A review by crookeddustjacket
Beyond Those Gilded Walls by Jessica S. Taylor

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC.

Beyond Those Guilded Walls is a deliciously gothic and intricately woven tale about sacrifice and finding the love you deserve. 

As a surviving townspeople of the blood plague, Odyssa (FMC) is saddled with guilt and magical ability stemming from the mysterious and brutal disease. In an attempt to support her family following her mother's death, she takes a servant job in the castle of the Coward King and is thrust into the opulent lives of his courtiers, who remain separated from the outside world. Each night, Odyssa must navigate the sumptuous masquerade balls to find information about the king and his elusive cure.

The writing is poetic and creepy, bringing the atmosphere of Veressia and the castle to life. I really enjoyed Odyssa as a character - she was strong even when she felt like she was inadequate and continued to fight for her (frankly horrible) family. Odyssa had not had a single person treat her as an equal or offer her unconditional love and affection, and had to fight tooth and claw for everything, making it easy to root for her.

Especially through the interactions and relationship she develops with Tallon, who is so sweet and supportive. The slow burn between these two was *chef's kiss*.

Also, the little bit at the end when Kalyx cures Odyssa's lingering effects of the plague, and she says that she doesn’t want to change and that she had accepted herself scars and all, was so heartwarming.

Recommend if you love:

🖤Forced proximity 

🖤Masquerade balls
🖤Mysterious love interests 

🖤Spooky shadow cat

🖤Ghosts/spirits 

🖤Plagues and death magic 

🖤Feminine rage