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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This would have been better as a standalone YA fantasy. There were good bones to this story, but zero character development.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you so much to the Nerdfam, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Imagine having an incredibly rare healing ability that makes you coveted by the most powerful beings in the land. But every time you use it, it’s at the cost of time shaved off of your own life. That is what Edira has to balance in House of Bight. But if the Evers find out about her abilities, they’ll take her into their employment like her aunt, and she’ll never come out again. But when the blight threatens her family, Orin Fernglove may be the only one who can help her.
The vibes in this book were immaculate. I never wanted to put it down. This was gothic romantasy at its finest, with a dark and eerie atmosphere and a world I’m dying to see more of in book 2. I’m really looking forward to learning more about the Evers as the story continues.
Edira is a determined, caring, sassy FMC who definitely needs some more pointers on how to deal with fae sometimes. While overall I really enjoyed her character, there were times her naivety would make me think maybe I COULD survive in a fae world if I can figure this out. I was rooting for her the whole way, but how many times do you need to be reminded to not trust an Ever? 😂 Let’s be honest, I probably wouldn’t do much better if I kept getting distracted by the hot males.
I really enjoyed her relationships with the other characters in this book. The entire Fernglove family plays their different roles in the story, and many of them grew on me as the story developed. Seville especially was a standout character for me. I need her to be happy and loved. And special shoutout to Ywena, who proved to me that not all bugs have to leave me shuddering.
The plot of this book was definitely what kept me hooked. It was well paced and twisty at times, with enough kept in the dark that reveals always had unexpected details.
I like how this book feels wrapped up nicely while leaving me excited to see what is to come. A slow burn romance gets me every time, and I need to see where this goes! I absolutely recommend this book for gothic fantasy lovers, especially those looking for similar vibes to One Dark Window or Belladonna.
I loved the audiobook narration, they took the story to a different level. Without it, the story was lacking a little bit for me. It just felt like something was missing. There were so many things going on, but they were all pretty surface level. I think this is an excellent story for someone coming to romantasy for the first time or if you want a fantastical novel that doesn't ask the reader to a lot of work to understand the world and magic system they're in.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.25⭐️2.75🌶️
1st POV
New Adult Fantasy
High Romantasy
Witchcraft
Immortals
Magic
Insect/Animal Familiar
Orphan FMC
Family First
Magical Vows
Generational Magic
Secrets
Disease
Very Slow Burn
High stakes
The cover of The House of Blight is jaw-dropping, and the prologue sets the tone perfectly. After reading it, I knew I was going to enjoy this book.
The magic system is unique and intriguing. As the first book in a new series, there’s so much room for growth. Threadmending is only just beginning, and the FMC is learning her craft, which leaves plenty of space for development.
The Evers are an interesting take on Fae, with their immortal lifespans, glamour, magical vows, and self-centered personalities.
The setting moves from a small, isolated town to a mysterious gothic manor, adding an element of suspense where nothing is quite as it seems.
The writing is rich and fitting for the story, even if the middle dragged a bit.
The characters are well-developed with strong growth. The FMC is often frustrating in how she overlooks red flags, but the reclusive Evers are all independently fascinating, and their family dynamics and histories add layers to the plot.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for gifting me the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A young woman with healing magic makes a dangerous bargain in an attempt to save her brothers from the blight infecting her town. There is a mystery to solve, family secrets and characters you probably shouldn’t turn your back on. Fun times!
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am sitting in my room wide awake at 1am wondering how exactly I'm supposed to exist until book two, and how I'm supposed to read anything else between now and then. This book FAR exceeded my expectations, and I completely understand why people are saying this is going to be the next big sensation. The author's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions inched their way under my skin and I will not rest until I've consumed every bit of fan art this will rightfully collect. At each point I truly thought I knew what was next and I was wrong most of the time, and truly couldn't be happier I was. What a story, and what a world created. I will be on pins and needles until I can visit again.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title!!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Welcome to Fernglove, Edira. May you live to see something else."
Blight. Merriam-Webster defines blight as a disease or injury of plants marked by the formation of lesions, withering and death. It describes something that impairs. Destroys. Deteriorates. But, what if blight affected people in the same way.
House of Blight is book one of The Threadmender Chronicles duology by Maxym Martineau. The story evolves around the lives of a family of immortal "Evers" and their newly acquired threadmender, Edira. Threadmending is a rare ability to cure disease and heal injuries. But threadmenders sacrifice bits of their own lifespan, to help in the healing of others. And, threadmending is illegal.
Edira is a threadmender, but she has been in hiding since her aunt was taken by the Ferngloves when she was a child. Orphaned by their parents, and removed from their only surviving relative, Edira and her brothers are forced to find their own way in the world while thwarting the Blight that taken over their lands.
When Edira's brothers become infected with blight, she enters into a binding contract with the Evers in an effort to keep her brothers alive until she is able to find a cure. She is thrust into a world unlike anything she has ever known, where nothing can be taken at face value...including the people within the walls. Reflecting on the works of those threadmenders before her, Edira sets out to find a cure to this insatiable disease. But, can Edira find a way to save her brothers, and herself?
House of Blight is a must for fantasy, romantasy, and gothic romance readers. It's got the banter and longing of your favorite romance novel, infused with the magic and intrigue of the best fantasy reads.
Blight. Merriam-Webster defines blight as a disease or injury of plants marked by the formation of lesions, withering and death. It describes something that impairs. Destroys. Deteriorates. But, what if blight affected people in the same way.
House of Blight is book one of The Threadmender Chronicles duology by Maxym Martineau. The story evolves around the lives of a family of immortal "Evers" and their newly acquired threadmender, Edira. Threadmending is a rare ability to cure disease and heal injuries. But threadmenders sacrifice bits of their own lifespan, to help in the healing of others. And, threadmending is illegal.
Edira is a threadmender, but she has been in hiding since her aunt was taken by the Ferngloves when she was a child. Orphaned by their parents, and removed from their only surviving relative, Edira and her brothers are forced to find their own way in the world while thwarting the Blight that taken over their lands.
When Edira's brothers become infected with blight, she enters into a binding contract with the Evers in an effort to keep her brothers alive until she is able to find a cure. She is thrust into a world unlike anything she has ever known, where nothing can be taken at face value...including the people within the walls. Reflecting on the works of those threadmenders before her, Edira sets out to find a cure to this insatiable disease. But, can Edira find a way to save her brothers, and herself?
House of Blight is a must for fantasy, romantasy, and gothic romance readers. It's got the banter and longing of your favorite romance novel, infused with the magic and intrigue of the best fantasy reads.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book had me so intrigued! I didn't know which way to lean with the characters, but I'm so glad it went the way it did. I loved the magic system. It fascinated me as did the world. I definitely need more Rorik, though. 👀 I liiike him. Edira (fmc) was a nice change up from being a total baddy like most fmc's I read. (I love those, it's my fav, but still nice nonetheless)
It's a bit slow going at first, but it is a slow burn romance, so keep that in mind! Definitely worth the full read in my opinion.
Thank you to Maxym & The Nerd Fam for allowing me to arc read!
It's a bit slow going at first, but it is a slow burn romance, so keep that in mind! Definitely worth the full read in my opinion.
Thank you to Maxym & The Nerd Fam for allowing me to arc read!