I’ve never been a big fan of Jane Eyre, but Within These Wicked Walls adding exorcisms? I knew I had to try it. And I was obsessed, smitten, and in love. Within These Wicked Walls is an action packed magical debut. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Let’s start this book review of Within These Wicked Walls with the two elements I loved the most: the magic and the dynamic between Andi and Magnus. It’s interesting because while Jane Eyre is a kind of gothic hint of the supernatural, I’ve always wished that it leaned into it more. And Within These Wicked Walls details a world of magical spirits with dangerous intentions. I am still so obsessed with a world of amulets, circles of protection, and curses.
And that brings me to the characters. I immediately fell in love with Andi. The ways the world underestimates her and how determined she is. I was the most cautious about Magnus, the Rochester-esque character, but I ended up enjoying his character so much. His almost infectious spirit, his caring compassion, and the secrets he’s hiding. Their dynamic was fabulous to read, the push and the pull, the ways they’re both asking someone to stay. And this common similarity tugged at my heartstrings.
Overall,
Within These Wicked Walls is a brilliant re-telling. It honors the bones of Jane Eyre while bringing a new, inventive, and action packed angle. I would recommend it to everyone who wants to read a retelling as well as those who are searching for an action packed story about exorcisms and the supernatural. It delivers emotional scenes that made me tear up balanced with tense and high action battle scenes.
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