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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
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
emotional
hopeful
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:
No
4.25/5 stars
I've read several of Martineau's books, and they've been consistently good choices for me, so I was excited to start this one.
This fantasy romance gave hints of a Grimm Fairy Tale in its darkness and some of its physical descriptions (characters, world setting, etc.). It started just a bit slow for me but quickly picked up its pace and kept me spellbound and on the edge of my seat at times. The premise of a "threadmender" (Edira) who is able to cure disease and heal injuries (unfortunately at a cost to herself) was intriguing, and I found the passages featuring her expertise and its description well written and believable.
I felt that the characters were well-fleshed out, especially the three protagonists (Edira, Orin and Rorik). But the ensemble cast served as a good foil/background for these three as well. The "blight" became a bit of a character in itself, and its physical manifestation was quite gory in its detail.
I think upon re-reading this I would find lots of interesting allegories centered around good vs. evil, the blight itself, the concept of threadmending itself, etc.
Overall, well written and quite entertaining. I look forward to the next book.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of House of Blight for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I've read several of Martineau's books, and they've been consistently good choices for me, so I was excited to start this one.
This fantasy romance gave hints of a Grimm Fairy Tale in its darkness and some of its physical descriptions (characters, world setting, etc.). It started just a bit slow for me but quickly picked up its pace and kept me spellbound and on the edge of my seat at times. The premise of a "threadmender" (Edira) who is able to cure disease and heal injuries (unfortunately at a cost to herself) was intriguing, and I found the passages featuring her expertise and its description well written and believable.
I felt that the characters were well-fleshed out, especially the three protagonists (Edira, Orin and Rorik). But the ensemble cast served as a good foil/background for these three as well. The "blight" became a bit of a character in itself, and its physical manifestation was quite gory in its detail.
I think upon re-reading this I would find lots of interesting allegories centered around good vs. evil, the blight itself, the concept of threadmending itself, etc.
Overall, well written and quite entertaining. I look forward to the next book.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of House of Blight for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
slow-paced
Sadly I DNF at 87%. I was going to do it sooner but I wanted to give it more of a chance. It wasn’t my favourite. There wasn’t anywhere in the plot that I was itching to read more or captivating. The idea was great but could have been better. It wasn’t for me and by 87% I got a bit more information on the Evers and the blight…just not a big moment.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you to the author for gifting me this physical ARC.
Also thank you Libro.fm for the ALC.
MY THOUGHTS:
Oh my gods. This BOOK. From the very first chapter I was absolutely invested. The magic system was both beautiful and macabre and I was thrilled to dive head first into learning more about it. House of Blight had all the elements that I knew would enjoy; I loved the mystery, the gothic atmosphere, the light body horror, the magical world you slowly learn about, and the complicated romance that will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions. Seriously the last quarter of the book had me on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding out of my chest. I am obsessed and cannot wait to read book 2 in this duology!
🎧 I loved this audiobook. It’s single POV (except for one chapter) and the narration was phenomenal. The emotions felt raw and the performance was immersive to the point it made me feel like I was watching a movie.
RECOMMEND IF:
If you enjoyed books like ACOTAR (specifically spring court vibes), One Dark Window, & House of Salt and Sorrows, then I think you’ll enjoy House of Blight.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
• first in a duology
• gothic spring court vibes
• magic with a cost
• mystery
• insect daddy (he’s not an insect, but he does command them)
• fae like beings
• complicated family relationships
• moth companion
• light body horror
• spice: 🌶️🌶️ (a couple on page, mildly graphic scenes)
Also thank you Libro.fm for the ALC.
MY THOUGHTS:
Oh my gods. This BOOK. From the very first chapter I was absolutely invested. The magic system was both beautiful and macabre and I was thrilled to dive head first into learning more about it. House of Blight had all the elements that I knew would enjoy; I loved the mystery, the gothic atmosphere, the light body horror, the magical world you slowly learn about, and the complicated romance that will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions. Seriously the last quarter of the book had me on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding out of my chest. I am obsessed and cannot wait to read book 2 in this duology!
🎧 I loved this audiobook. It’s single POV (except for one chapter) and the narration was phenomenal. The emotions felt raw and the performance was immersive to the point it made me feel like I was watching a movie.
RECOMMEND IF:
If you enjoyed books like ACOTAR (specifically spring court vibes), One Dark Window, & House of Salt and Sorrows, then I think you’ll enjoy House of Blight.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
• first in a duology
• gothic spring court vibes
• magic with a cost
• mystery
• insect daddy (he’s not an insect, but he does command them)
• fae like beings
• complicated family relationships
• moth companion
• light body horror
• spice: 🌶️🌶️ (a couple on page, mildly graphic scenes)
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I had a good time with this gothic fantasy romance. It felt like a classic Romantasy at times, but with unique elements that made it feel fresh. The Evers had more of a beastly, monstrous feel which felt closer to original depictions of the fae which I really enjoy.
The ‘blight’ disease aspect added to the gothic atmosphere of the setting and the story, and was explained in such vivid detail that it almost felt like aspects of body horror. Which again, gave it a unique feel compared to other similar books being released at the moment.
Overall I’d really recommend those that love fantasy romance and for those that are looking for a book that is doing something a bit different in the genre.
The ‘blight’ disease aspect added to the gothic atmosphere of the setting and the story, and was explained in such vivid detail that it almost felt like aspects of body horror. Which again, gave it a unique feel compared to other similar books being released at the moment.
Overall I’d really recommend those that love fantasy romance and for those that are looking for a book that is doing something a bit different in the genre.
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I appreciated the storyline, I found the pace to be somewhat slow. Additionally, I had suspicions about a particular character from the beginning, which ultimately impacted my reading experience. Overall, it was a good story, but it did not fully resonate with me.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
*I received an e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
House of Blight was a unique gothic fantasy romance that was original and had some twists and turns that kept me engaged with the story. It was filled with lush story telling and was set in a fantastical world that was familiar yet different. We have fae and humans and magic galore, and I enjoyed reading this story’s version of the fae and their magic.
Edira was strong FMC for this story. At times I did think she was somewhat naive, but that goes along with the idea in this world that the fae cannot be trusted. She has a healing power that is rare in her world, and it was a unique spin that when she uses her power she losses some of her life span in the process. She loves her brothers and its because her brothers get sick that she decides to make a bargin with a mysterious fae lord for help.
Overall, the story was unique enough to keep my interest, however I definitely felt that it was slower for the first 2/3 of the book, which was keeping the story around a 3/3.5 for me. I also feel that the romance dragged on (for the plot I realize it was necessary but it still made me impatient) and I was concerned of a love triangle, which I can confirm does NOT happen. Also, if you pay attention you will cleary know who Edira will ultimately end up with. The ending though made the story worth it and the cliffhanger definitely has me wanting to read the next book.
House of Blight was a unique gothic fantasy romance that was original and had some twists and turns that kept me engaged with the story. It was filled with lush story telling and was set in a fantastical world that was familiar yet different. We have fae and humans and magic galore, and I enjoyed reading this story’s version of the fae and their magic.
Edira was strong FMC for this story. At times I did think she was somewhat naive, but that goes along with the idea in this world that the fae cannot be trusted. She has a healing power that is rare in her world, and it was a unique spin that when she uses her power she losses some of her life span in the process. She loves her brothers and its because her brothers get sick that she decides to make a bargin with a mysterious fae lord for help.
Overall, the story was unique enough to keep my interest, however I definitely felt that it was slower for the first 2/3 of the book, which was keeping the story around a 3/3.5 for me. I also feel that the romance dragged on (for the plot I realize it was necessary but it still made me impatient) and I was concerned of a love triangle, which I can confirm does NOT happen. Also, if you pay attention you will cleary know who Edira will ultimately end up with. The ending though made the story worth it and the cliffhanger definitely has me wanting to read the next book.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
This book wasn't really for me, but that's okay! This book is very derivative of ACOTAR (specifically the first book in that series), and if that's something you think you'll love, then you should absolutely pick up this book. Unfortunately, that was not something I was looking for.
The characters are very interesting in this book -- I really liked the side characters, though I wish there was more depth to everyone. They were compelling characters, just a little surface-level.Orin's "secret" motive was very easy to predict, especially considering all the ways he reminded me of Tamlin. The romance just felt too easy and he was too open and trusting.
The plot itself was very predictable and almost immediately I figured out one of the big twists. Though, I will admit that I did not see all of the Evers being blight-ridden coming. The magic itself was also confusing at times. I thought her healing powers worked by transferring the illness/injury to herself, but then it was a big reveal when she learned she could transfer the blight to herself ? Like wouldn't that be the first thing you try? I also thought the ending was a little like putting a bandage on the whole thing.
I liked the atmosphere of the novel, I liked how monstrous the Evers were, and I liked how magical the book felt. Making the magic that the Evers use have a scent was a very good decision, it really made the magic come alive. While I won't understand why the Evers couldn't just be Fae, I still liked that they were Fae in everything but name. I'm interested in the lore of the world, as well as what actually causes the blight, as neither of those are explained in this book (they'll probably be explored more in the sequel). I have my theories, and it might be just enough to get me to read the next book.
I think this book has a really good foundation, and that the author is really talented. I also think that this book was too derivative and would have shined more if it was a little more unique. Even if I decide against continuing this series, this is an author I will be very open to reading from again in the future.
The characters are very interesting in this book -- I really liked the side characters, though I wish there was more depth to everyone. They were compelling characters, just a little surface-level.
The plot itself was very predictable and almost immediately I figured out one of the big twists. Though, I will admit that I did not see
I liked the atmosphere of the novel, I liked how monstrous the Evers were, and I liked how magical the book felt. Making the magic that the Evers use have a scent was a very good decision, it really made the magic come alive. While I won't understand why the Evers couldn't just be Fae, I still liked that they were Fae in everything but name. I'm interested in the lore of the world, as well as what actually causes the blight, as neither of those are explained in this book (they'll probably be explored more in the sequel). I have my theories, and it might be just enough to get me to read the next book.
I think this book has a really good foundation, and that the author is really talented. I also think that this book was too derivative and would have shined more if it was a little more unique. Even if I decide against continuing this series, this is an author I will be very open to reading from again in the future.