Within These Wicked Walls

Within These Wicked Walls is an Ethiopian-inspired retelling of Jane Eyre that follows Andromeda, a debtera (exorcist) who specializes in cleansing households of the Evil Eye. After earning her license through unorthodox means, she accepts work at the remote castle of Magnus Rochester, a young heir plagued by a deadly curse. Inside Magnus's cursed home, Andromeda faces manifestations of evil far beyond her training and experience. She works to identify and neutralize the source of the Evil Eye while navigating her growing relationship with Magnus and uncovering the dark history of the castle. Despite warnings to leave, Andromeda remains determined to break the curse, even as the danger escalates. The castle's hostile environment tests her abilities, faith, and courage as she fights to save both Magnus and herself. The novel explores themes of belonging, identity, and the choice between duty and desire. Through its supernatural elements and romance, the story examines how past trauma shapes present relationships and the power of claiming one's own path.

Readers describe this Jane Eyre-inspired fantasy as atmospheric but uneven in pacing. They connect with the spiky, determined main character Andromeda and her chemistry with Magnus, though some find their romance develops too quickly. Liked: - Ethiopian cultural elements and magic system - Dark, haunting atmosphere - Strong female protagonist - Fresh take on a classic story Disliked: - Rushed final third of the book - Limited worldbuilding beyond the manor - Some dialogue feels modern/out of place - Side characters need more development "The sense of dread builds perfectly," notes one reader, while another states "the ending felt hurried after such careful setup." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) BookBrowse: 3.5/5 StoryGraph: 3.75/5 Most reviewers recommend it to readers seeking gothic YA romance with cultural diversity, while noting it may disappoint those wanting deeper fantasy worldbuilding.

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🌟 Lauren Blackwood's debut novel reimagines Jane Eyre as an Ethiopian fantasy, incorporating elements of traditional Ethiopian culture and folklore. 🌟 The "debteras" featured in the book are based on real Ethiopian religious figures who are believed to practice both holy rituals and folk magic. 🌟 The author wrote the first draft of Within These Wicked Walls in just six weeks during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). 🌟 The Evil Eye curse central to the plot draws from genuine beliefs present in many cultures, particularly in Ethiopia where blue amulets called "nazar" are still worn for protection. 🌟 The book was selected as a Reese's YA Book Club Pick in October 2021, with Reese Witherspoon praising its "spine-tingling romance and haunting atmosphere."