I enjoyed the unique world here, and I loved Edira as a character. Her powers, how snarky and witty she was, her strength and desire to save her brothers at all costs.

But the plot was so incredibly predictable, nothing surprised me, it all progressed exactly how I anticipated.

Romance wise, there is a love triangle involving brothers, which was also very obvious and not at all surprising.

It was definitely an enjoyable book, albeit unremarkable overall.

I would very much like to find out what happens next though, how the romance will go and if Edira will end up eradicating the blight once and for all.

A magical dysfunctional family, a horrific disease, and a whole lot of secrets - what's not to love?

Edira is an apothecary in a village, however she has a secret magical talent that very few know about - she is a threadmender. While this can cure far more than her natural remedies, using this talent snips her life a little shorter every time, so she keeps this hidden. There is one thing that she cannot heal though: the blight which ravages her world. Her parents have already died, so when her two brothers, her entire world, contract the disease, she'll do anything to save them - even make a deal with the powerful fae family who rule over their village. The head of the household, Orin moves her to their greepy gothic castle where she works and trains with this terrifying but brilliant family to attempt to find a cure for the blight, but of course, things are never so straight forward as that!

Family drama hits differently when magic and life-or-death stakes are involved.

This book had excellent vibes - as I mentioned, gothic and creepy, but a little bit "cottagecore". The magic system was a nice touch. The characters were well-formed, aside from a couple, however it becomes clear later when they reveal more why they may have seemed more flat throughout. They certainly put the "fun" in "dysfunctional" - a quarrelling magical family is not one to be reckoned with! Ywena, a magical moth companion, is a special highlight in the story too!

I'm so torn between 4 and 5 stars here - the book instantly had me hooked, but there were parts in the middle where I just wanted it to move a little bit quicker, then the last third, I absolutely could not have put it down if I tried!

There was romance, and it was a hate to love kind of medium-slow burn, however I can't say that the slow burn was done particularly well - there were moments that felt forced and I didn't instantly feel the chemistry. There's also something of a love triangle -I wouldn't say that's a spoiler as the hints of it begin almost immediately upon interacting in more depth with the characters. There are parts of this that are cleverly done and hint towards what's to come, so I enjoyed these parts.

I'd definitely recommend this and am looking forward to the next installment - don't worry, it's not too much of a cliffhanger ending!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

A spicy romantasy in which a healer mage is forced into service of a fae lord after her brothers contract a deadly plague. Atmopsheric with clever worldbuilding and magical elements, but a real slog to get through. Flat characters, a predictable plot, obvious love triangle, and terrible pacing. Not one for me.

This started out really interestingly, I was hooked at the beginning. However, it quickly lost my interest and I struggled to stay focused through a lot of the story. The ending was exciting and interesting, but predictable.

I felt that the characters left a lot to be desired, i didn’t connect to them and felt that they lacked depth.

The storyline was intriguing and I think many people will enjoy this book, and I did, in certain parts. I think my expectations were too high and it fell flat.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC for my honest review.

I loved this book and I can't wait for the second. This book was 5/5 stars for me. Be aware that this is not a dark romantasy, this is a gothic fantasy with a strong romance subplot. It isn't particularly spicy or dark, and if you know that going in you won't be disappointed.

In the opening we meet Edira, a threadmender, someone with incredibly rare healing magic that drains her life each time she uses it. When her brothers contract the deadly plague that killed their parents, she has no choice but to accept the dangerous offer of Orin Fernglove, the mysterious leader of a powerful Ever family to work together toward a cure. Evers are not vampires, they are a different kind of semi-immortal creature, but they are just as dangerous and give similar vibes. As Edira trains herself and searches for the cure, a relationship develops between her and Orin. But the rest of the Ferngloves are suspicious of Edira’s powers, and as she digs deeper into their secrets, she's stuck with an impossible choice about who to save.

The whole magic system, especially threadmending, is unique and raises the stakes with its price of taking the practitioner's life. The gothic setting is lush and keeps the tension high, and Edira is a relatable main character. I can't say much about the characters or the plot without spoilers, but the supporting cast and pace of the story were great, I finished this in two days. That ending? Stunning. I loved it, so so much, and I cannot wait for the second book.

Without spoilers, I can say that the romance dynamics could feel familiar to romantasy readers, but that didn't take anything away from the story for me. The writing style tends towards new adult, which I also enjoy. The open-door spice level is relatively low, maybe 1.5/5.

This is a perfect read for people who love gothic fantasy romance with morally interesting characters, high-stakes and an enemies-to-lovers vibe. It’s a perfect fit for fans of Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series, "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow, and atmospheric fantasy.

Thank you to Net Galley and Titan Books for a free e-ARC of 'House of Blight' by Maxym M. Martineau.

3.5* stars

Wow this was such a unique and exciting read! As with most of the ARCs I read, I went into this without knowing much about the book. The description and beautiful cover art drew me in, I love a good fantasy book with an intriguing magic system and House of Blight definitely delivered in that area!

I really loved the setting and the magical system - I wish there was potentially an even larger focus on the world building to explore it more, particularly the threadmending and the 'Ever' families.

Edira was a great main character and I appreciated the focus on her other skills aside from her magic, as well as the exploration of her relationships with other characters. I especially loved the magical moth companion that she befriends.

At times this book had me exclaiming out of surprise from the twists and turns of the story, but unfortunately at other times it felt a little predictable. Overall, though it has huge potential and I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes!

My only other gripe was sometimes the writing felt a bit too young adult for my liking, considering it's marketed as a 'dark and spicy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance' - especially in relation to the names of some people and places and how the romance/sex was written. I also wish the editing was slightly more refined regarding overreliance on certain phrases e.g. warning bells crashing in heads and purring etc. etc.

A slow start but by the end I was hooked, and the suspense did slowly build and the twists and turns of the story kept me interested.
The world building felt natural but still full and the magic system is fun and unique.
The characters were easy to root for too, and the relationships built in a believable way.
I can away from the book wanting more and it’s one I’d definitely recommend.

Right, I am going to get the negative out of the way first so I can focus on what I loved about this story.
Did the Fae lord with a penchant for green feel very like the "High Lord of the Spring Court".... Yes. Did the fact that she is clearly more into the hot morally grey guy with bat wings also give ACOTAR vibes... again, Yes.
BUT, that does not take away from the aspects of this novel that were truly original and enjoyable. Though Edira is a fairly typical FMC for this genre of novel, the bonus is that her witty banter is actually very entertaining, especially against Rorik!
The magical elements were intriguing and the addition of a gothic fairy-tale atmosphere was a welcome aspect. The writing built tension that grew increasingly and by the end I was racing to finish each page.
The real magic came at the end. WHAT AN ENDING. Exciting, shocking, emotional. I am both satisfied and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I really enjoyed this book and recommend for anyone who enjoyed ACOTAR, Starling House and the House of Salt and Sorrow. It feels like a blending of all those into one.

I so desperately wanted to like this book, I love an enemies to lovers, forced proximity trope but unfortunately this didn’t hit the mark for me. It’s billed as slow burn but within the first couple of chapters the “enemies” already like each other & are working together, not even that reluctantly, it just didn’t work for me & what I look for in these tropes.

Overall the plot & writing were fine, it kind of had similar vibes to Olivia Atwater books, so if you enjoy them, maybe you will enjoy this too.

Thank you to Titan for the opportunity to review this ARC!

Unfortunately this book is full of tropes I don't like in books: fmc's being foolish, insta love, love triangles and obvious plot twists

I was so intrigued by the threadmending and wish the writer had explored the familial relationships more. Unfortunately it was too full of pining for a man she'd had less than 5 conversations with and had hated most if not all of her life

Can we also please stop using sheathed, folds and creases in spicy scenes?
Also the fmc literally just woke up after being unconscious for a week and sexy times is the first thing you do??

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau is the first book in a gothic fantasy duology that introduces readers to a world full of magic, danger, and secrets. The story follows Edira Brillwyn, a threadmender with a rare and powerful ability to heal injuries and cure diseases. However, her gift comes at a cost—each time she uses her magic, she sacrifices a portion of her own life. Because of this, she has kept her powers hidden, but everything changes when the influential Fernglove family uncovers her secret.

The Ferngloves are a wealthy, magical family known for their charm, beauty, and unyielding nature—especially Orin, their formidable leader. When Edira’s brothers fall victim to blight, a deadly virus sweeping through their town, Edira is forced to accept Orin’s help. As they work together at the Fernglove estate to find a cure, Edira is surprised by Orin’s kindness and begins to feel an undeniable attraction to him. However, the Ferngloves are suspicious of her abilities, and their seemingly perfect façade begins to crack.

The longer Edira stays in the Fernglove Manor, the more she uncovers unsettling secrets, including one that forces her to make a difficult choice about whom she can save and the price she’s willing to pay for her magic. The book blends romance, suspense, and dark fantasy, drawing readers into an atmospheric world where every decision carries dire consequences.

Martineau’s writing is immersive and filled with tension, making this an exciting and captivating read. House of Blight is perfect for fans of gothic romance and fantasy who enjoy a blend of magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas. With its engaging characters and intriguing plot twists, this book sets the stage for a thrilling and darkly creative duology that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Loved loved this, particularly the last half, and the last little surprise at the end was beautiful- would read more - would have been a 5 star but I wasn't completely hooked from the beginning like other 5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for the ARC

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Okay this book was great, gothic fantasy, magic, a little love triangle thrown in for good measure, but… it was soooo slow. The first 60% took me so long to get through as I just didn’t have the urge to reach for it. Pretty disappointed about that as this sounded like the perfect book for me, however the last 40% really picked up and brought it back and it was really satisfyingly action packed. Soo glad it’s the first of a duology as I don’t feel like i’ve had enough of the good stuff (and enough Rorik hehe)

DNF Kept trying to get into this but just couldn’t unfortunately. It just seemed so slow to me? And it had a very 2010 feel to it a la Divergent/House of Night where it’s not that original but the familiarity isn’t bad, just boring?

3.75⭐ rounded up

Firstly, big thank you to Netgalley and Titan for the opportunity to read an eARC.

In House of Blight we follow Edira who is a threadmender, a rare magical ability that allows her to heal others but at a cost to her own life. When her brothers' lives are threatened with the blight, Edira has to choose between saving them by working for the Evers, whom she hates, or letting her brothers die.

I really enjoyed this book! The magic system felt so unique and the Evers were a fun take on the usual "Fae". The writing was easy to read and the twists and turns kept me on my toes throughout the book. Full or morally grey characters you don't know who to trust!

I do wish the author had leant into the edgier aspects of the story over the romance. This could have been a really chilling read if we had learnt more about the magic system and the focus was on the darker aspects rather than romance.

However, the atmospheric setting, unique magic and original characters made for a very entertaining read. Very keen to see what happens in book 2!

A dark and romantic enemies to lovers fantasy about a beautiful healer mage who is forced out of hiding and into the service of the charismatic but aloof fae lord after her brother contract a deadly plague. Walking a knifes edge between choosing who she can save and what she’s willing to sacrifice. Terrifying secrets, political intrigue and romance that will leave readers enchanted and satisfied.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐲𝐦 𝐌. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐮

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau is a darkly enchanting and romantic gothic fantasy that marks the beginning of a captivating new duology. With its eerie atmosphere, morally complex characters, and a plot brimming with secrets and danger, this novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.

The story follows Edira Brillwyn, a threadmender with the rare and lifesaving ability to heal diseases and injuries. However, her power comes at a cost: every act of healing sacrifices a sliver of her own life. Edira has always kept her abilities hidden, but when her brothers contract the deadly blight—a virus ravaging their town—she is forced to seek help from the powerful Fernglove family.

Orin Fernglove, the enigmatic and charming head of the family, offers Edira a deal: she can stay at his estate to research a cure while he slows her brothers’ sickness and helps her hone her magic. As Edira grows closer to Orin, she finds herself drawn to his kindness and honesty, despite the danger lurking within the Ferngloves’ opulent manor. But as the family’s pristine façade begins to crack, Edira uncovers a terrifying secret that forces her to make an impossible choice: who will she save, and at what cost?

One of the standout features of House of Blight is its richly atmospheric setting. Martineau creates a gothic world filled with eerie mansions, dark secrets, and a pervasive sense of foreboding. The Ferngloves’ estate is a character in its own right, with its opulent halls and hidden dangers adding depth and tension to the narrative.

Edira is a compelling protagonist, whose strength, vulnerability, and moral dilemmas make her a character readers will root for. Her struggle to balance her desire to save her brothers with the cost of her own life adds emotional weight to the story. Orin, with his charm and hidden depths, is equally fascinating, and the chemistry between him and Edira is electric. The supporting cast, particularly the other Ferngloves, adds layers of intrigue and danger, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions.

The plot is a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and gothic horror, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes are high, with the blight threatening the town and the Ferngloves’ secrets looming over Edira’s every move. The pacing is excellent, with the tension building steadily as Edira uncovers the truth and confronts the moral dilemmas at the heart of the story.

Thematically, House of Blight explores issues of power, sacrifice, and the cost of love. The novel also delves into the idea of trust and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in places, particularly in the early chapters. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

House of Blight is a must-read for fans of gothic fantasy and romantic intrigue. Maxym M. Martineau has created a story that is as haunting as it is beautiful, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world of magic, mystery, and the enduring power of love.

A darkly enchanting and romantic gothic fantasy, House of Blight is a standout debut that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the duology.

On the outside, Edira is just a regular healer. Selling her herbal remedies and tinctures to the denizens of Willowfell to help keep her family afloat. But on the inside is a secret Edira has carefully concealed for years. She is a Threadmender, someone who possesses the gift of healing but there is a price for spending her magic. Not only does she forfeit part of her life with each injury she heals but Edira's gifts are highly coveted by the Evers, an influential, ancient race of magical fae who desire her Threadmending gifts for their own needs.

When Edira's brothers, her only remaining family, get sick from Blight, she has no choice but to accept the help of an Ever in exchange for agreeing to use her gifts to find a cure for the deadly disease. Edira is whisked away to the Fernglove estate to start working on the cure but in the process of discovering how to harness her gifts, she discovers the fates of her predecessors, including her beloved Aunt.

House of Blight is described as a gothic romantasy but in my opinion, this felt like it leaned more towards a moody cottagecore romantasy than dark gothic vibes.

This started of very strong - the first few chapters were very intriguing, with the right amount of world building and tension to pull you in. The language used to describe the settings is very transformative so it was easy to picture each location.

However, somewhere in the middle things got a little stagnant in terms of plot and pacing. Some of Edira’s actions felt a little out of character and I wasn't sure if the love triangle was meant to be deliberate. But the tension eventually picked up again for the final chapters and left me wondering how the story might continue in book two!

This book is a gripping, slow-burn romance with plenty of twists and a simmering intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its complex characters, dark secrets, and steamy tension, it’s a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.

This book is different.. the storyline is uniquely fascinating and whilst it took me a while to get into it once it had its hooks into me in couldn't put it down.. the lies, the betrayal, the secrets.. but also the hidden depths of love and trust. Really enjoyable and I can't wait to read the next one