Author: Jessica S. Taylor

First Published: 15 October 2024

“Make no mistake, little wolf, you cannot be broken. Especially not by me.”  

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Jessica for sending a copy my way!

In a kingdom drowning in blood, all Odyssa Duhiva wants is to save her family. But the price of salvation may be higher than she ever imagined.

The kingdom of Veressia has been forsaken by its prince, who has chosen instead to drown out the screams of the dying. Trapped in a kingdom without a leader and blamed by her brothers for her mother’s death, Odyssa has little hope of ever succeeding at honoring her mother’s dying wish.

Driven by desperation, Odyssa ventures into the heart of the barricaded castle, masquerading as a servant amidst the prince’s nightly opulent parties. But as she delves deeper into the castle’s secrets, she uncovers a sinister connection between the coward prince and the devastating plague.

After attracting the attention of the prince’s most trusted advisor, Odyssa finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of power and deceit. With each step closer to the truth, she realizes that her fate—and the fate of her family—rests in the hands of the handsome stranger whose true intentions for betraying his prince and helping her seem content to remain shrouded in mystery.

As forbidden passions ignite, tentative alliances are forged, and dark secrets are revealed, Odyssa must choose between following her heart or sacrificing it for the promise of salvation.

Beyond Those Gilded Walls felt like a love letter to Edgar Allen Poe for all those romantic girlies out there. It takes inspiration from The Masque of the Red Death, one of my all-time favourite stories. The dark, gothic atmosphere was so good. I adored all the references to Poe’s work and enjoyed how it was twisted into something unique to this tale.

The Kingdom of Verssia is ravaged by a deadly blood plague. The prince has abandoned his people, ignoring their desperate cries for help. Instead, he locks himself in his castle, hosting lavish masquerade parties with his nobles to pass the time. Odyssa, who has survived the plague, is determined to fulfil her mother’s dying wish: to protect her brothers. Disguised as a servant, she ventures into the heart of the castle, delving into the kingdom’s secrets. As she investigates, she slowly uncovers a sinister connection between the prince and the horrific plague that afflicts the kingdom.

Poor Odyssa survived the plague that cursed this kingdom, but it left her permanently injured. She has lost most of her hearing, is covered in black scars and deals with chronic pain. I was not expecting this representation in here and I enjoyed it. I did not get why she was trying so hard to save her half-brothers, especially when they kicked her out, blaming her for their mother’s death and they demanded she risk her life to work at the castle to provide for them even after refusing to work. Additionally, she’s endangering herself by searching for the plague’s cure. A rumoured cure which has cost the lives of those who have searched for it. I understand that she’s desperate to prove herself to them and finally be loved, but I wanted to shake her and say girl, it’s not worth it. Nothing you do will change their minds. It is not worth risking your life for, especially when she grabs the prince’s attention. It’s a beautiful and frustratingly authentic look at how complicated family relationships are. I am glad she finds people who love her unconditionally because she deserves it.

Talon was an interesting character. He is the prince’s most trusted advisor and brutal executioner. As the story goes on, we see a duality in Talon. He is a dangerous cinnamon roll, a dynamic I never knew I needed in my life.

Romance is a seriously slow burn, which I enjoy even if I was screaming at their stubborn selves to give in to their chemistry. Odyssa catches Talon’s attention for all the wrong reasons. The tension between Odyssa and Talon is palpable from the start. But it’s a rocky relationship as Talon is forced to show Odyssa just how dangerous and cruel he can be when doling out the prince’s punishments. But I loved how, throughout the story, we see him saving Odyssa from the dangers she stumbles into. In every interaction, he subtly tries to prove to Odyssa that she is worthy of love and should not have to risk her life for it.

There is something creepingly sinister about a kingdom ravaged by a blood plague where the crowned prince and his nobles stay locked in the castle hosting daily balls. The longer Odyssa works in the castle, the more she uncovers the darkness from the soulshades, the ghosts that haunt the castle and the sinister, casual cruelness of the prince. I enjoyed watching the mystery behind the plague unfold. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, I enjoyed how everything unfolded. Also, this is a standalone, which I have not read many in the fantasy romance category.

Beyond Those Gilded Walls was the first book I read from Jessia S. Taylor. I am interested in reading more, especially if they all have this gothic twist. If you are in the mood for a lush gothic, romantasy standalone and are an Edgar Allan Poe fan like me, I would highly recommend it. This would be the perfect read for the spooky season.