precious time for her brothers, whom Orin places in a temporary coma to halt the illness's spread. As a threadmender, Edira is believed to be the key to finding a way to cure the blight.
Nothing at the eerie Fernglove manor is as it seems. The Ferngloves are mysterious, deceptive, and even cruel: each of their true intentions are never clear, and hidden agendas and trickery run amok. Just when I thought I'd figured something out, there would be a captivating plot twist. This will undoubtedly keep readers on the edge of their seats, as it did for me!
I fell in love with Edira's character: she is kind, empathetic, and selfless-- willing to do anything to save her brothers. I loved following her journey as she navigates being plunged into the orbit of the Ferngloves; even the house itself. And, of course, Orin and his brother, Rorik. I cannot wait to see how the dynamics between Edira and each brother will play out in the sequel in the wake of all of the twists and turns in this book, and a crazy ending! I was so immersed in the fast-paced plot and the treacherously captivating world of the Ferngloves.
September 22, 2024
Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The story introduces us to Edira, a threadmender/magical healer hiding from the Evers. We also meet her twin brothers, who she loves dearly. The Evers are a group of immortal fae-like creature who rule society. Most people seem to worship them but Edira hates them. The last threadmender, Edira’s aunt, was taken by the Evers and warned Edira before she disappeared that she should never use her powers to heal. The story dives right into the action and we’re introduced almost immediately to the blight, a mysterious disease ravaging the world. It literally turns people to ash in a matter of minutes and no one seems to know where it comes from or how to cure it.
Despite trying to avoid them, Edira gains the attention of the head of the nearest Evers clan and ends up an “employee” there. The plot is twisty and turny and all the Evers remind me of viscous fae, the kind who trick you into bargains and make you dance until your feet bleed for drinking the wine. They are tricky and mean and Edira has to navigate a world she doesn’t understand while trying to keep herself and her brothers alive. It’s a great book and I highly recommend it.
Despite trying to avoid them, Edira gains the attention of the head of the nearest Evers clan and ends up an “employee” there. The plot is twisty and turny and all the Evers remind me of viscous fae, the kind who trick you into bargains and make you dance until your feet bleed for drinking the wine. They are tricky and mean and Edira has to navigate a world she doesn’t understand while trying to keep herself and her brothers alive. It’s a great book and I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2024
I absolutely loved this story, and now, of course, I can't wait for the second book in the duology to release. This story follows Edira, a woman with a gift for healing, and her brothers on a journey into a land near her town inhabited by the immortal Evers that rule her own town. Though Edira has been raised to hide her magical healing abilities from the townsfolk, everyone knows her as the local apothecary. One night, the blight that affects the land and people, causing a quick and hideous death to any who succumb to it, comes knocking on Edira's door. Forced to make a difficult decision, Edira finds herself in a bargain with the Evers she's been avoiding her whole life. This fast-paced story is filled with magic, deceit, slow burn romance, and a bit of mystery. You won't want to put it down.
September 11, 2024
I had a blast with House of Blight! It’s got that perfect creepy, haunted house vibe that's just right for spooky season. The way the author describes everything really pulls you into the eerie atmosphere. Just a heads-up, though—the Blight itself is described in pretty graphic detail, so if you’re squeamish, you might want to be careful. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the next installment of this intriguing and unsettling story leads.
September 22, 2024
The first 80% of this book, I couldn't put it down. I loved it. The last 20% for me kind of dragged because I predicted what would happen, so I was just waiting for it to happen.
I think the writing is well done and immersive. The plot is interesting but I do think in some places the blight could be explored more in depth. The pacing for the most part is page-turning.
I found myself connecting to the FMC and her plight to save everyone including her brothers. The villain, to me, is obvious, and he is a jerk. The love interest is perfection. I'd like more of him in the next book. He is just the right amount of broody with banter. I enjoyed the character interactions.
I think this series has a lot of potential and I will definitely check out the next book!
Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for the eARC.
I think the writing is well done and immersive. The plot is interesting but I do think in some places the blight could be explored more in depth. The pacing for the most part is page-turning.
I found myself connecting to the FMC and her plight to save everyone including her brothers. The villain, to me, is obvious, and he is a jerk. The love interest is perfection. I'd like more of him in the next book. He is just the right amount of broody with banter. I enjoyed the character interactions.
I think this series has a lot of potential and I will definitely check out the next book!
Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for the eARC.
September 30, 2024
I DEVOURED this book in less than 24 hours. House of Blight is beautifully atmospheric and eerie, with a mystery aspect that keeps you guessing at what is going on. The characters, the world and magic system, the plot, everything was perfection - it's all I've been able to think about! There were several twists in this that I found predictable, but the twist at the end left me reeling and also sad because now I NEED to know what happens next. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!
August 30, 2024
I devoured this book in one night. This is my first experience with this author, but I was so impressed by the detail from the world building and the characters. I love an immersive book where I can picture scenes clearly with detail from the author. Well written with twists and turns, never knowing who to trust and who isn’t telling the whole tale.
*Our journey follows a healer Edira, who is caught up in a tangled web of half truth and lies, trying to figure out how to cure the blight. Edira attempts to help the all powerful Evers with the cure, but it’s hard to trust anyone at Fernglove manor. Plus there’s Rorik so that’s all that really matters 😅.
*Our journey follows a healer Edira, who is caught up in a tangled web of half truth and lies, trying to figure out how to cure the blight. Edira attempts to help the all powerful Evers with the cure, but it’s hard to trust anyone at Fernglove manor. Plus there’s Rorik so that’s all that really matters 😅.
September 1, 2024
Many thanks to Avon books and Harper Voyager for the ARC!!
This was AMAZING. Immediate 5 stars. I loved the main character Edira; she was so relatable and funny. The author does such a good job building this world and the bonds between characters you really feel the emotions they feel and are so immersed into this world. I was not ready for the book to end!
(All opinions are my own)
This was AMAZING. Immediate 5 stars. I loved the main character Edira; she was so relatable and funny. The author does such a good job building this world and the bonds between characters you really feel the emotions they feel and are so immersed into this world. I was not ready for the book to end!
(All opinions are my own)
September 5, 2024
Oh my god. This book will be the next big fantasy of 2025. From the world building to the entire magic system this book is fantastic. I was completely hooked. The character development is so well done I felt super connected to the characters. I was holding my breath the whole last few chapters. This book is incredible and I cannot recommend it enough.
SPOILERS
I was over here rooting for Orin and then boom plot twist. Suddenly I hate his guts. I fell so in love with Edina, I totally connected with the fact that she will do whatever it takes to save her brothers. It just made her that much more lovable. I also was totally invested in everything she was trying to figure out about the house the whole time.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me this ARC!
SPOILERS
I was over here rooting for Orin and then boom plot twist. Suddenly I hate his guts. I fell so in love with Edina, I totally connected with the fact that she will do whatever it takes to save her brothers. It just made her that much more lovable. I also was totally invested in everything she was trying to figure out about the house the whole time.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
September 6, 2024Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 9, 2024
First off, I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
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.
Yes, there is some spice. There is TONS of tension but very little payout.
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
Spoilers from this point on
The only reasons for 4 stars and not 5 are as follows:
I did feel that it was very predictable that Orin was actually the villain. His saccharine sweet doting on Edira when she did "well" and then his reservedness when she didn't was glaringly obvious. Also, with the spread of her brothers blight, it felt obvious that Orin was allowing that to happen to spur Edira to work harder to find the cure. Also, when a heartbond is supposed to be incredibly rare and revered and Orin, having previously been heartbonded is willingly throwing himself at Edira and jumping at the chance to heartbond with her.
Some words/phrases felt like they were used a lot, specifically "heady" "sliver" and "loam"
I wish there was more use of the Evers magic! We really only get to see Orin use his, outside of everyone using glamour to mask their appearances.
Some of the characters felt very ACOTAR coded. Seville felt a lot like Mor, Orin like Rhys except actually bad.
How did Orin know to spy on Edira? Did Rowena tell him about her? Did he remember Edira as a child when he came to seek out Rowena? That part didn't make sense to me. Maybe it was mentioned and I missed it.
I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way. These were just the things that stuck out to me. I genuinely really enjoyed this book.
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
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.
Yes, there is some spice. There is TONS of tension but very little payout.
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
Spoilers from this point on
The only reasons for 4 stars and not 5 are as follows:
I did feel that it was very predictable that Orin was actually the villain. His saccharine sweet doting on Edira when she did "well" and then his reservedness when she didn't was glaringly obvious. Also, with the spread of her brothers blight, it felt obvious that Orin was allowing that to happen to spur Edira to work harder to find the cure. Also, when a heartbond is supposed to be incredibly rare and revered and Orin, having previously been heartbonded is willingly throwing himself at Edira and jumping at the chance to heartbond with her.
Some words/phrases felt like they were used a lot, specifically "heady" "sliver" and "loam"
I wish there was more use of the Evers magic! We really only get to see Orin use his, outside of everyone using glamour to mask their appearances.
Some of the characters felt very ACOTAR coded. Seville felt a lot like Mor, Orin like Rhys except actually bad.
How did Orin know to spy on Edira? Did Rowena tell him about her? Did he remember Edira as a child when he came to seek out Rowena? That part didn't make sense to me. Maybe it was mentioned and I missed it.
I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way. These were just the things that stuck out to me. I genuinely really enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2024
Rating: 4 stars!/Review Contains Spoilers
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (would have been higher, but as I've learned in Romantasy, rarely can we trust the first love interest)
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so mad because this was so good and I'm going to have to wait forever for Book 2 (I've played myself). The story line was easy to get into and I like that the FMC is just...Edira (no whining/pick me attitude that is very prevalent in saturated fantasy market right now). She's a secret Threadmender, who has to hide her powers from the town. (Her powers allow her to see other's "threads" and can heal them, but doing so gradually shortens her life). Meanwhile, she's selling tinctures/potions to help survive along with her brothers who work in the mine. Her parents have passed, and her aunt was taken by a family of Evers, the Ferngloves. While at the market, Orin Fernglove appears while she's selling things, and she gets herself out of there as quickly as possible. That same evening her two brothers are exposed to blight and quickly succumb to the illness, but Orin shows up at her home to talk to her (literally, the *sus* started here, why does he just show up at her home? the moment her brothers get blight? How convenient.)
She goes with Orin to the Evers home, on the condition that she can heal her brothers. Orin uses his powers to slow down the illness and keeps them preserved while they're sleeping. As she goes there, it's clear that none of the family members can truly be trusted.
I thought the writing style/set up was so well done. There are a lot of moments leading up to the climax where you just get this vibe that Orin cannot be trusted (FACTS). I felt like the spice was fine--my only complaint that is the romance/"I love yous" felt a bit forced for the storyline, because obviously Martineau is trying to set up Orin as the villain but give us romance at the same time. I think my reaction was more like, "Edira, girl! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
Also the ending is so quickly tied up with the confrontation/Orin's death/her becoming Heartbound to Rorick (excellent c'mon Book 2) and her returning home with her brothers." I do like the ending from Rorick's POV and the knowledge that will be another book without a significant cliff ending or anything. Just that Rorick's father is likely the villain in the 2nd book and there's going to be something that's gotta occur to start the next one.
Great read, knocked down a star for the rushed ending and forced romance connection (just no real natural chemistry/banter). Excited for the next book!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (would have been higher, but as I've learned in Romantasy, rarely can we trust the first love interest)
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so mad because this was so good and I'm going to have to wait forever for Book 2 (I've played myself). The story line was easy to get into and I like that the FMC is just...Edira (no whining/pick me attitude that is very prevalent in saturated fantasy market right now). She's a secret Threadmender, who has to hide her powers from the town. (Her powers allow her to see other's "threads" and can heal them, but doing so gradually shortens her life). Meanwhile, she's selling tinctures/potions to help survive along with her brothers who work in the mine. Her parents have passed, and her aunt was taken by a family of Evers, the Ferngloves. While at the market, Orin Fernglove appears while she's selling things, and she gets herself out of there as quickly as possible. That same evening her two brothers are exposed to blight and quickly succumb to the illness, but Orin shows up at her home to talk to her (literally, the *sus* started here, why does he just show up at her home? the moment her brothers get blight? How convenient.)
She goes with Orin to the Evers home, on the condition that she can heal her brothers. Orin uses his powers to slow down the illness and keeps them preserved while they're sleeping. As she goes there, it's clear that none of the family members can truly be trusted.
I thought the writing style/set up was so well done. There are a lot of moments leading up to the climax where you just get this vibe that Orin cannot be trusted (FACTS). I felt like the spice was fine--my only complaint that is the romance/"I love yous" felt a bit forced for the storyline, because obviously Martineau is trying to set up Orin as the villain but give us romance at the same time. I think my reaction was more like, "Edira, girl! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
Also the ending is so quickly tied up with the confrontation/Orin's death/her becoming Heartbound to Rorick (excellent c'mon Book 2) and her returning home with her brothers." I do like the ending from Rorick's POV and the knowledge that will be another book without a significant cliff ending or anything. Just that Rorick's father is likely the villain in the 2nd book and there's going to be something that's gotta occur to start the next one.
Great read, knocked down a star for the rushed ending and forced romance connection (just no real natural chemistry/banter). Excited for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
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 overdone 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 this book/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 (unnaturally exaggerated amounts 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…
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 overdone 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 this book/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 (unnaturally exaggerated amounts 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…
September 14, 2024
This was the fantasy book I have been looking for the last several months. Maxym M. Martineau has created a new magical world and crafted a story that was a delight to dive into. Edira is a human with powers that make her a threadmender. She can see the life strings in people and heal them but the magic comes at a cost as every time she uses this power she loses time off of her life. As a result, she holds back and hides this while she struggles to care for her two younger twin brothers. The worst part is that there is a disease called "blight" which is disgusting and kills humans quickly. I mean, mold spores and decay abound. (gag) This disease she cannot cure which is why she and her brothers are orphans.
She hides her powers, especially from "Evers," who are an immortal race of people with unique powers and beast attributes. Think of them as variations on Fae. The Evers eventually find her and so begins the story of her working for them to find a cure for blight. It seems like a noble act initially but there are so many twists and turns that I found myself not sure who to trust. I did predict a few things but there were always pieces missing and it may remain that way till there is a sequel.
I really enjoyed this book. I truly mean it. I can't wait for the next one in the series. The story ends with a resolution but there is a cliffhanger. I loved the world-building and hidden details throughout the story. Yes, Edira did make a mess of things with her decisions but it was all for the love of her brothers. The story has a bit of romance threaded through and some spice but it isn't nuts. There is tension, a lovely animal sidekick (which I love!), and constant bathing. Seriously, she is always bathing. There was one scene where I actually wondered if she bathed yet because it happened so much. Sorry, let me refocus.
Anyway, this was a delight and I highly recommend it.
I was provided this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins. These are my real and honest thoughts.
She hides her powers, especially from "Evers," who are an immortal race of people with unique powers and beast attributes. Think of them as variations on Fae. The Evers eventually find her and so begins the story of her working for them to find a cure for blight. It seems like a noble act initially but there are so many twists and turns that I found myself not sure who to trust. I did predict a few things but there were always pieces missing and it may remain that way till there is a sequel.
I really enjoyed this book. I truly mean it. I can't wait for the next one in the series. The story ends with a resolution but there is a cliffhanger. I loved the world-building and hidden details throughout the story. Yes, Edira did make a mess of things with her decisions but it was all for the love of her brothers. The story has a bit of romance threaded through and some spice but it isn't nuts. There is tension, a lovely animal sidekick (which I love!), and constant bathing. Seriously, she is always bathing. There was one scene where I actually wondered if she bathed yet because it happened so much. Sorry, let me refocus.
Anyway, this was a delight and I highly recommend it.
I was provided this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins. These are my real and honest thoughts.
September 26, 2024
This story follows Edira. Edira has been in hiding since she was small. She dyes her hair, barely speaks to people, doesn't go out much except for work all to hide the secret that she's a threadmender. Threadmenders are rare. Everyone has life threads and she can cure almost anything. Only catch is everytime she uses her power she loses some of her life threads and can experience the pain of the injury. The only thing she can't cure is blight which is basically like a plague. Her brothers end up catching blight and Edira is desperate to save them. Orin, an Ever (basically an immortal with magic) makes a deal with her. Learn to cure blight and save his grandmother in exchange for keeping the blight from spreading in her brothers.
This book was so interesting and captivating. It aggravated me to no end that I had a life where I had to stop reading and go to work. Edira had cunning moments. I liked her character a lot but she was so naive too. There was so much sketchy things going on around her and she was so oblivious to it all. I wanted to shake her so bad and just tell her to open her eyes! It took her a while to get there but eventually she got it. She was pretty bad ass at the end.
Rorik, I fucking loved him. He was dark and mysterious and super dangerous and kind of a sarcastic smart ass but holy fuck he was perfection. I wanted Edira to be with him so bad it physically hurt. The rest of the family had things that annoyed me but they also had charm once you get farther into the story so it was hard to hate or even dislike them.
I never liked Orin. I don't know if it was how he was written but dude never fooled me. There was something off about him. I felt it and it bothered me so much that Edira fell for it and fell for it hard.
That ending though, I cannot wait for the second book. I need to know how this duology ends!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I recommend giving this book a read.
This book was so interesting and captivating. It aggravated me to no end that I had a life where I had to stop reading and go to work. Edira had cunning moments. I liked her character a lot but she was so naive too. There was so much sketchy things going on around her and she was so oblivious to it all. I wanted to shake her so bad and just tell her to open her eyes! It took her a while to get there but eventually she got it. She was pretty bad ass at the end.
Rorik, I fucking loved him. He was dark and mysterious and super dangerous and kind of a sarcastic smart ass but holy fuck he was perfection. I wanted Edira to be with him so bad it physically hurt. The rest of the family had things that annoyed me but they also had charm once you get farther into the story so it was hard to hate or even dislike them.
I never liked Orin. I don't know if it was how he was written but dude never fooled me. There was something off about him. I felt it and it bothered me so much that Edira fell for it and fell for it hard.
That ending though, I cannot wait for the second book. I need to know how this duology ends!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I recommend giving this book a read.
September 25, 2024
This one hurts me to rate as a 3! I enjoyed so much of it: the plot, the atmosphere, the magic. I love romances centered around the "oh no we're trapped together in this creepy house" trope. The Gothic vibes here were perfect, as were the sinister fae-like Evers. Beautiful, elegant, but also disgusting. There's a thrilling climax and some very descriptive and disturbing imagery. Fungal horror here we go!
But the sexual banter and some of the profanity that are so common in the romantasy genre felt dissonant here. I wish it had been a slower burn with more relationship development and more "who can I trust" angst. There's a love triangle with two Ever brothers (sibling romantic competition... ☹️) and the relationships are HEAVY on initial sexual attraction and not much else. There is a valid reason why one of the brothers is trying so hard to seduce our FMC Edira, but I'd rather she played a little harder to get. Because she didn't. At all. She also didn't seem weirded out by the sibling aspect, and I feel like most people would be? Edira flipped from making out with one brother to perving on the other lightning fast, like in the SAME DAY. No inner moral turmoil about that at all.
The setting and conflict are interesting and unique. I would've really enjoyed this if it leaned more into that and less into the brother love triangle. That's done with by the end of the book, luckily, so I think I'll be safe to fully enjoy the sequel.
(I'd run away with the brothers' lesbian sister Seville myself. Unfortunately Edira is straight and has worse taste than I.)
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
But the sexual banter and some of the profanity that are so common in the romantasy genre felt dissonant here. I wish it had been a slower burn with more relationship development and more "who can I trust" angst. There's a love triangle with two Ever brothers (sibling romantic competition... ☹️) and the relationships are HEAVY on initial sexual attraction and not much else. There is a valid reason why one of the brothers is trying so hard to seduce our FMC Edira, but I'd rather she played a little harder to get. Because she didn't. At all. She also didn't seem weirded out by the sibling aspect, and I feel like most people would be? Edira flipped from making out with one brother to perving on the other lightning fast, like in the SAME DAY. No inner moral turmoil about that at all.
The setting and conflict are interesting and unique. I would've really enjoyed this if it leaned more into that and less into the brother love triangle. That's done with by the end of the book, luckily, so I think I'll be safe to fully enjoy the sequel.
(I'd run away with the brothers' lesbian sister Seville myself. Unfortunately Edira is straight and has worse taste than I.)
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
September 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The name and cover immediately caught my attention, and I was drawn in by the synopsis. I am so grateful to NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read this story.
I was extremely enamored with the setting and aesthetic of the story, one of a gothic and fantastical fantasy. From the little village where Edira and her brothers live to the elusive and creepy Fernglove manor. The description of characters, their clothes, and the unique nuances to the world were wonderful.
I appreciated the author’s writing style and ability to draw you in to the story. I was hooked from the start, and I truly enjoyed how questions developed but didn’t get answered immediately. I was kept guessing and questioning until the end. I love the twists and turns, and I’m so eager to learn what happens in books 2.
Some areas of the book seemed to lull a bit, and I was worried about how fast Edira was moving with her relationship, regardless how everything played out in the end. I didn’t pick up on any grammatical errors or obvious plot holes, either (this was a proof and not a final draft ARC read).
Overall, I gave this read a solid 4/5 stars, and I have been recommending everyone add it to their TBR. Extremely enjoyable, unique magic system, beautiful characters, and a wonderful story with a dedication that hit me straight in the heart.
Again, thank you for the chance to ARC read this book! It was the best introduction to ARC reading!!
I was extremely enamored with the setting and aesthetic of the story, one of a gothic and fantastical fantasy. From the little village where Edira and her brothers live to the elusive and creepy Fernglove manor. The description of characters, their clothes, and the unique nuances to the world were wonderful.
I appreciated the author’s writing style and ability to draw you in to the story. I was hooked from the start, and I truly enjoyed how questions developed but didn’t get answered immediately. I was kept guessing and questioning until the end. I love the twists and turns, and I’m so eager to learn what happens in books 2.
Some areas of the book seemed to lull a bit, and I was worried about how fast Edira was moving with her relationship, regardless how everything played out in the end. I didn’t pick up on any grammatical errors or obvious plot holes, either (this was a proof and not a final draft ARC read).
Overall, I gave this read a solid 4/5 stars, and I have been recommending everyone add it to their TBR. Extremely enjoyable, unique magic system, beautiful characters, and a wonderful story with a dedication that hit me straight in the heart.
Again, thank you for the chance to ARC read this book! It was the best introduction to ARC reading!!
September 17, 2024
Super Special Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
Where do I even start with this book. Everything about it was so well done; from the characters, to the world building and even down to the minuscule details that play a bigger role further in the story.
To avoid any kind of spoilers, I'll keep my review centered around the broad aspects of the book.
Edira is a very special character. She not only has abilities that make her an essential part of the story, but she also is a character that's easy to relate to. She cares for her brothers more than anything and would risk it all to make sure that they are safe. From beginning to end of her story, we see that she develops and grows as a person and admits (mostly) when she is wrong. Her conflicting emotions about certain characters and situations make her feel very human, which is not something easily done considering that most protagonists have what I like to call "immortal plot armor." I enjoyed getting to know her and her past and read how it shapes her present and future.
The world building and the magic in this book are unique. There's a disease called the Blight that seems to be a huge part of our story and a huge part of our characters lives. As you read, you learn more about this mysterious disease and the role that Edira plays in potentially finding a cure alongside the Head of the Fernglove family, Orin.
Overall, I would give this book 20/5 stars if I could. I can't wait to read more about Edira, the Ferngloves, and all their future adventures in the next book!
Where do I even start with this book. Everything about it was so well done; from the characters, to the world building and even down to the minuscule details that play a bigger role further in the story.
To avoid any kind of spoilers, I'll keep my review centered around the broad aspects of the book.
Edira is a very special character. She not only has abilities that make her an essential part of the story, but she also is a character that's easy to relate to. She cares for her brothers more than anything and would risk it all to make sure that they are safe. From beginning to end of her story, we see that she develops and grows as a person and admits (mostly) when she is wrong. Her conflicting emotions about certain characters and situations make her feel very human, which is not something easily done considering that most protagonists have what I like to call "immortal plot armor." I enjoyed getting to know her and her past and read how it shapes her present and future.
The world building and the magic in this book are unique. There's a disease called the Blight that seems to be a huge part of our story and a huge part of our characters lives. As you read, you learn more about this mysterious disease and the role that Edira plays in potentially finding a cure alongside the Head of the Fernglove family, Orin.
Overall, I would give this book 20/5 stars if I could. I can't wait to read more about Edira, the Ferngloves, and all their future adventures in the next book!
September 13, 2024
This felt like a really unique fantasy with very unique forms of magic that I don't think I've really ever come across before (and I read a lot of fantasy and fantasy adjacent books, so me saying something is unique is REALLY saying something).
I love the cozy apothecary-type vibes of Edira (our main character) when she's selling her potions and things.
I also thought it was unique that the "politics" within this book was more so between different families in this little town. That makes this book feel like a high-stakes cozy fantasy (even though people often associate cozy fantasy with low stakes).
And due to the overhanging spookiness of this town and environment, it feels like it can be categorized as a fall read. This just has that sort of vibe. You'll want grey skies and orange leaves for this one.
This has immortal beings, rare and hidden magic, a price for using magic (I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS), a wealthy and overbearing neighboring family, spooky house secrets, eerie atmosphere, a FMC that knows what she wants and doesn't want, a grumpy love interest, and glamours galore! And so much more.
This is another one of those books where I feel like I have to be quite vague because I think this works best when you go in not knowing that much about it. This is the first book in a new duology and I will definitely be reading the sequel!
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I love the cozy apothecary-type vibes of Edira (our main character) when she's selling her potions and things.
I also thought it was unique that the "politics" within this book was more so between different families in this little town. That makes this book feel like a high-stakes cozy fantasy (even though people often associate cozy fantasy with low stakes).
And due to the overhanging spookiness of this town and environment, it feels like it can be categorized as a fall read. This just has that sort of vibe. You'll want grey skies and orange leaves for this one.
This has immortal beings, rare and hidden magic, a price for using magic (I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS), a wealthy and overbearing neighboring family, spooky house secrets, eerie atmosphere, a FMC that knows what she wants and doesn't want, a grumpy love interest, and glamours galore! And so much more.
This is another one of those books where I feel like I have to be quite vague because I think this works best when you go in not knowing that much about it. This is the first book in a new duology and I will definitely be reading the sequel!
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 20, 2024
House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC!
In the town of Willowfell lives Edira Brillwyn, a 25-year-old Threadmender hiding from the notorious yet magical Evers. With only her brothers for company Edira will do anything to keep them safe. Even help the Fernglove Ever family. When Edira’s brothers, Noam and Nohr, fall ill to the Blight plague she accepts Orin Fernglove’s offer in exchange for slowing their sickness even if it means loosing her life.
This book jumped between a slow to fast pace read for me! There were times when the author gave us beautiful descriptions but also jumps scenes. What bothered me the most was the dialogue. While the characters get developed gorgeously is this fantastical setting, the choice in diction is fairly modern which interrupted the transportive feeling for me.
I enjoyed reading about the whimsical aspect of the different Ever families! It was fairly unclear what creatures exactly the Evers were in the book but it reminded of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince creatures meets Alex Aster’s Lightlark courts.
I would definitely give this 🌶️/5 but maybe a 2 for sensitive readers. Martineau focuses on slowly developing the tension between Edira and the Fernglove brothers with a small resolve that left me wanting more from the interaction as it was a bit hard for me to support either of the MMCs.
🔮Snarky FMC
🔮Hidden Healing Powers
🔮Love Triangle
🔮Fantastical Creatures
Ultimately, it was a bit predictable for me but I think Martineau gives us an enjoyable romantasy and set up an interesting plot line for book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC!
In the town of Willowfell lives Edira Brillwyn, a 25-year-old Threadmender hiding from the notorious yet magical Evers. With only her brothers for company Edira will do anything to keep them safe. Even help the Fernglove Ever family. When Edira’s brothers, Noam and Nohr, fall ill to the Blight plague she accepts Orin Fernglove’s offer in exchange for slowing their sickness even if it means loosing her life.
This book jumped between a slow to fast pace read for me! There were times when the author gave us beautiful descriptions but also jumps scenes. What bothered me the most was the dialogue. While the characters get developed gorgeously is this fantastical setting, the choice in diction is fairly modern which interrupted the transportive feeling for me.
I enjoyed reading about the whimsical aspect of the different Ever families! It was fairly unclear what creatures exactly the Evers were in the book but it reminded of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince creatures meets Alex Aster’s Lightlark courts.
I would definitely give this 🌶️/5 but maybe a 2 for sensitive readers. Martineau focuses on slowly developing the tension between Edira and the Fernglove brothers with a small resolve that left me wanting more from the interaction as it was a bit hard for me to support either of the MMCs.
🔮Snarky FMC
🔮Hidden Healing Powers
🔮Love Triangle
🔮Fantastical Creatures
Ultimately, it was a bit predictable for me but I think Martineau gives us an enjoyable romantasy and set up an interesting plot line for book 2!
September 6, 2024
This novel has received a 5 star review. 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.
With its intricate world-building and engrossing writing style, House of Blight is a must-read for fans of immersive storytelling and fantasy.
With its intricate world-building and engrossing writing style, House of Blight is a must-read for fans of immersive storytelling and fantasy.
September 18, 2024
I love books like this. Great atmosphere, solid world building, interesting magic, a good mystery to solve and a hunky love interest. I read this in a one sitting fever dream on a plane and it was the best way to experience it. Everything was so fast moving, but didn't feel wrong or like I was missing anything and I loved how immediately I was thrown into the action. It was creepy and gross (but like, in a good way) and the mystery surrounding the Blight - what it is, how it came to be, how to get rid of it - was fascinating. There are still a lot of open questions on that but I can't wait to see what book 2 gives us.
I loved Edira as a main character, her threadmender powers were so interesting and I adored how much she loved her brothers and kept her wits about her (mostly) in a house full of immortals. The Ferngloves were great characters, the whole family had such a great dysfunctional dynamic and I just loved that they all had a slightly sinister bend to them and you could never really tell what their motivations were.
I did see a few of the twists coming like a mile off but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all. The ending was great and set up what I can only imagine is going to be an amazing next book. I absolutely loved it and 100% recommend this to anyone!
I loved Edira as a main character, her threadmender powers were so interesting and I adored how much she loved her brothers and kept her wits about her (mostly) in a house full of immortals. The Ferngloves were great characters, the whole family had such a great dysfunctional dynamic and I just loved that they all had a slightly sinister bend to them and you could never really tell what their motivations were.
I did see a few of the twists coming like a mile off but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all. The ending was great and set up what I can only imagine is going to be an amazing next book. I absolutely loved it and 100% recommend this to anyone!
September 19, 2024
3.75 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc!
First, I want to say that this book is SO readable, the plot and dialogue moved so fast that I finished it in two days. I simply couldn’t put it down.
This definitely leans into the romantasy genre in ways that make it a fun book, but not necessarily a perfect book. I struggle with romantasy where the fantasy setting is at odds with the dialogue/cursing/and spice levels of the book.
Using modern language and characters wearing “bralettes” while they are in somewhat of a Victorian or pre Victorian setting always rubs me the wrong way.
I enjoyed the characters and the dynamic of the Evers. The goal of cheating death that was laid out in the beautifully written prologue really grabbed me. The writing in the prologue is honestly the most engaging part of this book.
I do think the characters fall prey to the insta-love or Stockholm syndrome-y plot devices, that make the romance a bit hard for me to get behind. But I understand why it’s used to move the plot along for the second book.
Overall I loved the book and Edira’s constant goal of saving her family. She is a very lovable main character that you are rooting for - even if you don’t agree with her romantic choices 😇
I will definitely be looking forward to the second book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc!
First, I want to say that this book is SO readable, the plot and dialogue moved so fast that I finished it in two days. I simply couldn’t put it down.
This definitely leans into the romantasy genre in ways that make it a fun book, but not necessarily a perfect book. I struggle with romantasy where the fantasy setting is at odds with the dialogue/cursing/and spice levels of the book.
Using modern language and characters wearing “bralettes” while they are in somewhat of a Victorian or pre Victorian setting always rubs me the wrong way.
I enjoyed the characters and the dynamic of the Evers. The goal of cheating death that was laid out in the beautifully written prologue really grabbed me. The writing in the prologue is honestly the most engaging part of this book.
I do think the characters fall prey to the insta-love or Stockholm syndrome-y plot devices, that make the romance a bit hard for me to get behind. But I understand why it’s used to move the plot along for the second book.
Overall I loved the book and Edira’s constant goal of saving her family. She is a very lovable main character that you are rooting for - even if you don’t agree with her romantic choices 😇
I will definitely be looking forward to the second book.
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