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Book club questions for Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood explore the themes of magic, love, and sacrifice within a richly imagined Ethiopian-inspired fantasy world. They delve into the complexities of Andromeda’s journey as a debtera, examining the challenges she faces in a society where the heart’s desires and the consequences of dealing with the supernatural collide.
This book was adorable. Kind of like a dark ‘cozy’ fantasy. For a YA novel I enjoyed this quite a lot. Its has enough creepy vibes & not too much romance (that’s my preference so it could be different for others). Its also pretty fast paced so it’s an easy read.
What are your thoughts on this novel? ✨
Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
In this blog post you will find the discussion questions for Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood, while at the bottom of this post I also have some additional suggestions for others novels written by Lauren.
I hope you’ll enjoy this comprehensive guide and your analysis of the book, as much as you enjoyed reading it!
About the Author | Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations
About the Story
Within These Wicked Walls is a fantasy novel that revolves around Andromeda, a young exorcist in a magical world inspired by Ethiopia. She’s trying to earn her license as a debtera, an exorcist who cleanses households of the Evil Eye. Despite being expelled by her mentor, she hopes to find a wealthy Patron who can vouch for her skills.
She gets a job offer from Magnus, a rude and eccentric heir, with a contract full of strange rules. Many previous debteras quit, hinting at the dangers of the job. As Andromeda takes on the challenge, she discovers that Magnus is hiding more secrets than she was prepared for. Staying could lead to her death, a fate her predecessors faced. However, leaving Magnus isn’t an option because she has unexpectedly fallen for him.
The story combines romance, magic, and mystery, creating a captivating tale in a unique fantasy setting. The novel has received positive reviews for its intricate magic system, a strong Black heroine, and a heart-thumping romance. It has been recognized as a Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club Pick and became an instant New York Times bestseller.
About the Author
Lauren Blackwood is a Jamaican American New Yorker living in Virginia who writes Romance-heavy Fantasy for most ages.
When not writing, she’s a physical therapist assistant and violinist who really doesn’t know how to settle on one career field.
Her debut YA novel, Within These Wicked Walls, is a NYT/Indie Bestseller and the Reese’s Book Club Fall 2021 YA Pick.
Book Club Questions for Within These Wicked Walls
Disclaimer: the following discussion questions contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished the book yet.
- The story is set in a magical, Ethiopian-inspired world. How did the author’s portrayal of this fantasy setting enhance or influence your reading experience? Did you find it immersive?
- Discuss the character of Andromeda, the protagonist. How did her background and experiences shape her as a character? Did you find her to be a strong and relatable heroine?
- How does Andromeda’s perception of survival change from the beginning of the book to the end? What factors contribute to this evolution in her mindset?
- Explore how the theme of forgiveness is portrayed throughout the book. Are there specific characters or situations that highlight the complexities of forgiveness?
- In what ways does the author reimagine Jane Eyre, and how does the Ethiopian setting contribute to the story’s unique flavor? Discuss the cultural influences and their impact on the narrative.
- Why do you think Blackwood chose to subvert this classic narrative? Are there other classic stories you’d be interested in seeing receive a similar fantasy treatment, and why?
- The novel is described as a romantic fantasy. How did you feel about the romantic relationship between Andromeda and Magnus? Did the unconventional aspects of their connection add depth to the story?
- The book draws inspiration from Ethiopian culture. In what ways did you see these influences in the narrative, and did it contribute to the uniqueness of the story?
- Magnus remains unaware of his role in the manifestations in his home. Should he harbor guilt for the consequences, or was his lack of awareness beyond his control?
- Explore the reasons behind Andromeda and Magnus being drawn to each other. How might their relationship have developed in a less intense or challenging environment?
- Saba conceals the truth about Magnus to maintain the curse. Do you believe her actions were solely driven by the curse, or was there a genuine desire to protect Magnus? Explain your perspective.
- Andromeda’s role as a debtera involves dealing with the Evil Eye. How did the author create a sense of danger and suspense in the story through the supernatural elements?
- How is the theme of hope represented in each character’s journey throughout the book? Identify instances where hope plays a pivotal role in the characters’ development.
- The book is described as a “magical, Ethiopian-inspired remix of Jane Eyre.” In what ways do you see parallels to Jane Eyre in the story, and how does the author put her unique spin on the classic tale?
- Explore the relationships between Andromeda and other characters, such as Magnus, Saba, and Jember. How did these relationships contribute to the overall narrative?
- Considering the author’s use of Ethiopian inspiration, discuss the representation of diversity in the characters and cultural elements. Did it bring a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre?
- The house itself plays a significant role in the story. How did the author use the setting to create a sense of atmosphere and tension throughout the novel?
- Andromeda shares a complex yet affectionate bond with her former mentor. In what ways did his upbringing contribute to her strength, and how did caring for her transform him?
- The narrative often shifts between romantic and frightening scenes to build tension. Discuss how these scenes either contrast with or complement each other in creating a captivating atmosphere.
- Andromeda and Magnus seem to understand each other more than they understand themselves. How does this dynamic drive the plot, and how does their mutual understanding influence their relationship?
- Despite Andromeda and Magnus finding their happily ever after, the ending is bittersweet. What do you envision for their future, considering the challenges they’ve overcome?
Other Books by Lauren Blackwood
Hope you enjoyed the book club discussion questions and reading guide for Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood!
Here are some more of my book club recommendations related to this book:
Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood
A thrilling Jamaican inspired fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood
Eighteen-year-old Victoria is a Wildblood. Kidnapped at the age of six and manipulated by the Exotic Lands Touring Company, she’s worked as a tour guide ever since with a team of fellow Wildbloods who take turns using their magic to protect travellers in a jungle teeming with all the ghostly monsters of Jamaican legend.
When the boss denies Victoria the promotion that was promised to her in favour of Dean, her backstabbing ex, Victoria is determined to prove herself. Her magic may be the most powerful on the team, but she’s the wrong image the boss wants to send their new client, Laertes Thorn, a renowned goldminer determined to reach an untouched gold supply deep in the jungle.
Thorn is everything Victoria isn’t – confident, impossibly kind, and so handsome he leaves her speechless. And when he entrusts the mission to her, kindness turns to mutual respect, turns to affection, turns to love.
But the jungle is treacherous, and between hypnotic river spirits, soul-devouring women that shed their skin like snakes, and her ex out for revenge, Victoria has to decide – is promotion at a corrupt company really what she wants?
A fierce, lush fantasy by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, Wildblood tells the story of a girl who must find the strength to defeat the demons of the jungle as well as her own to find where she truly belongs.
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood
A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities.
1863, Pennsylvania
War doesn’t scare Jerusalem – she’s a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she’s fearless. And ever since the Confederates declared civil war, partnering with the vampires who benefitted off slavery, she and her battalion of Saints are essential to the Union army.
Jerusalem herself had been enslaved by a vampire, escaping North only after her family was murdered. She knows the enemy better, hates the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, and has been using it to her advantage since she joined the war a year ago. More than anything she wants revenge, but if she can help Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better.
But she never expects to have to team up with a vampire to do it. Alexei is one of those handsome, arrogant Ancient Vampires. But he’s on the Union’s side, and in the year they’ve known each other, has never done anything but prove he’s on hers.
Together, they set out to change the course of the war and take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem loved. But for her, it’s about more than justice.
It’s about killing a god.
Happy reading! ❤️