Within These Wicked Walls is a wonderful mix of fantasy, a dash of horror and perfectly magic.

The cover is what originally drew me to this book, but after reading the synopsis I was completely intrigued by the unique premise. With no home, no food and no prospects Andromeda takes a job as an unlicensed debtera at a local mansion that is plagued by the Evil Eye.

I loved the dark and creepy world building that was created in this book. Oh and the manifestations – bleeding walls, snowing in hallways and the creepy spider closet (shivers). All were well done and brought depth to the story.

Andromeda’s strength throughout the book was the standout for me. She was fearless, determined and a survivor. Her bond over loneliness turns to love with Magnus which is why I believe that it felt like it came on too quickly. Nonetheless, this book was incredibly intriguing and clever.

I look forward to more engaging stories from Lauren Blackwood and she will be a must read for me in the future.

I want to thank NetGalley, the Lauren Blackwood and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for access to an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Blackwood’s debut novel, Within These Wicked Walls, weaves a story of magic, horror, and romance around a Black heroine who is funny, tough, and tender. The author’s tweet about her “Ethiopian-inspired Jane Eyre retelling” made me click the Netgalley link so hard I almost broke a nail.

The novel begins with Andromeda’s arrival at her own version of Thornfield Hall, known to her simply as “the castle.” The impressive structure in the middle of the desert is freezing cold inside, a function of the Evil Eye’s curse upon its wealthy owner.

The curse is why nineteen-year-old Andromeda, a debtera, has been invited to the castle. Both she and the owner, the handsome if oddly childish Magnus Rochester, are seemingly each other’s last chances. He’s hired nearly a dozen debtera before her who failed to lift the curse. And though she’s never cleansed an entire cursed castle, Andromeda desperately needs a patron to vouch for her work. Her mentor Jember threw her out of their home without a reference letter. Now, as an unlicensed debtera, she won’t be able to find work without a wealthy client who can corroborate her skills.

While Andromeda is confident in her abilities, having spent years under Jember’s skilled but abusive tutelage, she’s still unsure if she’ll succeed. She begins crafting protective amulets as soon as she arrives, though the scope of the curse and the secrecy surrounding it make her work difficult. Her attempts to gain more information from her enigmatic and attractive employer result in romance.

Because of course Andromeda and Magnus fall in love! (Didn’t you read Jane Eyre?) Their relationship is by turns adorable, treacly, sweet, and infuriating. Blackwood describes her writing style as “angsty kissing,” which rings true. The fast attraction and subsequent flirtation, fights, and break-up-to-make-up ways aren’t surprising given that the two lovebirds are nineteen and twenty. Okay, maybe it’s a little weird considering the household help keeps disappearing and the walls are bleeding, but hormones gonna hormone.

Falling in love also means Andromeda’s attention is split between her fight to lift the curse and her growing affection for the curse’s target. Considering the power of the evil forces in the castle and Andromeda’s lack of experience with anything quite like it, this is dangerous. She’s afraid to lose Magnus but it’s entirely possible the curse could kill her, him, or both of them if things go sideways.

Within These Wicked Walls is available for pre-order and ships on November 9, 2021.

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Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood takes you to Ethiopia. This reimagining of the classic Jane Eyre story interprets the heroine as a debtera, a religious sort of exorcist. Andromeda, orphan, thrown out by her mentor, takes a job in a fancy manor house, owned by a mysterious and rich man. While it largely follows the known storyline of the classic, Lauren Blackwood manages to twist it into something new and unexpected. Yes, obviously Andromeda and her dark and brooding employer end up together as they do in Charlotte Brontë’s version, but the journey there is what makes this interesting. It is deeply rooted in its Ethiopian background, and also explores the role of foreign, colonial, influences.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ~

This was such an engrossing read! This book had so many things I loved: an Ethopian Gothic setting, troubled characters, Jane Eyre vibes, hilarious banter, loveable characters AND it made me sob like a baby at the end.

I loved how this book took story elements from Jane Eyre and then made them its own. It just left little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book that I was so geeked out to see.

The relationships were also extremely fleshed out and complex, especially the relationship between Jember and Andromeda.

If this book isn't on your TBR then it definitely should be!

This is a retelling of Jane Eyre with some fantastical elements mixed in. I really enjoyed the new aspects to the story as well. Andromeda, the Jane character, is a black female lead character who is smart, sassy and funny. She is able to hold her own in a new household that doesn’t take kindly to debtera. The magical elements fit in with the storyline. One negative aspect there just seemed to be too many occasions of things happening and it seemed to drag the story out a bit too long.

I absolutely loved this book! The romance, magic, the suspense, the eerie setting. I could go on and on. Andromeda was extremely relatable and down to earth and I liked her from the start.

The world building was incredible and made you feel as if you were a creepy, eerie estate listening to odd noises and haunted corners.

I loved the banter between her and Magnus and although their relationship was very "insta-lovely", I enjoyed it!

Within These Wicked Walls is a beautiful and stunning homage to Jane Eyre that reimagines and improves on some aspects of the original novel, which I absolutely loved. It features an intricate and unique magic system, a spunky Black heroine with a grim sense of humour and a heart stopping romance that all kept me up to try and finish this book in as few sittings as possible. I can’t wait for this book to be published so more people can enjoy it.

Within These Wicked Walls grips you from the beginning. I wouldn't characterize this as a retelling of Jane Eyre as much as a tale that could be construed as one inspired by it. Still, an enjoyable read for those who like gothic romance.

When it came to the fantasy elements, I found some of the world-building to be lacking. Few characters, beyond protagonist Andromeda and her caregiver, Jember, were given the complexity I was hoping for. Even the love interest, Magnus Rochester, read to me as a wishy-washy character with questionable depth, bleeding insecurity, loneliness, if also compassion for a young woman who offers him the same.

Agree with other reviews that identified a lack of depth in the world-building, character, and a not-entirely satisfactory romance. Would read a future book from the author though, especially if it's another gothic.

Within These Wicked Walls is a Jane Eyre retelling. Now, you have to know Jane Eyre is my fave classic EVER, so I was excited to read this Ethiopian adaptation. Alas, I was disappointed. The first chapters were interesting and I was intrigued by the magic system and the setting, but they weren't explained enough. Another thing that I didn't like was the romance. If you have read Jane Eyre, you know how the characters slowly came to know and have feelings for each other. In this story, everything is too rushed, too insta-lovey (the trope I hate most) and after 60/70 pages Andromeda and Magnus are already attracted to each other. The writing style was okay but too basic. I think the main problem of this book is the lack of depth (in characters, worldbuilding, romance).

A Jane Eyre inspired Ethiopian story. All in all I give it a 2.

I say inspired and not retelling because there's a lot missing from it to be a retelling. Instead we get a girl in need of a job who takes one on at a creepy house with a strange, enigmatic master of the house.

What's so strange? Well, he's living under a curse. And it's one that won't let him die.

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books. A "retelling" of it with a Black leading character was everything I'd ever wanted. Unfortunately this story did not deliver for me.

I'll start with what I liked the most. The magic system. I'd never seen one like it, or ever read the word debtera before. We are introduced to Andromeda or Andi as she hopes to cleanse this house.

There are some solid moments of gothic horror, blood from the walls and other unnerving moments. There's also a permanent chill in the air that has the house in constantly cold conditions even though it was built in a desert.

I'm afraid that what I don't like outweighs what I did.

For one, the romance. In Jane Eyre, it's slow. In a lot of other, modern stories, retellings or otherwise, the characters grow to care about each other as they learn about each other. That is not the case here. It is fast paced and not in a good way. It feels almost like insta-love. It hit me fast and as the relationship goes on, I couldn't get behind it.

Mr. Rochester is still the main love interest and is even more strange that in the story this is inspired by. Magnus' mood swings are so often that they'll leave you with whiplash. It got a big aggravating to read as it went on.

Due to the way Andi was brought up by Jember, her abusive caregiver, it seems like she's just falling for the first person to show her kindness and respect.

I was really interested in the magic system. The amulets, how they worked and what made them tick. It's never really explained. Nor is the religious aspect of the story or even where it takes place.

We're told at one point that snow is common around the world and even in the country where the character is experiencing it but that's all we get. The house is in a desert in a country where it snows in some spots. When it came to the worldbuilding, it just wasn't strong.

I wanted to love this but there was too much in the way that I just couldn't get over.

I received this book as an arc from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Gothic, romantic, suspenseful.

NO attic wife!

Could use more information on the magic system and the tie-in with religion. I really liked the gothic atmosphere and the witty banter. The Jane Eyre-ness of it is very loose, which I'm totally ok with. Definitely recommend to fantasy YA readers who enjoy a fantasy setting with a little bit of mystery.

TWs for child abuse, gore, death.

'Within These Wicked Walls' is marketed as an Ethiopian-fantasy Jane Eyre retelling, but it's much more than that. The Jane Eyre elements are present enough to make the homages clear, but unlike so many inspired-bys and retellings, it never gets bogged down in trying to make one-to-one correlations between plot points and characters. Instead, it takes the spirit of the original to create a vaguely contemporary Gothic fantasy that can still stand on its own.

Instead of a governess, this heroine, Andromeda, is a debtera, a skilled magician/exorcist who had something of an unconventional education. She's hired to cleanse a haunted castle owned by Magnus Rochester, a wealthy man who has holed up in a remote castle to keep others safe from the curse that puts everyone around him in danger. From there, it's a suspenseful race against an increasingly vicious enemy that resists every attempt to control it, packed with vivid and sometimes visceral horror.

Magnus and Andi are interesting characters on their own, and the romance works - eventually. The sole significant problem with the story is how it sparks the relationship between the two of them; it feels like this is the one spot where we lean just a little too much on the Jane Eyre-ness of it all to convey the emotions, leaving the start of their relationship and attraction feeling a little underdeveloped. Despite that, it's still a fantastic and thrilling story with unique worldbuilding!

This book is amazing! I was absolutely immersed in this beautiful Ethiopian retelling of Jayne Eyre. This story follows Andromeda, who is a debtera, an exorcist who is hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. She is hired to cleanse the house of Magnus Rochester. But when she arrives, the house is full of horrors. She soon begins to question her ability to save Magnus from this horrific infestation.
Andromeda has to be one of the most unique characters I’ve ever read of. She is strong, independent, but also full of compassion even though she works with horrors at night. I loved reading about her past with her mentor, and the religious background of her work.
I did NOT expect a love story in this book. A very cute and racially inclusive love story that made me swoon.The banter and witty remarks between the couple gave a light-hearted element to this creepy plot. I will say that I read this book with the lights on, windows closed, and a cup of coffee (just in case).
The writing in Within These Wicked Walls was so well thought out. This book includes absolutely amazing details and unexpected plot twists that had me losing sleep at night (waiting to get to the next chapter of course). I would definitely recommend this book to those YA fans that love dark romances with a spooky atmosphere!

This story immersed me in a beautiful gothic romance, steeped in the supernatural, I adored everything about the voice, the characters, and the atmosphere so much. Although I don't recall much about Jane Eyre, I was more drawn to the creepy house and Andi's abilities. Nothing disappointed me. I look forward to more from Lauren!

“What the heart desires, the house destroys...”

Andromeda is a debtera- a hired exorcist. Not being in the position to pick and choose her jobs, she ends up hired by Magnus Rochester to cleanse his castle of the Evil Eye. Andi quickly discovers she is in over head, and doesn’t possess the skill necessary for this job. She must make a tough choice- run for her life, or save her new employers.

Touted as an Ethiopian-inspired YA Jane Eyre retelling, this book had me that the word “exorcist.”

With a fierce cover, and atmospheric setting this book starts out strong. Andi travels through the hot desert to begin work in an old creepy castle that is so cold it’s actually snowing in some rooms. With bleeding walls, and howling hallways the creep factor was solid enough.

Then the ridiculous insta-love kicked in. Magnus went from a spoiled, rich, and controlling brat, to a weak, pining, whiny, love sick fool. There was no relationship development between the two characters. Sadly, about halfway thru the romance becomes more important, and with no development the story started to dwindle for me. There was some fun banter between Andi and Magnus thrown in- but even that felt wholly awkward and out of place in this book.

I love how dark and creepy much of this was, but a lot of the world building seemed to be missing. I was never quite sure of what time period this was set in, making it hard to place. I also wish we were given more information on the magic of the debtera’s. Their work had something to do with religion, as priests were often mentioned. However no full connection is given, nor the magic explained.

Andi’s relationship with Jemma is also worth noting, as it is an abusive one and maybe triggering to some.

The writing was well-done and story fast paced and entertaining, and that kept me reading despite the things that didn’t work for me. I found myself finishing in no time at all.

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for and honest & voluntary review.

arc provided by netgalley for an honest review

“Within These Wicked Walls” is a high fantasy met with Jane Eyre and haunted houses.
We are introduced to Andromeda, a young woman with a very specific skill set that has given her a very strong resume despite her being an unlicensed debtera (exorcist) without a proper education. She is penniless and hasn’t had a meal in ages which leads to her to accept a mysterious job from the wealthy Magnus Rochester. Despite her initial dislike of Magnus and the entire household, she stays because ultimately she has no other option.

This was a fairly quick read which I devoured instantly but I struggled to like Magnus and Andromeda as a couple, despite them being grown adults most of their scenes together felt like it was scenes between lovestruck teenagers.

I would recommend this book to any fans of thriller or Jane Eyre types of books (this is not a retelling).

WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS is YA Ethiopian hist-fantasy meets Jane Eyre, with exorcists, haunted houses, secrets and so many things you won't expect.
This book was a wild ride, nothing I've ever experienced before. In truth, it is a mix of fantasy, horror and romcom (yes, you heard that right). And the best part? It iworks!
We follow our protagonist Andromeda, a debtera (exorcist) who is hired by this young, mysterious owner of a castle in the middle of the desert, to cleanse it of the Evil Eye—a curse that make the occupants of the castle disappear, and worse.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this story is almost perfect. The author manages to blend angsty moments of terror and hilarious banter, perhaps the best I've ever read in a book. As a reader, you end up being invested in Andi's mission, caring for her and (almost, not you Peggy) all the characters. The sweet little moments I would have never expected in a story like this were just as precious, saying a lot about Andi's character even if we don't know her past. The plot got even better as the incarnation of the Evil Eye was revealed, and from there I simply couldn't put the book down.
The only regret I had was that the ending felt a bit too rushed, but other than that we get our pay-off, and overall this was an amazing reading experience.
You all aren't ready for this book! 4.5/5 stars, I strongly recommend!

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood is an excellent book that has it all: mystery, suspense, a spooky/gothic feel, romance, and wit and banter abound. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This novel has a relation to the classic Jane Eyre. Here we have an awesome female main character, Andromeda, that enters into a very creepy, gothic, eerie home that has a whole host of problems. Andromeda is hired by the mysterious, brooding, complex, and complicated owner of the possessed home, Magnus Rochester. Chemistry abounds. Wit and banter are perfectly added to make the relationship have a lighter/fun component to help balance out the darkness and evil that is also part of the narrative.

Are they able to work together, rid the residence of said evil, and come out alive (and together) at the end? I will let the reader enjoy the ride and find out. Let’s just say, once you start reading...you won’t want to stop.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

I am finding this book particularly hard to review. I enjoyed it. It was a fun read and I really liked the main character. I really liked the supernatural aspect and the whole evil eye/haunted house as well. I generally love a romance as well, but this one just kind of seemed to come out of no where and I just didn't really believe it. I also was just confused by the whole backstory of the curse. Not much was mentioned about the why, although assumptions could be made. It was just confusing how the cursed was passed on from father to son and the whole network of interlaced relationships that came to be. I wanted more info on that. The more time I spend thinking about this story after finishing it, the more questions I have. My rating would be more like a 3.5 to be honest, but I'm gonna go with the 4 because I did enjoy it.

This book has great characters. I enjoyed the banter between them, but there was a lot more romance and less focus on the creepy haunted castle than I thought there would be. If you like romance with a little horror, then this is the book for you. I liked all of the characters, but Saba was my favorite.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.