This was an interesting story, I did struggle through it a bit because I just couldn’t get into the writing style/world. It was so predictable in my opinion and if it wasn’t for that I would’ve loved it a lot more.

A bargain made with Death itself begins the story. Love a good Death personified moment and this one certainly served to pull me into the magic of this world.

Fast forward from the prologue to the beginning and we meet Edira. In this tale, magic comes with a cost: she can mend the Threads of life to fix things like minor or major injuries, at the expense of taking moments from her own life and taking on the pain the injury caused. But for a humble orphaned young woman with younger brothers, Edira seems to see the cost as well worth it for those she cares for. Stepped into the caretaker role at 13 and has lived in fear of someone discovering her power. No true friendships. No lasting relationships. No trusting in others. Just her and her brothers living with a secret fearing the day she’s discovered.

But of course, the day after she eases the pain of her brothers’ friend dying of blight with her threadmender abilities (one gifted as a healer is hard-pressed to avoid the pull to heal or soothe), an infamous Ever shows up at the town market and takes an interest in her. The same one who’d taken her aunt years prior for the revelation of having the exact same gift lingering in Edira’s veins. And then the unthinkable happens leaving Edira utterly devastated and willing to make a desperate bargain.

I definitely got the gothic fantasy vibe while reading this novel. There was magic but it and the essence of the story came off eerie and mysterious. Instead of intense battles and kingdom politics, this leaned more into the mental and emotional battle of practicing magic to cure a deadly blight and existing amongst the secrets held by the Fernglove family. Yes, there are still training scenes for physical endurance and fighting that are quite delightful, don’t worry.

The additional layer with magical abilities combined with insects for a sort of bond shown by one character in particular certainly added to the quirky, eerie vibe given from this gothic fantasy. Cannot say I’ve ever read a maple moth being someone’s familiar before this book. Definitely unique.

Edira feeling as though someone’s eyes were on her, though no one around and the overall vibe of the story kept making me think of the film Crimson Peak (2015), the classic Jane Eyre, and the fairytale Bluebeard. The further into the story we go, the more hidden truths are revealed and deception uncovered. The cost and greed of immortality. The lengths those will go to in order to keep it.

Things so clear to me as the reader are evading our heroine and, while plenty of truths are revealed, some remain just far enough out of reach that they have a detrimental effect on Edira’s life. Though not all is lost as even before a cliffhanger of an ending, some truths are found. But even some truths cannot completely prevent what comes for the characters and the decisions they must make in the end.

An intriguing first half of a new gothic fantasy duology indeed with much more waiting to be revealed and resolved for the second half once it’s released. I’m intrigued to see what’s in store for these characters going forward.

This was such a fun and easy read. I was hooked from the very start.

Edira, our FMC, is a threadmender, which is a really cool style of healing magic where you pay for healing with your own lifetime (in seconds, minutes, hours, days, or even years, depending on how big the injury is). I loved this concept because it adds real consequences and naturally gets her into some pretty sticky situations.

The Evers are kind of like your typical Fae but with a twist. They have insect traits like wings and antennae, which made the already eerie, dying atmosphere even more interesting.

The romance was messy in the best way. I was constantly yelling at Edira but also cheering her on. Rorik totally stole my heart in that brooding idiot kind of way. Orin? No. Absolutely not. And Ywena the moth ended up being one of my favorite side characters.

If you're into romantasy, fae, plot twists, creepy manors, and a good slow burn, then definitely check this one out. I will definitely be checking out book two ASAP!

The world building and characters in this story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I was locked in to the end. AND THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING?!!?!!!!!! Soooooo many memorable and highlighted moments, but WOW talk about a well done fantasy. Oh. My. God. I can’t wait for the next one!

4/4.5 ⭐️ (minor spoilers)

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Maxym M. Martineau for the ARC!

This book was so good!! I was so intrigued and could not put it down.

Loved Edira and the idea of threadmending to heal people! Very curious about how much each time costs her though and am hoping we get more info on that in the next book.

The love triangle was soooo good! And I had sneaky suspicion that Orin was giving Tamlin vibes. Never trust the guy who seems too squeaky clean!

The descriptions of the blight were gross. But in the best way because I felt like the point of it being all consuming sickness was depicted really well.

Hoping we get some more insight into that awesome prologue in the next book too!

Someone please do some AI renderings of the characters! I need them in my life.

📚House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau📚

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️

✨Tropes✨
🦋Forced Proximity
🦋Moth Companion
🦋Fae x Humans
🦋Healing Magic
🦋Gothic Setting
🦋Mystery
🦋”Don’t Trust Anyone”

✨Initial Thoughts✨

Non- Spoiler:

When I first read the premise of this book, I knew I would like it. It had a ton of elements in the description that appealed to me. Little did I know how much I would enjoy and grow to love this book.

The writing is excellent, it pulls you in immediately and, at least for me, it kept me hooked. I found myself making predictions on what was going to happen next. Some predictions came true, partially. Others didn’t. And there were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I really enjoyed the ending of this book as well. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger necessarily, but it still makes me excited for the next book.

I loved how the author weaves in different fabric references (see what I did there?) due to the FMC, Edira, being a ‘tread mender’ which refers to people’s life threads. She is, essentially, a powerful healer. I’m in healthcare and I love fantasy depictions of healing. This was no exception. I loved the detail in which the author describes Eirda’s powers.

Spoilers Ahead!:

There will be spoilers from here on out, so if you don’t want anything spoiled, and I recommend you don’t, click away.

Okay, normally I try very hard to keep spoilers out of my review, but I need to process a few things.

The first being, my like-dislike relationship with the FMC, Edira. I went through an emotional rollercoaster with this girl. From the beginning of the book, I really liked her personality. Throughout the story, I had to keep reminding myself that she was young and she was thrown into a place where she truly did not know who to trust. It seemed like the entire Ever community was out to get her, but some intentions were far more nefarious than others. Despite the warnings she received from Vora and even Seville, to not trust anyone, Edira still found herself in bad situations. Normally I would write this FMC off as annoying, or idiotic. I have a pretty low tolerance for those things. But the author does such an amazing job at subtly reminding the reader that nothing is ever as it seems in this world. Edira has a headstrong personality, but she also has an endearing, caring side to her which I couldn’t help but admire and enjoy. That means I was screaming at her to get her head out of her bum and realize that something wasn’t quite right with Orin. It was obvious that he was up to something, but actions around the 50% mark confirmed it for me. I needed to remind myself that Edira is young and she’s desperate to trust Orin, especially since he had her brothers. Even when I reminded myself of those facts, I still found myself groaning about how blind she was to certain actions. I think she redeemed herself in the end, at least in my eyes, and she learned some tough lessons. To be that invested in a character is always a sign of great writing in my mind. So while I didn’t always like Edira’s choices and actions, I understood them and liked the person she was underneath.

There is a great message throughout the book about the glamour Evers use to hide any little flaw. Whether that be a scar or blight. It can be seen as a metaphor for how beauty is only skin deep. But it’s an excellent social commentary as well. So many people in our own modern society want to cover up flaws and try to stop the aging process or effects of aging. In the end, it will always catch up with you. It was very well done.

More thoughts:
Orin is a PoS.

Rorik, though he made poor choices in the beginning, was still great enough that I’ve fully forgiven him and I can’t wait to see more of him. I loved the insect whisperer aspect to him, I thought it made him unique.

The family dynamics of the Ferngloves was mysterious and drama filled. I loved it.

Ywena was one of my favorite ‘characters’ of all. I wasn’t sure about there being a moth companion. I loved her and grew so attached to her.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and I’m predicting it’s going to be the next big ‘BookTok’ book. It’s gothic, twisty, with a really nice balance of magic and intrigue.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this book.

First off thanks to the nerd family and NetGalley for the arc read!

Listen if you loved acotar you will devour this book! Think spring court but set in a gothic setting. I loved the magic system and the pace was on point for a first in a romantasy series. I didn’t feel like it dragged at all!

I love a good slow burn and add in forced proximity let’s just say it’s *chefs kiss!

The only thing I would say is I feel like certain aspects of the book could have been explained a little better, but again it is the first in a series so we may get more explanation in books to come.

Overall a fun read! Excited to see what the author has in store for us in book two!

House Of Blight by Maxim M Martineau, this book was so good and the ending was such a OMG was not expecting that ending and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. There is so much I want to say about this fabulous book but I have Covid and I feel awful so just know if you’re in the sci-fi fantasy books with magical realism romance we’re not everything is as it seems the you will definitely enjoy this first book in the duology. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MaximMMartineau, #HouseOfBlight,#HarperVoyager,N

This was the best fantasy book I've read in ages. It was so original, bitter, and twisty! I almost threw my Kindle across the room when I finished reading the last page. AHHHH. If you like Romantasy with a side of tall, dark, and tragic, please pick up HOUSE OF BLIGHT. I recommend reading as little about it as possible before starting.

Thank you NetGalley!

I enjoyed the journey throughout this book. I really enjoyed the idea of threadmending. I think that is such fascinating gift. I both enjoyed and disliked Edira. In the beginning I was very vested in what she was going to do but then I think I just got bored. However, I LOVED the world building in this and how beautifully written it was. I definitely am going to be buying a copy of this as a book trophy because I did have a good time reading! Thank you for the earc!

This was really good! Really atmospheric and spooky. When I think of blight I think of Dragon Age and while it wasn't the same, it gave me sorta same vibes and I really enjoyed this.

"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..."

It's a hard decision to make when your own life is on the line...

If you love immersive world-building, House of Blight delivers in spades! This book pulled me into a richly detailed fantasy world filled with betrayal, complicated family dynamics, and—something I don’t see often—a lovers-to-enemies arc. It kept me hooked, and I even picked up some new vocabulary along the way!

Thank you netgalley for this ARC exchange for my honest review.

YES. I ate this up. This is a 6 ⭐ for me. I loved the vibes, I loved the love triangle. I love the twists. All around perfection. Give me book 2.

House of Blight
by Maxym M. Martineau
The Threadmender Chronicles #1
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Apr 8, 2025
Avon/Harper Voyager
Fantasy
Ages: 16+

As a threadmender, each time Edira uses her gift to heal someone, her own life dwindles so she hides, because those of her village had already sold her aunt to the Ferngloves, a magically powerful family who own the mines where the men of the village work.

But when her brothers catch blight, an incurable virus, Orin Fernglove, the head of the Fernglove family discovers her secret and makes her an offer... He will use his magic to keep her brothers' illness suspended so she can find a way to cure the blight.

Whisked away to his Manor, she finds that she can not trust anyone in his family, for they all use their magic to play games, and the other families play more than games. But as time passes, Edira finds that Orin is hiding a secret.


While this started off feeling like a 'cozy romantasy' it shifted to include more of a darker tone. There was some violence, but it wasn't too gory, and the romance was predictable and had enough content to make this unsuitable for readers under sixteen.

Also predictable were the plot and the intentions of the characters. I had those and the ending guessed by the halfway mark.

Even though the characters are the typical 'oh so beautiful' BS of the genre, along with the enemies to friends to lovers trope, it's not a bad story, it moved along at a decent pace.

As to reading the next book in the series: Nah...

3 Stars

Blight is a mysteries disease that quickly take those who have it.

Edira, our FMC, is a hidden threadmender. She can reweave peoples threads of life to heal them but with all magical abilities it comes with a price. After her brothers come down with Blight she is forced to work with the Fernglove family to find a cure not only for her family but for one of their family members.

But the Fernglove's have secrets and the longer she is there the more that comes out.

Although there were times I felt that slightly disconnected with the characters and often times I was wondering how she could trust them when they did nothing worth her trust overall plot had me hooked and I cannot wait for the second book to come out to see how it all ends

If I could, I would give this book a 4.5 rating! I absolutely loved the vibes of this book. House of Blight is written with excellent tension, both with the plot and subplots, and kept me turning the pages. I wanted answers and could not put this book down. Maxym's ability to unveil the story slowly, without giving too much away, is master class in story telling. Her prose creates a story with gothic paranormal/romantasy vibes and I cannot wait for book 2. I highly recommend this book -- especially during spooky season. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this gem! I loved it!

#gothicromantasy #darkvibes #spookyseasonvibes #excellentstorytelling #plottwists

💜 House of Blight by @maxymmckay

✨ “If you think I can’t stab you while wearing skirts, you’re sorely mistaken.”

🪲 This book was the perfect Spring read! So many whimsy vibes and I loved it! I really loved the prose. The writing was so well done and was very immersive. I loved the atmosphere of Fernglove Manor.

💜 Edira’s love for her brothers is so relatable for me. I know I would do anything for my own brother, so I really connected with her. She’s a threadmender and sacrifices minutes of her own life to heal others.

✨ Edira is whisked away to Fernglove Manor by Orin to try and find a cure for the blight. He promises to keep her brothers safe in exchange.

🪲 But as the plot thickens, things are certainly not as they seem. There’s cracks in Fernglove Manor, and they slowly begin to show. But can Edira find the cure and save her brothers before it’s too late?

I think my toxic reading trait is that I keep picking up romantasy novels even though I know I'm not a fan of them. I want to love them -- I really do! But for the most part, they end up not being for me. That was unfortunately the case for this book.

The main thing I struggled with was the prose itself. The story was fine -- nothing I haven't read before, but it was enjoyable in its own way. But the writing was difficult to read, at times; it felt as if a Thesaurus had been used way too often. In particular, the word "locks" was used WAY too much as a replacement for hair and it was driving me a bit crazy. Adjectives were also, in my opinion, overused. Once I know the color of the protagonist's hair, there's no need to continue to mention it every time said hair is mentioned.

The other thing that didn't work for me was the predictability. Plot-wise, nothing surprised me, and the characters were all versions of ones I have read about before. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it didn't work for me.

I think I'm settling on 4 stars. This is one of those times where I totally agree with the other reviewers. The first 3rd of this book really had me hooked. I loved the writing, loved the gothic atmosphere that Martineau created, and I loved the magic system. But something happened around 40ish percent, and things started slowing a bit for me. On top of that, it became VERY obvious how things were going to play out in the end. And while I loved the FMC, by the middle of the book, she started making some very questionable decisions, which again, just felt like obviously bad decisions. That said, even though I knew what was going to happen, the end (maybe last 15%) of the book really hooked me again. So because of that oscillation between loving parts of this, and feeling meh on parts of this, I'm going with the average and giving this 4 stars. I also want to emphasize, again, how even though parts of this were predictable, the writing itself was great. Will I read book 2? I think so. The book ends in a way that I'm hoping leaves the door open for a less predictable sequel, and I am genuinely interested and invested in these characters to see how things shape up. Will I read this author's books outside of this series? 100% yes. I really loved how atmospheric this one was, and I think fans of the One Dark Window or Belladonna series would definitely jive with the vibes in House of Blight.

Thank you so much to Martineau, Harper Voyager, and netgalley for the complimentary copy.