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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Just was not capturing my attention!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Genre: Fantasy Romance
POV: 1st person
Series: Book 1
Relationship: M/F
Cliffhanger: Yes!
TW/CW: Slightly
ARC Platform: NetGalley
Format: e-ARC
Favorite Quote:
“I’ll pin you to the ground beneath my boots, and you’ll pray I’m wearing a skirt so you at least see something nice before I spit in your face.”
Darkness Rating: 1/5🖤
This story follows a human with trying to cure a nasty, gory illness. There are scenes that might be disturbing.
Spice Rating: 1/5🌶️
A lot of tension and heavy kissing. One open door, sexual scene but it wasn’t too explicit….but the author also didn’t shy away from giving us the details that mattered.
Overall Rating: 4/5⭐️
Definitely, trust the process type book. The prologue captures your attention immediately. Then it dulls the first few chapters. As other reviews mentioned, there is an obvious love triangle early on BUT I urge you to keep reading. Trust me. I HATE love triangles. This is where you have to trust the process.
The FMC, love her spirit. A perfect blend of compassion, empathy, and bite.
Mid-end, the plot picks back up and you will stay up reading! It hurt the way it ended!!
I cannot wait for book two.
*disclaimer: my darkness and spice rating might not be the same for you. Please do your own research before reading*
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
medium-paced
This was such a fantastic and gorgeous read! I went into it without any expectations and ended up really enjoying it. It’s a gothic romantasy with eerie and vivid worldbuilding and a cool magic system based on equal exchange. The gothic and fantasy vibes were very *slightly* reminiscent of One Dark Window, Belladonna, and Cruel Prince.
Edira is a threadmender who can heal injuries and diseases by mending the “soul”-like threads of the afflicted, at the cost of her lifespan. When she risks using her magic on her brothers who get sick with blight (a deadly and incurable disease), she gets caught by an Ever of the Fernglove family. Under certain circumstances, she then has to work for them in their home to research and find a cure to blight.
The book has a slow start but it picks up once she meets the dysfunctional family of Fernglove House. Evers are a similar to faeries in this book, but I love how the author set up the worldbuilding and their magic system to give her own spin on it. The worldbuilding could still use some work in showcasing how the abilities of Evers and their lore, but I hope it’s something that will improve in the next book.
I liked Edira’s character and how she was so determined, caring, yet sassy, and fierce in her beliefs. She had a few frustrating and naive moments but i can’t really blame her, considering everything she’s been through.
And the family members of Fernglove house were all very interesting! I really liked Edira’s relationships with them as she constantly questions their motives and intentions that lead to her discovering a very big secret. Also shoutout to Ywena, Edira’s adorable moth companion! 🥰 She didn’t have a ton of page time and was more of a silent background “character”, but I would love to see Ywena have a more involved role in the next book.
The romance was also super fun and I loved the banter! I was scared of a potential love triangle at first, but it was obvious later on that it’s not a triangle at all. Don’t want to give away any spoilers as to who, but the slowburn chemistry between Edira and a certain character was so satisfying and I need more of these two ASAP🙂↕️The existence of an insect daddy MMC (hear me out, I swear it’s not as weird as it sounds and dont let it deter you) genuinely was a first for me.
The plot itself was well paced for most of the book. The twist was very foreshadowed if you read between the lines but it was exciting to see how things took a turn by the end. It doesn’t have a cliffhanger, but the ending definitely hints at what book 2 is about. Also, im hoping the romance develops even more because it had so much potential with that surprise angst🤭
Thank you The Nerd Fam and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Edira is a threadmender who can heal injuries and diseases by mending the “soul”-like threads of the afflicted, at the cost of her lifespan. When she risks using her magic on her brothers who get sick with blight (a deadly and incurable disease), she gets caught by an Ever of the Fernglove family. Under certain circumstances, she then has to work for them in their home to research and find a cure to blight.
The book has a slow start but it picks up once she meets the dysfunctional family of Fernglove House. Evers are a similar to faeries in this book, but I love how the author set up the worldbuilding and their magic system to give her own spin on it. The worldbuilding could still use some work in showcasing how the abilities of Evers and their lore, but I hope it’s something that will improve in the next book.
I liked Edira’s character and how she was so determined, caring, yet sassy, and fierce in her beliefs. She had a few frustrating and naive moments but i can’t really blame her, considering everything she’s been through.
And the family members of Fernglove house were all very interesting! I really liked Edira’s relationships with them as she constantly questions their motives and intentions that lead to her discovering a very big secret. Also shoutout to Ywena, Edira’s adorable moth companion! 🥰 She didn’t have a ton of page time and was more of a silent background “character”, but I would love to see Ywena have a more involved role in the next book.
The romance was also super fun and I loved the banter! I was scared of a potential love triangle at first, but it was obvious later on that it’s not a triangle at all. Don’t want to give away any spoilers as to who, but the slowburn chemistry between Edira and a certain character was so satisfying and I need more of these two ASAP🙂↕️The existence of an insect daddy MMC (hear me out, I swear it’s not as weird as it sounds and dont let it deter you) genuinely was a first for me.
The plot itself was well paced for most of the book. The twist was very foreshadowed if you read between the lines but it was exciting to see how things took a turn by the end. It doesn’t have a cliffhanger, but the ending definitely hints at what book 2 is about. Also, im hoping the romance develops even more because it had so much potential with that surprise angst🤭
Thank you The Nerd Fam and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Pros:
It’s very readable - I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
The writing is beautiful, especially the descriptions of nature.
It has a gorgeous cover.
The ending is strong.
Cons:
It’s not particularly original. While the magic is, the sister who’ll do anything to save her sibling(s) certainly is not.
As described, I found the Evers repulsive – physically unattractive but also just horrible people. I guess horns and tails aren’t my thing.
The love triangle involves two brothers, ugh – I was afraid it would turn into a threesome. And they are both controlling and creepy.
I wasn’t drawn to main character Edira at all. She isn’t so much strong and feisty as an idiot more often than not.
Will I read the sequel? Maybe. We’ll see. Thank you to Edelweiss for the advance reader copy.
It’s very readable - I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
The writing is beautiful, especially the descriptions of nature.
It has a gorgeous cover.
The ending is strong.
Cons:
It’s not particularly original. While the magic is, the sister who’ll do anything to save her sibling(s) certainly is not.
As described, I found the Evers repulsive – physically unattractive but also just horrible people. I guess horns and tails aren’t my thing.
The love triangle involves two brothers, ugh – I was afraid it would turn into a threesome. And they are both controlling and creepy.
I wasn’t drawn to main character Edira at all. She isn’t so much strong and feisty as an idiot more often than not.
Will I read the sequel? Maybe. We’ll see. Thank you to Edelweiss for the advance reader copy.
The land and its people have been suffering under the ever-growing blight. The humans that are infected have very little chance of survival. When the affluent Fernglove family, masters of social and magical influence, becomes aware of Edira's abilities. Edira's power as a "threadmender" allows her to save others, but her power depletes her own life. Orin, the mysterious head of the Fernglove family, presents himself as both an ally and a potential love interest. Enjoy the relationship tension build as it is a slow burn. Orin's genuine efforts to aid her brothers' survival appear to challenge his family's cutthroat demeanor. Fernglove Manor is a house of secrets as dark and deadly as the blight. A lurking menace heightens the Fernglove family secrets, creating a gothic feel with dark magic and the struggle for power. As Edira uncovers more, the storyline takes on the edge of suspense.
Edira's character has a strong sense of agency and moral resolve. Her cost-bearing magic system is rooted in real sacrifice and selflessness. d Edira's determination to protect those she loves knows no bounds. Aside from Edira, Rorik is the best character. I love his sharp wit and his mysteriousness throughout the story. It was a fun read, especially with the added allure of strange, magical creatures. There were a few pacing issues, but nothing you feel that you have to dredge through. I have very high hopes for the next book from this author.
I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, Harper Voyager.
Edira's character has a strong sense of agency and moral resolve. Her cost-bearing magic system is rooted in real sacrifice and selflessness. d Edira's determination to protect those she loves knows no bounds. Aside from Edira, Rorik is the best character. I love his sharp wit and his mysteriousness throughout the story. It was a fun read, especially with the added allure of strange, magical creatures. There were a few pacing issues, but nothing you feel that you have to dredge through. I have very high hopes for the next book from this author.
I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, Harper Voyager.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
This was insane. The emotional damage just from the first 30 pages had me eating this book up! Edira is a Threadmender, someone who can see the life threads of others and fix them. The downside though? It uses up her own life threads🫠 The Evers are fae that take in any Threadmender that they come across, never to be seen again, just like Edira’s aunt.
“𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑬𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒂. 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆.”
There was already hate for the Evers, but Edira’s forced to make a bargain with the head of the Ferngloves in exchange for her powers. As characters get introduced, I knew some shady shit was going on, but the who was down to the very last pages! It’s been a minute since I got full body goosebumps from reading a scene and when I tell you!!🙂↕️
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆.”
“𝑾𝒉𝒚?”
“𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆.”
There’s this mini love triangle going on, but I was more focused on Edira, her growing powers, and who tf was creeping around watching her like some kind of ghost always out of reach. I didn’t expect the betrayal, the savior, or really literally anything that happened in the last few chapters! I cannot wait for the next book because that cliffhanger got me SO bad😭
“𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑬𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒂. 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆.”
There was already hate for the Evers, but Edira’s forced to make a bargain with the head of the Ferngloves in exchange for her powers. As characters get introduced, I knew some shady shit was going on, but the who was down to the very last pages! It’s been a minute since I got full body goosebumps from reading a scene and when I tell you!!🙂↕️
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆.”
“𝑾𝒉𝒚?”
“𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆.”
There’s this mini love triangle going on, but I was more focused on Edira, her growing powers, and who tf was creeping around watching her like some kind of ghost always out of reach. I didn’t expect the betrayal, the savior, or really literally anything that happened in the last few chapters! I cannot wait for the next book because that cliffhanger got me SO bad😭
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Yes
House of Blight is a great read. I'm grateful to the Nerd Fam for providing me an ARC.
I have no doubt that this book will take off once release day comes.
The world, the magic, the characters; everything was done beautifully. Our FMC is a strong (even when she doesn't want to be) character who will do anything to protect her brothers. Even if that anything lands her with the Evers who she has grown up to mistrust and hide from.
I had a great time with this book, and I didn't want to put it down. I just had to know what was happening next! I can't wait for it to be released so the rest of the book community can fall in love with the book as well.
I have no doubt that this book will take off once release day comes.
The world, the magic, the characters; everything was done beautifully. Our FMC is a strong (even when she doesn't want to be) character who will do anything to protect her brothers. Even if that anything lands her with the Evers who she has grown up to mistrust and hide from.
I had a great time with this book, and I didn't want to put it down. I just had to know what was happening next! I can't wait for it to be released so the rest of the book community can fall in love with the book as well.
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars
2 Spice Peppers
Synopsis:
2 Spice Peppers
Synopsis:
In the world of magic, saving people always comes at a cost. For Edira, it is her own life source where she can cure diseases and heal injuries but it will take from her own health. Having her aunt’s abilities taken advantage of, she has kept her abilities hidden.
The Fernglove family has discovered her secret, and they want it. A powerful family with immortal life and magical resources want to have her find the cure to the blight. With both of her brothers sick with the blight, she has no choice to help to find a cure. Can she save her brothers while staying alive?
Review:
There are many mentions of fans of ACOTAR enjoying this book with rot and gothic vibes, and they are absolutely correct. You will look to start enjoying bugs (possibly) and the book has lots of twists and turns. I did overall enjoy the book but felt there were a few plot holes and difficulties that the FMC would not have been able to obtain without a critical piece of information received later on in the book. Regardless, I will still be reading the second book as I enjoyed the book.
Bottom Line: If you like Gothic Fantasies, you will enjoy this book. However, there will be some plot issues. If that bothers you, this might not be the right book for you.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes