I was looking forward to this book because I have had other titles by her on my list to read and couldn't pass this one up!

Although I did like a majority of it, mostly the first half, it felt like it dragged on and there wasn't much going on plotwise after that until closer to the end. It really became about what was happening between the MC and her interest. I really wanted more about the plague but it was only bits and pieces. I just needed more, especially about her brothers and everything else that was going on throughout the whole book and not just for the most part beginning and end. If that makes sense, haha.

The narration was really good though and did keep me listening.

Overall, this was good. I would pick up the next one due to this ending.

Beyond Those Gilded Walls is a romantasy for the romantasy girlies complete with a shadow daddy. While it should have been a perfect fit for me, I didn't love it. Odyssa going from letting her idiot brothers walk all over her to suddenly becoming a magical badass without even a training montage feels too thinly developed. The setting is underdeveloped. There is disability rep with the main character suffering from hearing loss following an illness. I can't tell you what any of the characters look like except that Tallon has gray eyes and the cat has a forked tongue. It is difficult to care about some of the deaths when I didn't really know much about them to begin with. I really wish the world-building was more clear, but there's too many blanks left by the end for me.
Poe stories I noticed referenced: Masque of the Red Death and The Black Cat, but that's all.
I listened to the audiobook, and Stefanie Kay does a great job with the narration. I found her male characters a bit overacted, but I expect most will enjoy her performance overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC!

3.5 stars ✨

Beyond Those Gilded Walls offers an intriguing mix of historical fiction and personal drama, set against a richly described backdrop of societal constraints and personal ambition. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is engaging, and Taylor does a commendable job building the world and portraying the high stakes and tension.

However, the pacing occasionally falters. While the book delivers emotional depth and strong character growth, it doesn't always hit the mark in terms of momentum. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, and I found the family dynamics fascinating, and heartbreaking.

Beyond Those Gilded Walls is a gothic fantasy romance filled with rare magic, dark secrets, and treacherous alliances. While the premise held great promise, I found the execution fell short in several areas.

Let’s start with the good: the narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Their voice made the world of Veressia feel vivid and atmospheric, adding depth to the story. I also found the concept of tattoo magic intriguing - this was one of the book’s most unique and compelling elements. Unfortunately, the magic system as a whole lacked clarity and depth, leaving me with more questions than answers.

The biggest challenge for me was our FMC Odyssa. While her devotion to her family was admirable, her constant self-pitying internal monologue became repetitive and frustrating. Additionally, her relationship with her brothers felt entirely one-sided. They were portrayed as cruel and unsupportive, yet she was willing to sacrifice everything for them. This dynamic felt unbelievable and made it hard to root for her.

I also felt as thought the romance was rushed. The chemistry between the main characters had potential, but it needed more time and development to feel truly impactful. I also struggled with Odyssa’s inconsistency - her thoughts and actions often contradicted each other, which made it difficult to connect with her journey.

This book wasn't my thing. The story felt ametuerish, the characters' relationship did not make sense to me, and neither did the resolution. I prefer to only have positive content on my platform, so I won't be posting a public review.

Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape for the ALC

I think I may have enjoyed this one more if I had read it rather than listened to it. I found the narrator a bit whiny (character flaw or narrator?) and inconsistent with their cadence/emotions.
The story itself....meh. I was hooked, but the writing was a bit cliché and I almost started a drinking game for how many times they used the word "gilded" to describe things. I would have liked it to go into more detail about the Gods and magic rather than focus on the petty chit chat of the palace people. But my real beef is with how much she wanted to be accepted by her brothers, that made me cringe, actually makes me angry when I think about it.
Also, adding the end with the Beyond and her grandfather seemed kind of unnecessary seeing as it's a standalone (as far as I can tell online). I get the wanting her to find her own version of family, but she could've had that with he girls she worked with or something. Idk it could have finished after finding the note from her brother and been tied up.

2.5*

Beyond Those Gilded Walls - Author Jessica S. Taylor, Narrated by Stefanie Kay
A Standalone Unabridged Audiobook - Duration 11 Hours, 42 Minutes
Pub Date: Dec 31, 2024 by Dreamscape Media
Genres: New Adult, Dark Gothic Paranormal Romantasy

In a kingdom drowning in death from the plaque ripping through the kingdom, on her deathbed Odyssa's mother told her she had to care for younger brothers and keep them safe. The cost, however, will take her away from them forever.

The kingdom of Veressia and its subjects had been left to their own devices when the deadly plague ripped through it, as the prince closed the castle to his people, not caring who lived or died.

Due to a lack of money, Odyssa's job was insufficient to pay the household bills alone now that her mother was no longer alive to help with the upkeep and put food on the table for herself and her brothers. Blamed by her brothers for her mother’s death, Odyssa cannot succeed at honoring her mother’s dying wish only relying on the little money she brings, and her entitled eldest younger brother refuses to get a job to contribute to the finances to help support the family.

Desperate to keep her youngest brother safe, Odyssa inquired about the job her brother saw at the local tavern to work at the castle stating it paid enough to cover the necessary upkeep for the home and food for him and their youngest brother. Used to the shame and disrespect she always got from them, she agreed to inquire about the position. The castle is barricaded, not allowing anyone in or out, but she was hired as a servant to the prince's nightly extravagant parties and allowed entrance.

She planned to find the cure that was rumored the prince had, kill him, and escape back to her brothers to give them the cure since her youngest brother was ill with the plague and her other brother would likely be next.

Odyssa is faced with strange and frightening things at the castle and attracts the attention of the prince’s most trusted advisor Tallon. She is torn between his affections and worries about his duties and fealty to the prince. Her most constant comfort comes from a soulshade cat (ghost) who rarely leaves her side. The other soulshades in the castle seem to want her dead like them.

As forbidden passions begin with Odessa and Tallon, she agrees to a tentative alliance that is turned into something more. Dark secrets are revealed, and Odyssa is forced to choose between following her heart or sacrificing it to save herself.

"Once I have you Odyssa, I will never let you go. Eadric and this castle be damned, you are mine now."

In this book you will find:

🔹Rare Shadow Magic
🔹Forbidden romance
🔹Spice
🔹Dark Gothic vibes
🔹Dangerous Ghosts
🔹Prince of Nothing
🔹Pet ghost cat
🔹Gluttonous Nobles
🔹Deadly dreams
🔹Masquerade balls
🔹Sentient Castle
🔹Violence and murder
🔹Blood and gore
🔹Pandemic/plague
🔹Familial death
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Poe Inspired
🔹Deadly Bargain

This story was interesting and moved along fluidly. It has mystery, intrigue, a slow burn to spicy romance, and a constant danger for the firey FMC. It was different from most fantasy books I've read and not predictable, keeping my interest in discovering how it unfolds. I don't read many standalone fantasy books since I like to be fully immersed in the world and have the story stretch out in a series to have a full circle ending, however, this book didn't need to be long to satisfy that need I typically have for the genre.

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really really enjoyed this book! It felt like the perfect little gothic romantasy. The internal battle Odyssa was dealing with was relatable and real. Tallon was the perfect amount of broody and suave. The spice was spicy and not cringey. The narrator was fabulous. The storyline was chefs kiss.

Jessica S. Taylor's Beyond Those Gilded Walls is an enthralling blend of mystery and romance that kept me riveted from start to finish. The audiobook format elevates this experience even further, bringing the lush settings and nuanced characters vividly to life.

The narrator does a phenomenal job capturing the tone and atmosphere of the story, immersing the listener in every twist and turn of Taylor's masterful prose. Each character's voice feels distinct, and the emotional depth conveyed through the narration adds an extra layer of connection to the story.

The plot itself is expertly woven, with a perfect balance of suspense and heartfelt moments. Taylor's ability to transport readers (and listeners) to a world of secrets hidden behind opulent facades is unparalleled. The richly detailed descriptions made me feel as though I were walking the gilded halls myself, and the unraveling mystery kept me guessing until the very end.

Beyond Those Gilded Walls delivers on every front. I highly recommend the audiobook for anyone seeking an immersive and unforgettable listening experience.

A decent book.

The narrator does a good job.

I did find the first 20% quite slow and hard to get into.

Parts of the plot are very similar to other books I’ve read in this genre.

The twist was well done.

My main issue is I found the FMC quite annoying and self pitying. I know the situation drives the plot but the fact her family are horrible and hate her yet she’s trying to save them irked me.

Beyond those gilded walls is a mesmerizing gothic romantasy that draws readers into a dark and haunting world of shadow magic, forbidden love, and deadly secrets. At the heart of the story is Odyssa Duhiva, a resilient heroine who risks everything to infiltrate a castle shrouded in corruption and mystery to save her family.

The narration by Stefanie Kay elevates the experience, immersing listeners with her ability to bring both the eerie atmosphere of the haunted castle and the emotional depth of the characters to life. Her voice lends a compelling richness to Odyssa’s inner struggles and determination, while also capturing the enigmatic allure of the masked male lead and the sinister undertones of the castle’s dark magic. Kay’s pacing and delivery perfectly complement the slow-burn romance and intensifying stakes, making the audiobook an especially gripping way to experience the story.

For fans of gothic romantasy, "Beyond Those Gilded Walls" delivers a tale of familial sacrifice, moral complexity, and shadowy passion, all brought vividly to life by a skilled narrator who enhances the immersive and atmospheric storytelling. If you love dark magic, mysterious castles, and a narrator who truly draws you into the story, this audiobook is a must-listen.

I was excited to read Beyond Those Gilded Walls because I am, admittedly, a huge gothic romance-loving girl (give me all the spooky, eerie, atmospheric vibes, please and thanks), and boy, oh boy, do I have thoughts.

First off, Odessa’s family is HORRIBLE—like, truly, irredeemably, unbearably Awful. They were so terrible that it was almost comical, like cartoon villains or something. Usually, I prefer my villains to have a bit more nuance, but that being said, hating them contributes to the plot and was necessary to push the story forward. (But, damn, I never knew I could hate a child so much.)

Although this story was inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, I also feel like it will be a huge hit with readers who enjoyed Phantasma (one of my personal favorite reads of 2024). This novel has a very similar vibe while still remaining unique and original.

Overall, if you love gothic romance with a bit of body horror and an MMC who is completely down bad for the lady in his life, chances are you’re going to want to check out Beyond Those Gilded Walls.

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 is a little slow and frustrating due to 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.

Unfortunately this fell very flat for me. Not a whole lot actually happens in the book and the characters are extremely one dimensional. A lot of showing and not a lot of telling. The twist near the end of the book wasn’t very satisfying and because I had no emotional attachment to the characters (even 75% of the way into the book), I didn’t care about the implications of the twist for the characters.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me at 30%. I had a really hard time following why the FMC, Odyssa, would work so hard and put herself through hell to keep her brothers, who treated her like absolute garbage, afloat. The constant self-flagellation from Odyssa as well really started to just get to me and I didn't see her really start to stand up for herself or develop the sense of self-worth that she deserved. Thank you very much to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy.

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.

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! I finished this in pretty much a day i was hooked. The narration and production was amazing. I love fantasy but I don't think I've read a dark gothic fantasy like this before?! I was enthralled with the story.

I absolutely devoured this book. It was so captivating. There weren’t any points where it was dragging or slow, it started full speed and kept it going through the end and I ate it up. I didn’t know I could love Jessica more but I absolutely do!

Thank you for NetGalley for this Audio ARC.

This story follows Odyssa whose kingdom has been plagued by a blood sickness. Her mother has already succumbed to the sickness and in order to save her family she goes to work in the barricaded castle.

Within the Castle walks the cruel Prince holds extravagant parties every night and ignores the pleas of his dying kingdom. Odyssa soon attracts the attention of mysterious masked man Tallon.

Trapped in the castle there is a darkness that seems drawn to Odyssa and she is eager to find a cure for the sickness and find out the truth. This story was full of dark , gothic vibes with a haunted castle and mysteries.

Really enjoyed the narrator.

Odessa survived a plague that’s been killing people in the kingdom including her mother. Soon after she gets a job at the palace to help support her brothers as promised to her dying mother. While working as a servant in the place, she discovers a disturbing connection between the bloody plague and the prince.

Overall the story fell a little flat. The insta love story with Tallon was okay but very forgettable. The book has some spice but not a huge amount (2/5). The story got very repetitive and I really struggled to build a picture of the palace or the characters in my head as the descriptions were not detailed and well written.

If you are looking for a gothic story with some romance, it could be interesting for you. I don’t know if it will be a series but the end is open to it so let’s see!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for a honest review.