The Queen of Retellings does it again.

The House Saphir was a 5-star prediction for me, and in my mind, it's a 6-star book. From the moment I saw the guide to the monsters featured in the beginning—not to mention Mallory's prowess with a salad fork—I was hooked. I forced myself to take breaks just to stop myself from rushing to finish everything all at once. All of the intricacies of every twist and turn left my jaw dropping (and made noises that weren't entirely human, but let's ignore that.) This was a book that DESERVED to be savored.

The characters were so much fun, especially our main girl Mallory, loved everything about her. The side characters stood out (as always). I loved them all and everything thing about them—from their boons to their flaws. Meyer makes all of her characters have depth and flair that makes me love everything about them, especially their flaws. That's why they feel so real and only enhanced this refreshingly new take on the Bluebeard Tale.

She is the master at flipping the tone of the book. One minute, I'm laughing; the next, my heart is gripped in a vice, and I feel like I'll never recover. (Except I do, and she's the one who healed me.) And this book is no different.

I cannot get over how much I loved this book. Also, the easter eggs for the Gilded Duology fans!!! I loved seeing the seven mentioned here and how they're tied into the magical landscape and lore, but if you haven't read the Duology, then don't worry. Nothing will go over your head. This is probably just a stream-of-conscious mess, but I'm sorry, I'm just so happy. I've already pre-ordered a copy.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

I’ve always loved Marissa Meyer’s work. She takes all these fairytale stories and puts a little twist on it. This one is a twist on Bluebeard, which I never really heard of. But don’t let that deter you from reading this book if you’re like me. The author does a great job weaving in the original story while still making this her own. I loved all the characters and felt like they had their own personalities. It was a fun read! And it’s a standalone novel I believe so there’s no sense of commitment after you read this book.

Marissa Meyer is back with a gothic, fairytale retelling of Bluebeard! This was an addicting, page turning read. I had to force myself to go to sleep instead of staying up to finish it. I loved the mystery elements of the story. There were some twists I saw coming, but others I did not. My favorite part of the story was the ghosts. I caught myself giggling at their dialogue multiple times. I loved our fierce, lover of all things creepy, heroine. However, I would love to see a book about her sister! Not necessarily a sequel but perhaps a spin off? She has a story worth telling! This book was incredibly atmospheric and just creepy enough. If you love con artists that secretly have a heart of gold, you will enjoy our main character. (I found her similar to Vanja from the Little Thieves trilogy.) The romance wasn’t my favorite. I could’ve done without it, but it was somewhat important to the plot. This is being marketed as a romantasy, which seems to be a buzz word in publishing as of late. I wouldn’t call it that at all. It’s a fantasy with a slight romantic subplot. Just because a fantasy book has a hint of romance doesn’t make it a romantasy book, in my opinion. Readers going into this purely for a romantasy will probably be disappointed by how little romance there is. I actually enjoyed that the romance wasn’t heavy in this one, but I wasn’t reading it for the romance. Overall, I enjoyed the story! Fans of Erin A. Craig are sure to enjoy this one!

I really loved this book! It had me hooked from the beginning and I just couldn't put it down. This was a fast paced read that kept me on my toes. Mallory is such a wonderful character. I thoroughly enjoyed her story. And the paranormal aspects with the ghosts were fun. This book is filled with mystery, magic and a bit of romance. If you like darker fantasy books then I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

Oh my gosh. All hail Queen Marissa. There isn’t a story of hers I read and don’t love. Once again she wrote an incredibly atmospheric book that had me hooked from the beginning.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thrilling and Mysterious Bluebeard Reimagining

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for providing me with an eARC!

I really enjoyed this reimagined take on the Bluebeard tale. The House Saphir is full of tension, mystery, and dark enchantment. From the very beginning, you’re pulled into a world where nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem. The story kept me guessing, and I loved that element of uncertainty. You’re constantly questioning who to trust and what’s truly lurking beneath the surface.

Mallory was such a great main character with her dry sense of humor and cautious nature. She felt like a real person navigating a very surreal situation. And Armand? A charming, slightly bumbling mess in the best way—his interactions with Mallory brought a unique and often amusing energy to the story. Their dynamic added some much-needed levity amidst all the suspense.

The world Meyer built was fascinating, especially with the inclusion of various magical creatures that added richness without overwhelming the plot. The writing itself was smooth and accessible, making it easy to fall into the story and stay there.

Overall, this was a thrilling, imaginative retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m excited to see what Marissa Meyer brings us next!

After reading this story, now I can't decide if talking to ghosts would be freaky or fantastic. The premise of this book is unique, consisting of a gothic murder mystery with a little bit of magic/witches, romance, and a lot of ghosts intermingled throughout. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it, especially for ghost lovers or during spooky season in the fall.

I was hooked on this story by the first sentence. It was such an incredible adventure and I had the absolute time of my life! The FMC is easily likable, and I just adored her. The story was well-paced and full of magical qualities and characters! It was a little predictable for me, but it still surprised me at some points! I loved all of the unique characters so much, and the story telling was amazing. I cannot wait for the world to be able to read (and love) this book!! 💙
4.75🌟

Preread- Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC ! Looking forward to this one. Ghosts and witches and counts 👀 ? Hell yeah.

WELL GOD DAMN. I am SPEECHLESS. Marissa Meyer has done it again guys. If witches, spells and ghosts is your thing then you HAVE to read this.

The story begins by introducing our FMC Mallory, who's running (technically illegal) tours at the supposedly haunted House Saphir to support her and her sister. Mallory's mother and grandmother and other ancestors were witches, and she and her sister both have gifts. Mallory's gift is the ability to see ghosts. The plot twist ? Jaw dropping. I almost dropped my kindle 😅. I did kind of see it coming, but it was still an uncertain theory.

The House Saphir was my first ARC experience, and it exceeded all expectations. Although this is my first time reading a book by Marissa Meyer, I was immediately struck by her engaging writing style and creative world-building. Her storytelling is fresh, original, and incredibly immersive—I found myself holding my breath, eager to turn each page.

The plot was compelling and fast-paced, with thought-provoking concepts woven throughout. I especially appreciated the attention to detail, from the intricacies of the ring system to the broader landscape of the setting. Marissa Meyer’s ability to build a vivid and unique world is truly impressive.

While the romantic subplot between the main characters was present, it felt somewhat understated, with limited tension or chemistry between the leads. As a reader who typically gravitates toward romance-heavy narratives, I was surprised by how much I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. This speaks to the strength of the plot and the captivating nature of the overall narrative.

I would absolutely recommend The House Saphir once it is officially released. The twists and turns throughout the story make it a great pick for discussion, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Marissa Meyer in the future.

I knew nothing about the Bluebeard fairytale going into this. I thought it was about pirates! (Possibly I confused it with Blackbeard) I remember seeing the post about a year ago that she was writing an adult Bluebeard romantasy story. Personally, I found this very less romance focused than I thought it would be, and also I feel like the YA tone Marissa Meyers usually has was still there. I have no problem with either of these thoughts, but I know some readers might want this to be more romance heavy so fair warning. The vibes were there for this book. The writing and prose was great. The setting was beautiful. I did find the relationship a bit lacking, especially in comparison to uMeyers’s other works. It felt both rushed, and not present enough somehow. I found it hard to feel the chemistry between them as well. I think if this had been marketed to me as more of a mystery it wouldn’t have bugged me as much. I will likely do a reread when the audio is released and see if that changes my rating at all.

I’m screaming!!! I love Marissa and this book was amazing! Firstly amazing adult debut, and the characters and the world were so thought out and interesting! Highly recommend this book, and can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!!

Marissa Meyer’s The House Saphir is a captivating blend of romantic suspense and supernatural intrigue, masterfully reimagining the Bluebeard legend. The story follows Mallory Fontaine, a self-proclaimed witch with the rare ability to see ghosts. Alongside her sister, she runs a modest business offering fake spells and ghost tours, capitalizing on the notorious history of Count Bastien Saphir, known as Monsieur Le Bleu, who allegedly murdered three of his wives over a century ago.

The plot takes a thrilling turn when Armand Saphir, the charming and wealthy great-grandson of Count Bastien, hires Mallory to rid his ancestral home of his ancestor's ghost. What begins as a lucrative opportunity for Mallory soon spirals into a complex web of murder and deception when another death occurs at the House Saphir. As Mallory navigates the eerie mansion, she must unravel the mystery of the killings while maintaining the illusion of her witchcraft abilities. Complicating matters is her growing attraction to Armand, who may be more involved in the sinister events than he appears.

Meyer's world-building is exceptional, creating a richly atmospheric setting that enhances the gothic tone of the narrative. The House Saphir itself is depicted with haunting detail, its history and secrets unfolding alongside the central mystery. The characters are equally compelling; Mallory's wit and resilience make her a relatable and engaging protagonist, while Armand's enigmatic nature adds layers of complexity to their evolving relationship.

The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, though some may find the resolution slightly predictable. Nevertheless, The House Saphir is a thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of romantic mysteries and supernatural tales.

Fans of Marissa Meyer will love this Blue Beard retelling full of mystery, strong female lead characters, and family history.

When two sisters are kicked out of their flat after not paying rent and one is arrested for trespassing and maybe selling false relics/gems, they don't have a lot of options. When they are asked to assist in ridding the manor of a ghost, specifically a murdering maniac, Blue Beard, they jump on the chance. Free rent? Free food? How bad can it be?

As the sisters spend more time in the house, they realize things are more dangerous than they thought.

Thank you to netgalley for an ARC to enjoy.

So different from Meyer’s other book but just as good!! I loved every second of this book, the banter between the characters was go great and kept me giggling the whole book. I was surprised by the plot twists and really couldn’t predict how the book was going to end.
The plot was wonderful and the characters had such good depth. Loved this book so much!

Alright, I loved this book! It was a spooky good time. It reminded me a lot of Starling House by Alix E. Harrow with a dash of Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson and Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor. If any of that intrigues you, you’ll definitely want to check this book out. This book stands out on its own and it left me wanting more! It has a great plot, amazing well-written characters, and a blooming romance as well! I did guess the plot twist BUT it was in a way where I was shocked that I was right! I wish we got a little bit more of the romance… maybe a novella or sequel perhaps? Yes, please!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book!

This novel is a genre-bending gem—equal parts fantasy, romance, ghost story, and adventure. As a longtime fan of Marissa Meyer's work, I was especially excited to see her dive into a retelling of the Bluebeard legend, and this book absolutely delivered.

Set against the eerie backdrop of The House Saphir, the story introduces us to sisters Mallory and Anais, clever grifters running haunted house tours and peddling fake artifacts to gullible tourists. But the supernatural twist comes in quickly: Mallory isn’t just pretending the house is haunted—she really sees and communicates with the ghosts of Bastian Saphir’s murdered wives.

When Armand, the enigmatic heir of the Saphir legacy, walks through their doors and offers Mallory an unexpected opportunity, the story takes off into a thrilling journey filled with magical creatures, uneasy alliances with the dead, and a heroine stepping into her power.

The world-building is fast but effective, with vivid details that pull you in without over-explanation. The tone reminds me of the later Percy Jackson books or even The Hunger Games—high-stakes fantasy witha strong emotional core and accessible writing that could appeal to both YA and adult readers. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing tight, and the character development nuanced.

Mallory is a standout protagonist—flawed, courageous, and emotionally grounded. Her bond with Anais adds warmth to a story full of eerie tension and hidden dangers. There are some truly unexpected twists, and the blend of humor, horror, and heart kept me turning pages late into the night.

This is a heroine’s journey with teeth—smart, spooky, and emotionally rich. Whether you’re drawn to dark fairy tales, ghost stories, or simply crave a strong female lead navigating a magical world, this book is well worth your time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC, all thoughts and reviews are my own.

Marissa Meyer comes back again to enchant us with a magical and dark re-telling of Blackbeard with The House Saphir. Weaving mythical creatures, ghosts, and spells this book is sure to have you on the edge of your seat this fall season. While not one of my particular favorite novels by Marissa Meyer , it still is a pretty decently solid read.

3.5 stars out of 5

Thank you NetGalley for the arc~ This book was honestly one of the best books I've ever read on Netgalley as an arc ever. It is seriously one of my most favorite books I've read this year! I found the characterization of Mallory, Anais and Armand to be so fun and realistic. They seem like proper characters and weren't reduced to a flanderization of a trope.
Mallory is such a dynamic and witty female main character. I found her humor refreshing and her stubborn persistence to keep her and her sister safe admirable. She was realistic in her reactions and her attempts to come across as witchy and mysterious were so fun to read. Her sister, Anais, was also such a delightful character to read. She felt like a proper sister character - not a side piece to use as fodder later, and not as a predictable foil. Anais was her own person and obviously had her own feelings.
Armand is SUCH a refreshing male main character too! I was so blown away by his fun quirks and personality. He isn't some token love interest that only exists for the fmc to fall for, but is his own personality who is equally interesting on his own. I also absolutely ADORe how Mallory was so token by Armand's quirks. It's such a realistic representation on relationships.
All in all, the entire book had serious and dark themes, but was presented with a humorous and realistic tone so it was very digestible. I found every progression of the plot engaging and thrilling. Marissa Meyer has a clear talent and knack for writing, and she very much outdid herself. 10/10!!

3 stars rounded up. This was okay, nothing super original or outstanding about the story. Honestly my favorite part was the humor and banter between the spirits! I wasn't a huge fan of the FMC, Mallory, but I did like her sister, Anais. I also wasn't blown away by the MMC, Armand, either. I saw the plot twists from a mile away, and the ending just felt a bit anticlimactic. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!