Within These Wicked Walls

September 1, 2021
A young woman faces internal and external demons in the name of love in this reimagining of Jane Eyre. In an alternate Ethiopia, Andromeda is a debtera, someone responsible for exorcising the Manifestations of the Evil Eye, negative energy that brings misfortune. Unlicensed in her field, Andi has difficulty getting regular work. Her new client, Magnus Rochester, is potentially her ticket to change, so long as she successfully rids his castle of the Evil Eye. As it turns out, her uncertified status and consequent desperation to succeed were precisely why she was chosen for the job. Andi's confidence in her ability to complete her assignment is shaken following the terrifying experiences of her first night, as she discovers why several other debtera before her have failed. Her relationship with her moody boss starts out frigid but soon thaws and heats up at a rapid pace, crossing into intimate, romantic territory. However, their growing attachment may prove the most dangerous part of the job for Andi. Blackwood's storytelling skills and the worldbuilding and fantasy components of the novel will likely intrigue readers. The romance, however, while a major focus that contains moments of palpable chemistry and connection, feels underdeveloped. The staccato pacing reflects the mercurial natures of the protagonist and her love interest but disrupts the flow of the story. A promising debut despite some inconsistencies. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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Starred review from September 15, 2021
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Set in a desert region of East Africa, Blackwood's debut follows teenage Andromeda, who is looking to survive beyond the care of Jember, the closest thing to a parent she's had. While he may not have given her any tenderness or physical affection, Jember did give her something of extreme value--he trained her in the trade of exorcism, making her a debtera. Forced from Jember's home with only her training, Andi has no choice but to take a job cleansing Magnus Rochester's nearby mansion of the Evil Eye, a curse that only one debtera to date has both cleared and survived. Not your average haunted house tale, this title doubles as an unlikely and intense romance (� la Jane Eyre), heightening the stakes of Andi's work as her success is tied up in both her survival and that of Magnus, her newfound and often insufferable lover. Andi's character is often headstrong to a fault, creating adventure and drama in lieu of commonsensical action. This is to the delight of readers though, as Andi's nature awakens an intensity in surrounding characters that creates a fast-paced and heart-wrenching tale. Perfect for lovers of light horror, romance, and suspense, Within these Wicked Walls will be a surefire pick for the coming autumn nights.

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