House of Blight

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.)