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Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
4.0
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Loosely based on Jane Eyre, this is a YA horror that is packed with action and spookiness. All of the descriptions of the curse that was happened in Rochester's house were rightfully creepy, and the tone was immediately set from the beginning. As more of the story unfolds and we learn more about the curse, it just gets more and more creepy.

There was also great chemistry between Andi and Magnus, as all of these manifestations are happening around them. It almost brings them closer together, the danger making their relationship all the more exciting. The changing relationship between Andi and Jember, her guardian/caretaker/trainer/master, also added dimension to the story. All of these details worked well together to create a story that was difficult to put down once you got started.

I feel like YA horror has been upping it's game a bit in the last year, and this is a great addition to a genre that desperately needs more diversity.

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