xorosiereads's profile picture

xorosiereads 's review for:

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
4.0

House of Blight is the first book in Maxym M. Martineau’s fantasy duology, and I had such a great time with it! The world-building was spot-on, with a cozy yet eerie gothic manor that instantly pulled me in. There’s this constant sense of unease that really adds to the magic of the story.

I’m thrilled that there’s more to come because, let’s be honest, I totally fell for the love interest. But now I’m frustrated—I devoured this book in one night, and the wait for Book 2 is going to feel like forever!

For my first read from this author, I was seriously impressed. The story struck the perfect balance between being familiar enough to feel comforting, while still delivering twists and tension that kept me guessing. I was completely immersed, trying to figure out who to trust and loving the way everything unraveled.

Edira was smart, determined, and super relatable—though she could be a little too naive at times. I laughed, I worried, and I fully connected with her journey. Her fierce determination to save her brothers made her even more lovable, and I was hooked as we uncovered the secrets of Fernglove Manor together. The villain? Obvious from the start and a total jerk. The love interest? Perfection. I’m definitely hoping for more of him in the next book! He’s got that ideal blend of broody with great banter.

The pacing was great, though the ending felt a touch rushed. Still, it left me eager for more! Overall, House of Bligh* is a refreshing fantasy with lush world-building and characters that leap off the page. The magic and healing elements were enchanting, and I can’t wait to see what Maxym M. Martineau does next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Maxym M. Martineau, and the Avon and Harper Voyager team for the ARC opportunity.