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Beyond Those Gilded Walls: A Gothic Romantasy
In a kingdom drowning in blood, all Odyssa Duhiva wants is to save her family. Resented by both her brothers, but bound by their mother's dying wish and untold determination, she'll do anything to keep them alive. Even if it means stepping into the cursed Castle Auretras.
Disguised as a servant, Odyssa enters the castle to hunt for the truth behind the deadly plague consuming Veressia—the plague that ravaged her and left her death-marked for all to see.
Instead of the sought-after cure, she finds a man as dangerous as he is captivating--the prince’s masked advisor. He's a man who should be her enemy, and every secret he reveals draws her deeper into a web of deceit and desire. His loyalty to the crown is a lie, his bargain to help her is a farce, and yet she keeps reaching for him in the dark.
As their bargain turns far more perilous than she expected, Odyssa must decide whether love can survive in a kingdom built on rot—or if it will be the very thing that leads to her ruin.
BEYOND THOSE GILDED WALLS is a standalone gothic romantasy of dark magic, forbidden longing, and love that burns even as the world decays—perfect for fans of Keri Lake’s Anathema and Kaylie Smith’s Phantasma.
Disguised as a servant, Odyssa enters the castle to hunt for the truth behind the deadly plague consuming Veressia—the plague that ravaged her and left her death-marked for all to see.
Instead of the sought-after cure, she finds a man as dangerous as he is captivating--the prince’s masked advisor. He's a man who should be her enemy, and every secret he reveals draws her deeper into a web of deceit and desire. His loyalty to the crown is a lie, his bargain to help her is a farce, and yet she keeps reaching for him in the dark.
As their bargain turns far more perilous than she expected, Odyssa must decide whether love can survive in a kingdom built on rot—or if it will be the very thing that leads to her ruin.
BEYOND THOSE GILDED WALLS is a standalone gothic romantasy of dark magic, forbidden longing, and love that burns even as the world decays—perfect for fans of Keri Lake’s Anathema and Kaylie Smith’s Phantasma.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
36 people are currently reading
2103 people want to read
About the author
Jessica S. Taylor
8 books304 followersJessica was born and raised in Kentucky, but has been moving with the waves and is currently residing in southern Maine with her husband and cat, Nebula.
As a child, Jessica all but lived at her local library, devouring whatever books she could get her hands on. When that wasn't enough, she began writing her own. After countless notebooks were filled with short stories and novels that would never see the light of day, Jessica took the plunge and began delving into the world of publishing.
Jessica's favorite things include anything mermaids or pirates, tattoos, music, things that smell nice (especially bookish candles), and anything shiny!
As a child, Jessica all but lived at her local library, devouring whatever books she could get her hands on. When that wasn't enough, she began writing her own. After countless notebooks were filled with short stories and novels that would never see the light of day, Jessica took the plunge and began delving into the world of publishing.
Jessica's favorite things include anything mermaids or pirates, tattoos, music, things that smell nice (especially bookish candles), and anything shiny!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
January 23, 2025
3.25!
Beyond those gilded walls was my second book by this author and my first (also her first) adult book by her and honestly I enjoyed it but there were times where I just wasn't as invested. I had the audio arc so I think that helped a lot. The starting was definitely stronger and I think the middle is where I was lost and the ending though picked up it's pace, couldn't match the strength of the start. The writing was enjoyable but I felt like something was missing.
Our main character Odyssa was such a weird character tbh. I did understand her at times and her monologue was enjoyable but the doormatness and desperation and the need for approval just made me want to slap her. Especially if you want approval from your little siblings, specifically one who slapped you like you have a lot of patience for that. She got on my nerves. The mmc was better but I still felt disconnected by him, tbh I didn't feel anything towards him.
The romance was alright but since the characters weren't that' strong for me....the romance automatically fell and I think that was it 😭but the story and the concept was enjoyable and I liked how it was executed. I know I had problems with it but in the end I enjoyed it.
Overall, it was okay!
___
I read hollowed by this author two years back and it was such a refreshing read!! I saw this one come out last month and I got an audio arc for this so it's time to dive in 🙂↕️
*Thank you to Netgalley and dreamscape media for giving me an arc*
Beyond those gilded walls was my second book by this author and my first (also her first) adult book by her and honestly I enjoyed it but there were times where I just wasn't as invested. I had the audio arc so I think that helped a lot. The starting was definitely stronger and I think the middle is where I was lost and the ending though picked up it's pace, couldn't match the strength of the start. The writing was enjoyable but I felt like something was missing.
Our main character Odyssa was such a weird character tbh. I did understand her at times and her monologue was enjoyable but the doormatness and desperation and the need for approval just made me want to slap her. Especially if you want approval from your little siblings, specifically one who slapped you like you have a lot of patience for that. She got on my nerves. The mmc was better but I still felt disconnected by him, tbh I didn't feel anything towards him.
The romance was alright but since the characters weren't that' strong for me....the romance automatically fell and I think that was it 😭but the story and the concept was enjoyable and I liked how it was executed. I know I had problems with it but in the end I enjoyed it.
Overall, it was okay!
___
I read hollowed by this author two years back and it was such a refreshing read!! I saw this one come out last month and I got an audio arc for this so it's time to dive in 🙂↕️
*Thank you to Netgalley and dreamscape media for giving me an arc*
October 17, 2024
This entire book was just the side characters warning the FMC not to trust anyone. The MMC was immediately there every time she ran into trouble, which was every second because she’s an idiot & him constantly calling the FMC “little wolf” I kid you not I will hear that in my dreams and not in a good way.
Repetitive, boring and a massive cliche of a book.
Repetitive, boring and a massive cliche of a book.
May 13, 2025
The only reason I finished this is because it cost me 45 dollars 😭 It’s a no from me.
December 28, 2024
In a kingdom forsaken by its cowardly prince, a blood plague is running rampant in the streets. Odyssa, a rare survivor of this plague, infiltrates the castle as a servant in a desperate attempt to save her family. There she encounters the prince's right hand man, Tallon, who might lead her to the answers she's looking for.
How can I describe my feelings towards this book? On the one hand, the magic was interesting, the romance was good and I loved that it's a standalone. On the other hand, the fmc frustrated me, and the villain of the story felt incredibly shallow. I also wish we got more of the gothic atmosphere promised to us in the synopsis.
I do think the Romantasy girlies will eat this up, and I'd probably recommend it to fans of One Dark Window.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
How can I describe my feelings towards this book? On the one hand, the magic was interesting, the romance was good and I loved that it's a standalone. On the other hand, the fmc frustrated me, and the villain of the story felt incredibly shallow. I also wish we got more of the gothic atmosphere promised to us in the synopsis.
I do think the Romantasy girlies will eat this up, and I'd probably recommend it to fans of One Dark Window.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 17, 2024
This draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Masque of the Red Death and its eerie vibes. Rather than adhering strictly to gothic "rules", this book merges those atmospheric elements with popular romantasy tropes, making it an accessible and enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance and puts in gothic vibes. In this plague-ridden kingdom, the line between opulence and suffering is strained by those taken to serve the nobles as they celebrate while ignoring the death outside the gates.
Odyssa is a fascinating main character, and I found her duality particularly compelling. She's passive and submissive around her family, especially with her brothers who unjustly blame her for their mother’s death, yet she’s fierce and determined when navigating the treacherous halls of the prince’s castle. Her transformation really highlights how complicated familial relationships can be. While I did feel that the familial dynamics were a bit heavy-handed at times, it serves to underscore the weight Odyssa carries and her drive to save her family, despite the way they treat her.
The world Taylor builds is both opulent and unsettling, with a kingdom rotting under a plague while the privileged few live in luxury, ignoring the destruction of the common folk outside their gilded walls. The idea of a cowardly prince hosting nightly parties while his people suffer adds an edge of dark cruelty to the story, and I found that setup to be one of the more intriguing aspects of the plot. Of course, I adore Poe's stories, so it was an easy sell. The magical source of the illness was also a creative touch, offering a different take on the “plague narrative” that pairs well with the gothic atmosphere.
The romance in this book leans heavily into the "mystery lover" trope, and I was captivated by the slow unraveling of the love interest’s motives and backstory. The tension between Odyssa and the prince’s trusted advisor was palpable, and I really appreciated the way he helps her feel worthy and loved in a way that her family never does. I also adored that the supposed power dynamics between them are shifted into something far healthier. It’s a romance that builds slowly, fueled by both forbidden passion and shared goals, making their eventual connection feel earned and satisfying.
I also have to mention the fantastic representation in this book. The inclusion of disability, particularly hearing loss and chronic respiratory illness, is wonderful. I loved that the disabilities weren’t magically fixed by the end, and Odyssa’s struggles with them are treated as part of who she is without being her defining trait. It’s refreshing to see such rep in a fantasy romance, where characters often exist in a world where magic conveniently erases all "imperfections".
That being said, there were some pacing issues for me, particularly toward the end. While the story builds slowly and thoughtfully, the last section feels a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more time to fully explore the climax and resolution. It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but it did leave me wanting a more gradual wrap-up.
This is a romantasy with plenty of mystery, secrets, and just the right amount of gothic.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review this complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Odyssa is a fascinating main character, and I found her duality particularly compelling. She's passive and submissive around her family, especially with her brothers who unjustly blame her for their mother’s death, yet she’s fierce and determined when navigating the treacherous halls of the prince’s castle. Her transformation really highlights how complicated familial relationships can be. While I did feel that the familial dynamics were a bit heavy-handed at times, it serves to underscore the weight Odyssa carries and her drive to save her family, despite the way they treat her.
The world Taylor builds is both opulent and unsettling, with a kingdom rotting under a plague while the privileged few live in luxury, ignoring the destruction of the common folk outside their gilded walls. The idea of a cowardly prince hosting nightly parties while his people suffer adds an edge of dark cruelty to the story, and I found that setup to be one of the more intriguing aspects of the plot. Of course, I adore Poe's stories, so it was an easy sell. The magical source of the illness was also a creative touch, offering a different take on the “plague narrative” that pairs well with the gothic atmosphere.
The romance in this book leans heavily into the "mystery lover" trope, and I was captivated by the slow unraveling of the love interest’s motives and backstory. The tension between Odyssa and the prince’s trusted advisor was palpable, and I really appreciated the way he helps her feel worthy and loved in a way that her family never does. I also adored that the supposed power dynamics between them are shifted into something far healthier. It’s a romance that builds slowly, fueled by both forbidden passion and shared goals, making their eventual connection feel earned and satisfying.
I also have to mention the fantastic representation in this book. The inclusion of disability, particularly hearing loss and chronic respiratory illness, is wonderful. I loved that the disabilities weren’t magically fixed by the end, and Odyssa’s struggles with them are treated as part of who she is without being her defining trait. It’s refreshing to see such rep in a fantasy romance, where characters often exist in a world where magic conveniently erases all "imperfections".
That being said, there were some pacing issues for me, particularly toward the end. While the story builds slowly and thoughtfully, the last section feels a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more time to fully explore the climax and resolution. It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but it did leave me wanting a more gradual wrap-up.
This is a romantasy with plenty of mystery, secrets, and just the right amount of gothic.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review this complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
I am in my Gothic Fantasy Romance era. Beyond Those Gilded Walls is Gothic Fantasy Romance at its finest. Jessica S. Taylor's Poe-inspired book takes the best parts of Poe stories -- the dangerous worlds, the rush of psychological horror, and the sprinkles in fabulous characters and one heck of a romance. I devoured this one in a single day and I immediately craved more.
The plot.
The people of Veressia are suffering under a Red Plague with little being done to save them. Every night, the Prince and nobility of Veressia hide behind the gilded walls of the castle safe from the plague that unalives more and more each day.
Our FMC, Odyssa, has had enough. After the loss of her mother, she formulates a plan to save the rest of her family and kill the Prince who has caused so much pain and suffering. Taking a job at Castle as a serving girl who caters to the demands of the nobility at these nightly parties.
Jessica's lush and lyrical writing weaves this sinister world filled with greed, violence, and pain that draws the reader in, especially as Odyssa grows closer to the Prince's right hand, a masked figure know to carry out the Prince's every violent demand.
The castle itself is its own character, drenched in dark secrets and filled with shadows of the dead appearing at every turn, desperate for their own revenge.
The characters.
I need to start out by saying Odyssa is too good for some of the characters in this book. From the beginning you will rally behind her. She spends her time putting some many others before her, whether they truly deserve it or not. Her character spends a lot of time hiding behind a mask -- to hide her rage, her sorrow, her desire to find human connection. Odyssa is a character I couldn't help but root for, especially as she grows into her own and continues to challenge certain other characters in the book (even when she shouldn't).
Our MMC (whose name I am withholding because you should discover him when you read this book) is a dangerous cinnamon roll (a cinnamon roll with deadly poisonous frosting if you will). As the right hand man of the Prince, he dispenses pain and suffering on the Prince's behest. Yet, I loved watching him be continuous drawn to Odyssa. He is one of the few characters to truly see the strength behind her mask. Their connection sizzles on the page and you will scream at them to JUST GIVE IN (stubborn characters). And when these two get together -- what a powerful pair they are.
This book is perfect for the autumn season. Light that candle, make cup of tea, curl up, and be drawn into this dangerous and sinister world.
The plot.
The people of Veressia are suffering under a Red Plague with little being done to save them. Every night, the Prince and nobility of Veressia hide behind the gilded walls of the castle safe from the plague that unalives more and more each day.
Our FMC, Odyssa, has had enough. After the loss of her mother, she formulates a plan to save the rest of her family and kill the Prince who has caused so much pain and suffering. Taking a job at Castle as a serving girl who caters to the demands of the nobility at these nightly parties.
Jessica's lush and lyrical writing weaves this sinister world filled with greed, violence, and pain that draws the reader in, especially as Odyssa grows closer to the Prince's right hand, a masked figure know to carry out the Prince's every violent demand.
The castle itself is its own character, drenched in dark secrets and filled with shadows of the dead appearing at every turn, desperate for their own revenge.
The characters.
I need to start out by saying Odyssa is too good for some of the characters in this book. From the beginning you will rally behind her. She spends her time putting some many others before her, whether they truly deserve it or not. Her character spends a lot of time hiding behind a mask -- to hide her rage, her sorrow, her desire to find human connection. Odyssa is a character I couldn't help but root for, especially as she grows into her own and continues to challenge certain other characters in the book (even when she shouldn't).
Our MMC (whose name I am withholding because you should discover him when you read this book) is a dangerous cinnamon roll (a cinnamon roll with deadly poisonous frosting if you will). As the right hand man of the Prince, he dispenses pain and suffering on the Prince's behest. Yet, I loved watching him be continuous drawn to Odyssa. He is one of the few characters to truly see the strength behind her mask. Their connection sizzles on the page and you will scream at them to JUST GIVE IN (stubborn characters). And when these two get together -- what a powerful pair they are.
This book is perfect for the autumn season. Light that candle, make cup of tea, curl up, and be drawn into this dangerous and sinister world.
August 27, 2025
ッ 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 - 🫑- maybe 🌶️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - “You gave me what I’d been looking for all along.” “What’s that?” “You made me feel alive.”
“I think you’ll find you belong in the darkness more than you might think.”
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 -
🐈⬛unique shadow daddy
🐈⬛ghost cat
🐈⬛morally grey MMC
🐈⬛nods to Edgar Allen Poe
🐈⬛spirits
🐈⬛hard of hearing rep.
🐈⬛super rad magical system
🐈⬛FMC with spirit 😉
↳ let’s start by saying that I DEVOURED this book. I’m talking in less than 24 hours. It was so dang good.
The magical world? Oh okay. How freaking rad. It was spooky and weird. It was unlike anything I’ve ever read. I was impressed as heck.
The characters were so dang good - even the bad guys were so written so well. Tallon, though? Drool. Yes please. I’m all about the FMC too. She’s a strong little thing, and she’s powerful. I’m all for a downtrodden girl who has never felt loved. Turn that into strength that, babe. I can’t wait to see what she can do.
Yeah, I could keep going all dang day because I’m still thinking about this book hours later. It was that dang good. It’s one of my new favorites. I loved it.
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 - 🫑- maybe 🌶️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - “You gave me what I’d been looking for all along.” “What’s that?” “You made me feel alive.”
“I think you’ll find you belong in the darkness more than you might think.”
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 -
🐈⬛unique shadow daddy
🐈⬛ghost cat
🐈⬛morally grey MMC
🐈⬛nods to Edgar Allen Poe
🐈⬛spirits
🐈⬛hard of hearing rep.
🐈⬛super rad magical system
🐈⬛FMC with spirit 😉
↳ let’s start by saying that I DEVOURED this book. I’m talking in less than 24 hours. It was so dang good.
The magical world? Oh okay. How freaking rad. It was spooky and weird. It was unlike anything I’ve ever read. I was impressed as heck.
The characters were so dang good - even the bad guys were so written so well. Tallon, though? Drool. Yes please. I’m all about the FMC too. She’s a strong little thing, and she’s powerful. I’m all for a downtrodden girl who has never felt loved. Turn that into strength that, babe. I can’t wait to see what she can do.
Yeah, I could keep going all dang day because I’m still thinking about this book hours later. It was that dang good. It’s one of my new favorites. I loved it.
October 15, 2024
Loved this book and can’t wait for everyone else to read it!
I beta read this book back in the spring and I LOVED it! It was the perfect blend of romance and gothic fantasy and I knew it was going to be the perfect read for October. The whole aesthetic and vibe of this book screams fall/spooky season, so I'm excited to revisit it now that I'll have the print version! If you loved reading Poe in school or loved watching Fall of the House of Usher, this book needs to be on your TBR.
I beta read this book back in the spring and I LOVED it! It was the perfect blend of romance and gothic fantasy and I knew it was going to be the perfect read for October. The whole aesthetic and vibe of this book screams fall/spooky season, so I'm excited to revisit it now that I'll have the print version! If you loved reading Poe in school or loved watching Fall of the House of Usher, this book needs to be on your TBR.
Read
November 29, 2024This was a Haus of Fables PR client so no offical rating.
But if you are looking for a dark gothic Romantasy stand alone, that deals with complex familial relationships, duty and embracing your darkness… paired with a masked mmc, shadow + death magic and slow burn spicy romance… all set in a haunted castle and a scary ghost cat sidekick? This may be the book for you!
But if you are looking for a dark gothic Romantasy stand alone, that deals with complex familial relationships, duty and embracing your darkness… paired with a masked mmc, shadow + death magic and slow burn spicy romance… all set in a haunted castle and a scary ghost cat sidekick? This may be the book for you!
February 21, 2025
“Perhaps it’s more knowing the bloody handprint around your neck is mine, but whatever it is, I quite like it.”
4.5 stars
“You taste like mine.”
What an atmospheric, spooky read, perfect if you’re looking for Fall/Halloween vibes! What a great time of year to read this lol
“Don’t. Do not say my name like that, my wolf.”
“Why not?”
“It makes me want to find out how you taste, with your thighs wrapped around my head.”
Okay, this was really great. I was worried about Odyssa in the beginning, thinking that she’d be this pushover character, but man, I was wrong! She had a great backbone, stood up for herself, and I was living for it! Aside from her brothers, but oh no
“You deserve something good in your life. You deserve someone who thinks you worthy without you having to do a godsdamned thing for them.”
I DO NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT THEM OR HER MOTHER. Are you kidding me!? Literally, the end was perfect for me about them 😂#oops but yeah, her strength and determination was great. I mean, it was super sad, since she basically had no regard for her life, she was living for her piece of shit family, but still great.
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
Ghosty cat, you are my fav, we all need a ghost cat to protect us in this world.
“I think you’ll find you belong in the darkness more than you might think. You survived me; you survived death.
I also really appreciate the disability rep in this (hearing and lung issues) because I have these too AND I completely love what happened in the end with her disabilities, that was *perfect* Read it to find out 😂
The marks on his forearm, the ones that spiraled up his arm and spilled down onto his chest, shifted, pulling away from the skin and reaching out to caress my cheek.
Tallon. My beautiful bad guy. But not as bad as the Prince obviously, that man, that whole family, was psychotic. With his masks, tattoos, shadows 😏, bloody hand necklaces, protectiveness, yes, I *quite* liked him. And the reveal was *unexpected* but I really liked it! So, look forward to that when you read this lmao
Thank you Jessica for this eARC, a cute box of merch, a finished copy, and a t-shirt!
“Now you are the darkness. And no one will ever harm you again.” He leaned down, brushing his lips against my ear. “You have never looked more stunning than now, my wolf. I cannot decide if I want to show you off across Veressia and the Beyond, or if I want to lock you in my room and never leave.”
4.5 stars
“You taste like mine.”
What an atmospheric, spooky read, perfect if you’re looking for Fall/Halloween vibes! What a great time of year to read this lol
“Don’t. Do not say my name like that, my wolf.”
“Why not?”
“It makes me want to find out how you taste, with your thighs wrapped around my head.”
Okay, this was really great. I was worried about Odyssa in the beginning, thinking that she’d be this pushover character, but man, I was wrong! She had a great backbone, stood up for herself, and I was living for it! Aside from her brothers, but oh no
“You deserve something good in your life. You deserve someone who thinks you worthy without you having to do a godsdamned thing for them.”
I DO NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT THEM OR HER MOTHER. Are you kidding me!? Literally, the end was perfect for me about them 😂#oops but yeah, her strength and determination was great. I mean, it was super sad, since she basically had no regard for her life, she was living for her piece of shit family, but still great.
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
Ghosty cat, you are my fav, we all need a ghost cat to protect us in this world.
“I think you’ll find you belong in the darkness more than you might think. You survived me; you survived death.
I also really appreciate the disability rep in this (hearing and lung issues) because I have these too AND I completely love what happened in the end with her disabilities, that was *perfect* Read it to find out 😂
The marks on his forearm, the ones that spiraled up his arm and spilled down onto his chest, shifted, pulling away from the skin and reaching out to caress my cheek.
Tallon. My beautiful bad guy. But not as bad as the Prince obviously, that man, that whole family, was psychotic. With his masks, tattoos, shadows 😏, bloody hand necklaces, protectiveness, yes, I *quite* liked him. And the reveal was *unexpected* but I really liked it! So, look forward to that when you read this lmao
Thank you Jessica for this eARC, a cute box of merch, a finished copy, and a t-shirt!
“Now you are the darkness. And no one will ever harm you again.” He leaned down, brushing his lips against my ear. “You have never looked more stunning than now, my wolf. I cannot decide if I want to show you off across Veressia and the Beyond, or if I want to lock you in my room and never leave.”
December 16, 2024
DNF @ 76% because i actually can’t take it anymore. A whole lot of nothing with some bs piled on top. Every character in this mess is flatter than a pancake. I mean seriously, no one’s character motivations make any sense. Breaking new horizons in the field of one dimensionality. The “twist” is stupid and the claims of “gothic romance” are an insult to the genre. The first 25% of this book is the fmc getting bulldozed by everyone but her internal monologue going “if only they knew.. how angry i can really get… grrrr” which was… well you can imagine. Soooooo much telling and sooooo little showing, wow. I would love to see a breakdown of actual external plot action vs internal monologue because it felt like 75% of this was just the fmc rattling off to the reader. I hated it sooooooo much. Probably the worst thing i’ve read all year. And that is kind of saying a lot because i’ve read some bullshit.
December 17, 2024
Odyssas family was the WORST. Her mom was terrible to her. Her brothers were terrible. And it was so frustrating that she kept just wanting to please them. I’m so happy Tallon came along and showed Odyssa that love doesn’t have conditions!
This is a gothic romantasy where a plague has infected the town and Odyssa wants to find the cure. And while Odyssa was a pushover with her family she does grow a backbone! The beginning of this book was a little frustrating due to being kind of slow and Odyssa being a pushover. However the ending was perfect and honestly I wish it was a little bit longer because Odyssa and Tallon both deserved all of the happiness. I would definitely read a second book about the two of them!
The narrator for this book did an amazing job!
Thank you so much Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
This is a gothic romantasy where a plague has infected the town and Odyssa wants to find the cure. And while Odyssa was a pushover with her family she does grow a backbone! The beginning of this book was a little frustrating due to being kind of slow and Odyssa being a pushover. However the ending was perfect and honestly I wish it was a little bit longer because Odyssa and Tallon both deserved all of the happiness. I would definitely read a second book about the two of them!
The narrator for this book did an amazing job!
Thank you so much Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
October 6, 2024
I loved Beyond Those Gilded Walls! It’s the perfect mix of gothic fantasy and romance, with eerie vibes that draw you right in.
Our FMC is Odyssa, who is strong and determined, stopping at nothing to protect her family (who 100% don’t deserve it). The world is being wrecked by a blood plague and Odyssa makes serious sacrifices for the chance at obtaining the cure, even if it means going up against the selfish prince. The story is packed with secrets, danger, and sizzling tension between her and a masked figure who sees her strength, even when she doesn't.
If you’re into found family, hidden identities, and shadow magic, you will love this one!
Thank you so much Jessica for gifting me an eARC! 🖤
Our FMC is Odyssa, who is strong and determined, stopping at nothing to protect her family (who 100% don’t deserve it). The world is being wrecked by a blood plague and Odyssa makes serious sacrifices for the chance at obtaining the cure, even if it means going up against the selfish prince. The story is packed with secrets, danger, and sizzling tension between her and a masked figure who sees her strength, even when she doesn't.
If you’re into found family, hidden identities, and shadow magic, you will love this one!
Thank you so much Jessica for gifting me an eARC! 🖤
October 17, 2024
This is a dark, gothic Romantasy inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe
Tropes :
🖤 Blood plague
🖤 He brushes her hair
🖤 He calls her little wolf
🖤 Ghost Cat sidekick
🖤 Mysterious ghosts
🖤 He takes care of her
Just after their mother’s death caused by the Blood plague, Odyssa’s brothers force her to work at the castle, where the heir to the throne lives lavishly, throwing parties every night, hiding behind his walls without a care for his people when he might possess a cure for the plague.
On her first night, she meets a mysterious man with a skull mask and grey eyes, a guest of the prince whom she finds herself drawn to, despite everyone’s warnings to stay away from him…
I loved the vibes of this book, being a fan of Poe myself, the world building really spoke to me.
Odyssa’s character was so raw, she uses her anger as a blade, meanwhile doing everything to please her family while they only take of her. I felt for her and her desire to be loved.
Tallon was a very cryptic and mysterious character and I feel like I still don’t know him even though I finished the book.
It was so cute how he took care of her, and brushing her hair!! That was probably my favorite part and I just need more of them!
Thank you so much @authorjessicastaylor for this ARC !! 🥰
March 1, 2025
You can find this review of Beyond These Gilded Walls on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
To say I went through the hardest, most emotionally painful slump of my life is an understatement. I hit the lowest of lows because I read a book I was unprepared emotionally to handle. It’s silly, because it’s not an insane trigger or anything. But it was an emotional wound that the book slowly chipped at and ripped open. I finished the book and realized I had grief left over from a certain event in my life, that made the way the plot-problem was resolved in that particular book, unsatisfying for me. Even without my awareness of my grief I’d have not liked the way it was handled but it wouldn’t have hit me so badly, that’s for sure.
The reason I’m speaking about this so much is to explain how deeply it affected me. I haven’t touched my Kindle for most of this month, which is unheard of for me. But there was one book that brought me back constantly, even if it was only by small measures; but it was more than I was able to do on my own.
Beyond Those Gilded Walls is one of those books that appear like a lifeline in our lives. It managed to draw me in from page one with both the devastating pain, loneliness and grief the main character suffers along with the quick and eerie paced journey the book drags us into.
There’s a certain tenor to the whole book that’s tainted with emotion that spills off the pages and straight into your heart. The kind of emotional turmoil the character faces and the nature of the experiences she has through the course of the book, colour our own reading journey in shades of red, grey, black and white.
It’s very rare for a book to make me feel any kind of eeriness or fear while reading it and I just have to say as the plot unraveled in this book, at times I would put the book away at night because of some of the scenes. It was such a glorious experience because it was unique to this book for me and I always give books that infiltrate into my real life and make me feel a certain way LOTS of brownie points. There’s a larger plot that brews below the immediately perceivable sub-plots and character arcs and I found it both surprising and intriguing watching the story unveil its true self.
The pace was wonderfully even, even while slumping I made great progress and even when I took a break and came back, reading the book was a swift and seamless experience.
The world building in this book happens steadily. There’s a slow but sure progression of information about the world that is introduced to the readers and the pace and positioning of it was perfect. I will admit it may take you to sub-plot spaces you didn’t expect but I think it’s a great set up for the next book. Yes, I’m pretty sure there’s a next book.
Now the characters…. You know what? I’m going to let you find out about them yourself. I went in blind on what to expect, you should too.
Five stars! Happy happy reading. Check trigger warnings as always. There are difficult themes in this book that can be triggering for some.
A big shout out and thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
To say I went through the hardest, most emotionally painful slump of my life is an understatement. I hit the lowest of lows because I read a book I was unprepared emotionally to handle. It’s silly, because it’s not an insane trigger or anything. But it was an emotional wound that the book slowly chipped at and ripped open. I finished the book and realized I had grief left over from a certain event in my life, that made the way the plot-problem was resolved in that particular book, unsatisfying for me. Even without my awareness of my grief I’d have not liked the way it was handled but it wouldn’t have hit me so badly, that’s for sure.
The reason I’m speaking about this so much is to explain how deeply it affected me. I haven’t touched my Kindle for most of this month, which is unheard of for me. But there was one book that brought me back constantly, even if it was only by small measures; but it was more than I was able to do on my own.
Beyond Those Gilded Walls is one of those books that appear like a lifeline in our lives. It managed to draw me in from page one with both the devastating pain, loneliness and grief the main character suffers along with the quick and eerie paced journey the book drags us into.
There’s a certain tenor to the whole book that’s tainted with emotion that spills off the pages and straight into your heart. The kind of emotional turmoil the character faces and the nature of the experiences she has through the course of the book, colour our own reading journey in shades of red, grey, black and white.
It’s very rare for a book to make me feel any kind of eeriness or fear while reading it and I just have to say as the plot unraveled in this book, at times I would put the book away at night because of some of the scenes. It was such a glorious experience because it was unique to this book for me and I always give books that infiltrate into my real life and make me feel a certain way LOTS of brownie points. There’s a larger plot that brews below the immediately perceivable sub-plots and character arcs and I found it both surprising and intriguing watching the story unveil its true self.
The pace was wonderfully even, even while slumping I made great progress and even when I took a break and came back, reading the book was a swift and seamless experience.
The world building in this book happens steadily. There’s a slow but sure progression of information about the world that is introduced to the readers and the pace and positioning of it was perfect. I will admit it may take you to sub-plot spaces you didn’t expect but I think it’s a great set up for the next book. Yes, I’m pretty sure there’s a next book.
Now the characters…. You know what? I’m going to let you find out about them yourself. I went in blind on what to expect, you should too.
Five stars! Happy happy reading. Check trigger warnings as always. There are difficult themes in this book that can be triggering for some.
September 28, 2024
I absolutely loved this! For a gothic, Poe-inspired read, I was worried about getting that cathartic ending I love in a good fantasy read, but the HEA was beautiful and had me all teary-eyed 😭 This is a perfect read in the lead up to All Hallow's Day with loads of eerie and morbid devices.
What to expect from this beautiful story:
🌶️🌶️ Spice
💖 Found family
🐈⬛ Mystical familiar
😷 Plague and sickness
👻 Ghosts
🥸 Hidden identity
💀 Touch her/him and die
🖤 Tattoo shadow magic
😡 Rage for the FMC
❤️ Love and HEA
Favourite quotes:
“Do you know what you taste like? You taste like mine.”
“Death is inevitable, Odyssa. Focus your efforts on the living, not the dead. Remember them, certainly, but your life is your own now.”
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
✨Thank you Jessica for this early review copy 🖤 My thoughts are my own ✨
What to expect from this beautiful story:
🌶️🌶️ Spice
💖 Found family
🐈⬛ Mystical familiar
😷 Plague and sickness
👻 Ghosts
🥸 Hidden identity
💀 Touch her/him and die
🖤 Tattoo shadow magic
😡 Rage for the FMC
❤️ Love and HEA
Favourite quotes:
“Do you know what you taste like? You taste like mine.”
“Death is inevitable, Odyssa. Focus your efforts on the living, not the dead. Remember them, certainly, but your life is your own now.”
“You’re not used to being wanted. To being loved. It’s quite alright, my wolf. We will teach you.”
✨Thank you Jessica for this early review copy 🖤 My thoughts are my own ✨
September 12, 2024
This was 4.5-5 stars for me!
I didn't know I was THIS into a gothic fantasy romance but let me tell you.... This story was phenomenal. I was deeply invested in the plot and each character that was introduced. I'm a huge fan of Taylor's writing so this just topped off my obsession with them and their story telling craft.
This gothic fantasy will keep you on the edge of your seat and the characters will keep you strapped in.
Absolutely recommend this story and any others written by JT! Don't go into this expecting a dark romance or explicit content, because that's not what this book is. It's a Gothic fantasy with romance but focusing on the plot and character development that is chefs kiss.
I didn't know I was THIS into a gothic fantasy romance but let me tell you.... This story was phenomenal. I was deeply invested in the plot and each character that was introduced. I'm a huge fan of Taylor's writing so this just topped off my obsession with them and their story telling craft.
This gothic fantasy will keep you on the edge of your seat and the characters will keep you strapped in.
Absolutely recommend this story and any others written by JT! Don't go into this expecting a dark romance or explicit content, because that's not what this book is. It's a Gothic fantasy with romance but focusing on the plot and character development that is chefs kiss.
April 28, 2025
Beyond Those Gilded Walls by Jessica Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶
What I loved:
🩸the Edgar Allen Poe inspo
🩸Tallon
🩸the black cat
When I read that this book was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, I was immediately sold. The beginning of this book was captivating. The atmosphere, setting, and mood were well written. I was immediately drawn in.
The FMC started off such a strong, compelling character. I initially loved her and the love interest. What can I say, I'm a sucker for tall, dark, broody, and dangerous! I also felt for the FMC because her brothers were terrible. I couldn't help but hope for her to cut ties or for them to apologize. However, the farther into the book I got, the more muddled everything felt.
The FMC was so terrible at her job it was cringe-worthy. The MCs did not have enough time to fall in love. The entire plot moved way too fast. The creepy elements of the castle started off great but gradually diminished as the book went on.
The book heavily advertises a gothic atmosphere, but halfway through that, it felt forgotten. The romance between the MCs felt too quick to be believable. The last thing was the ending. It felt too easy and right when things got interesting, the book was over. This book left off in a way that made me expect a sequel.
Overall, I did enjoy this. I loved the Poe aspects and inspiration. I loved catching the references while reading. The beginning of this was so good! The second half of this story just left me wanting more from it. More creepy, more setting, more actual romance (with less smut). The very end was fascinating and left me wanting to explore that world! It was such a fun turn, but then the book was over.
I feel a little mixed with this one. There was a lot I loved, but the end was a letdown. I did have fun and would read another book from Taylor. I definitely recommend this to those who love Poe and standalone fantasies.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶
What I loved:
🩸the Edgar Allen Poe inspo
🩸Tallon
🩸the black cat
When I read that this book was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, I was immediately sold. The beginning of this book was captivating. The atmosphere, setting, and mood were well written. I was immediately drawn in.
The FMC started off such a strong, compelling character. I initially loved her and the love interest. What can I say, I'm a sucker for tall, dark, broody, and dangerous! I also felt for the FMC because her brothers were terrible. I couldn't help but hope for her to cut ties or for them to apologize. However, the farther into the book I got, the more muddled everything felt.
The FMC was so terrible at her job it was cringe-worthy. The MCs did not have enough time to fall in love. The entire plot moved way too fast. The creepy elements of the castle started off great but gradually diminished as the book went on.
The book heavily advertises a gothic atmosphere, but halfway through that, it felt forgotten. The romance between the MCs felt too quick to be believable. The last thing was the ending. It felt too easy and right when things got interesting, the book was over. This book left off in a way that made me expect a sequel.
Overall, I did enjoy this. I loved the Poe aspects and inspiration. I loved catching the references while reading. The beginning of this was so good! The second half of this story just left me wanting more from it. More creepy, more setting, more actual romance (with less smut). The very end was fascinating and left me wanting to explore that world! It was such a fun turn, but then the book was over.
I feel a little mixed with this one. There was a lot I loved, but the end was a letdown. I did have fun and would read another book from Taylor. I definitely recommend this to those who love Poe and standalone fantasies.
December 17, 2024
Beyond Those Gilded Walls
Rating: 2.5 stars
I picked up Beyond Those Gilded Walls expecting a dark, brooding gothic fantasy—especially with comparisons to Edgar Allan Poe being thrown around. As a lover of all things gothic, I was ready for haunting atmospheres, layered characters, and lush, chilling prose. And while the first chapter did intrigue me, the book quickly lost its footing.
Let’s start with the romance. I wanted to love it—I really did—but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The connection between the characters lacked the slow-burn tension or emotional weight I crave in dark fantasy romances. Instead, it felt like the relationship skipped straight to declarations and angst without earning it. The dialogue, too, fell flat. For a story that should have crackled with intensity and longing, the interactions felt hollow and unmemorable. I needed more substance, more fire, and more believability to invest in the romance.
Then there’s the magic system, which left me baffled. Our protagonist survives an illness, and suddenly she has some of the most powerful magic in the world? The logic behind this transformation wasn’t explored enough, and it felt like a shortcut rather than a well-earned arc. The story kept telling me how powerful she was, but I couldn’t see or feel the stakes of that power.
And the protagonist’s motivation? I couldn’t wrap my head around her relentless fight for a brother who was absolutely despicable to her. Why was she willing to sacrifice so much for someone so unworthy? It made it hard to root for her when her actions didn’t align with her circumstances.
I also have to call out the marketing here. Comparing this book to Edgar Allan Poe sets a very high bar. Poe’s work is defined by its chilling atmosphere, psychological tension, and poetic darkness—none of which this story fully delivered. There were hints of a gothic aesthetic, but it was surface-level at best.
I walked away from this book frustrated, with more questions than answers. There were moments where I could see the story trying to be something grand and immersive, but it just didn’t get there. The rushed romance, flat dialogue, and shallow development undermined its potential.
Final verdict: This isn’t a bad book—it’s just not what it was marketed as. If you go in expecting an intricately dark gothic fantasy with an unforgettable romance, you’ll likely walk away disappointed. Adjust your expectations, and you might find something to enjoy—but for me, this one missed the mark.
Additionally, this was an audio copy and the narration was fantastic.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for allowing me an advanced copy to read and review.
Rating: 2.5 stars
I picked up Beyond Those Gilded Walls expecting a dark, brooding gothic fantasy—especially with comparisons to Edgar Allan Poe being thrown around. As a lover of all things gothic, I was ready for haunting atmospheres, layered characters, and lush, chilling prose. And while the first chapter did intrigue me, the book quickly lost its footing.
Let’s start with the romance. I wanted to love it—I really did—but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The connection between the characters lacked the slow-burn tension or emotional weight I crave in dark fantasy romances. Instead, it felt like the relationship skipped straight to declarations and angst without earning it. The dialogue, too, fell flat. For a story that should have crackled with intensity and longing, the interactions felt hollow and unmemorable. I needed more substance, more fire, and more believability to invest in the romance.
Then there’s the magic system, which left me baffled. Our protagonist survives an illness, and suddenly she has some of the most powerful magic in the world? The logic behind this transformation wasn’t explored enough, and it felt like a shortcut rather than a well-earned arc. The story kept telling me how powerful she was, but I couldn’t see or feel the stakes of that power.
And the protagonist’s motivation? I couldn’t wrap my head around her relentless fight for a brother who was absolutely despicable to her. Why was she willing to sacrifice so much for someone so unworthy? It made it hard to root for her when her actions didn’t align with her circumstances.
I also have to call out the marketing here. Comparing this book to Edgar Allan Poe sets a very high bar. Poe’s work is defined by its chilling atmosphere, psychological tension, and poetic darkness—none of which this story fully delivered. There were hints of a gothic aesthetic, but it was surface-level at best.
I walked away from this book frustrated, with more questions than answers. There were moments where I could see the story trying to be something grand and immersive, but it just didn’t get there. The rushed romance, flat dialogue, and shallow development undermined its potential.
Final verdict: This isn’t a bad book—it’s just not what it was marketed as. If you go in expecting an intricately dark gothic fantasy with an unforgettable romance, you’ll likely walk away disappointed. Adjust your expectations, and you might find something to enjoy—but for me, this one missed the mark.
Additionally, this was an audio copy and the narration was fantastic.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for allowing me an advanced copy to read and review.
October 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️/5 stars
Somewhere, Edgar Allen Poe is rolling over in his grave.
Unfortunately, the other negative reviews for this one are not lying. I went into this wanting to love it and very intrigued by the concept (especially the Poe influence as I have a degree in English lit and his work was a major focus for my masters thesis). However, this just fell overwhelmingly flat. Throughout, I couldn’t help but think that this book was written for the ‘aesthetic’ and not for actual storytelling which is evident in the painful cliché of every scene. It falls into a lot of the traps that self published romantasies are known for, an irritatingly daft and lacklustre FMC, a boring ‘shadow daddy’ with no point of difference to the others and a romance to plot ratio that is borderline criminal. While I commend the author for attempting to tackle gothic themes and do something different, this one was just not it. I will say I really liked the ghost cat. In fact, the ghost cat kept me reading every time I cringed into the next century and wanted to DNF. Ultimately, this reminded me a lot of Gothikana and reads like a one of those Wattpad stories you might have found at 3am when you’re 15. I think if you like spicy, fast romance and don’t care about good prose or a magic system that is well explored this may be for you, but it was all a little juvenile and undercooked for my taste.
As always, I would like to finish with something important to remember: reviews are for readers and not for authors.
Somewhere, Edgar Allen Poe is rolling over in his grave.
Unfortunately, the other negative reviews for this one are not lying. I went into this wanting to love it and very intrigued by the concept (especially the Poe influence as I have a degree in English lit and his work was a major focus for my masters thesis). However, this just fell overwhelmingly flat. Throughout, I couldn’t help but think that this book was written for the ‘aesthetic’ and not for actual storytelling which is evident in the painful cliché of every scene. It falls into a lot of the traps that self published romantasies are known for, an irritatingly daft and lacklustre FMC, a boring ‘shadow daddy’ with no point of difference to the others and a romance to plot ratio that is borderline criminal. While I commend the author for attempting to tackle gothic themes and do something different, this one was just not it. I will say I really liked the ghost cat. In fact, the ghost cat kept me reading every time I cringed into the next century and wanted to DNF. Ultimately, this reminded me a lot of Gothikana and reads like a one of those Wattpad stories you might have found at 3am when you’re 15. I think if you like spicy, fast romance and don’t care about good prose or a magic system that is well explored this may be for you, but it was all a little juvenile and undercooked for my taste.
As always, I would like to finish with something important to remember: reviews are for readers and not for authors.
November 18, 2024
I was excited for this book but I’m DNFing after only getting through the first 4 chapters. I just can’t deal with the FMC Odyssa bending over backwards to help her horrible, ungrateful brothers. They both treat her like absolute garbage, unfairly blaming her for their mother’s death, saying how they don’t want her (“even death did not want you, why should we?”) yet somehow still believing it’s her responsibility to support them financially while they sit and do nothing all day, even though they have small inheritances (which they of course make clear she has no share in) and could get jobs (they just refuse to). Oh, and this is after she’s already been taking care of them their whole lives thus far. And she’s willing to do all of this is because of a promise she made to their mother — the mother who clearly didn’t give a crap about Odyssa because she was too busy spoiling her rotten entitled sons and having Odyssa be their slave. Even if Odyssa grows a backbone at some point, and even if her selfish brothers don’t feature prominently in the rest of the book, I have no desire to continue after how insufferable these first 4 chapters were, so this is sadly a DNF for me.
October 30, 2024
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
Odyssa - I liked her innocence and that beautiful soul of hers. She was way too kind for how her brothers were treating her. I loved seeing her grow into her power, learn more about herself, and most importantly to slowly learn to love herself and grow to be such a strong and incredible person.
MMC - I enjoyed him and his mystery, and I liked the fact he eventually did stand for the good side of things, because once you learn his story you'll figure it out that he has no other choice than obey the prince. The prince is an ass and i hated him with passion from the very beginning, I'm glad we didn't got many scenes with him.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building was creepy. I loved the ghost cat, the first time I read about it i could picture it in my head and it was so interesting. The underworld is spooky, and I wish we had more scenes with it, but the scenes you get are captivating.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
The story is easy to read. I never read anything by Poe to tell you if this fits that 100% or not, what I know is, that this book kept me invested in the story. I liked the FMC because of her innocence even tho her innocence in general put her more in trouble than otherwise. Her brothers, and I think even her mom took advantage of her kindness which made me mad and I wanted to shake her so bad so she can see the truth. Eventually she does, but I think there's always a bit of blindness when comes to loved ones and I felt Odyssa to portray that. Even tho she knew how her family is, she had hope of things changing. To people saying she fainted a lot - she thought she was human, the ash tasting and all those scenes where she fainted were because of the powers she was using or more exactly, her powers were taking control making her lose her consciousness because she used her powers too much. Some of y'all perhaps shouldn't be reading fantasy if you don't try and understand the system lol.
Anyway, once again Jessica delivered with the spookiness and the spooky vibes, and I loved the story!
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The story is spicy. I'd say the spiciness is round 2.5 pepper flames. The scenes are more on the erotic side than the very raunchy side. I loved the love scene between the characters because I felt they were more romantic than just.... y'know. The story also has triggers like loss of a parent, death, blood, and so on. Please read the TWs before picking this book up!
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Review Policy
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
Odyssa - I liked her innocence and that beautiful soul of hers. She was way too kind for how her brothers were treating her. I loved seeing her grow into her power, learn more about herself, and most importantly to slowly learn to love herself and grow to be such a strong and incredible person.
MMC - I enjoyed him and his mystery, and I liked the fact he eventually did stand for the good side of things, because once you learn his story you'll figure it out that he has no other choice than obey the prince. The prince is an ass and i hated him with passion from the very beginning, I'm glad we didn't got many scenes with him.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building was creepy. I loved the ghost cat, the first time I read about it i could picture it in my head and it was so interesting. The underworld is spooky, and I wish we had more scenes with it, but the scenes you get are captivating.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
The story is easy to read. I never read anything by Poe to tell you if this fits that 100% or not, what I know is, that this book kept me invested in the story. I liked the FMC because of her innocence even tho her innocence in general put her more in trouble than otherwise. Her brothers, and I think even her mom took advantage of her kindness which made me mad and I wanted to shake her so bad so she can see the truth. Eventually she does, but I think there's always a bit of blindness when comes to loved ones and I felt Odyssa to portray that. Even tho she knew how her family is, she had hope of things changing. To people saying she fainted a lot - she thought she was human, the ash tasting and all those scenes where she fainted were because of the powers she was using or more exactly, her powers were taking control making her lose her consciousness because she used her powers too much. Some of y'all perhaps shouldn't be reading fantasy if you don't try and understand the system lol.
Anyway, once again Jessica delivered with the spookiness and the spooky vibes, and I loved the story!
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The story is spicy. I'd say the spiciness is round 2.5 pepper flames. The scenes are more on the erotic side than the very raunchy side. I loved the love scene between the characters because I felt they were more romantic than just.... y'know. The story also has triggers like loss of a parent, death, blood, and so on. Please read the TWs before picking this book up!
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December 24, 2024
Jessica S. Taylor’s Beyond Those Gilded Walls is a captivating fantasy that immerses readers in the crumbling kingdom of Veressia. The story follows Odyssa, a young woman burdened by her family’s scorn and the weight of her mother’s dying wish. With her kingdom ravaged by plague and her prince abandoning his duty, Odyssa risks everything to infiltrate the castle and uncover the truth. What she finds is a world of power plays, forbidden passions, and dark secrets that push her to the brink of survival and force her to make impossible choices.
Taylor weaves a clear and engaging storyline that balances emotional depth with moments of intrigue and suspense. The pace of the book starts steady but quickly picks up, taking readers on an emotional roller coaster filled with twists and turns. The dynamics between Odyssa and the mysterious advisor she allies with are particularly compelling, as their growing connection adds layers of tension to an already complex narrative.
While the book is enthralling, the ending feels abrupt. It’s clear that it’s leading into a sequel, but the conclusion left me wanting more closure. Despite this minor frustration, the story is excellent, and I’m eager to see what happens next in this richly imagined series.
The narration by Stefanie Kay adds another dimension to the book. Her performance is outstanding, bringing emotional depth to the characters, particularly Odyssa. Kay’s ability to convey Odyssa’s determination, fear, and passion pulls listeners even further into the story and enhances the overall experience.
Overall, Beyond Those Gilded Walls is a gripping start to a promising series. Fans of fantasy with emotional stakes and intricate plots will find much to love here. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next installment.
Taylor weaves a clear and engaging storyline that balances emotional depth with moments of intrigue and suspense. The pace of the book starts steady but quickly picks up, taking readers on an emotional roller coaster filled with twists and turns. The dynamics between Odyssa and the mysterious advisor she allies with are particularly compelling, as their growing connection adds layers of tension to an already complex narrative.
While the book is enthralling, the ending feels abrupt. It’s clear that it’s leading into a sequel, but the conclusion left me wanting more closure. Despite this minor frustration, the story is excellent, and I’m eager to see what happens next in this richly imagined series.
The narration by Stefanie Kay adds another dimension to the book. Her performance is outstanding, bringing emotional depth to the characters, particularly Odyssa. Kay’s ability to convey Odyssa’s determination, fear, and passion pulls listeners even further into the story and enhances the overall experience.
Overall, Beyond Those Gilded Walls is a gripping start to a promising series. Fans of fantasy with emotional stakes and intricate plots will find much to love here. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next installment.
September 16, 2024
Firstly thank you to the lovely Jessica for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team! I knew I would love this book.
I was hooked straight away?! I don’t know what it was but this book was so easy to read & so fast paced.
Gothic fantasy romance? Loved it!
❤️Magical
🖤Masquerade balls
❤️Poe inspired
🖤Forced proximity
❤️Tattoo & death magic
🖤Ghost cat
‘Little Wolf’ ugh I just love the nickname!! & the cat was also my favourite/highlight🐈⬛🤣
I will say the ending felt really abrupt.. This is a stand alone book but 100% could be another & I would 100% want to read more about this world! The characters were so unique!
Highly recommend you pick this book up for spooky season incoming!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked straight away?! I don’t know what it was but this book was so easy to read & so fast paced.
Gothic fantasy romance? Loved it!
❤️Magical
🖤Masquerade balls
❤️Poe inspired
🖤Forced proximity
❤️Tattoo & death magic
🖤Ghost cat
‘Little Wolf’ ugh I just love the nickname!! & the cat was also my favourite/highlight🐈⬛🤣
I will say the ending felt really abrupt.. This is a stand alone book but 100% could be another & I would 100% want to read more about this world! The characters were so unique!
Highly recommend you pick this book up for spooky season incoming!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2024
🐈⬛🩸𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🩸🐈⬛
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
97/100📚
Thank you, @authorjessicataylor, for this eARC! I loved every bit of it! I'm a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, and I loved all the bits and pieces inspired by his different works.
I love Jessica's writing style. This is the second book of hers I've read, and I don't think there will be a book I don't enjoy. We follow Odyssa as she tries to provide for her brothers who blame her for their mothers death when odd and eeri things happen at her new place of work and where we meet the mysterious Tallon.
This has all the spooky vibes perfect for this season:
🐦⬛Edgar Allan Poe inspired
🐈⬛Ghost cat
🩸Deadly plague
💀Morally grey MMC
🖤Unique magic system
🏰Haunted castles
🩶Gothic fantasy romance
🎭Masked MMC
🐺Pet names
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
97/100📚
Thank you, @authorjessicataylor, for this eARC! I loved every bit of it! I'm a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, and I loved all the bits and pieces inspired by his different works.
I love Jessica's writing style. This is the second book of hers I've read, and I don't think there will be a book I don't enjoy. We follow Odyssa as she tries to provide for her brothers who blame her for their mothers death when odd and eeri things happen at her new place of work and where we meet the mysterious Tallon.
This has all the spooky vibes perfect for this season:
🐦⬛Edgar Allan Poe inspired
🐈⬛Ghost cat
🩸Deadly plague
💀Morally grey MMC
🖤Unique magic system
🏰Haunted castles
🩶Gothic fantasy romance
🎭Masked MMC
🐺Pet names
dnf
December 5, 2025you cannot get me to root for a 28 year old woman who acts like she was born two nights ago. wdym “i need to work myself to death to save my brothers” those two little shits don’t give a FUCK about you!! dpmo. dnf @ 16%
October 11, 2024
A big thank you to the author, Jessica S. Taylor, for gifting me an eARC of her fantastic book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I loved the dark aspects of the book with a dash of romance. It is a perfect read for spooky season. I couldn't put this book down!
If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, then you will love this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I loved the dark aspects of the book with a dash of romance. It is a perfect read for spooky season. I couldn't put this book down!
If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, then you will love this book!
April 21, 2025
My goth heart is so happy. I absolutely adore this. I wish there was more. I'm already considering a re-read. I love Odyssa so much. 🤩
April 23, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Read
December 18, 2025Sadly DNF'd at 39% - weak MC and I was bored.
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