Within These Wicked Walls

Within These Wicked Walls is a thrilling, Ethiopian-inspired fantasy novel that reimagines Jane Eyre with a unique magical twist. It follows Andromeda, a young, unlicensed exorcist, as she takes on a perilous job cleansing a wealthy heir's haunted estate. The house is plagued by terrifying manifestations, and its owner, Magnus Rochester, harbors dangerous secrets. As Andromeda navigates the supernatural threats and the eccentric rules of the house, she finds herself drawn to Magnus, complicating her mission and putting her own life at risk. This debut novel offers a rich magic system, a strong Black heroine, and a captivating, heart-thumping romance, making it suitable for young adults aged 12-18 who enjoy atmospheric fantasy with a gothic flair.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER REESE'S BOOK CLUB FALL 2021 YA PICK "Lauren Blackwood’s can’t-miss debut is a magical, Ethiopian-inspired remix of Jane Eyre." - Harper's Bazaar What the heart desires, the house destroys... Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. She would be hired, that is, if her mentor hadn’t thrown her out before she could earn her license. Now her only hope of steady work is to find a Patron—a rich, well-connected individual who will vouch for her abilities. When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rochester reaches out to hire her, she takes the job without question. Never mind that he’s rude and demanding and eccentric, that the contract comes with a number of outlandish rules... and that almost a dozen debtera had quit before her. If Andromeda wants to earn a living, she has no choice. But she 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, the reason every debtera before her quit. But leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option because—heaven help her—she’s fallen for him. Stunningly romantic, Lauren Blackwood's heartstopping debut, Within These Wicked Walls, ushers in an exciting new fantasy voice. "An intricate magic system, a grimly humorous Black heroine, AND a heart-thumping romance? This book leaves nothing wanting." - Jordan Ifueko, New York Times bestselling author of Raybearer