5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing for this Arc in exchange for a review ~

I love Marissa Meyer’s storytelling. I’ve been hooked on her books since I first read Heartless, and she has yet to disappoint me. Each of her stories (the ones I have read at least) have been retellings of popular fairytales. The House Saphir is a retelling of ‘Bluebeard’. While I’m personally not familiar with the story of Bluebeard, I still understood and enjoyed this book to the full extent.

Mallory (fmc) was thoughtfully developed and wasn’t too overly confident and wasn’t annoyingly dumb. A perfectly balanced character who didn’t annoy me at any point - which I feel like is hard to come by

I remained hooked THE WHOLE TIME😫 The writing was super fast paced and the 7 Gods, underworld and witch magic system was super easy to understand. While the book was obviously conveying dark / horror / witchy topics, the humor and sarcasm from the characters had me giggling at some points (Triphine was the funniest😭)

Overall, a fun and action packed read 🕺🏼

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 rounded up

The first 50% were really slow and then everything started finally happening. I feel lied to about the murder mystery angle; there wasn’t really much of a mystery in the first place and it wasn’t developed in a way I would’ve described this book as part murder mystery. More like a plot point maybe. The romance arc wasn’t my cup of tea, but the dynamic was quite sweet and alright. I did like Mallory’s scrappiness and her character stands out among YA MCs for me. Constantino was also great fun, I would read a sequel with him featuring more prominently—and I sense a future possibility of him in his own romance dynamic.

Overall, a unique take on the Bluebeard legend. I probably would’ve gobbled this up more when I was younger and the intended audience, but nothing but my own current tastes are to blame for that.

Part fantasy, part romance, part ghost story, part adventure, the world building is quick in this novel. As a far of Marissa Meyer’s former work, I was excited to see a new fantasy that is a retelling of blue beard. Mallory and Anais are sisters who do tours of The House Saphir, who are kind of con artists who sell unsuspecting people phony jewelry and non authentic “authentic” artifacts. Mallory can see dead people; that is, she is constantly in communication with the slain wives of Bastian Saphir.

One day his great great grandson and only heir, Armand, comes for a tour and offers Mallory the chance of a lifetime; one that will help Mallory and Anais have a shot at a better life.

There are twists here, lots of fun magical creatures, and formerly alive friends and enemies alike. I’m not sure if this is a YA shelved book but I think it could be, it reminds me of the later Percy Jackson series or The Hunger Games level of fantasy elements. Very descriptive, good and nuanced character development and sharp dialogue. This was a heroines journey for the ages.

Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel and friends for the ARC. Book to be published Nov 3, 2025.

OMG THIS WAS SO GOOD- I was sosososo excited when I got the arc because like what do you mean a new Marissa Meyer book??

Ok like the plot was so good- murder mystery + romantasy = perfect, and right from the beginning I was hooked as Mallory tried to solve the Saphir murders. Throughout the whole entire book I was desperately trying to see what happened next. Also, the characters in this were so likable, and the whole fantasy world was followable and very interesting- easy to get lost in.

I 10099% recommend this!!

Mallory is an acclaimed witch, a descendent of a once legendary line, or so she wants you to believe. While she may not have inherited the bulk of her family's magic, she can see ghosts.

Armand is the last remaining heir of the terrible sorcerer and murder Count Saphir, who murdered 3 of his wives as part of an evil ritual. Luckily his 4th wife escaped before the ritual could be completed and The Count was put to death. But now The Count is back, in ghost form, and wants to complete his ritual. What Armand needs is a powerful witch to help him banish The Count for good.

Armand finds Mallory running illegal tours of the crumbling house where The Count committed his first murder. Aided by a few props and the hypochondriac ghost of the Count’s first wife/victim, Mallory manages to stay just ahead of the law, until her luck runs out. Armand saves Mallory from jail thinking she is just the answer to stop The Count. But Armand doesn't know Mallory doesn't have her family's magic and Armand may not be all he seems because what if The Count isn’t acting alone? What if it is Armand trying to finish the ritual himself? And what if this is not Mallory’s first encounter with The Count?

I loved The Lunar Chronicles and Renegades and was so thankful to get the eARC of this. A stand alone re-telling of Bluebird, this is Meyer’s at her finest. From the first page I was pulled into a richly developed world full of magic and monsters. I got swept up in the action of the murder mystery as Mallory tries to unwind the Saphir murders. I really enjoyed Mallory’s interactions with the ghosts of the Count’s wives/murder victims. Each of the ghosts was so richly developed and they each had such unique personalities I wanted more time with them. I loved Mallory- she really drew me in and made me root for her in all her morally greyness. I do wish we would have gotten more time with the romance subplot, as it did feel a little rushed at the end. Overall this was 5 Stars for me. I loved every moment and this will be one I re-read for sure.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

The story of Bluebeard is not quite as familiar as any of the tales reimagined in the Lunar Chronicles, but the good news is that you don't have to have read the Charles Perrault version to enjoy The House Saphir. The story has some dark undertones, with ghosts and monster haunting an estate, and a fresh murder thickens the plot, but there is also some romance in the air between one of the female main characters and the wealthy owner of the estate who hires them to perform some ghostbusting. Fans of Marissa Meyer other fairytale retellings will likely find her deft hand at reimagining has only gotten stronger. An added bonus for some is that this appears to be a singleton, so no waiting for a sequel to finish the story.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Feiwel & Friends) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

3.75 stars.

I love her retellings and was interested in blue beard for sure. Marissa has such great writing and unique spins on things. Some points dragged a little for me but i still liked this book alot. The dynamic between the sisters was fun, and both very original. Even though these are ya books they have enough action for everyone

I have loved Marissa Meyer since the Lunar Chronicles and have eagerly awaited every new book from her. I remember several years ago, she mentioned she had an idea for Bluebeard retelling and I was absolutely ready for it. And ten years later, here it is, worth the wait. This have been my favorite of her stuff since the Lunar Chronicles and I'd highly recommend it.