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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
The writing is poor. It needed editing. Also, the story feels more hot topic than gothic. The characters are stereotypes. I regret purchasing this.
emotional
mysterious
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Liked
*The magic was unique enough
*The insect side kick familiar
Disliked
*Characters felt very immature and YA
*Writing also felt YA despite characters being labeled as mid 20+ felt like the only reason they were that age was so they could curse and have sex. The names "evers", "the blight", felt like something a 12 yo would come up with
*Very cringy smut scene
*Love triangle with characters I couldn't even tell apart
*What is with these books only giving the mmc pov at the ending
*Fmc is forgettable
*Audio narration
2 ⭐️, 1 🌶, 0 🧪
Rating, smut, chemistry
*The magic was unique enough
*The insect side kick familiar
Disliked
*Characters felt very immature and YA
*Writing also felt YA despite characters being labeled as mid 20+ felt like the only reason they were that age was so they could curse and have sex. The names "evers", "the blight", felt like something a 12 yo would come up with
*Very cringy smut scene
*Love triangle with characters I couldn't even tell apart
*What is with these books only giving the mmc pov at the ending
*Fmc is forgettable
*Audio narration
2 ⭐️, 1 🌶, 0 🧪
Rating, smut, chemistry
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the E-Arc of House of Blight in exchange for an honest review.
"The only pain I'd ever intentionally inflict on you is the agony of making you wait to feel the pleasure of release."
House of Blight is a story all on its own, and fantasy lovers will go crazy for it. You get pulled in right at the dedication. Our story starts with Edira, our threadmender, whose power to heal the sick makes her a target. There's only one sickness she can't cure, and that's the blight. One day, her brother ends up contracting it, and Edira makes a deal with Orin Fernglove. He promises to help her train her powers in exchange for helping him get rid of the blight. We all know you shouldn't make bargains with fairy-like creatures; something sinister lurks in Fernglove Manor, and not everything is what it seems.
This is a fairly quick and easy read. The book very much gives ACOTAR and a sprinkle of Crimson Peak. If life hadn't gotten in the way, this definitely could have been read in one sitting; that's how engrossed I was. You can't help but root for Edira to figure out her powers and hopefully succeed.
I give this book a 4.5, and that's only because I wanted to know more about the Threadmender power and how it came about.
I think everyone should pick this book up when it comes out.
"The only pain I'd ever intentionally inflict on you is the agony of making you wait to feel the pleasure of release."
House of Blight is a story all on its own, and fantasy lovers will go crazy for it. You get pulled in right at the dedication. Our story starts with Edira, our threadmender, whose power to heal the sick makes her a target. There's only one sickness she can't cure, and that's the blight. One day, her brother ends up contracting it, and Edira makes a deal with Orin Fernglove. He promises to help her train her powers in exchange for helping him get rid of the blight. We all know you shouldn't make bargains with fairy-like creatures; something sinister lurks in Fernglove Manor, and not everything is what it seems.
This is a fairly quick and easy read. The book very much gives ACOTAR and a sprinkle of Crimson Peak. If life hadn't gotten in the way, this definitely could have been read in one sitting; that's how engrossed I was. You can't help but root for Edira to figure out her powers and hopefully succeed.
I give this book a 4.5, and that's only because I wanted to know more about the Threadmender power and how it came about.
I think everyone should pick this book up when it comes out.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
3 Gold Beetle Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️/5
Spicy Rating: 🌶️/5
“You’re brighter than the moon and just as steady.” Rorik rested his chin on my shoulder as he spoke into the crook of my neck. “Even with me touching you, you’ve managed to maintain your breath. Nice work.”
So House of Blight… I’m torn in two about this book. There are elements that I’m in awe of because I haven’t seen them done like this before, but there are also parts that just don’t appeal to me based on the kinds of books I usually gravitate toward. So, it’s not that it’s a bad book. I just might not be the ideal target audience. As a result, I think it was just… okay.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Throne of Glass or books similar to that. This gave me similar vibes or style, and if that’s your jam, this will probably be a hit!
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
In a world ravaged by a deadly sickness known as Blight, a sickness that ravages the world and quickly kills any human it touches. Edira hides her forbidden threadmending magic. After losing her parents to the disease, she became the primary caretaker to her younger brothers. One day, her brothers contract the disease, but fortuitously, Orin, the head of the local Ever Family, approaches her with a deal. He will put her brothers in a frozen state if she agrees to help him find a cure. Now she is thrust into a world of secrets, decay, ancient vows and magic. Will she be able to find a way to cure her brothers and the Blight before her magic kills her?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Edira was an interesting character. On the one hand, she carries a deep guilt because she couldn't save her parents. She feels like she has to carry the world on her shoulders because she’s all her brothers have left. I liked that she’s curious, smart, and resourceful. She uses what she has to make remedies, cures, and tinctures, and her intelligence comes through in how she engages with her environment. But there’s also this inferiority complex because she is human, surrounded by Evers. Evers have more power and, like the name suggests, they are immortal. This creates a sharp contrast to her shortened life, especially since she loses some of it every time she uses her magic. Her magic is rooted in sacrifice. Every time she uses it, it costs her something. It’s painful, torturous even. But because she wants to help others, she’s willing to face that pain. Each time she threadmends, she believes it brings her one step closer to saving her brothers.
Now, onto the things that didn’t work for me... and again, this is purely personal preference.
Firstly, this book is 99% from Edira’s POV. We only get one brief chapter from another perspective, but it's very quick. Personally, I love getting inside other characters’ heads, even just a snippet. I think it would have added tension and depth, and maybe even some surprise twists, if we’d seen more from Orin and Rorik’s perspectives instead of having to guess.
Secondly, the tone and vibes straddled the line between YA and Adult, and I don’t think it ever fully committed to either. There are F-bombs, mature themes, and some light on-page spice, but the tropes and character dynamics felt more YA. The “chosen one” energy, the “you’re not like other girls” moments, and the entire world hinging on a single person saving it. Then there’s the love triangle, which I tend to see more in teen books, whereas in adult I’d expect a Why Choose. Add to that the fact that Edira gets flustered just because Orin looks at her while her brothers are dying and she’s trapped in a house... it felt too juvenile at times for the stakes we were dealing with.
That said, the magic system deserves serious praise. It’s one of the most unique systems I’ve ever read. I’ve read a lot of fantasy with thread witches and Fae lore, but this world takes familiar elements and twists them into something completely fresh. The worldbuilding is layered, eerie, and rich in detail. You can tell it was crafted with care. The writing itself is powerful—atmospheric, evocative, and immersive. It pulls you in and keeps you there. That’s what kept me reading and invested in the outcome, even when I struggled to connect with the characters.
I did predict the plot twist pretty early at around 60%. I was reading this as part of a read-along and even shared my theory with the others at this point, so it wasn’t exactly shocking when it played out at the end.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Romantasy
▶ Human X "Fae" Relationship
▶ Complex Worldbuilding
▶ Hidden Powers
▶ Dreaded Disease
▶ Intricate and Unique Magic System
▶ Captive/Captor
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Love Triangle
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Winged MMC
▷ Tattoos Her
▷ Chin Lift
▷ Forehead Kisses
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Horns
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It had action, romance, drama, and truly exceptional worldbuilding. So, if you don’t mind a love triangle and a predominantly single POV, and you’re looking for a fantasy with a fantastic and unique magic system, I’d say give this one a go.
Thank you to Johnathan Ball Publishers for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Throne of Glass or books similar to that. This gave me similar vibes or style, and if that’s your jam, this will probably be a hit!
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
In a world ravaged by a deadly sickness known as Blight, a sickness that ravages the world and quickly kills any human it touches. Edira hides her forbidden threadmending magic. After losing her parents to the disease, she became the primary caretaker to her younger brothers. One day, her brothers contract the disease, but fortuitously, Orin, the head of the local Ever Family, approaches her with a deal. He will put her brothers in a frozen state if she agrees to help him find a cure. Now she is thrust into a world of secrets, decay, ancient vows and magic. Will she be able to find a way to cure her brothers and the Blight before her magic kills her?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Edira was an interesting character. On the one hand, she carries a deep guilt because she couldn't save her parents. She feels like she has to carry the world on her shoulders because she’s all her brothers have left. I liked that she’s curious, smart, and resourceful. She uses what she has to make remedies, cures, and tinctures, and her intelligence comes through in how she engages with her environment. But there’s also this inferiority complex because she is human, surrounded by Evers. Evers have more power and, like the name suggests, they are immortal. This creates a sharp contrast to her shortened life, especially since she loses some of it every time she uses her magic. Her magic is rooted in sacrifice. Every time she uses it, it costs her something. It’s painful, torturous even. But because she wants to help others, she’s willing to face that pain. Each time she threadmends, she believes it brings her one step closer to saving her brothers.
Now, onto the things that didn’t work for me... and again, this is purely personal preference.
Firstly, this book is 99% from Edira’s POV. We only get one brief chapter from another perspective, but it's very quick. Personally, I love getting inside other characters’ heads, even just a snippet. I think it would have added tension and depth, and maybe even some surprise twists, if we’d seen more from Orin and Rorik’s perspectives instead of having to guess.
Secondly, the tone and vibes straddled the line between YA and Adult, and I don’t think it ever fully committed to either. There are F-bombs, mature themes, and some light on-page spice, but the tropes and character dynamics felt more YA. The “chosen one” energy, the “you’re not like other girls” moments, and the entire world hinging on a single person saving it. Then there’s the love triangle, which I tend to see more in teen books, whereas in adult I’d expect a Why Choose. Add to that the fact that Edira gets flustered just because Orin looks at her while her brothers are dying and she’s trapped in a house... it felt too juvenile at times for the stakes we were dealing with.
That said, the magic system deserves serious praise. It’s one of the most unique systems I’ve ever read. I’ve read a lot of fantasy with thread witches and Fae lore, but this world takes familiar elements and twists them into something completely fresh. The worldbuilding is layered, eerie, and rich in detail. You can tell it was crafted with care. The writing itself is powerful—atmospheric, evocative, and immersive. It pulls you in and keeps you there. That’s what kept me reading and invested in the outcome, even when I struggled to connect with the characters.
I did predict the plot twist pretty early at around 60%. I was reading this as part of a read-along and even shared my theory with the others at this point, so it wasn’t exactly shocking when it played out at the end.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Romantasy
▶ Human X "Fae" Relationship
▶ Complex Worldbuilding
▶ Hidden Powers
▶ Dreaded Disease
▶ Intricate and Unique Magic System
▶ Captive/Captor
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Love Triangle
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Winged MMC
▷ Tattoos Her
▷ Chin Lift
▷ Forehead Kisses
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Horns
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It had action, romance, drama, and truly exceptional worldbuilding. So, if you don’t mind a love triangle and a predominantly single POV, and you’re looking for a fantasy with a fantastic and unique magic system, I’d say give this one a go.
Thank you to Johnathan Ball Publishers for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Infidelity, Dementia, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Alcohol
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ik zat er niet superlekker in, maar ik denk dat dat eerder aan mij lag dan dat het een slecht boek was.
wellicht doe Ik ooit een keer een herleesje
wellicht doe Ik ooit een keer een herleesje