I was intrigued from the beginning and could barely put it down! Super excited to read the next book!
I've never read anything by this author but I will definitely check out her other work.

This is a tough book to rate for me. I enjoyed the story, thought that it was well written, and kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed the magic of the main character and her healing abilities and the dilemma that came along with it. However, as the story progressed, I was constantly thinking about how similar the story was to ACOTAR. At first, it felt like a Gothic retelling of beauty and the beast and then eventually a retelling of (ACOTAR). I felt like I was able to guess pretty accurately what was going to happen throughout the book because of it. The main character was a little frustrating for me because she came off as intelligent, however, was infuriatingly ignorant when it came to dealing with anything romantic, I guess they call it gaslighting for a reason. I just had a hard time believing rationalizations, especially in such a short period of time. In that way it kind of felt rushed. That being said, I did enjoy reading it enough that I plan on reading the sequel.

I couldn’t finish this book. I got 40% of the way through and had to stop because I was getting annoyed. I really wanted to love it. The magic system was promising but fell flat.
The Ferngloves are unbearable. The petty, childish behavior made it impossible to keep reading without getting mad. Orin’s behavior both cringed and creeped me out. He barely knows Edira and he randomly made a comment of saying he wishes getting her measurements was more hands on. I feel like the interaction between Orin and Edira are supposed to cute but they left me cringing. Most of the notes on my kindle were either “ew” or “this is awful and cringy”.
Also, the Ferngloves have powers but none of them have used them besides Orin. Maybe they use their powers later in the book but I feel like they would have used them even partially by 40%.
Edira says that she’s gonna put up a mask and not let people in the house know who she is. She was brought there because she’s a threadmender! They already know who she is! The stuff that Edira said could be frustrating at time.

I want to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy of House of Blight! I immediately ordered a copy upon finishing this book!

This book was a fun read. The world wasn’t super complex, so it was easier for me to figure out what was going on than it is in some other fantasy books.
I enjoyed the quick progression and timeline of this book too, I never felt like it was dragging on.

I was really a fan of how the sort of love triangle played out, and I felt like I knew it was gonna happen with it pretty early on which thrilled me.

I’m assuming the Evers are Fae of some sort, that’s what I Gathered from reading this. I really liked the different take on Fae and their powers and how they cohabitate with humans.

I liked Edira as a main character for the most part. She was easy to understand, and it was easy to understand what drove her throughout the book. Some of her decisions I didn’t get, and I felt like she was fooled pretty easily, but by the end, she sort of redeemed herself in my eyes. Part of the love triangle gave me the ick, but that also redeemed itself by the end and I was happy with that outcome.

We start Out with Edira being a Threadmender in secret and hiding her powers, because Threadmenders are coveted by the Evers, and she didn’t want to be taken from her family. But then her brothers fall ill, and one of the Evers promises to help her save them in exchange for her help. We quickly see that the Evers aren’t being completely honest and there’s more to the story, which slowly reveals itself throughout the book. And by the end Edira has some pretty big decisions to make in order to come out alive and save her brothers.

I definitely recommend picking up a copy of this book! Especially if you like A Court of Thorns and Roses

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Edira is a threadmender, which is someone who can heal others at the cost of their own mortality. Healing a broken leg could cost months of one's life. Edira has been living in fear of being found out since her aunt (also a threadmender) was kidnapped and taken to an immortal family's home. She has kept her secret until tragedy strikes and she must make a bargain she cannot refuse.

I enjoyed Martineau's world building in House of Blight. There were immortal families, mythical beasts, mystery, magic, glamors, and a pervading sickness. Edira was believable as a character and you could feel the love and dedication she has to her family. I cannot wait for the second book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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

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

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

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

Overall, I loved this book, it was so good I couldn’t believe it. It’s a medium paced book, but it will keep you absolutely hooked. The book has an ending that could go either way of a sequel or standalone. I think either way it’s good. A second book would be awesome.

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

Fantasy. Romantasy. Gothic. Open for a sequel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I don't have any notes! Great work.

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

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

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

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

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC!