A-MAZ-INGGG! I should have known it would be. This author has become an auto buy for me. This was such a great read, with fantastic storytelling and characters you felt like you knew personally.

I have most of Marissa Meyer’s books in my classroom library, and I’ll be so happy to include this one as well! Meyer is a master at retellings. Students who love fantasy love her books, and her books are a great introduction to the genre for any student wanting to try it out for the first time. Not many students will be familiar with the Bluebeard fairytale, but that should make this one especially intriguing.

I loved Mallory. I found her to be incredibly genuine and funny. I was immediately engaged in the story because of her. The narration was also engaging — the voice was great in this one and the tone was appropriate for a YA audience. There was just the right amount of suspense to keep teenagers engaged as well. The vibes were creepy, but not too scary. The characters were very likable and distinct— I loved Triphine, especially. I thought the characterization and development were really strong. And the pacing of the story felt fast. This book is FUN. And adventurous. All good things when trying to hook teenage readers in!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of The House Saphir. I LOVE Marissa Meyer and was hooked from the first few pages! Such a good and interesting story and I can't wait to purchase my own copy!

Mallory and her sister are witches (not really) who provide card readings (no they don’t), tinctures (not real), and tours of the haunted house in town (not legally). Mallory does have a special gift though, she can see ghosts- which does help amp up the thrill of her tours of House Saphir. When the ancestor of the Saphir line contacts Mallory to help him expunge the evil spirit terrorizing his country home, she can’t turn down the payment, can she? What follows is a cute and thrilling story of deception, ghosts, magic, love, and monsters.

This was cute and fun and while a fast story, is perfect for young readers.

Everything that Marissa Meyer writes is fantastic, and this is no exception. It's difficult to pull off a Bluebeard retelling that doesn't go overboard on the gruesome details, but The House Saphir balances plot, character, and creepiness with perfection. Mallory is SUCH a fascinating character, much more complex than many heroines in YA novels nowadays.

This book was a whole lot of fun! I was immediately hooked onto it from the very first page and it kept me hooked the entire time. It had a witchy, gothic, killer vibe that created the most delightfully haunting atmosphere. I did not realize this was a Bluebeard retelling when I started this book. Nor was I very familiar with the story of Bluebeard, which happens to be rather dark, but I think this retelling was done wonderfully. I enjoyed that it was written in a way that added this murder mystery element to the story. Marissa Meyer is after all the queen of retellings and this one just may be one of my favorite retellings she’s written so far.

This story centers around Mallory Fontaine who, while coming from a long line of witches, does not herself possess any magical abilities; aside from her ability to see ghosts of course. Mallory and her sister make their living by conning other people. They put on a show of using witchcraft to supply their customers with fraudulent spells, trinkets, and experiences. Mallory frequently earns her money by giving tours of the infamous Count Bastien’s Saphir’s home. Having murdered three of his wives Mallory paints a gruesome picture for her clients as she takes leads them through the decrepit house. However, when none other than Bastien’s grandson Armand shows up offering Mallory an extraordinary sum of money to rid his house of his grandfather’s ghost, Mallory can’t help but agree. But when a body turns up dead at Armand’s estate, Mallory knows she needs to solve the murder before she loses her heart, or her life, in the process. Although, there’s just one problem. Mallory doesn’t have any idea how to banish a ghost.

I absolutely LOVED Mallory! She had my heart from page one. Her antics when trying to sell her persona as a magic wielding person was immensely humorous to me. I laughed out loud at most of the things she said and did. While I did think some of the reveals were very predictable, there were still some twists I did not see coming. I frequently thought I knew where the book was going only for it to go in a completely different direction.

Between Mallory’s sharp-witted humor, the tension between her and Armand, the quirky side characters, and the suspenseful mystery surrounding Count Bastien’s ghost, this was an enchanting must read retelling.

There is so much potential setup in this book for a spin-off! I hope that comes to fruition in the future!

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley and for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review is based solely on my own opinion, and I appreciate the chance to read The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer.

The House Saphir by @marissameyerauthor

I truly do not have the right words to express how fantastic of an adventure this book was. It had everything I wanted-it was creepy, it was funny, it was touching. There were monsters and witches and ghosts and dark magic and so many amazing characters. There’s a haunted mansion, a cemetery, twists and turns, rich in personality characters (ily Mallory, you sassy, sarcastic, prickly queen!) and more. Please, PLEASE write a sequel! I need to read a book about Anais, Fitcher, and Constantino and what they are up to! I need updates on what Mallory and Armand and Triphine are up to! Also, I’m so glad a certain someone decided to stick around at the end despite her constant complaining and health anxiety. 😂 I adored the ghost wives so so much. They added so much depth and humor to the story and I was rooting for them to find their peace the entire time. Gabrielle was also SUCH an interesting character and I wish to know more about her and their family lineage and where their powers come from. There were a lot of different things going on in this story but Meyer managed to tie everything together and give it all the perfect amount of attention while still focusing overall on the main storyline with the other things helping to support that. She drops these little hints and happenings that you may not think too much about but everything is alluding to the mystery and the twist you haven’t learned yet. It’s impeccable! Meyer is a fantastic writer who can combine a very spooky and often violent story with a ton of humor and a cinnamon roll of a MMC. It’s my FAVORITE.

This is the PERFECT spooky season read friends. I highly recommend you put this on your radar for this coming fall because it has everything you want to get in the Halloween mood. I also recommend her duology Gilded and Cursed for the same vibes. Be aware there there is some gore in the descriptions of how the ghosts died etc etc. I normally do not go for “horror” books but Meyer has the ability to balance these things with so much humor and lightness that it doesn’t bother me one bit. Enjoy!

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanusa for the arc!
Pub date: 11/4/25

What a great new book from one of my favorite writers. A ghost story wrapped up with a resistant romance and mystery and magic in all in one. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down. I hope she writes more in this genre because she is talented at it. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s a twist.

Marissa delivers once again! With her signature laid-back sarcasm, a well-paced plot, and side characters so entertaining and memorable they deserve stories of their own, this book is a standout. The House Saphir is a compelling and accessible read. I highly recommend this mystery-filled, tension-driven romance to anyone who loves fast-paced stories with rich detail.

3.5 ⭐️

The House Saphir is Meyer’s take on a Bluebeard retelling revolving around two sisters who come from a family of witches.
Despite their lineage, Mallory’s only source of “magic” is her ability to see the dead.
To keep her and her sister’s business afloat, they give tours of Monsieur Le Bleu’s “haunted” mansion; but the hauntings aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be.

To be frank, I didn’t love this book. There are a few reasons behind that statement but I’ll start with the most prominent- that being the FMC, Mallory. Her personality was just so grating and I was annoyed reading almost every encounter between her and the MMC, Armand. Her constant lies and “I can do it myself” attitude was a sore spot for me for the entirety of the book. If you’re consistently messing things up, perhaps stop doing things yourself 😵‍💫

The ghosts were my favorite part of the story as they were a source of comic relief throughout a relatively slow moving plot line.

The MMC, Armand, Le Bleu’s great grandchild, was likable enough but he lacked any real depth…or personality for that matter.

I don’t think this is a bad book, far from it; it just wasn’t the book for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

Marissa Meyer's "The House Saphir" is a clever, YA murder mystery inspired by the French folktale of Bluebeard, with a supernatural twist. While marketed as a romantasy, I felt this novel leans more into its eerie mystery and ghostly intrigue than into romance, and is all the better for it.

From the very first chapter, I was drawn into this story. The writing style is captivating, accessible and immersive, with well-crafted descriptions and snappy dialogue that made for an incredibly engaging reading experience. This is a story that I frequently read in large chunks, because I simply needed to know what would happen next.

The plot is tightly wound, with twisty reveals that kept me guessing throughout. One of the most compelling plot turns involves the ghost of Bluebeard possessing his heir, which was a chilling, unsettling element that elevated the stakes and created a real sense of urgency. The haunted mansion setting was vivid and atmospheric, though not overly spooky; in fact, the ghosts (Bluebeard’s former wives) added much of the story’s personality, providing comic relief and helping to drive the plot forward in unexpected and delightful ways.

I would say this is a novel that is more plot-driven than character-driven. While I didn’t connect emotionally with the protagonist, I appreciated her determination and resourcefulness, and I enjoyed her interactions with the ensemble of side characters. The romance subplot, however, felt underdeveloped to me. The connection between the main characters didn’t really build much over time, and as a result, the romantic arc didn’t fully land for me.

The story’s final act packs in a flurry of action and revelations. While I loved how the pieces came together, the last 15–20% of the story felt slightly chaotic, and I found myself working hard to keep track of the sharp pivots in the plot. Still, the resolution was satisfying, and the ending delivered a tidy conclusion that left all major threads resolved.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The House Saphir" as a standalone story, though I’m not sure I would return to this world in a sequel. This was a compelling mix of mystery and supernatural adventure that should appeal to fans of dark fairy tale retellings and YA thrillers alike.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A clever retelling with a unique tone, page-turning twists, and a satisfying conclusion.

As a big fan of the Bluebeard tale and all it has inspired in media, I went into The House of Saphir both excited and cautiously optimistic. I've read a lot of Bluebeard interpretations, so I’m always curious to see how a new one will handle the familiar themes.

Unfortunately, this felt more like a standard YA romantasy that happened to borrow Bluebeard tropes, rather than truly reimagining or interrogating them. The setup had promise—Mallory's ghost-seeing, the haunted manor, the murder mystery—but the execution leaned heavily on expected beats and didn't offer much new. The Bluebeard influence seemed mostly surface level, with false impressions and a few gothic flourishes, but it lacked the tension and psychological bite that makes the original story so compelling. It’s not a bad book, just not as original or memorable as I hoped considering the source material.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of The House Saphir! Honestly, I will read anything Marissa Meyer writes because I just love her and I think I will always be a fan of her writing, but I can truthfully say that I really enjoyed this book! I was unfamiliar with the tale of Bluebeard, but Meyer's writing proved to be very digestible and entertaining. The overall plot was extremely interesting, and it kept me hooked. I read the entire book in less than a day!

I was invested in all of the characters, but I do think there was an opportunity to increase their depth in certain moments and stress the emotional weight of their decisions. Mallory and Anais' past and family history have a strong influence on them. I would've liked to see more development with this. Nevertheless, the characters were still portrayed very well, and their relationships were balanced with the intense plot. Armand was a likeable love interest, and Meyer manipulated the reader into having the same doubt and confusion as Mallory. The side characters stuck out to me as being the most engaging. The wives, in particular, were a great addition to the humor. I loved every scene of theirs. And Gabrielle served as a reminder of female resilience against brutality. The monster hunters were hilarious as well, and I liked their role; at moments, they reminded me of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Hamlet. Aside from Julie, there wasn't a lot of development with the house staff. I would've liked to see more involvement from them in the final showdown, especially since it was continuously emphasized that they were a tiny but loyal group. I think that sometimes it can be hard to craft perfect emotional depth in a standalone novel, especially with so many characters and such a hard-hitting and folklore-based plot. There was a lot going on, in a good way! The characters definitely served their purpose and were not stale by any means, so I'm satisfied overall with their relationships and outcomes.

Meyer has proven to be trustworthy with retellings, and I always enjoy her fresh perspective. In my opinion, the standout point for The House Saphir was the deep knowledge of folklore that Meyer incorporated. I loved it anytime a monster showed up, especially the salamanders :) I'm typically not the biggest fan of dark or creepy stories, but I loved the ghosts in this one. I definitely felt the creepy vibes, but I was never too freaked out! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of this book!!! My only complaint is that I want MORE, but in some ways, that isn't even a complaint; it just shows that Meyer wrote a strong story that got me emotionally invested. I know it's a standalone, but I would eagerly read a sequel!

Once again, thank you to NetGalley and Fierce Reads for providing the opportunity to read this book before its release! If you're a fan of Marissa Meyer, this will not disappoint!

Marissa Meyer has returned with a mesmerizing blend of murder mystery, dark romance, and supernatural suspense in The House Saphir, her stunning twist on the Bluebeard legend. She seamlessly fuses fairy‑tale allure with gothic chills, delivering a story that’s as enchanting as it is eerie.

Mallory, a self-proclaimed witch with no real power except the unnerving ability to see ghosts, anchors the tale beautifully. She and her sister con tourists with fake spells until the enigmatic Armand offers them a legitimate—and lucrative—exorcism gig. Meyer’s portrayal of Mallory’s wit, resourcefulness, and gradual self-discovery is as addictive as any ghost story.

The Saphir Mansion is practically a character itself—dusty corridors, lingering spirits, and a palpable sense of history and dread. One reviewer described it as “a spellbinding blend of eerie supernatural mystery, dark fairy tale magic, and just the right dash of simmering romance."

The plot escalates quickly—murder returns as the ghost of Bastien Saphir terrorizes the living—and Mallory must juggle real detective work with staged exorcisms. Pendants to bluebeard’s wives, sly schemes, and Morgue-ready twists deliver a fresh, modern retelling

Enter Armand—Bastion’s great-grandson and equally enigmatic heir. Their chemistry simmers; trust is fragile and the tension palpable. It’s a romantic subplot that complements, not overshadows, the paranormal intrigue

Marissa has done it again! Easy going sarcasm, with a steady moving plot, and side characters that are so intriguing and hilarious you want them to get their own story. The FMC Mallory is a unique girl who is unapologetically herself. She doesn't like all the things majority of other women like, and she is proud of that. She is self-confident, quick witted, and not afraid to take risks. The House Saphir is an engaging easy read. Even the glossary is hilarious. I highly recommend this book it kept my attention from page 1!
Thank you netgalley for allowing me an arc copy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC! This might just be my favorite read of the year so far. Marissa Meyer is one of my favorite authors, and her talent for fairytale retellings continues to amaze me. Of all her works, this one may be the most suspenseful yet. I told myself I’d read a few chapters after dinner and ended up turning the final page at 2 a.m., utterly captivated. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Meyer has a remarkable ability to blend heart, humor, and a touch of horror into stories that linger long after the last word. The characters here are no exception. Mallory, in particular, is a morally grey protagonist you can't help but root for—complex, flawed, and entirely compelling. It’s been days since I turned the final page, and I still can’t stop thinking about this world. I sincerely hope there's more to come, because I’m not ready to leave it behind.

❝ When this is over, I don’t want you to leave. ❞


⊹₊⟡⋆ The House Saphir 💍

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ~ 4.5



⟡ preread ⟡

⠀⠀⠀ ⌕ Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review! Marissa’s books never disappoint! See my Goodreads review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7320377829


✑ overview

⠀⠀⠀ ↳ Mallory Fontaine, who is desperate to earn money, has been invited to the infamous Saphir estate to dispel the mansion of the sinister haunting ghost, Monsieur Le Blue. But what she thinks is a simple deal with the current count of the property, Armand, may turn out to be more complex than she had hoped.

features
⠀⠀⠀ ∘ mysterious haunted mansion
⠀⠀⠀ ♡ grumpy x sunshine
⠀⠀⠀ ∘ suspenseful standalone
⠀⠀⠀ ♡ ghosts & betrayal
⠀⠀⠀ ∘ fantasy romance
⠀⠀⠀ ♡ Bluebeard tale retelling



✶ my thoughts

⠀⠀⠀ ❥ This book was such a thrilling adventure! The suspenseful plot, detailed characters, and amazingly imaginative setting made it feel so realistic and layered.
⠀⠀⠀ ❥ I loved the mystery, gothic, and Halloween vibes of the story, the scenes really stood out as being eerie and mysterious, especially the haunted Le Bleu estate. Every part was vividly detailed, and the writing helped the story come to life with real sensations. The characters and ghosts were also imaginative and had great depth, especially the wives of Monsieur Le Bleu.


❖ characters

⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Mallory Fontaine • ⠀ “Don’t be ridiculous. We both know I’m not that nice.” ⠀ ~~ Mallory, being a thief and pretending to be a witch, had great layers and detail as a character. She was shown as having questionable morals while working up to doing the right thing. Her ancestry and backstory as a child and her mother were also a great touch. I enjoyed Mallory’s personality, and loved her interactions with the other characters, mainly Armand and Gabrielle.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Armand Saphir • ⠀ “I’ve spent every moment since we met searching for ways to see you, to talk to you. Wondering what might make you want to stay after the job was finished. Trying to convey how much I enjoy your company.” ⠀ ~~ I loved his personality, and his situation and character development was very unique. The way he treated Mallory and their interactions together felt intimate, and they grew even stronger after the climax, especially after he helps her on the roof of the estate. Also, his love for plants and herbs was so lovable.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Monsieur Le Bleu ~~ In the book, you could really feel the presence of his haunting spirit, since the whole estate was filled with his essence. His persistence to coming back to his estate as a sorcerer made the book tense and challenging for the characters.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Anaïs Fontaine • ⠀ “You and I brought this monster back. We must find a way to end this.” ⠀ ~~ Her backstory of trying to rid herself of her “impure” god-gift was a great way of setting up the story. She seemed like a good sister to Mallory, helping her even when she was wary of her own abilities.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Fitcher & Constantino ~~ They were great monster-hunting characters that balanced out the serene tone of the rest of the story. They were comical together, and helped the plot progress.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Gabrielle Savoy ~~ She was an in-depth character, I love the way that she was introduced and how she played a part in helping Mallory and Anaïs. I liked her backstory as a wife of Le Bleu, and how she tied into the ending.

‧₊˚ ⚘݄ “. . . you are the most clever, most brilliant, most frustrating person I’ve ever met.” ~ Armand



◗ plot

⠀⠀⠀ ✦ The storyline was fast-paced and full of twists, which made for an entertaining read. The climax was also so tense, it kept me on edge the whole time, and the ending wrapped up perfectly.
⠀⠀⠀ ✦ I absolutely love Marissa Meyer’s writing style, she has a perfect way of combining such a detailed plot and conveying all the elements of characters and emotions!
⠀⠀⠀ ✦ The format and writing of the chapters was very engaging, including how some of the chapters were set up in the middle of one of Mallory’s plans, so that you didn’t know what was about to happen.

‧₊˚ ✶ “If I am a monster, then why did you come back?” ~ Armand


⭑ worldbuilding

⠀⠀⠀ ↠ I appreciated the unique creatures and lore, including the Seven gods that were apart of the story, but I would have loved more backstory and detail on them.
⠀⠀⠀ ↠ The descriptions of the scenes felt so real, as if you were there and apart of the story, which I adored. The small details also added up, and I particularly enjoyed the creatures that were featured.

‧₊˚ ⚘݄ “She wanted to spend afternoons by his side, foraging in the trees and grinding mysterious herbs into oblivion so he could transform them into tinctures or ointments or whatever he did all day. She wanted to spend evenings reading about unsolved murders by the fire and knowing that she could tell him all the goriest details and he wouldn’t be appalled by her fascination.”


✶ favorite parts

⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Armand catching Mallory after they fall from the building
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Armand showing Mallory his greenhouse and naming the plants ✶
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ The encounter with the fiery cheval mallet horse
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Gabrielle Savoy casting the spell to trap Le Bleu’s spirit in the candle
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Armand helping Mallory down the roof of the estate after the fire
⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀
‧₊˚ ✶ “I do love how you always sound so confident, even when I suspect you have no idea what you’re doing.” ~ Armand to Mallory


➶ my recommendation

⤷ ⟡ age rating: 13+
⤷ ⟡ content warnings:
⠀⠀⠀— language ~ 0/10
⠀⠀⠀— romance ~ 3/10 - kissing
⠀⠀⠀— violence ~ 7/10 - murder, torture, blood, ghosts with prolonged injuries, monster hunting
⠀⠀⠀— other ~ manipulative marriages
⤷ ⟡ For fans of Wednesday and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
⤷ ⟡ Best for readers who love slow-burn romance with mystery and dark Halloween vibes


☾ final verdict:

I would definitely recommend this tension-laced mysterious romance story for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced and detailed book.

‧₊˚ ⚘݄ “. . . when this is over, I don’t want you to leave.” ~ Armand


The House Saphir — 2025
~ ∘₊ ✦

This book was such a delight! I have long appreciated Meyer's fairy tale retellings but this might be my favorite so far. The story is based loosely on Bluebeard's legend and features two down on their luck witches both with powers they'd rather not have. The story opens with them selling tours of the House Saphir and trading on the haunted reputation (with some enhancements they provide) when they receive a special guest on the tour, the heir to the House Saphir. He claims that his dead ancestor has returned to his home and is wreaking havoc and he recruits the sisters to help him. What ensues is by turns hilarious, gothic frightening, and a rollicking adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for her next take on a classic story!

This was a lot of fun. Very in the wheelhouse of what I would expect from Meyer. I wasn't very familiar with Bluebeard lore before going in to this, so that was fun to get introduced to, and then read up a little bit about after finishing. Romance was sweet and subtle. I would def read some spin-offs with the other characters in this book, esp Fitcher and crew.

a YA gothic retelling of Bluebird. I love all of Marissa Meyer’s books so I was very excited to read this one. The main character is a spunky, witch who lost her powers and is trying to get by and make a life with her sister. She gets hired to rid a house of a malicious ghost and dangerous things start happening. It was a fun, spooky read and I really enjoyed the characters.