This is a fantastic dark fantasy with gothic vibes. It is so unlike most of the books I have read recently. The apocalyptic type world is creepy but so interesting. The dedication and prologue pulled me in and I could not put this book down. As someone who’s often easily distracted while reading I can say I wasn’t distracted by much, even reading late into the night until my eyes couldn’t stay open. 

Edira is a threadmender in a world filled with a horrible disease called blight. She must hide her ability to heal the sick by mending their broken threads of life for fear of being taken by the Evers. The Evers, immortal beings with immense magic, lord over the country of Glaes. The Ferngloves are the specific family that control’s Edira’s city. The Ferngloves took her aunt when they discovered she was a threadmender. Edira must help make ends meet with her two brothers all while hiding her identity because blight killed the rest of her family… until her brothers fall ill with blight. Orin Fernglove promises to stave off the progression of the disease in exchange for Edira’s help in researching a cure for blight. Edira is thrust into the Fernglove estate with a family that is kniving, secretive, and extremely powerful. She is warned to trust no one, but her heart tells her otherwise. 

The story is muah, chef’s kiss! Edira is constantly questioning the Fernglove’s motives. The characters are dynamic, especially Edira. She is full of sass, plus she gets a cute animal companion. The sarcastic interactions between the Fernglove family are so entertaining. The imagery is immersive and beautiful but absolutely disgusting. I really enjoyed how Edira’s magic works. 

Edira is constantly giving of herself to help others, but slowly learning to let herself live. I admire her character’s steadfast determination to protect her brothers all while learning the secrets of the Ferngloves. 

This was the first ending I’ve read in a while that was actually satisfying. It’s my understanding that this is a duology, but I’m not left with the sour taste of most cliffhangers in the end. 

I will be suggesting to book to anyone and everyone. Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC.