I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of this book. I didn’t know what to expect, but oh my god!!!! Easily the best book I’ve read this year!

House of Blight kept me wanting more and more at the end of each chapter. The writing was smooth and well written, the magic was enchanting, the spice and the tension throughout was addicting. The plot was so intriguing & had me in a steel grip.

The author did a phenomenal job creating such a strong and witty FMC. I found myself cheering for the main character the entire time and wondering how the problem was going to resolve itself.

The ending was beautiful and beyond satisfying.

I cannot WAIT for the next book of the series!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review.

Tropes:
Hidden identity
Gothic romantasy
DNF
No chemistry
Book didn’t pull me in

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

3.5 stars!

A new magical world that was addicting for me! I found this story reminding me a lot of my first true love, The Cruel Prince. Edira has secrets of her own but finds herself allowing help from the Evers. She would normally stay away from them, but when a threatening situation calls for their help she can’t deny them. What’s even more troubling is how she finds herself interested in the dark brother. HELLO I ATE EVERY SCENE OF THEM UP.

The only reason I lowered a star is because this was highly predictable. I was able to predict the plot twist and ending. However, the author’s writing style was so beautiful when weaving this new world and characters, that I didn’t want to stop reading it regardless of the predictability.

This was such a pleasant surpise. I didn't go into it expecting a 5-star read, but I ended up loving every bit of this. While I can see the slight comparisons to ACOTAR and One Dark Window, I would say this is very much its own unique story. I definitely enjoyed the creepy, gothic vibes that this gave off. (Although I will say that the descriptions of blight were super disgusting at points. Don't read this while eating!)

I loved that the Evers were their own species, although they did share some similarities with fae, and how we slowly learned more regarding their lore. This also had good worldbuilding that I thought wasn't too difficult to understand and a unique magic system with the threadmending. This did start off a little slow, but there were several twists that ended up catching me offguard, and i felt like the story really flew from there and was impossible to put down.

I like that this is just a duology, and I can't wait for the sequel and where things are going to go, especially with Edira and Rorik. The tension between them and the few moments we got in this book were magnificent. Needless to say, a definite recommend, especially if you're looking for an underrated read.

House of Blight introduces an imaginative magical system that stands out in a crowded fantasy landscape. The worldbuilding is richly atmospheric, with vivid, ethereal descriptions that immerse you fully in its haunting environment.

Edira, the protagonist, is a strong and grounded lead. Her decisions, emotional responses, and internal logic felt believable and appropriate for the dire circumstances she faces. I appreciated that her journey—particularly her efforts to cure the Blight—wasn’t glossed over or conveniently resolved. The trials she faced had real stakes, which kept me engaged throughout.

The dynamic within the Fernglove family added another compelling layer to the story. I especially loved the prologue—it was gripping and set a powerful tone. I would have loved to see more threads from that opening woven more literally throughout the rest of the novel.

Where the book fell short for me was in the romance. While Orin made for an interesting twist as a character, the romantic connection between him and Edira felt underdeveloped. Without their glamours, their chemistry lacked depth, and their bond seemed to hinge more on circumstance than genuine emotional connection. A marriage of convenience rooted in mutual goals may have made more narrative sense given the story’s context.

Still, House of Blight was an enjoyable read overall. Despite a few missed emotional beats, the inventive magic system, layered protagonist, and slow-burning plot make it a solid start to what promises to be an intriguing series. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! The whimsical, cottage-core vibe was lovely but it also felt like the author was trying to incorporate a dark and gothic setting- the vibes didn’t mesh for me. The FMC was likable and believable. However, the other characters didn’t pull me in and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the MCs. While this book was not for me and I decided to DNF, it may be perfect for lovers of One Dark Window because it gives off a very similar feeling and atmosphere.

I am sorry I just couldn't get into this book for some reason. I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

This book cured me of my reading slump. A magical world with dark undertones. A strong female mc that is not a fighter but goes to her brink for her family. Delightful.

I loved the storyline of the blight and her forced to work with the Evers to try to save her brothers. The love triangle with the kind king and his broody brother was amazing. I was screaming in anger, delight and surprise throughout the whole book. It was giving a court of thorns and roses and I was here for it. The ending was just what i was looking for.

Thanks for the arc of this book netgalley.

I enjoyed this book. Wasn’t god tier but a healthy 4 Star. Kept me entertained for the most part. I did have trouble finishing the last 15% seemed slow. But over all I would recommend to others.

I’ve recently started getting into more of the “gothic” flavored romantasy books and this one was definitely unique. I enjoyed it, but with a lot of books where the main character is self sacrificing for a family member I have a hard time understanding why they do that. Probably because I have a not great family and honestly would never put myself through, well, anything for their benefit because they wouldn’t do it for me. I haven’t spoken to my brother except like 3 times since 2004 at this point, so it’s hard to connect with Edira and how every decision she makes she makes it with her brother in mind. It’s commendable but totally foreign to me. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles either, but this one didn’t bother me. I enjoyed the unique magic and overall mystery of this book. So despite having a hard time relating to the MFC I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book 2.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC 💕

House of Blight absolutely caught me by surprise. I love a good gothic fantasy but tend to not come across many that really lean into the gothic aspect and... wow, this book is just absolutely haunting at times. The Ferngloves and The Evers are so unique from anything else I've ever read and their world had me captivated. I did not expect to become so enraptured by this world and story and am so incredibly glad I gave it a read.

I was immediately drawn into this book. From the cover, to the first sentence, to the end. I thought the world building was fantastic (I love a good dark, gothic world). The plot twists were definitely twisting and this is absolutely a book I would recommend!

I could not put this book down!

I received this as an ARC but was not able to complete it in time for release because I fell ill. But I’m so upset that I didn’t get to it sooner!

This world was so vivid. The magic system slowly unfolded before you while keeping some parts deliciously mysterious. With the way Martineau described everything, you couldn’t help but be fully immersed and engaged with the characters. Even after finishing this book, after questions have been answered, I found myself needing to know more about Edira and the other side characters. It felt like they had more to offer and share with us.

This was a lovely jaunt through a world full of brushes with death, witchy tinctures and magical experiments. With characters as complex as any family unit trying to hold it together but can’t quite reach the harmony their ancestors wished for.

Thank you Maxym M. Martineau and Net Galley for the ARC! I really really enjoyed this book!

This was a unique and entertaining fantasy romance read! I especially loved the atmospheric setting and integration of nature into the story. I think the first half of the book dragged a little, making it hard to connect, but the ending will have readers hooked and eager for more! Thank you for the early reader's copy!

I can't wait for the next book!
Once I got into the story, it was hard to put down! And that twist! I was on the edge of my seat.

Edira is a threadmender. It's a rare power she possesses that lets her cure diseases and heal injuries. But her magic comes at a cost. Saving anyone costs her a sliver of her life. For that reason, she's kept her ability a secret.

Until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.

The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, and possess powerful magic and don't take no for an answer---especially Orin the head of the family.

When Edira's brother contract blight, an incurable virus that is killing people in the village. It's an illness too strong for her to heal. Orin offers to help.

Together at his estate, they research for a cure and Edira works on honing her magic.

Edira finds herself attracted to Orin but she can't forget that even under his protection, she is still in danger.

Thanks so much to the author and Harper Collins for this ARC to review.

This book wasn’t bad per se, I just feel like it was marketed incorrectly. The marketing is pushing this as a dark fantasy and in my opinion it’s more of a cozy fantasy with “darker”elements.

This book has minimal world building and would be great for someone wanting a quick fantasy read!

The FMC was completely blind to what was going on around here.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I was getting so mad that she was choosing the wrong guy. I knew which brother was the superior brother from the start.
This felt like a Prince Hans situation (you know, from the movie Frozen?). Evil Prince tricking the innocent girl into love so he can have his power. Meanwhile the better, grumpier, choice is right in front of her face. Oh, and did I mention he can communicate with bugs? Kind of like how Kristoff in frozen talks to Sven. Oh, and the girl starts to die and only an act of true love (heartbond) can save her… Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE frozen. I just think I’ve seen this film before.

Loved this book!! I'm always looking for the next best romantasy and this was definitely it! Excited to read more books from Martineau.

Thank you Maxym M. Martineau and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This one gets 5 ⭐️ from me because it kept my attention from page one until the end and despite being a mercurial mood reader I couldn’t put this one down. The vibes are immaculate and the pace was perfect for what will be a fantasy duology. The end of book one perfectly sets up book two and when I tell you I am so ready to find out what happens next!

I was very intrigued by the magic at play with our FMC Edira- she’s a healer who can see the threads of life for each person she heals, at the expense of her own life. Each time she heals someone, a bit of her own life expectancy dwindles. As someone who works in healthcare this was a really interesting plot point and I feel like I could have many philosophical conversations about just this one aspect of the story 😆

Pick this up if you enjoy gothic fantasies, slow burn romance, and eerie mansions full of secrets….🪲

1/5 🌶️ one open door scene but I’m hoping book two sets us up for more exploration of the romantic elements in the series! (A la Hurricane Wars)

Thank you to the author, Avon/Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the early copy for review!

4.2 stars. This one had me in a chokehold. It’s giving cursed manor, healing magic that bites back, and morally gray tension I fully approved of.

Edira is a solid FMC. She’s tough, closed-off, and tired in the way all great fantasy girls are. Hehe. The magic system is genuinely cool (and a little disturbing), the world is dark without being a drag, and the slow burn romance? Umm…earned. No insta-anything, just delicious tension and quiet moments that hit.

It lost a few points for some side characters that didn’t land and a couple pacing lulls, but the vibe never let up. Gloomy, gritty, and full of emotional damage in the best way.

Honestly, if your reading taste lives in the overlap of “moody magic” and “soft pining with sharp edges,” this one belongs on your shelf.

I couldn't put House of Blight down! From the very first page, I was transported into a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, and every decision carries a heavy price. Martineau's writing is vibrant and atmospheric, weaving a tale rich in gothic elements and emotional depth. The world-building is immersive with a unique magic system that adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of human connection. It's a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. If you're a fan of gothic fantasy with rich world-building, complex characters, and a touch of romance, House of Blight is a must-read! Thank you, NetGalley!