The novel, the first in a duology, is “Jane Eyre” meets Sarah J. Maas.
Maxym M. Martineau isn’t afraid of the dark.
At least, not on the page anyway.
Cover for ‘House of Blight’.
Never mind that the cost of her magic is sacrificing a sliver of her own life.
But everything changes when Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight, an incurable virus killing people throughout the town.
The two pledge to work together at his estate, researching a cure.
Orin will slow her brothers' sickness, while Edira practices her magic.
Edira is taken aback by Orin’s honesty and kindness, as well as her attraction to him.
Check out the cover below and read on for an excerpt fromHouse of Blight.
The motion was as gentle as checking for a pulse, and yet I couldnt help but flinch.
Slowly, I raised my chin.
He was beautifulall Evers werebut he exuded a sense of regality that demanded adoration.
Effortlessly wavy, oak-brown locks fell to his shoulders and framed his square jaw.
Keen green eyes framed by thick lashes watched me intently.
The blade itself was severed, the jagged edge dipping toward his collarbone.
Insects of every make swirled around the broken metal.
Where everything else was inked in graphite, the insects were an artists palette exploding with vibrant color.
And not just any Fernglove, Orin Fernglove.
Head of his estate and overseer of our mines profits.
The same Ever whod come for my aunt all those years ago.
What do we have here?
he purred, dragging his fingers from my wrist to snare a vial and raise it to the sky.
I didnt know Evers needed help in the bedroom, but youre welcome to take it.
I can assure you, I dont need it.
With precise fingers, he slipped the vial back into place.
I didnt mean to offend.
I had, but more for his benefit than mine.
My slight hadnt gone unnoticed.
The folks whod gathered close to eavesdrop all stilled.
If he left market without purchasing anything due to my words, Id never hear the end of it.
And then all at once a rolling laugh rumbled from the pit of Orins stomach and the tension evaporated.
No offense taken, Orin said, voice as smooth as syrup.
He tucked his loose hair behind his ears, and an array of piercings winked in the sun.
Lets see what else you have to offer.
Are you in need of anything specific?
I studied the smooth planes of his face, free of wrinkles or scars.
There were no bags beneath his eyes, no sag to his shoulders or hitch to his breath.
Like all Evers, he was completely healthy.
Im not sure you offer it.
His fingers dawdled over my remedies, but his gaze was locked on my face.
Perhaps its something we can discuss in private.
His stare roved to my lips.
Ive been to Willowfell many times, but Ive never met you before.
Hed met me before, he just didnt remember.
Id always wondered if hed dared to look around the room when he came calling for Aunt Rowena.
If hed noticed me wrapped in my mothers arms as we watched quietly from the couch.
I gestured to my case.
I forage for my own herbs and brew these myself.
Edira, I said.
No sense in hiding that.
What was it you needed, again?
Without moving, he slowly tilted his chin upward to peer into my eyes.
As I said, perhaps its better discussed in private.
My heart hammered against my ribcage.
You want to have tea with me?
His lips curled softly at the corners.
Im interested to hear what other quips might slip from that tongue of yours.Performictum.
His laugh was low and heady.
A familiar unease twined through me.
Unfortunately, I dont have time.
Im sure Row…yourthreadmenderwould be of better assistance than me.
A glimmer of shock temporarily coursed through his features, and then he let out a long sigh.
Rowena was a dear friend of mine.
She is no longer with us, which is precisely why I find myself standing before your stall.
A deep ache rooted in my chest, and heat pricked at the backs of my eyes.
I fought to keep my breath even, to keep my tears at bay.
While Id expected as much, it still hurt to know she was gone.
Id always hoped that somehow, someway, Id see her again.
Im sorry to hear that, but if nothing here suits you, then I cant help you.
I scooted the leather case out of his reach and fastened the clasps.
He held my gaze for entirely too long.
Something sorrowful, something almosthuman, passed through his eyes.
Ill find a solution more befitting to my needs, though I do hope our paths cross again.
Yes, well, I should be going.
I lifted the cases and tipped my chin in the slightest show of politeness I could muster.
I certainly hope it will be.
With only the barest movement of his chin, he nodded once to himself.
I didnt dare respond.
Instead, I turned on my heels and moved as quickly as I could without sprinting.
But, I couldnt shake the chill ravaging my skin.
Adapted fromHouse of Blightby Maxym M. Martineau, published by Harper Voyager.
Copyright 2025 by Maxym M. Martineau.
Reprinted courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers.
