A review by jennaniho
Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was...a ride, to say the least. I was afraid to pick it up because it was promoted (or whispered, more likely) to be an "Ethiopian-inspired Jane Eyre retelling" and I personally don't like Jane Eyre that much. But, when I read that it had ghosts and exorcism in it probably set in the Caribbean, I gave it a chance and I wasn't that disappointed. 

The book is good, but I felt the pace was too slow for my taste. Still, I enjoyed reading it. Andromeda (Andi) became my favorite character. She was a no-bullshit kind of gal, but had the normal insecurities of any late teenager, which made her relatable. She was also honest, and incredibly powerful. Her character reminded me a lot of the Japanese anime series, Witch Hunter Robin, where the main character is also incredibly powerful, but very naive. 

What I didn't like at first was the "romance" between her and Magnus. I felt it was a bit vague and a bit non-consensual. Maybe is because I was seeing him through Andi's eyes. There were moments when their interactions felt a bit bland, but in others you truly felt the connection between them. 

Yet, what I absolutely loved about this book was the mystery surrounding the house and how detailed the author described every important aspect of it. Lauren's writing style made you feel like you were in the dammed place and I remember jumping a bit every now and then whenever a scary or tense scene came on because it kept you on the edge of your seat (or the bed, in my case). You had bleeding walls, sinister manifestations, an abusive father figure, and a deep secret that made you anxious to know about it but didn't want to find out so soon in the book. To this, the author delivered that perfect wait. I also loved the Ethiopian-inspired elements, which gave the story more nuance and color. It is a very dark tale, so these details allowed it to keep the story interesting. 

Within These Wicked Walls was better than I expected. It was what I wanted 'Mexican Gothic', by Silvia Moreno-Garcia to feel like. The story Lauren weaves is unique, nail-biting, and with a killer storyline. I might read it again and probably will comprehend some of the elements I didn't like. But, overall, it is a great book. 
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