Within These Wicked Walls has characters you will both love and hate (sometimes at the same time!) with their own motivations and histories, succinctly developed worldbuilding to sweep you away, and the horrors of bleeding walls to add a sense of dread and danger. I absolutely loved every minute spent reading this debut fantasy, which is an Ethiopian-inspired reimagining of Jane Eyre, and Blackwood is an author to watch!
I received a review copy from the publisher for my honest review. This does not affect neither my opinion of the book nor the content of my review. Quotations are from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon final publication.
About Within These Wicked Walls
Publisher: Wednesday Books • Release Date: October 19, 2021 • Pages: 336
Age Range: Young Adult • Genre: Gothic Fantasy • Format: eBook & audiobook • Source: Netgalley
What the heart desires, the house destroys…Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rochester reaches out to hire her, Andromeda quickly realizes this is a job like no other, with horrifying manifestations at every turn, and that Magnus is hiding far more than she has been trained for. Death is the most likely outcome if she stays, but leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option. Evil may roam the castle’s halls, but so does a burning desire.
Kiersten White meets Tomi Adeyemi in this Ethiopian-inspired debut fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre.
📖 Jane Eyre reimagining
💗 Sweet romance
🏰 Haunted castle
🩸 Walls that bleed
This post uses affiliate links and I may receive a small commission for purchases made through my links at no additional cost to you. Click here for more information.
StoryGraph Goodreads Amazon B&N Buy Indie Book Depository Libro.FM
Read an Excerpt
✨ Read an excerpt from Within These Wicked Walls on Tor.com!
Representation
Ethiopian-inspired world and characters of color
Content Warnings
blood, body horror, death, physical and emotional abuse
My Review of Within These Wicked Walls
I devoured this book in one sitting and basically lived my best life on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Within These Wicked Walls has characters you will both love and hate (sometimes at the same time!) with their own motivations and histories, succinctly developed worldbuilding to sweep you away, and the horrors of bleeding walls to add a sense of dread and danger.
“It’s said the Evil Eye was the first Manifestation of sin – namely jealousy and greed. In a constant state of longing, it latches onto any human who desires the same thing it does.“
Within These Wicked Walls is fast-paced with high-stakes action that is fairly consistent throughout the course of the book, which is unlike typical books in the Gothic genre. Because of the nature of the Evil Eye and Andromeda being hired to exorcise it, the horrors of the house are up front and center and there isn’t much time spent building a general feeling of unease. The fast pace, tight plotting, and character banter make this a fantastic read for horror readers who typically find Gothic pacing cumbersome.
“For a moment, our souls spoke to each other a single truth, shutting out all the anger and shame. In that moment we both wanted each other, deeply and honestly.”
The relationship that develops between Magnus and Andromeda gave me all of the yearning feelings. Both of them long for a connection and both slowly warm up to one another as their working relationship progresses. Their chemistry is palpable and I loved the quick-witted barbs they throw at each other. The romance is sweet and I found myself smiling during their encounters more than once.
“I turned to see blood leaking down the walls from the ceiling.”
Overall, I am incredibly impressed by Blackwood’s debut novel! She took Jane Eyre and made it her own with an Ethiopian-inspired world (and turned up the horror!), and cannot wait to read what she write next.
The Verdict
Highly recommended !This is a fantastic read for Spooky Season or any time of year when you want a little bit of romance and a little bit of horror. I read along with the audiobook and 10/10 would recommend!
Recommended if you enjoyed…
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
Let’s Chat!
No two readers experience a book in the same way; this was mine, but what about you?
💬 Have you read Within These Wicked Walls yet? If so, what are your thoughts?
💬 Did I convince you to add this book to your TBR?
💬 What are your favorite Gothic horror books?
Thank you so much to my Patrons for supporting me and my content!
If you would like to support my work for as little as $2 per month and get some exclusive content from me, including reading vlogs, check out my Patreon!
Great review! I enjoyed The Lighthouse Witches.
Thank you, and I will have to check that one out!
Well reading a book in one day is certainly always the sign of a great book!
RIGHT?! Being so captivated that it’s tough to put down (for variety of reasons) is my favorite thing about reading. I treasure the books that make me feel this way.
I’ve never actually read Jane Eyre but maybe I’ll pick this up and then try the original another time. I think it helps that it’s also a fantasy instead of just a normal gothic book/historical etc.
You know, I think you don’t need to have read Jane Eyre at all to enjoy this book so I support this decision, DB! Blackwood made the story so wholly it’s own and fantasy is definitely easier to read