I think this was on one of the best of lists from Pajiba or Vulture. Looks like I didn’t record the recommendation, which is a shame, because this was an exceptionally good call.
Set in a richly detailed world, where debteras cleanse houses and people of manifestations, our protagonist is Andromeda, whose mentor has kicked her out before she could become officially licensed as a debtera. Her only other option is to gain a wealthy patron, so she’s signed on as the 11th debtera to attempt to cleanse the cursed Thorne house.
Magnus Rochester, head of the household and irascible love interest, is keen for Andi to remove the manifestations of the evil eye, unlike all the previous servants and debtera who, he believes, have chosen to flee in the night. The truth is not so straightforward, however, and Andi has a fight on her hands.
The romance here is secondary to the world building, which is exceptional. An intricate system of magic, amulets and curses, beasts out of myth and folklore, and a take-no-shit protagonist. A total joy to read, I’d be delighted to spend more time in this world.
