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The Threadmender Chronicles #2
Manor of Decay
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26The smouldering slow-burn spicy romance continues in this brooding sequel to the "enthralling" gothic fae fantasy, House of Blight. Edira must learn the secrets of the Ever ways to finally cure the source of the Blight once and for all - Death itself. Perfect for readers of Rachel Gillig's The Shepherd King series and T. Kingfisher.
Edira Brillwyn is not enjoying retirement. She's traumatized and heartbroken by Orin and the battle at Fernglove Manor. Although her brothers are safe and financially secure at home in Willowfell, she fears of wasting away her dwindling lifethreads. It's a welcome surprise when Seville comes knocking at her door – at least until she reveals that the blight has returned to the Ferngloves.
Edira has had a taste of the power her heartbond with Rorik provides, and she's certain there is a way to cure the blight for good… with Rorik's help. But Rorik doesn't think his life is worth saving, at least not worth Edira's few remaining years, or months. He's more concerned about keeping her alive than saving the world.
But other powerful Ever families have caught wind of Edira's talents and are desperate for a cure. As those families begin circling, centuries-long conflicts rise to the surface and, once again, Edira finds herself at the whims of power-hungry Evers fighting for their lives. Before she runs out of time altogether, Edira and Rorik will have to face the source of the Death himself.
Edira Brillwyn is not enjoying retirement. She's traumatized and heartbroken by Orin and the battle at Fernglove Manor. Although her brothers are safe and financially secure at home in Willowfell, she fears of wasting away her dwindling lifethreads. It's a welcome surprise when Seville comes knocking at her door – at least until she reveals that the blight has returned to the Ferngloves.
Edira has had a taste of the power her heartbond with Rorik provides, and she's certain there is a way to cure the blight for good… with Rorik's help. But Rorik doesn't think his life is worth saving, at least not worth Edira's few remaining years, or months. He's more concerned about keeping her alive than saving the world.
But other powerful Ever families have caught wind of Edira's talents and are desperate for a cure. As those families begin circling, centuries-long conflicts rise to the surface and, once again, Edira finds herself at the whims of power-hungry Evers fighting for their lives. Before she runs out of time altogether, Edira and Rorik will have to face the source of the Death himself.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 30, 2025
This was not at all what I was expecting the second book to be and I still loved every single second of it!
House of Blight quickly became one of my favorite reads last year and Manor of Decay is no different. I loved this story just as much as the first book!
House of Blight quickly became one of my favorite reads last year and Manor of Decay is no different. I loved this story just as much as the first book!
June 16, 2026
I loved House of Blight, so my expectations for Manor of Decay were sky high, and somehow this book still exceeded them. The story takes the world in such an interesting direction, expanding the lore, raising the stakes, and delivering a sequel that felt fresh instead of simply repeating what worked in book one. I picked this up and absolutely devoured it in a single day.
Edira and Rorik completely had me invested. The tension, the longing, and the emotional weight between them made every scene feel meaningful, and I loved seeing their relationship continue to grow alongside the larger story. The gothic atmosphere, unique magic system, and found family elements were just as strong as ever.
I listened to the audiobook and, while dual narration is not usually my preferred format, the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. It was an immersive listening experience that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
This duology is one of the most unique romantasy stories I’ve read in a long time, and I cannot recommend it enough. Also, I never expected “insect daddy” to be a thing for me, yet here we are. Five stars, no notes. Thanks to the publishers for the ARC and ALC.
Edira and Rorik completely had me invested. The tension, the longing, and the emotional weight between them made every scene feel meaningful, and I loved seeing their relationship continue to grow alongside the larger story. The gothic atmosphere, unique magic system, and found family elements were just as strong as ever.
I listened to the audiobook and, while dual narration is not usually my preferred format, the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. It was an immersive listening experience that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
This duology is one of the most unique romantasy stories I’ve read in a long time, and I cannot recommend it enough. Also, I never expected “insect daddy” to be a thing for me, yet here we are. Five stars, no notes. Thanks to the publishers for the ARC and ALC.
June 13, 2026
4.5
A wonderful ending to a fantastic romantasy duology. I could gush about many things and accidentally spoil it, so I’ll keep this review simple. The first half is pretty slow. Rorik is his usual arse of a self while Edira continues to be stubborn, frustrated, and selfless. Seville wiggled her way into my heart. The second half is non-stop action an and it’s GOOD. Spicy. Full of surprises. The ending was just right. Prepare tissues! I’m sad to leave the world of the Evers, but love a good duology that buttons everything up nicely.
I was gifted an egalley and an advanced listeners copy, so once the plot picked up, I switched to the alc and cranked up the speed to 2x on the NetGalley app, abandoning all hopes of an immersive read. I HAD to know what was going to happen. It was that good!
Thank you x100 to Harper Voyager for the gifted copies. I need meow Threadmenders and Evers!
A wonderful ending to a fantastic romantasy duology. I could gush about many things and accidentally spoil it, so I’ll keep this review simple. The first half is pretty slow. Rorik is his usual arse of a self while Edira continues to be stubborn, frustrated, and selfless. Seville wiggled her way into my heart. The second half is non-stop action an and it’s GOOD. Spicy. Full of surprises. The ending was just right. Prepare tissues! I’m sad to leave the world of the Evers, but love a good duology that buttons everything up nicely.
I was gifted an egalley and an advanced listeners copy, so once the plot picked up, I switched to the alc and cranked up the speed to 2x on the NetGalley app, abandoning all hopes of an immersive read. I HAD to know what was going to happen. It was that good!
Thank you x100 to Harper Voyager for the gifted copies. I need meow Threadmenders and Evers!
December 5, 2025
2.75⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Publishers for the ARC for this book.
I think this book was a very beautiful ending to the Threadmender Chronicles but I got bored around 20% and lost interest in the story completely. The first book was a lot more exciting but I love the uniqueness of this universe and the magic system within. I would still recommend this series just because I loved the first book so much.
I think this book was a very beautiful ending to the Threadmender Chronicles but I got bored around 20% and lost interest in the story completely. The first book was a lot more exciting but I love the uniqueness of this universe and the magic system within. I would still recommend this series just because I loved the first book so much.
November 30, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
I read "House of Blight" in October and it was one of my favorite books I read that month!
This sequel and conclusion was pretty solid, although I will say, I think I liked House of Blight more, I thought the pacing was a little better.
In this second book I loved how we got back into the land of the Evers. I really liked the overall premise of what was happening. I loved exploring the Heartbond with Rorik, cause I mean it's RORIK. I loved the stakes of her life fading more and more as the days go on, and I loved that we had to find a new way to fix the blight that was resurfacing while exploring her magic more and figuring out how to make it work with Rorik's!
Rorik was incredible just like in book one. He has fantastic page presence. I loved that we had a way to communicate with the heartbond. It was just overall very good. Tension was tensioning and the pay off was great.
The side characters that we know and love from book one come back, so we get more of them and I really loved seeing them again. Especially her brothers, getting more of them, and the moth Ywena! She is adorable.
Overall the story was easy to follow, the motivations were easy to root for. My only gripe is I wish we had a longer wrap up to the story. We have the "big battle" scene... and that felt really rushed. We didn't spend a lot of time in it or learning the ramifications for it, we are just all of the sudden okay with everything. I think it would have made it more impactful if we spent time with our FMC realizing what just happened and how she has changed. And I wish we had longer in the aftermath of everything wrapping it up. The pacing up to that point in the book was good, but the ending was incredibly quick like they had a set number of pages they wanted the book to be and didn't have enough pages left to spend time in the aftermath.
Other than the pacing at the end I adored this story and I am upset that is it only a duology cause I want more of these characters and world, the magic was so cool and so much fun to visualize. Maybe someday we can see Rorik again. *fingers crossed*
I read "House of Blight" in October and it was one of my favorite books I read that month!
This sequel and conclusion was pretty solid, although I will say, I think I liked House of Blight more, I thought the pacing was a little better.
In this second book I loved how we got back into the land of the Evers. I really liked the overall premise of what was happening. I loved exploring the Heartbond with Rorik, cause I mean it's RORIK. I loved the stakes of her life fading more and more as the days go on, and I loved that we had to find a new way to fix the blight that was resurfacing while exploring her magic more and figuring out how to make it work with Rorik's!
Rorik was incredible just like in book one. He has fantastic page presence. I loved that we had a way to communicate with the heartbond. It was just overall very good. Tension was tensioning and the pay off was great.
The side characters that we know and love from book one come back, so we get more of them and I really loved seeing them again. Especially her brothers, getting more of them, and the moth Ywena! She is adorable.
Overall the story was easy to follow, the motivations were easy to root for. My only gripe is I wish we had a longer wrap up to the story. We have the "big battle" scene... and that felt really rushed. We didn't spend a lot of time in it or learning the ramifications for it, we are just all of the sudden okay with everything. I think it would have made it more impactful if we spent time with our FMC realizing what just happened and how she has changed. And I wish we had longer in the aftermath of everything wrapping it up. The pacing up to that point in the book was good, but the ending was incredibly quick like they had a set number of pages they wanted the book to be and didn't have enough pages left to spend time in the aftermath.
Other than the pacing at the end I adored this story and I am upset that is it only a duology cause I want more of these characters and world, the magic was so cool and so much fun to visualize. Maybe someday we can see Rorik again. *fingers crossed*
April 16, 2026
Manor of Decay by Maxym M. Martineau | ARC Review 🥀🖤
Y'all. Y'ALL House of Blight was my entire personality last year, so Manor of Decay was easily my most anticipated read of 2026. Andddddd Maxym M. Martineau absolutely delivered and then some. I was glued to the pages and physically incapable of being bored. The way we get to dive deep into the dark, twisted backstory of how Blight actually came to be?! I ATE IT UP. It is so fresh and unique and we literally never get plots like this in our genre. 🤯✨
Okay, let’s talk about the absolute chokehold Endira and Rorik have on my life. 🥵 The tension?? The ANGST?! I was screaming into my pillow. It is giving major Feyre and Rhysand pre-chapter 54 ACOMAF energy and IFYKYK. 🦇👀 The banter was top tier, and honestly the dramatic "I hate yous" were over the top but I absolutely lived for it. The LONGING was so intense I needed to take a physical breather. We finally get that unique HEA we were begging for, but selfishly?! I wanted MORE of them just being deeply in love after putting my nervous system through all that stress. 😭 But let me tell you... if you thought the fete in book one was something, the fete in this one? DELICIOUS. Unhinged. I am completely feral for it. 🔥🥂
Getting more of Seville was everything to me and watching the found family trope come in swinging made my heart so happy. 🫶👯♀️
I absolutely will not spoil the ending, but let me tell you—even though I guessed what was going to happen right near the end, I STILL had a literal panic attack reading those last two chapters. My heart rate was completely out of control. 😅📉
Overall, I am obsessed. I need the special edition immediately because my shelves demand it and I will riot if I don't get it. 📚💖 Manor of Decay drops this summer on July 7th, which means you have zero excuses—go read House of Blight right now so you are ready. You do NOT want to miss this!
A massive, screaming thank you to NetGalley, Maxym M. Martineau, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! 🖤✨
Y'all. Y'ALL House of Blight was my entire personality last year, so Manor of Decay was easily my most anticipated read of 2026. Andddddd Maxym M. Martineau absolutely delivered and then some. I was glued to the pages and physically incapable of being bored. The way we get to dive deep into the dark, twisted backstory of how Blight actually came to be?! I ATE IT UP. It is so fresh and unique and we literally never get plots like this in our genre. 🤯✨
Okay, let’s talk about the absolute chokehold Endira and Rorik have on my life. 🥵 The tension?? The ANGST?! I was screaming into my pillow. It is giving major Feyre and Rhysand pre-chapter 54 ACOMAF energy and IFYKYK. 🦇👀 The banter was top tier, and honestly the dramatic "I hate yous" were over the top but I absolutely lived for it. The LONGING was so intense I needed to take a physical breather. We finally get that unique HEA we were begging for, but selfishly?! I wanted MORE of them just being deeply in love after putting my nervous system through all that stress. 😭 But let me tell you... if you thought the fete in book one was something, the fete in this one? DELICIOUS. Unhinged. I am completely feral for it. 🔥🥂
Getting more of Seville was everything to me and watching the found family trope come in swinging made my heart so happy. 🫶👯♀️
I absolutely will not spoil the ending, but let me tell you—even though I guessed what was going to happen right near the end, I STILL had a literal panic attack reading those last two chapters. My heart rate was completely out of control. 😅📉
Overall, I am obsessed. I need the special edition immediately because my shelves demand it and I will riot if I don't get it. 📚💖 Manor of Decay drops this summer on July 7th, which means you have zero excuses—go read House of Blight right now so you are ready. You do NOT want to miss this!
A massive, screaming thank you to NetGalley, Maxym M. Martineau, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! 🖤✨
December 11, 2025
Manor of Decay is the perfect follow-up to House of Blight! I loved how this novel dived further into the Evers’ origin story and connected Death to the curse of the blight.
The magic system is so original and well thought out! My favorite scenes involved Edira learning more about her heightened powers and forcing Rorik into helping her. Their banter is simply everything. I loved how much their relationship evolved in this story, and only wish the ending had allowed more time with them after their big battle.
It does seem like there could be more stories to come in this world, as there were some minor loose threads at the end. I loved how much this story expanded in terms of the other Ever families and would be the first in line to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The magic system is so original and well thought out! My favorite scenes involved Edira learning more about her heightened powers and forcing Rorik into helping her. Their banter is simply everything. I loved how much their relationship evolved in this story, and only wish the ending had allowed more time with them after their big battle.
It does seem like there could be more stories to come in this world, as there were some minor loose threads at the end. I loved how much this story expanded in terms of the other Ever families and would be the first in line to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
I absolutely devoured the first book and was really excited for Manor of Decay, but I was a little let down. The pacing was slower compared to House of Blight. It felt like I spent a good chunk of time reading about Rorik and Edira disagreeing about what she should or shouldn't do rather than events that would move the plot along. Their romance felt forced as well, I wasn't invested in it.
When the conflict finally did occur, it was in the last handful of chapters, and was resolved very quickly. This felt disjointed from the first book and I was missing the immersive gothic vibes I fell in love with in book one.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC.
When the conflict finally did occur, it was in the last handful of chapters, and was resolved very quickly. This felt disjointed from the first book and I was missing the immersive gothic vibes I fell in love with in book one.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5! Really loved this duology, highly recommend it to anyone who loves an FMC that faces the odds of fate ❤️
December 15, 2025
This was such a beautifully done follow up to House of Blight! I’m sad to walk away from these characters but my heart is full after this story.
The magic in this duo is incredibly fresh and unique. Between the Ever’s magic and threadmending, I was deeply intrigued and entertained. The light horror elements and Maxym’s description of the blight and its effects are fantastic!
Now that more of the powerful Ever families have heard of Edira's gift and healing abilities, they want to see for themselves...which leads to some chaos.
If you enjoy heavy amounts of yearning, you will adore this! Lots of push and pull until feelings bubble and erupt in a monumental way. So much tension! The romance is beautiful with both mc’s willing to sacrifice their happiness for the greater good and for each other.
The found family and friendships formed in this story are absolutely delightful. After the events that took place in book one, it was beautiful to see the strengthened bonds Edira formed at Fernglove Manner.
I can’t express how much I love Maxym’s writing and I look forward to news on her future books and series!
The magic in this duo is incredibly fresh and unique. Between the Ever’s magic and threadmending, I was deeply intrigued and entertained. The light horror elements and Maxym’s description of the blight and its effects are fantastic!
Now that more of the powerful Ever families have heard of Edira's gift and healing abilities, they want to see for themselves...which leads to some chaos.
If you enjoy heavy amounts of yearning, you will adore this! Lots of push and pull until feelings bubble and erupt in a monumental way. So much tension! The romance is beautiful with both mc’s willing to sacrifice their happiness for the greater good and for each other.
The found family and friendships formed in this story are absolutely delightful. After the events that took place in book one, it was beautiful to see the strengthened bonds Edira formed at Fernglove Manner.
I can’t express how much I love Maxym’s writing and I look forward to news on her future books and series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read House of Blight last year and loved it so much and have been desperate to read Manor Of Decay. House Of Blight introduces us to Edira, a threadmender whose healing magic comes at a terrible cost: every life she saves shortens her own. When her beloved brothers contract the deadly magical disease known as the Blight, Edira is forced to reveal powers she has spent years hiding. The powerful and mysterious Fernglove family, particularly their leader Orin Fernglove, offer Edira something she cannot refuse – assistance in saving her brothers in exchange for her help researching a cure. As Edira enters Fernglove Manor, she becomes entangled in family secrets, political intrigue, dangerous magic, and growing romantic feelings. What begins as a desperate attempt to save her brothers evolves into a battle against forces far older and darker than she imagined. By the end, devastating truths about the Blight, the Ferngloves, and the nature of death itself are revealed, leaving Edira emotionally scarred but determined to continue the fight.
Manor of Decay begins right after the events of book 1. Edira has returned home to Willowfell, where her brothers are finally safe, happy and financially secure. For Edira however, peace is elusive. She is haunted by the events of the previous book, heartbroken by the fallout involving Orin, suffering hallucinations and painfully aware that her own lifethreads are thinning out due to the sacrifices she made in her attempts to heal the Blight. What little serenity she can cling onto is shattered by Seville arriving with the news that the Blight has returned and despite her own suffering, she can’t stand by and ignore the devastation the disease causes. Heading back to Fernglove manor, with her brothers in tow, she discovers the extraordinary power she holds due to her heartbond with Rorik. She is convinced that together they may finally be able to destroy the Blight permanently rather than merely treating its symptoms. Rorik is not so sure. Unlike Edira, he does not believe his own life is worth saving if it means further draining her limited lifespan and resists her attempts to further explore their shared magic. News of Edira’s talents has spread to other Ever families and they are determined to get their hands on her, viewing her as a valuable resource, triggering long buried conflicts that traps Edira in a dangerous dance. She also discovers that the Blight is more than just a magical disease and is in fact linked directly to Death himself. With her own life rapidly slipping away she realises that in order to try and save mortal and Ever alike, she must confront the source of the Blight – with or without Roriks help.
This was everything I hoped for and more, and I am so happy that I have finally got my hands on it! The gothic atmosphere, emotional intensity, and fascinating magic system we got in House of Blight has been amped up and this has created something truly spectacular. I immediately downloaded this onto my kindle as soon as I got the email from the publisher and did not put it down until I had read the whole thing in virtually one sitting. The tension of the Blight returning, the will they wont they around Edira and Rorik and the introduction of other Ever families with nefarious motives creates a book that a five star rating just isn't enough for.
I absolutely love Ediras character. She is definitely not your conventional fantasy heroine – she is mentally strong but physically weak, loving, kind and compassionate but not naive and has a determination to save everyone else even if that means her own destruction. The idea that her life threads are dwindling, yet she is still insistent that she will try to destroy the Blight for everyone else's sake is all the more meaningful as we truly understand what it is that she is sacrificing.
Rorik provides a spectacular mirror to Edira. He is sullen, antagonistic and entirely against Edira risking her life for the sake of others. Although we do learn that his formidable exterior is a man burdened by loss, responsibility, and an unwavering concern for those he loves. Rather than encouraging Ediras tendency toward self-sacrifice, he constantly questions whether saving everyone else is worth destroying herself in the process. His reluctance to allow Edira to give up more of her precious lifethreads demonstrates how deeply he values her life and happiness. His attempts to push her away come from a place of concern for her life and an unwillingness to lose something so precious to him.
The relationship between them is built on trust and vulnerability. Their connection never overshadows the main plot, but instead enhances it as they learn that if they give in to what they are feeling it will strengthen their magic. After spending so long denying themselves, once they finally accept what is between them, they become a formidable team ready to take on Death together
The pacing is an absolutely spot on balance between the character development, action, mystery, and romance without ever feeling rushed or like any one element of the story is taking prominence over the others, something that you don’t often find in a romantasy. Every revelation and development feels earned, and the stakes continue to escalate until an unforgettable ending
At its heart, Manor of Decay is about sacrifice, hope, love, and the courage to keep fighting when the odds seem impossible. The relationships between all of the characters, this idea of is it possible for one person to save the world without losing themselves along the way and how owning your faults can actually be a strength rather than a weakness combines together to make one of the most perfect sequels I’ve ever read.
January 29, 2026
Manor of Decay is just as spellbinding, mind enthralling, and lustfully addicting as House of Blight. I’m absolutely speechless with the journey Maxym took me on the last 50% of the book. It was an emotional rollercoaster from the epilogue all the way to the last sentence of this novel. The ending has me speechless & so fulfilled. A beautiful end to a gothic, magical & romantic duology.
Edira in this book?! Talk about some character development in the sexy department 🔥🥵
Also, who knew I’d fall in love with Death during the epilogue?! Not me!
Reaper + Daddy = ??????
Edira in this book?! Talk about some character development in the sexy department 🔥🥵
Also, who knew I’d fall in love with Death during the epilogue?! Not me!
Reaper + Daddy = ??????
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don’t even know how to properly put into words how much I loved this conclusion but I’m going to try.
After absolutely adoring House of Blight earlier this year (and aggressively recommending it to anyone who will listen), the second I got approved for Manor of Decay, I downloaded it without hesitation. The anticipation for Edira’s story to continue was real -and somehow, this book still exceeded every expectation I had.
We pick up not long after the first book, with the aftermath of everything still lingering heavily. While Nohr and Noam are finally safe and free, Edira is… not okay. She’s grappling with the truth about Rorik, the devastation tied to the Ferngloves, and the terrifying reality of her unraveling life threads. And even though there’s now a heartbond between her and Rorik, the emotional distance between them? Painfully loud.
When new danger surfaces and it becomes clear the blight was never truly gone, Edira does what she does best....she fights. Not just for survival, but for control, for answers, and for a future she refuses to let Death take from her. Watching her step into her power (even when it terrified her) was everything.
This book took everything I liked about the first installment and made me completely fall in love with the series. ( In an entirely new yet familiar way) The world is dark, gothic, and haunting in a way that feels so distinct from anything else in romantasy right now. The magic system is still one of the most unique I’ve read in a long time. Refreshing!
And the romance??? The slow burn in this one didn’t just simmer -it ached. The tension between Edira and Rorik was constant, heavy, and absolutely electric. So much yearning, so many unspoken emotions, and every moment between them felt earned. The push and pull? The angst? Immaculate.
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how much more depth we got with the relationships in this book. The found family elements felt stronger, softer, and more healing. Characters I wasn’t entirely sure about before showed new layers, and it genuinely felt like certain wounds from book one were being mended in the best way.
The backstory (especially surrounding the Evers and the blight) was revealed so intentionally, adding emotional weight without ever overwhelming the story. And by the end? Everything came together so seamlessly. Every thread tied off in a way that felt satisfying, complete, and honestly a little bittersweet.
I went into this expecting a solid conclusion, but what I got was something that completely stayed with me. I was hooked from the first page (that prologue??? haunting and unforgettable and completely captivating) to the very last line.
And yes....I always knew they were endgame. But watching them get there and navigate through the angst, the tension, and the tenderness underneath it all… it was everything I wanted and more.
“Stubborn little mender.”
“Brutish fucking Ever.”
Yeah. I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
If you love gothic romantasy, unique magic, emotional slow burns, and stories that balance heartbreak with warmth then this duology is 100% worth it. I’m not ready to let this world go… and I can only hope we get to return to it someday. No Pressure Maxym M. Martineau.
Thank you to Avon and Harper, NetGalley, and Lara for this wonderful change at an advance reader galley. It was truly an honor for me to have the privilege to read this lovley conclusion to this duology I will always hold dear to my heart.
After absolutely adoring House of Blight earlier this year (and aggressively recommending it to anyone who will listen), the second I got approved for Manor of Decay, I downloaded it without hesitation. The anticipation for Edira’s story to continue was real -and somehow, this book still exceeded every expectation I had.
We pick up not long after the first book, with the aftermath of everything still lingering heavily. While Nohr and Noam are finally safe and free, Edira is… not okay. She’s grappling with the truth about Rorik, the devastation tied to the Ferngloves, and the terrifying reality of her unraveling life threads. And even though there’s now a heartbond between her and Rorik, the emotional distance between them? Painfully loud.
When new danger surfaces and it becomes clear the blight was never truly gone, Edira does what she does best....she fights. Not just for survival, but for control, for answers, and for a future she refuses to let Death take from her. Watching her step into her power (even when it terrified her) was everything.
This book took everything I liked about the first installment and made me completely fall in love with the series. ( In an entirely new yet familiar way) The world is dark, gothic, and haunting in a way that feels so distinct from anything else in romantasy right now. The magic system is still one of the most unique I’ve read in a long time. Refreshing!
And the romance??? The slow burn in this one didn’t just simmer -it ached. The tension between Edira and Rorik was constant, heavy, and absolutely electric. So much yearning, so many unspoken emotions, and every moment between them felt earned. The push and pull? The angst? Immaculate.
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how much more depth we got with the relationships in this book. The found family elements felt stronger, softer, and more healing. Characters I wasn’t entirely sure about before showed new layers, and it genuinely felt like certain wounds from book one were being mended in the best way.
The backstory (especially surrounding the Evers and the blight) was revealed so intentionally, adding emotional weight without ever overwhelming the story. And by the end? Everything came together so seamlessly. Every thread tied off in a way that felt satisfying, complete, and honestly a little bittersweet.
I went into this expecting a solid conclusion, but what I got was something that completely stayed with me. I was hooked from the first page (that prologue??? haunting and unforgettable and completely captivating) to the very last line.
And yes....I always knew they were endgame. But watching them get there and navigate through the angst, the tension, and the tenderness underneath it all… it was everything I wanted and more.
“Stubborn little mender.”
“Brutish fucking Ever.”
Yeah. I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
If you love gothic romantasy, unique magic, emotional slow burns, and stories that balance heartbreak with warmth then this duology is 100% worth it. I’m not ready to let this world go… and I can only hope we get to return to it someday. No Pressure Maxym M. Martineau.
Thank you to Avon and Harper, NetGalley, and Lara for this wonderful change at an advance reader galley. It was truly an honor for me to have the privilege to read this lovley conclusion to this duology I will always hold dear to my heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 Stars
I really liked this book, and loved the series as a whole. This book picks up shortly after Book 1 ends. Edira is back at home with her brothers and Vora. But she's bored and weak and is determined to change her situation. I love that for her, and I love that she stands her ground after Seville comes and lets her know that the blight is back. She goes back to the Ferngloves manor, now rebuilt, and has to convince Rorik to help her. Her heartbond who is rejecting her and shutting her out. Honestly, this man carried the story for me. Even though he was so frustrating sometimes, he had incredible page presence and I loved his steadfast nature while also being a sarcastic grumpy cat. But like a really hot, protective, snarky one. My favorite kind!
I won't spoil the rest, because the story goes in a direction I did not see coming. And it was enjoyable. However, there were some pacing issues for me. We spent so much time on the first half where so little happened. Then ALL the things happened in the last half - especially in the last 25%. Also, the second book definitely felt thinner than book 1, with very little happening the first 40% of the book other than Rorik being grumpy and Edira being slightly less grumpy. Yes, there was a lot of set up for what happens in the second half of the book but I felt like 1) most of the character development in this book was already accomplished in book 1, and 2) we could have gotten to the "meaty" part faster. I normally like books that are unrushed, but this time I felt like I wanted a fast forward button at times. And at the end I wanted to slow down and sit with it a bit.
Another thing that I did not love is that Edira spent so much time dropping F bombs. Now, those that know me know that I use the word Fuck as a comma, however, it sometimes felt out of character for her to curse that much. She did not curse as much in book 1, and I felt like I had a good grasp as to who she was. Then in this book I sometimes felt shocked by how often she cursed - even though things were, as a whole, relatively better. I understand that the cursing was used as a way to convey frustration or intensity, but it left me feeling like this Edira was not the same Edira I got to know and love in the first book.
I would still recommend this book, and the series in general. I loved House of Blight so much, and did enjoy this book and its conclusion! I think the world she created is unique, rich, and interesting - and I loved the characters! I will definitely be on the lookout for more books in this world - maybe we can get Seville's story one day! I would definitely read that!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I really liked this book, and loved the series as a whole. This book picks up shortly after Book 1 ends. Edira is back at home with her brothers and Vora. But she's bored and weak and is determined to change her situation. I love that for her, and I love that she stands her ground after Seville comes and lets her know that the blight is back. She goes back to the Ferngloves manor, now rebuilt, and has to convince Rorik to help her. Her heartbond who is rejecting her and shutting her out. Honestly, this man carried the story for me. Even though he was so frustrating sometimes, he had incredible page presence and I loved his steadfast nature while also being a sarcastic grumpy cat. But like a really hot, protective, snarky one. My favorite kind!
I won't spoil the rest, because the story goes in a direction I did not see coming. And it was enjoyable. However, there were some pacing issues for me. We spent so much time on the first half where so little happened. Then ALL the things happened in the last half - especially in the last 25%. Also, the second book definitely felt thinner than book 1, with very little happening the first 40% of the book other than Rorik being grumpy and Edira being slightly less grumpy. Yes, there was a lot of set up for what happens in the second half of the book but I felt like 1) most of the character development in this book was already accomplished in book 1, and 2) we could have gotten to the "meaty" part faster. I normally like books that are unrushed, but this time I felt like I wanted a fast forward button at times. And at the end I wanted to slow down and sit with it a bit.
Another thing that I did not love is that Edira spent so much time dropping F bombs. Now, those that know me know that I use the word Fuck as a comma, however, it sometimes felt out of character for her to curse that much. She did not curse as much in book 1, and I felt like I had a good grasp as to who she was. Then in this book I sometimes felt shocked by how often she cursed - even though things were, as a whole, relatively better. I understand that the cursing was used as a way to convey frustration or intensity, but it left me feeling like this Edira was not the same Edira I got to know and love in the first book.
I would still recommend this book, and the series in general. I loved House of Blight so much, and did enjoy this book and its conclusion! I think the world she created is unique, rich, and interesting - and I loved the characters! I will definitely be on the lookout for more books in this world - maybe we can get Seville's story one day! I would definitely read that!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for giving me this incredible opportunity to read and review this ARC.
A few housekeeping: I kinda know the author, I’m friends with her partner. I haven’t spoken to her about my review and I am going to try and be fair but I have to admit, I am clearly bias.
Now to the review!
I really liked book 1, it was filled with adventure and magic and mischief. With this being the last book of this duology, I think the ending was nice, unfortunately, I had many questions along the way. Some questions are spoilers but one prominent one that isn’t is simply wondering why we spent so much of the book to build up to something that was half planned. It seemed like we could have formed a goal within the first 3 chapters and then worked towards it. Instead there was a bunch of things happening to our characters and them trying to make the best of it. In my opinion, I would have liked our MCs to be in a bit more control.
The other issue I felt was the pacing, I mentioned we spent much of our time setting up the plot of this book but the ending felt rushed and it just didn’t give me the wonder like book 1. I basically guessed the ending once the plan was put in action. A lot of things were too obvious and it wasn’t helping that some things got spelled out for the reader. I wish we had a bit more cleverness and having the reader be taken by surprise. Let the characters keep their plans to themselves. Let us witness what is happening.
My last complaint is, I couldn’t figure out why we cared so much about these characters. Our main character sure, but I was fully on her brothers side. None of it made sense why she cared about this family as much as she did. I think there was a missed opportunity there for a deeper meaning to threadmending. It could have been established that because of her gift she is compulsively wanting to heal sickness and therefore she is helping this family because it’s her power, she can’t help it. Because they were mean to her in book 1 and she was over them completely by the end so why do we care now?
Those are my complaints. I still loved the book, I loved the writing style and the depth taken to build this world. The imagery is stunning and I am a sucker for flora. I also really liked that the characters didn’t change too much from who they inherently are. If they were selfish in book 1 they stayed selfish in book 2 though that doesn’t mean they didn’t have a character arc. I appreciated that. Besides the world building being my favorite, I think the plot was there, it was interesting had it been strengthened by my earlier mentions. This book is very entertaining and I think it will be a quick read for anyone.
I definitely recommend either way!
A few housekeeping: I kinda know the author, I’m friends with her partner. I haven’t spoken to her about my review and I am going to try and be fair but I have to admit, I am clearly bias.
Now to the review!
I really liked book 1, it was filled with adventure and magic and mischief. With this being the last book of this duology, I think the ending was nice, unfortunately, I had many questions along the way. Some questions are spoilers but one prominent one that isn’t is simply wondering why we spent so much of the book to build up to something that was half planned. It seemed like we could have formed a goal within the first 3 chapters and then worked towards it. Instead there was a bunch of things happening to our characters and them trying to make the best of it. In my opinion, I would have liked our MCs to be in a bit more control.
The other issue I felt was the pacing, I mentioned we spent much of our time setting up the plot of this book but the ending felt rushed and it just didn’t give me the wonder like book 1. I basically guessed the ending once the plan was put in action. A lot of things were too obvious and it wasn’t helping that some things got spelled out for the reader. I wish we had a bit more cleverness and having the reader be taken by surprise. Let the characters keep their plans to themselves. Let us witness what is happening.
My last complaint is, I couldn’t figure out why we cared so much about these characters. Our main character sure, but I was fully on her brothers side. None of it made sense why she cared about this family as much as she did. I think there was a missed opportunity there for a deeper meaning to threadmending. It could have been established that because of her gift she is compulsively wanting to heal sickness and therefore she is helping this family because it’s her power, she can’t help it. Because they were mean to her in book 1 and she was over them completely by the end so why do we care now?
Those are my complaints. I still loved the book, I loved the writing style and the depth taken to build this world. The imagery is stunning and I am a sucker for flora. I also really liked that the characters didn’t change too much from who they inherently are. If they were selfish in book 1 they stayed selfish in book 2 though that doesn’t mean they didn’t have a character arc. I appreciated that. Besides the world building being my favorite, I think the plot was there, it was interesting had it been strengthened by my earlier mentions. This book is very entertaining and I think it will be a quick read for anyone.
I definitely recommend either way!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoyed its predecessor (House of Blight, 4.25/5 stars).
It may have been the passage of time between the publications (just a little over a year), but it seemed to me that some of the personality traits of the mains were a bit off compared to the original book. I think that, more than anything, threw me off as I spent too much time reconciling what I thought I knew of how they would react in any given situation to how they actually did here. I believe that distracted me too much and slowed down the narrative. I found Rorik (MMC) too abrasive/arrogant, and those weren't the things I remembered most about him. I also did not get as much sassiness from Edira (FMC)...well at least not until the latter part of the book.
I do love the magical world created by the author in this duology. And in this one, I especially liked that the origin of the "blight" was shown and explained.
I wished for more action in this book as I felt there was a little too much of "talking about" what to do to cure the blight and save Edira rather than actively "doing". It seemed a bit heavy on the bickering between Rorik and Edira (which lasted quite a while), and when the romance finally took off it just didn't have the emotional impact that I was expecting...mostly explicit scenes, and I was actually uncomfortable with the public explicit scene at the fete. Just wasn't my cup of tea and seemed a bit off for these characters to engage in.
And since I'm being a Debbie Downer (sorry!), the denouement and ending felt too quickly wrapped up and not as exciting as I had thought it would be. I was left with quite a few questions, and until I discovered (after the fact) that this was the conclusion of a duology, I had assumed that there would be a third book coming down the pike.
All-in-all, this book was well-written with a magical system that continued to be original and engaging. I am, and I'm sure will continue to be, a fan of Martineau's as I have read three of her previous books and enjoyed them very much. This particular one just didn't hit as I had hoped for me personally.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager / Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of Manor of Decay for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
It may have been the passage of time between the publications (just a little over a year), but it seemed to me that some of the personality traits of the mains were a bit off compared to the original book. I think that, more than anything, threw me off as I spent too much time reconciling what I thought I knew of how they would react in any given situation to how they actually did here. I believe that distracted me too much and slowed down the narrative. I found Rorik (MMC) too abrasive/arrogant, and those weren't the things I remembered most about him. I also did not get as much sassiness from Edira (FMC)...well at least not until the latter part of the book.
I do love the magical world created by the author in this duology. And in this one, I especially liked that the origin of the "blight" was shown and explained.
I wished for more action in this book as I felt there was a little too much of "talking about" what to do to cure the blight and save Edira rather than actively "doing". It seemed a bit heavy on the bickering between Rorik and Edira (which lasted quite a while), and when the romance finally took off it just didn't have the emotional impact that I was expecting...mostly explicit scenes, and I was actually uncomfortable with the public explicit scene at the fete. Just wasn't my cup of tea and seemed a bit off for these characters to engage in.
And since I'm being a Debbie Downer (sorry!), the denouement and ending felt too quickly wrapped up and not as exciting as I had thought it would be. I was left with quite a few questions, and until I discovered (after the fact) that this was the conclusion of a duology, I had assumed that there would be a third book coming down the pike.
All-in-all, this book was well-written with a magical system that continued to be original and engaging. I am, and I'm sure will continue to be, a fan of Martineau's as I have read three of her previous books and enjoyed them very much. This particular one just didn't hit as I had hoped for me personally.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager / Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of Manor of Decay for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
January 1, 2026
If you enjoyed House of Blight I think you’ll love the conclusion. Manor of Decay begins in a very character driven way so things don’t move as quickly as you might expect. This time for me was really necessary to demonstrate the character growth and for it to feel genuine. In House of Blight, Edira is surviving. She is living for others and her plans are all about keeping them safe. In Manor of Decay we start to see a shift, where Edira starts thinking about herself and what SHE wants. And what she decides she wants is the exact thing almost everyone else does NOT want her to do. This is where the female agency really comes into play. The theory and later plan that Edira has is not something she can accomplish alone and while some characters are quick to offer assistance, others are not. Edira makes decision after decision that others do not agree with (because they are worried about her, or have their own idea of how she should spend her last days), but WE know that this IS truly what she wants. She finally gives herself permission to want something for herself, she decides to spend her remaining days and possibly her remaining threads in pursuit of that, even when those she cares about disagree. The wants and desires of other characters and what they are willing to offer up to get those things is also a bit of a theme that works well with the overarching plot. Manor of Decay *is* less gothic feeling than House of Blight, but it worked for me. That gothic feel existed in a world where Edira was a pawn, where she worried about what might be lurking in the shadows because there really were things lurking in the unknown. Manor of Decay is about her taking her power back, it’s about being accepted and have people and places she can trust so the shadows are no longer frightening. There is less of a suspense every moment feel (although we definitely have tension). There is danger and we meet some new and interesting characters along the way. I felt this was a satisfying ending for the main couple and there was plenty of setup for more books in this world to expand the story. Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this arc, the opinions here are all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Manor of Decay kept me invested mostly because of Edira and the magic system. That was already my favorite part of House of Blight, and it continues to be the strongest element of this series. The concept of lifethreads, heartbonds, and Death’s influence is still incredibly creative and atmospheric, and it’s what carries the story for me.
I did like how this book opens with deeper lore, especially the prequel elements involving Death and his lover. The betrayal felt like the true spark that sets everything in motion and adds emotional weight to the larger conflict. It made the world feel older, darker, and more tragic in a way that fits the gothic tone.
That said, if you’re picking this up for romance, I’d recommend reevaluating expectations. Edira and Rorik take their time getting to each other as mates, and the story is very plot-driven. Their relationship is more of an emotional undercurrent than the center of the narrative. Even when they finally pursue Death together, the romance never quite hit the way I wanted it to. It’s meaningful, but not swoon-heavy.
There are moments that try to deliver that romantic punch, like:
“A hero would sacrifice you to Death if it meant saving all Everkind. I have no such inclination.”
Which is objectively romantic… but also feels very familiar. As a BookTok reader, I’m always hoping for a line that feels new and unforgettable, and this one didn’t quite stand out in the crowd of similar MMC declarations. I want that feeling of screaming and kicking my feet. The use of “baby” as a term of endearment also pulled me out of the gothic romantasy vibe which would be appropriate for a contemporary romance -ruining the atmosphere for me.
Overall, this book shines in its worldbuilding, magic system, and themes of sacrifice, mortality, and power. The romance exists, but it’s secondary and understated. I enjoyed it for its ideas and its characters, not because it delivered a sweeping, heart-fluttering love story. For me, Manor of Decay is a solid continuation with strong concept work, but the romantic elements didn’t quite reach their full potential.
I did like how this book opens with deeper lore, especially the prequel elements involving Death and his lover. The betrayal felt like the true spark that sets everything in motion and adds emotional weight to the larger conflict. It made the world feel older, darker, and more tragic in a way that fits the gothic tone.
That said, if you’re picking this up for romance, I’d recommend reevaluating expectations. Edira and Rorik take their time getting to each other as mates, and the story is very plot-driven. Their relationship is more of an emotional undercurrent than the center of the narrative. Even when they finally pursue Death together, the romance never quite hit the way I wanted it to. It’s meaningful, but not swoon-heavy.
There are moments that try to deliver that romantic punch, like:
“A hero would sacrifice you to Death if it meant saving all Everkind. I have no such inclination.”
Which is objectively romantic… but also feels very familiar. As a BookTok reader, I’m always hoping for a line that feels new and unforgettable, and this one didn’t quite stand out in the crowd of similar MMC declarations. I want that feeling of screaming and kicking my feet. The use of “baby” as a term of endearment also pulled me out of the gothic romantasy vibe which would be appropriate for a contemporary romance -ruining the atmosphere for me.
Overall, this book shines in its worldbuilding, magic system, and themes of sacrifice, mortality, and power. The romance exists, but it’s secondary and understated. I enjoyed it for its ideas and its characters, not because it delivered a sweeping, heart-fluttering love story. For me, Manor of Decay is a solid continuation with strong concept work, but the romantic elements didn’t quite reach their full potential.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: Manor of Decay by Maxym M. Martineau
I picked up Manor of Decay purely based on the cover and title, which suggested something moody, dramatic, and possibly filled with questionable life choices inside a crumbling estate. I also went in without reading the first book, which meant I spent a decent portion of the beginning piecing things together. To its credit, the book does eventually find its footing, but there is definitely a learning curve if you are starting here.
We follow Edira, a healer whose magic slowly drains her lifespan, which continues to feel like an objectively terrible deal. She is already dealing with the fallout of past events while being pulled straight back into the same crisis, because the blight is not done causing problems. The emotional core centers on her relationship with Rorik, who would very much prefer she stop sacrificing herself, while she continues to consider doing exactly that. It creates a steady tension that works, even if it sometimes feels like watching the same argument play out in increasingly dramatic circumstances.
The world building leans heavily into established history, family politics, and the ongoing mystery of the blight, which is interesting but occasionally slows the pacing, especially in the middle. There are hints of something larger at play, which helps maintain intrigue, though some of the context clearly carries over from the first book. Reading this without that background is doable, but you do feel like you are missing some emotional weight and nuance along the way.
Overall, this is a solid continuation with a strong premise and a consistent emotional throughline, even if it occasionally feels repetitive and a bit dense for a newcomer. It held my attention and delivered on the atmosphere I was hoping for, but it did not fully pull me in. A respectable 3.5 stars, and probably a stronger experience if you actually read the first book like a sensible person.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I picked up Manor of Decay purely based on the cover and title, which suggested something moody, dramatic, and possibly filled with questionable life choices inside a crumbling estate. I also went in without reading the first book, which meant I spent a decent portion of the beginning piecing things together. To its credit, the book does eventually find its footing, but there is definitely a learning curve if you are starting here.
We follow Edira, a healer whose magic slowly drains her lifespan, which continues to feel like an objectively terrible deal. She is already dealing with the fallout of past events while being pulled straight back into the same crisis, because the blight is not done causing problems. The emotional core centers on her relationship with Rorik, who would very much prefer she stop sacrificing herself, while she continues to consider doing exactly that. It creates a steady tension that works, even if it sometimes feels like watching the same argument play out in increasingly dramatic circumstances.
The world building leans heavily into established history, family politics, and the ongoing mystery of the blight, which is interesting but occasionally slows the pacing, especially in the middle. There are hints of something larger at play, which helps maintain intrigue, though some of the context clearly carries over from the first book. Reading this without that background is doable, but you do feel like you are missing some emotional weight and nuance along the way.
Overall, this is a solid continuation with a strong premise and a consistent emotional throughline, even if it occasionally feels repetitive and a bit dense for a newcomer. It held my attention and delivered on the atmosphere I was hoping for, but it did not fully pull me in. A respectable 3.5 stars, and probably a stronger experience if you actually read the first book like a sensible person.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for House of Blight earlier this year and absolutely adored it (I recommend it to people all the time now!). When I got an email with the ARC for Manor of Decay, I downloaded it IMMEDIATELY. To say I've been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Edira's journey would be an understatement, and Manor of Decay absolutely did not disappoint.
Our story starts off a few weeks after where we left off in House of Blight. Nohr and Noam are now healthy and happy to be free of a life working in the mines. Meanwhile, Edira is still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of what transpired with The Ferngloves, especially the reveal 0f Rorik's past actions against her family and her now dwindling life threads. Edira may now have a heartbond with Rorik, but they haven't so much as spoken since everything went down. When Seville stops by for a surprise visit and reveals that the blight was not fully eradicated from the Ferngloves, Edira sets off to go back to not only stop this blight once and for all, but to try to gain control of her newfound powers with her heartbond to avoid her looming fate. Edira refuses to accept Death and will do anything within her power to continue with a long and prosperous life... including following in the footsteps of the first Ever.
I really enjoyed House of Blight, but Manor of Decay made me truly LOVE this series. Maxym has built such a unique world and magic system that is such a breath of fresh air for the romantasy sphere. Gothic and beautifully haunting, this world has me thoroughly enraptured and it's so hard to say goodbye. With the way this book ended, I can only hope that maybe someday we'll get to visit with The Ferngloves again for another adventure. Everything is wrapped up well and I truly do love how this story ends. A fantastic ending to a new favorite fantasy series that I will not soon forget!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for House of Blight earlier this year and absolutely adored it (I recommend it to people all the time now!). When I got an email with the ARC for Manor of Decay, I downloaded it IMMEDIATELY. To say I've been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Edira's journey would be an understatement, and Manor of Decay absolutely did not disappoint.
Our story starts off a few weeks after where we left off in House of Blight. Nohr and Noam are now healthy and happy to be free of a life working in the mines. Meanwhile, Edira is still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of what transpired with The Ferngloves, especially the reveal 0f Rorik's past actions against her family and her now dwindling life threads. Edira may now have a heartbond with Rorik, but they haven't so much as spoken since everything went down. When Seville stops by for a surprise visit and reveals that the blight was not fully eradicated from the Ferngloves, Edira sets off to go back to not only stop this blight once and for all, but to try to gain control of her newfound powers with her heartbond to avoid her looming fate. Edira refuses to accept Death and will do anything within her power to continue with a long and prosperous life... including following in the footsteps of the first Ever.
I really enjoyed House of Blight, but Manor of Decay made me truly LOVE this series. Maxym has built such a unique world and magic system that is such a breath of fresh air for the romantasy sphere. Gothic and beautifully haunting, this world has me thoroughly enraptured and it's so hard to say goodbye. With the way this book ended, I can only hope that maybe someday we'll get to visit with The Ferngloves again for another adventure. Everything is wrapped up well and I truly do love how this story ends. A fantastic ending to a new favorite fantasy series that I will not soon forget!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐ Rounded up
3 🌶️
Thank you Harper Voyager/Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Manor of Decay.
House of Blight was one of my favorite reads of 2024 (I also received the ARC for it) And I have been chomping at the bit for this book. While I did enjoy it, I was a bit let down.
The biggest issue I had was pacing. The first 65% of the book is sloooow, focusing mostly on Edira and Rorik's relationship, we don't even meet the main antagonist until about halfway through the book. Once we do, there Theres not enough character development to really make him stand out as a villain. Then the big climax and resolution happens so fast it felt a bit like whiplash. I actually loved the ending and the direction the story went but it felt rushed and not really explained well or fully explored. So much happens off page with another major player in the story and we never get answers as to what happens there either. (maybe there will be more books following that character and that's why?)
That being said, there is so much good in this book. like I said, I loved the story itself. Maxym is a master of tension and pining and banter. This book, like the first is a sloooow burn in the romance department but the payoff is far better this time around. I was giggling and kicking my feet then a few pages later fighting back tears from the pure angst (I love our angsty insect daddy.)
I also enjoyed the expansion of the world And the lore behind the creation of the Evers. I would read a whole book about their backstory.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to tie up the story nicely.
3 🌶️
Thank you Harper Voyager/Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Manor of Decay.
House of Blight was one of my favorite reads of 2024 (I also received the ARC for it) And I have been chomping at the bit for this book. While I did enjoy it, I was a bit let down.
The biggest issue I had was pacing. The first 65% of the book is sloooow, focusing mostly on Edira and Rorik's relationship, we don't even meet the main antagonist until about halfway through the book. Once we do, there Theres not enough character development to really make him stand out as a villain. Then the big climax and resolution happens so fast it felt a bit like whiplash. I actually loved the ending and the direction the story went but it felt rushed and not really explained well or fully explored. So much happens off page with another major player in the story and we never get answers as to what happens there either. (maybe there will be more books following that character and that's why?)
That being said, there is so much good in this book. like I said, I loved the story itself. Maxym is a master of tension and pining and banter. This book, like the first is a sloooow burn in the romance department but the payoff is far better this time around. I was giggling and kicking my feet then a few pages later fighting back tears from the pure angst (I love our angsty insect daddy.)
I also enjoyed the expansion of the world And the lore behind the creation of the Evers. I would read a whole book about their backstory.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to tie up the story nicely.
March 30, 2026
4⭐️ This was such a great conclusion to Edira’s story! I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect after the insane ending of book 1. I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion and the development of Edira’s relationship with everyone at Fernglove Manor especially Rorik.
We start back with Edira recovering from everything that happened at Fernglove Manor. She’s in a bit of a rut not really living until Seville shows up at her door. The blight is back. Edira decides to return to Fernglove Manor and see what can be done. However, Rorik is not having it. We get to enjoy the continuing tension and banter between Edira and Rorik we saw in book 1. There is soo much tension and yearning. The amount of times I wanted to smack Rorik on the head was insane so thankfully he was able to figure his emotions out! The spice was so good. Not too much and except a nice slow burn!
The supporting characters are even better this time around. You can tell they truly care and love Edira. So different from the first book. Now that Orin’s hold over them is gone, there’s more room for people to grow. I really hope we get a story about Seville because she definitely became one of my favorites!
Overall, this was a fun conclusion! Pining Rorik is the best Rorik. I’m glad Edira finally saw that Rorik had seen her from the first meeting. Personally, I had been team Rorik from the stay of book 1! Only thing I wanted was more of Edira and Rorik at the end. A glimpse into their future would have been perfect!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
We start back with Edira recovering from everything that happened at Fernglove Manor. She’s in a bit of a rut not really living until Seville shows up at her door. The blight is back. Edira decides to return to Fernglove Manor and see what can be done. However, Rorik is not having it. We get to enjoy the continuing tension and banter between Edira and Rorik we saw in book 1. There is soo much tension and yearning. The amount of times I wanted to smack Rorik on the head was insane so thankfully he was able to figure his emotions out! The spice was so good. Not too much and except a nice slow burn!
The supporting characters are even better this time around. You can tell they truly care and love Edira. So different from the first book. Now that Orin’s hold over them is gone, there’s more room for people to grow. I really hope we get a story about Seville because she definitely became one of my favorites!
Overall, this was a fun conclusion! Pining Rorik is the best Rorik. I’m glad Edira finally saw that Rorik had seen her from the first meeting. Personally, I had been team Rorik from the stay of book 1! Only thing I wanted was more of Edira and Rorik at the end. A glimpse into their future would have been perfect!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved returning to this world! Manor of Decay somehow managed to feel bigger, darker, and more emotional while still keeping that intimate thread (pun fully intended) of what made the first book work so well.
Edira continues to be such an easy FMC to root for. She’s exhausted, grieving, stubborn, and still refuses to stop fighting even when the cost keeps getting higher. Watching her wrestle with how much of herself she’s willing to give added so much emotional weight to the story. And Rorik… sir. The yearning, the restraint, the protectiveness that borders on infuriating at times? Delicious!!
The magic system remains one of my favorite parts! The lifethreads, heartbonds, and the way life and death are woven together felt so refreshing. The gothic vibes are still strong, but this book leans more into lore, consequences, and emotional payoff. Ediras tango with death throughout was absolutely gripping! I kept asking myself how many threads does she has left? Yet Edira and Rorik continue to choose each other even as the world is literally falling apart around them!
I thought the female narrator was fantastic! She really conveyed every detail, every pivotal point and landed every emotional moment! Also it was so cool to have the male narrator at the end! Like icing on the cake!
The twist at the end was EVERYTHING!! I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edira continues to be such an easy FMC to root for. She’s exhausted, grieving, stubborn, and still refuses to stop fighting even when the cost keeps getting higher. Watching her wrestle with how much of herself she’s willing to give added so much emotional weight to the story. And Rorik… sir. The yearning, the restraint, the protectiveness that borders on infuriating at times? Delicious!!
The magic system remains one of my favorite parts! The lifethreads, heartbonds, and the way life and death are woven together felt so refreshing. The gothic vibes are still strong, but this book leans more into lore, consequences, and emotional payoff. Ediras tango with death throughout was absolutely gripping! I kept asking myself how many threads does she has left? Yet Edira and Rorik continue to choose each other even as the world is literally falling apart around them!
I thought the female narrator was fantastic! She really conveyed every detail, every pivotal point and landed every emotional moment! Also it was so cool to have the male narrator at the end! Like icing on the cake!
The twist at the end was EVERYTHING!! I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was both horrified and enchanted as I read the prologue of "Manor of Decay".
Rebellyn and Death's story will surely stick in the back of my mind as it is a lesson in love and betrayal that many of us have experienced (and learned from) ourselves.
With the gripping backstory behind the Evers and the blight finally revealed I was eager to dive in to part two of "The Threadmender Chronicles" and the relationship between Edira and Rorik captivated me. The constant thrum of power, the warring emotions - it was a slow burn that really did BURN. So much yearning!
The family dynamics in this book were much more heartwarming and wholesome than what they felt like in "House of Blight". Found family was a bigger theme in this book and we got to see some redeeming qualities in many of the characters from the first book that seemed to "right" a few "wrongs".
Overall I am very happy with the way Edira's story plays out and concludes. I hope to see more from Seville in a future book, perhaps.
Would definitely recommend this book to others as I love Maxym's style of writing, and the unique magic system she created in this world.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I cannot wait for this book to officially release so I can have a physical copy of my own!
Rebellyn and Death's story will surely stick in the back of my mind as it is a lesson in love and betrayal that many of us have experienced (and learned from) ourselves.
With the gripping backstory behind the Evers and the blight finally revealed I was eager to dive in to part two of "The Threadmender Chronicles" and the relationship between Edira and Rorik captivated me. The constant thrum of power, the warring emotions - it was a slow burn that really did BURN. So much yearning!
The family dynamics in this book were much more heartwarming and wholesome than what they felt like in "House of Blight". Found family was a bigger theme in this book and we got to see some redeeming qualities in many of the characters from the first book that seemed to "right" a few "wrongs".
Overall I am very happy with the way Edira's story plays out and concludes. I hope to see more from Seville in a future book, perhaps.
Would definitely recommend this book to others as I love Maxym's style of writing, and the unique magic system she created in this world.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I cannot wait for this book to officially release so I can have a physical copy of my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
This is the conclusion to The Threadmender Chronicles and I am unwell. I was completely pulled in to this series initially with House of Blight. The story telling is so beautifully done with so many vivid details that at times I felt like I was watching a movie in my head.
Stakes were incredibly high from beginning to end, with Edira risking everything for the chance to right past mistakes, making every decision feel emotional and important. However, the last 100 pages had me in a chokehold. I could not put it down.
Edira and Rorik were absolutely made for each other, and I loved watching their relationship continue to grow. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the slow burn between them was so satisfying, their banter, tension, and conflict until everything finally crashed down… only to be beautifully rebuilt again.
One of my favorite things about this series continues to be the writing itself. The descriptions are rich and immersive, bringing the gothic atmosphere, magical settings, and emotional moments to life in such a vivid way.
The conclusion took me on a full emotional rollercoaster. From heartbreaking moments to everything slowly being mended back together (see what I did there?).
A massive thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is the conclusion to The Threadmender Chronicles and I am unwell. I was completely pulled in to this series initially with House of Blight. The story telling is so beautifully done with so many vivid details that at times I felt like I was watching a movie in my head.
Stakes were incredibly high from beginning to end, with Edira risking everything for the chance to right past mistakes, making every decision feel emotional and important. However, the last 100 pages had me in a chokehold. I could not put it down.
Edira and Rorik were absolutely made for each other, and I loved watching their relationship continue to grow. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the slow burn between them was so satisfying, their banter, tension, and conflict until everything finally crashed down… only to be beautifully rebuilt again.
One of my favorite things about this series continues to be the writing itself. The descriptions are rich and immersive, bringing the gothic atmosphere, magical settings, and emotional moments to life in such a vivid way.
The conclusion took me on a full emotional rollercoaster. From heartbreaking moments to everything slowly being mended back together (see what I did there?).
A massive thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The final book in this duology didn’t just meet my expectations—it completely exceeded them. From the very first chapter to the last, I was utterly invested in them. Every shared moment crackled with tension, and the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc reached perfection in this final installment.
The angst was relentless in the best possible way. The constant push and pull, the unspoken feelings, and the emotional stakes only deepened their chemistry, making every interaction feel earned and electric. The tension never let up, and I loved every second of it.
The fantasy world-building continued to be immersive and expansive, with rich details that made the story feel alive. The backstory was revealed at just the right moments, adding depth and emotional weight while tying everything together seamlessly. By the end, every thread was wrapped up so perfectly that it felt incredibly satisfying.
And honestly? I knew they were endgame all along—but watching them finally get there was everything I hoped for and more. The soft, tender family moments woven into the story were the perfect contrast to the angst and battles, adding so much heart to the ending.
This was a beautifully crafted conclusion to a duology I won’t be forgetting anytime soon—a true romantasy triumph.
The angst was relentless in the best possible way. The constant push and pull, the unspoken feelings, and the emotional stakes only deepened their chemistry, making every interaction feel earned and electric. The tension never let up, and I loved every second of it.
The fantasy world-building continued to be immersive and expansive, with rich details that made the story feel alive. The backstory was revealed at just the right moments, adding depth and emotional weight while tying everything together seamlessly. By the end, every thread was wrapped up so perfectly that it felt incredibly satisfying.
And honestly? I knew they were endgame all along—but watching them finally get there was everything I hoped for and more. The soft, tender family moments woven into the story were the perfect contrast to the angst and battles, adding so much heart to the ending.
This was a beautifully crafted conclusion to a duology I won’t be forgetting anytime soon—a true romantasy triumph.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
arc review
release date: july 7, 2026
rating: 4.5/5
Thank you Maxym M. Martineau & NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!
This book duology has been one of those random book discoveries I picked up on a whim and ended up falling head over heels for. I actually can't believe it's over though, I need more stories of this world and its characters. Martineau has made this story so rich with magic and action packed scenes. If she chose to write an 8 book series on this world and with these characters, I would 1000% read it.
The slow burn romance within this book is what every reader was yearning for in book one and we finally got more of it! Overall would highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
But first, I'm going to spill some of my favorite scenes and quotes and do a deeper dive because why not.
RORIK! Omg this man and his words make me melt.
I know girl I know. Rorik and Edira in this book are completely different and more grown up but they still have that spark from the first book. The spark we all wanted to see ignited.
release date: july 7, 2026
rating: 4.5/5
Thank you Maxym M. Martineau & NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!
This book duology has been one of those random book discoveries I picked up on a whim and ended up falling head over heels for. I actually can't believe it's over though, I need more stories of this world and its characters. Martineau has made this story so rich with magic and action packed scenes. If she chose to write an 8 book series on this world and with these characters, I would 1000% read it.
The slow burn romance within this book is what every reader was yearning for in book one and we finally got more of it! Overall would highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
But first, I'm going to spill some of my favorite scenes and quotes and do a deeper dive because why not.
RORIK! Omg this man and his words make me melt.
I know girl I know. Rorik and Edira in this book are completely different and more grown up but they still have that spark from the first book. The spark we all wanted to see ignited.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved how the narrator was able to bring, not just a level of depth to the character with such strong emotional tones in her voice, but also this quiet strength. Her voice was so pleasing to listen to and really captured the character well. You get every emotion and every soft moment but also the tough moments the character is going through.
The story is captivating and such a strong continuation of the first book. The stakes are still high with the new blight spreading, but even more to uncover with a brooding soul bond that refuses to help. Until things shift and we continue to see why we love this story so much, and our insect wielding MMC.
There is some slower parts and the miscommunication was difficult to muster through all of the time. But that was honestly very small and great payoffs. It was just obvious and Rorik not just talking about it was driving me crazy. But I forgive and love him. He's such a broody but likable MMC. They had such a beautiful story together.
The side characters were also a lot of fun.
There is also a male narrator but he only has the prologue and a chapter near the end but he was really great too. I loved his tone and emotions in his voice. He was incredible. It fit him really well. Amazing. Such an emotional ending.
The story is captivating and such a strong continuation of the first book. The stakes are still high with the new blight spreading, but even more to uncover with a brooding soul bond that refuses to help. Until things shift and we continue to see why we love this story so much, and our insect wielding MMC.
There is some slower parts and the miscommunication was difficult to muster through all of the time. But that was honestly very small and great payoffs. It was just obvious and Rorik not just talking about it was driving me crazy. But I forgive and love him. He's such a broody but likable MMC. They had such a beautiful story together.
The side characters were also a lot of fun.
There is also a male narrator but he only has the prologue and a chapter near the end but he was really great too. I loved his tone and emotions in his voice. He was incredible. It fit him really well. Amazing. Such an emotional ending.
June 16, 2026
(I received an ARC from Avon/Harper Voyager and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review)
First off, SUCH an improvement over book one. I finished this in 24 hrs because I couldn’t stop thinking about it and couldn’t stop reading. Us Rorik girlies really got everything we wanted in this book and more. I really liked how this novel started off after the events of book one. The author made sure to subtly remind us readers of all the major events and plot points to remember while transitioning into what was next. I loved the character development with Rorik the most of all the characters in this duology. There was a lot of time spent with just him and Edira in more ways than one, and it was those moments that revealed the depth of his feelings and the little signs Edira caught onto of what he was hiding. Seville was definitely my second favorite character. The sisterly bond they shared was so important to the plot of this book and the way it ended. My only complaint was the villain of book two and the resolution did feel a little rushed but it didn’t take away from the overall experience for me at all. I’m so glad I took a chance on this series and so thankful to have received this ARC! I’ll definitely be buying it when it comes out and recommending it to everyone I know.
First off, SUCH an improvement over book one. I finished this in 24 hrs because I couldn’t stop thinking about it and couldn’t stop reading. Us Rorik girlies really got everything we wanted in this book and more. I really liked how this novel started off after the events of book one. The author made sure to subtly remind us readers of all the major events and plot points to remember while transitioning into what was next. I loved the character development with Rorik the most of all the characters in this duology. There was a lot of time spent with just him and Edira in more ways than one, and it was those moments that revealed the depth of his feelings and the little signs Edira caught onto of what he was hiding. Seville was definitely my second favorite character. The sisterly bond they shared was so important to the plot of this book and the way it ended. My only complaint was the villain of book two and the resolution did feel a little rushed but it didn’t take away from the overall experience for me at all. I’m so glad I took a chance on this series and so thankful to have received this ARC! I’ll definitely be buying it when it comes out and recommending it to everyone I know.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am ecstatic to have received the eARC/ ALC of Manor of Decay. This is the second and final book of the Threadmender Chronicles. House of Blight was my 4th ARC that I had ever reviewed and has a special place in my heart. I did a full read before digging in and I am still blown away how unique this world, magic system and characters are. Book 2 was just as amazing as book 1 and was a great conclusion of this series and was so worth the read. I will miss this world and the characters in it.
I loved the audio book and Alexandra Hunter did as amazing job. I was however disappointed that even though it has 2 narrators listed it is not a dual/ true duet narration. Alexandra narrates the whole book besides one chapter toward the end when we get Rorik’s POV, which is narrated by Stephen Dextor. I did not enjoy his voice for Edira and it took me out of the story. I think this book would have benefited being done in dual narration or solely by Alexandra. However, this did not change my enjoyment of the book or the rest of the audio book . I will definitely be suggesting this series to every one I know!
Thank you Harper Voyager -HarperCollins Publishers for this eARC/ ALC.
I loved the audio book and Alexandra Hunter did as amazing job. I was however disappointed that even though it has 2 narrators listed it is not a dual/ true duet narration. Alexandra narrates the whole book besides one chapter toward the end when we get Rorik’s POV, which is narrated by Stephen Dextor. I did not enjoy his voice for Edira and it took me out of the story. I think this book would have benefited being done in dual narration or solely by Alexandra. However, this did not change my enjoyment of the book or the rest of the audio book . I will definitely be suggesting this series to every one I know!
Thank you Harper Voyager -HarperCollins Publishers for this eARC/ ALC.
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