Sunday, June 26, 2022

Review - Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

 



 
 Title: Within These Wicked Walls
 
Author: Lauren Blackwood
 
Pages: 336
 
Publisher: Wednesday Books
 
Release Date: 19th October 2021

 
Blurb from Goodreads:
 

What the heart desires, the house destroys...

Kiersten White meets Tomi Adeyemi in this Ethiopian-inspired debut fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre.

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.

 
 

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My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley*

 


 

 Andromeda is a debtera - someone who exorcises the Evil Eye from households.

She is looking for patronage after a disagreement with her mentor and finds herself working for Magnus Rochester.

Andromeda soon realises that she may have bitten off more than she can chew but is determined to see the job through. Even if it means risking her heart and her life.

 

The concept for this book immediately intrigued me - an Ethiopian Jane Eyre retelling - and the cover certainly didn't hurt.

Andromeda was a likeable and relatable protagonist. She hadn't had the easiest upbringing, but was still an optimistic person, which I liked.

Magnus was a mixed character for me, as I liked him most of the time, but did find him to be a bit of a spoiled brat at times. I also felt that he was a bit 2D and could have done with some fleshing out.

Jember, Andromeda's mentor, was interesting and I enjoyed finding out more about him.

The setting of the house was interesting, and I liked the concepts of the amulets and different Manifestations. However, I would have liked a bit more world-building.

The romance was sweet at times, and I liked the banter, but it happened a little too quickly for my liking, but that's because I prefer slow burns.

The plot was interesting and held my attention throughout, but I did find myself becoming a little bored towards the end and wasn't as invested as I could have been.

The writing style was easy to follow, and I would definitely consider reading another book by the author.

 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.





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