Ooh another great read for me! I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling, especially because it's set in Ethiopia and the main characters are all POC. A haunted house, a cursed man, and a religious young woman determined to cleanse the evil. I was immediately on board!

One of the main things I always judge books on is pacing and this does a pretty good job of balancing action and down time. There's also romance, jealousy, and parental issues to fill in and it made for a full, interesting story. Andromeda is a great leading character. She was raised by Jember who taught her to be a debtera but didn't give her any love or affection. She was thrown into the street and has been getting by until she was selected for this job. Andi is great at her job and tries to stay professional, but she's drawn to the mysterious and odd master of the house Magnus.

Magus isn't great with people and being cursed means he doesn't have any close relationships. I thought he and Andi fit well together, though he needed to make some choices before trying to get with her and I was a bit irritated that he played with her affection. He gets better as the story goes and I felt bad that everyone around him kept leaving.

The curse is super creepy and my favorite part of the book. Blood was leaking from places, ghosts were appearing, and the house was constantly cold. I loved that the house was actually haunted instead of just seemingly haunted like the original Jane Eyre. This was a unique and fun story and I'm so excited for it to be out everywhere!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy.

3.5 stars

A gothic and chilling Jane Eyre retelling. This book is a sweet love story set within a grim and haunting backdrop.

It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the story. The writing, in my opinion, is blunt and to the point, which does serve the story quite well, and really gives us insight into the factual and quick thinking of our main character, Andromeda (Andi), who has been raised to survive and take care of herself by her outwardly cruel and no nonsense mentor Jember.

The book is told from her point of view as she works for a patronage from Magnus, the master of the house, after being left to the streets by Jember, unable to finish her training and unable to secure a license. Without either a license or a patronage, Andi will be unable to find steady work as a Debtera.

Where Andi is blunt and honest, Magnus is indulgent and peculiar. I loved the contrasts between them, and you really can't help but love Magnus and his quirkiness immediately.

I've never read Jane Eyre, but based on the synopsis of it I read, I would say that this book follows the major events of that story quite well, with a unique and harrowing twist. I loved the contrast between the romance and the gothic and dark setting. They complimented each other and played really well together. It gave the story an air of mystery that I really really liked.

The chapters are quite short and the plot is fast passed which made it a really quick and enjoyable read. However, there were quite a few moments that happened too quickly for me. I would have loved a bit more to flush out some of the ideas and really build the tension, so that the payoffs would have more impact.

As much as I loved the love story between Magnus and Andi, with all their flirting and wonderful banter, it feels like we went from not liking Magnus, to being in love with him at the snap of a finger. I would have loved to see more of that evolution.

Similarly, there is a moment where Andi flees the house, and it seemed very sudden to me. I wasn't sure what the cause of her flight was. There wasn't much insight on what exactly caused the decision, whether it was something specific or a combination of things that just finally made her snap. The moment seemed almost like an afterthought, more forced to ensure the major events of Jane Eyre were met for the purposes of the retelling.

Overall, this a sweet and mysterious story, filled with so many great moments. Moments that made me laugh, tear up, and moments that had me asking questions that kept me from putting the book down to go to bed because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

It features a Black main character and tells a story of love and adventure without involving racism and other injustices the BIPOC and specifically Black communities face everyday. As important as it can be to include these things in our literature, it is also equally, if not more so important to tell stories of BIPOC characters just living and going on adventures without those things, and this book does a wonderful job of that.

In the end, my only complaint is that I wished this book had more meat to it. I wanted more of it, more flushed out moments to pull me into the world and the characters that much more.

A literary masterpiece!

Within These Wicked Walls is an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy gothic Jane Eyre retelling. This is easily one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read. It includes an intricate magic system, well developed world building, heartbreak and amazing bantering/lovable characters that just sucked me right in.

I absolutely adored this book and would highly recommend to anyone looking for mystery, a well developed magic system, and romance!

I loved this book so much. I really hated one of the characters in the beginning and found him annoyingly immature and I wanted to slap him myself. By the end though, I really enjoyed him and what he brought to the story.

I really enjoyed this reimagining of Jane Eyre!

There's some creepy things (hey a house is being cursed with the Evil Eye). But there's also hints of Jane Eyre's gothic romance vibes as well as some Beauty & the Beast-esque plot points.

I loved Andromeda as a MC. Yes, there was some borderline insta-love (but Jane Eyre had some too). However, this book really shines with its complex character dynamics and its magic/religion system. There's some acknowledgement of toxic situations and coming to grips with loving people who might not treat you the way they should.

Honestly, Saba stole the show here. Her character is extremely interesting and I kind of wish we had more page time with her.

All in all, this was an interesting Ethiopian-inspired tale loosely based on Jane Eyre, and I enjoyed reading it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books / St. Martin's Press for this eARC. I really appreciated the opportunity to experience this book!

Content Warnings:
Lots of gruesome imagery (the walls do bleed, the staff vanishes under unknown circumstances (did they leave or did something get them?), there's ghosts, etc.)
There's some dismemberment
Toxic Relationships: a parent figure beats and emotionally abuses a child (it is addressed and shown that this is not ok)

Within These Wicked Walls is an outstanding debut from Lauren Blackwood. It follows Andromeda, a debtera who can cleanse the Evil Eye. When she is thrown out by her mentor, Andi is forced to take a job no one else wants- Thornfield. Magnus Rochester has a castle filled with chilling manifestations and deep secrets. As Andi investigates and gets to know the inhabitants, she soon discovers that this may be a bigger problem than she was ever trained for.

Within These Wicked Walls has an intricate magic system which was fascinating to read about. Andromeda is a strong and brave character, who readers will love. The unraveling of mysteries within the house was expertly done, leaving me on the edge of my seat and glancing over my shoulder! This book will drag chilly fingers down your spine while a romance inexplicably blossoms. All of the characters are complex and flawed, making it particularly compelling to watch them attempt to cleanse the Evil Eye from the castle. I loved how Andi was very grim and no-nonsense, but was also hilarious and resilient. I especially enjoyed Andi and Jember’s emotional journey.

If you like books with elaborate magic systems, fierce characters, and creepy castles then you need to check out this book! I can’t wait to see what Lauren Blackwood writes next! Within These Wicked Walls releases November 9, 2021. Thank you so much to Lauren Blackwood, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble etc

I really really enjoyed this book. The story was fast moving and tense, and it kept me hooked on every page. I loved the setting, and how Blackwood wove Ethiopia-inspired fantasy with a haunted English Manor House. I liked the twists and the characters, and the leads had so much romantic chemistry. However, there were times when it felt like the story was just repeating itself, especially when it came to character growth. But otherwise this book is a phenomenal read!

4/5

An exquisite Ethiopian-inspired fantasy reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a cursed house with a will entirely of its own. Andromeda is an exorcist, a debtera trained to purge cursed households afflicted with the evil eye. The jobs aren't easy, and they've been known to leave quite the trail of bodies behind, yet Andromeda is determined to see them out. When the illustrious heir Magnus Rochester acquires her services for his decrepit estate, Andromeda assumes it will be a cut and dry cleansing, but what actually lies in wait for her is far more terrifying. A malevolent force lies within the castle walls, the likes of which Andromeda has never dealt with before. Leaving the house is not an option, but staying behind may mean courting certain death. The evil holding sway over the castle and the people inside has a grip that won't easily be severed, and the longer Andromeda lingers, the more danger she ultimately places into her path.

As soon as I heard the words “Jane Eyre retelling” you could count me in to read this as soon as humanly possible. Debut author Lauren Blackwood has twisted Charlotte Brontë’s original story into something much more haunting, set in a cursed castle with characters that have to defeat the evil lurking within. In this unforgettable novel, Blackwood brings together well-developed world building, and a magic system that held my attention as I was drawn into the eerie surroundings. While Within These Wicked Walls is first and foremost a horror novel, it blends horror with romance in a way that brings something to the table for readers interested in either genre. I personally came for the gothic retelling, and stayed for the beautiful friendships and a resilient heroine tasked with an impossible mission. Reading this was like getting a present wrapped inside another present because it seriously kept getting better the further I was led into it. The detailed imagery placed me right inside the castle, what with its bleeding walls and eerie manifestations that only served to unsettle me all the more. Having the Ethiopian inspired elements in the story provided a much needed infusion of background, both for our main character, and for what lies outside the confines of the castle walls. Without it, the environment would have seemed too stagnant, and the characters perhaps a little two dimensional. Getting more background into Andromeda only made her more of an interesting perspective for me going forward. Horror aside, the romantic part of the story both intrigued and delighted me. There definitely were moments between the two main characters that bordered on insta-love, but the romantic chemistry was there so I find I didn't really mind that in the long run. Lauren Blackwood has certainly managed to craft a compelling gothic romance, and pay homage to a literary classic, all while making her mark as a rising voice in literature and the YA genre. Will absolutely be looking out for more from her in the future,

Trigger warnings: blood, gore, abuse, death, paralysis, murder, abandonment, slavery

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC!

An evil curse placed on a boy. A girl who can save him. A little bit of romance. Some bloodshed. A dark atmosphere. Wow. This was everything in a book that I knew I would enjoy. I was not wrong.

I really enjoyed this story. The writing flowed nicely and the character development was spot on. I loved all of the characters and that's not always something that happens often for me in books. The main character, Andi was very likable and Magnus was also enjoyable. I enjoyed the banter and the bits of romance with their relationship and also the magical properties these amulets had that were made to ward off evil. I liked the curse scenes with the house and the monsters that made appearances.

If you like a gothic vibe book, banter between flames, and evil curses then this book is just for you! I will definitely be picking up a copy of this book when it releases.

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.