House of blight A novel

Martineau (the Beast Charmer series) launches a new series with this enthralling gothic fantasy. The people of Willowfell are ravaged by blight, and only a threadmender like Edira Brillwyn may be able to cure the infected--but each time Edira uses her magic, she shortens her own life. So she keeps her abilities hidden, especially from the Ferngloves, one of the town's most powerful families. When her two brothers succumb to the blight, however, Edira knows she doesn't have the power to save them both without dying herself. Enter Orin Fernglove. He knows she's a threadmender and claims he can keep the blight on Edira's brothers at bay while, under his tutelage, she hones her abilities. In exchange, she must promise to heal one of the blighted Ferngloves once she is stronger. Though wary, Edira agrees and moves to the Ferngloves' estate, where the pair develop a heady attraction. But the Ferngloves have many dark secrets and want more from Edira than she can give. To save herself and her brothers, she must escape their clutches. Though the tropes are familiar, Martineau competently weaves them into a page-turning tale. With court intrigue, a dash of romance, and betrayal galore, this promises good things to come. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Whalen Agency. (Apr.)

Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender--one who has the power to cure wounds and illness in others, but at the cost of shaving chunks off her own life. Knowing that her talent is coveted by others, Edira tries not to use it at all. However, when her younger brothers contract the blight, a deadly virus rampaging across the land that Edira cannot cure, the magical Fernglove family discovers the truth. Orin Fernglove, head of his powerful family, bargains with Edira. If she'll come to his estate and help find a cure for the blight, Orin will slow the sickness down until her brothers can be cured. Edira finds the Ferngloves to be intriguing and maddening in turns, while Orin shows interest in Edira beyond her skills. She knows that everything is not as it seems, but to save her brothers and cure this disease, she is ready to sacrifice herself. But it may not be enough. VERDICT The first in Martineau's (Shadows of the Lost) gothic fantasy duology is filled with unique magic, romance, and intrigue. Strong characters, rich worldbuilding, and mounting tension make this a delightful read.--Kristi Chadwick