Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown for the eARC of Belladonna.

Adalyn Grace does a fantastic job of combining the gothic genre with fantasy. She creates this story that pulls you in and keeps you invested till the end.

Signa is a heroine who has lived a sheltered life, away from most of the society she was born into. She starts as a naive young woman and throughout the book she becomes a woman who stands up for herself and learns who she is. I loved reading about Signa’s journey throughout the book.

In the last few chapters, it dropped off a bit. It felt rushed and like the writing changed a bit. But it was still fantastic and with the way it ended- I’m so excited for the next book!

Overall, this book was absolutely fantastic and I would absolutely recommend it to those who love the gothic, mysteries, and fantasy!

This book really grabbed my attention and immediately made me want to know more about Signa and her odd relationship with death. Orphaned when she was just a baby she has lived an isolated life filled for the most part with family members who just want her money. Leaving her to her own devices she grows up thinking she isn’t normal, which makes her covet a life of the ton. Fancy parties, dresses, and a gentleman to love her and take away all her problems.

For a small part of the book Signa is almost annoying in her convictions to be normal. Trying to constantly ignore the spirits she runs into and make her relationship with death this awful terrible burden. I am happy to say her attitude doesn’t last long and she starts to change as she investigates the mysteries of Thorn Grove.

The mystery itself had me guessing constantly and always wondering who did it and why! As she continues to investigate the estate she also gets closer to death and their relationship is so sweet. It reminded me of Callie and Desmond from Rhapsodic. A lot of misunderstanding but a truer love than either could ever imagine!

This book isn’t smutty, which is okay the slow burn build up was great and there is a single segg scene tastefully done and still sensual. It is open door but not explicit.

The ending sets up for another book, which I am interested to see what that one will be about! Either way it’s about to go down! Whatever happens I am excited to see more of Death and Signa’s relationship!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶🌶/5

I enjoyed the murder mystery a lot. All the spooky/gothic vibes were well done. Loved the twist at the end. Can't wait to read book 2.

A restless spirit, mysterious illness, family estate, and Death helping solve the mystery? This checked so many boxes for me.

I love a gothic atmosphere, and it absolutely dripped from the pages throughout this book. I’m also a fan of the 1850s time period. Signa hasn’t had an easy upbringing. Orphaned as an infant, she’s passed around to several guardians, most of them caring more about the allowance that comes along with her than Signa herself. When she’s taken in by the Hawthornes, distant cousins, her dreams of a stable home and the opportunity to be introduced into society are finally coming true. But there’s something she’s never told anyone – she can communicate with spirits. When the ghost of recently deceased Mrs. Hawthorne requests her help, and maybe not in such a nice way, Signa finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Time is of the essence because the family’s daughter seems to be suffering from the same illness that killed her mother.

I haven’t come across too many novels featuring Death as a character, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about him at first. He escorts people to the other side, so that can’t be good, right? My perception of him gradually changed throughout the story as I came to understand exactly what he does, and it’s actually kind of beautiful. He and Signa share an unusual bond I won’t spoil. She’s still unsure of exactly where she belongs, but her journey to understanding is wondrous. Signa makes some reckless decisions, but she’s persistent, and I enjoyed watching them solve the mystery. I had part of it figured out, but the final reveal was a shocker. Didn’t see that one coming.

I’d originally believed this to be a standalone, but was thrilled to see another book is coming. If you’re a fan of atmospheric, gothic mysteries interlaced with a bit of romance and magic, you can’t go wrong with Belladonna.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“It began with the cry of a baby”

This definitely sets the tone for the story as it is the opening line of the book. What could happen with just the cry of a baby? Who will she be? What things will she do? Wondrous, dark things.

“ ‘Do you believe in ghosts, Mr. Thorly?’
‘Don’t take me for a fool, Miss Farrow. In a place like Thorn Grove, how could I not?’ ”

I definitely think there are spirits still lingering in this world around us that we can’t see. Both loved ones protecting & helping to guide us and other spirits malicious in their intent to harm us.

“...’I’ve never seen you so demure, and so sickeningly stifled.’...
‘And what does that matter to you?’...
‘It matters because you're better than that. You were not made to be meek and wanting…’ ”

Signa has grown up alone & shunned so all she has ever wanted was to fit in. When she is finally given that chance to socialize with other ladies her age, she hides all that she finds fault in her personality, but there is one person who hates seeing her this way, knows that she will never fit in and why should she?

“...I’ve spent the entirety of my existence waiting for you.”

I think we all want someone who shares with us this one small, but powerful line. That we were destined for one person, who is the other half of us. The missing piece to our puzzle in this harsh, dark thing we call our existence.

“But she understood now why Death had done all that he did. Understood why he’d given people an early end, all because he’d been selfish. All because he wanted to protect her. “

Signa finally realizes who she is, who she wants to be, and who she will become. She is someone willing to sacrifice the world for those she cares for. She is strong-willed and strong-minded. She is dark, she can interact with forces beyond the mortal plane. She is not an abomination, she is exactly who she is supposed to be.

The first half was a bit slower but I enjoyed the story as a whole. I really enjoyed the mystery associated with the Hawthorne family as well as the overarching mystery of figuring out Signa's true identity and why she can be so close to Death, unaffected by his magic. The relationship between her and Death took a bit for me to buy in to, however. I loved Sylas. Also, the masquerade scene......!!! Great set up to become a series and I'm really excited for Foxglove!

My one gripe was the endless references to puzzles....I get that it's a mystery but WOW, I was so tired about all the various "puzzle pieces" referenced throughout the book...WE GET IT!!! Is there no other analogy that can be thrown in there???

Belladonna is a YA atmospheric fantasy with Victorian gothic overtones, perfect for autumn.

You'll find:

• Lethal poisons: It is said that consuming 5 Belladonnas could kill a person.

• Strange Deaths: All of Signa's guardians have died under unusual circumstances.

• Mystery: Signa's aunt died of a strange disease and now her daughter has the same symptoms.
•
Death as a character.

Signa was a baby when she was orphaned, she has grown up with different guardians who are only interested in her money, she feels lonely, and longs for an emotional connection with someone, except Death, for some reason she can see him every time someone dies.

Now Signa is 19 years old, she receives a letter from the Hawthornes, some distant relatives. Arriving at Thorn Grove, she will find a self-destructive uncle, a taciturn cousin, and a dying cousin, just by seeing her, Signa realizes that she is being poisoned, so she decides to investigate and save her cousin's life.

I enjoy the atmosphere, the mystery, the Victorian manor, and the family secrets. I also liked the development of Signa and her acceptance of her powers, because besides seeing Death, she can't die and sees ghosts.
For fans of romance, you find it in Belladonna, although I preferred the setting, the mystery, the subtle presence of magic, the connection, and family reunion over romance, those who like Kerry Maniscalco or Leigh Bardugo-style romance will enjoy this too.

Belladonna is the first book in a series, but I think it could be read as a standalone, the main mystery is solved, and the last chapter ends with an open ending, which I would not properly call a cliffhanger, but the beginning of the next adventure.

Thank you TBR Beyond Tours the free copy, all thoughts are my own

I really liked this book! I’ve seen from Adalyn that it’s a combination of Bridgerton and Knives Out and I totally agree. Signa was an excellent main character and it was so amazing to watch her come into her own. Death was unexpected (in a good way) and the slow burn was *chefs kiss*. I really loved the mystery aspect of this book and felt it was handled really well, it had me guessing until the last second! And the plot twists were perfectly places in my opinion. I will definitely be recommending this one!

This YA fantasy was a fun mix of paranormal romance with a gothic murder mystery sublimely woven in to create a rollicking good time. Though I thought it was a bit long, I enjoyed the Death and the Maiden trope immensely and thought the romance was just the right amount of spicy.
I would’ve liked to learn more about Signa’s mother, but maybe that’ll be addressed in the next book? I’ll be interested to see what happens next!

4.5 stars

Belladonna is a gothic, atmospheric, paranormal, mystery YA story.

Signa, a 19-year-old girl, was an orphan since she was a baby. Every single one of her greedy guardians had an unpleasant end, which led her from one place to another without ever feeling like she belonged anywhere. Now, Signa is going to travel to Thorn Grove, a dark, depressing estate, where the Hawthornes live. Everything seems odd in Thorn Grove. Her cousin Percy and her uncle Elijah have an awful relationship, her cousin Blythe has the same strange illness that killed Blythe’s mother, everyone is grieving, there’s a mysterious stable boy and the manor seems haunted… Signa allies with Death, that has been in her life since she was a baby, to uncover the murderer.

This story gripped me from the start and it was so entertaining! I had a lot of fun reading it. I don’t think it’s necessary to know much more about the plot. The story was beautifully written and I was immersed in it. I needed to know what was going on! The characters were fantastic! Signa wanted to belong, to have a family and I loved to follow her journey between figuring out if she wanted a life following society’s parameters or if she was truly meant for more. Her relationships with all of the characters were interesting and added an even more mysterious atmosphere. I had a few theories and I guessed a twist or two, but overall I was surprised by how the story progressed.

Signa’s hate for Death and their relationship was intriguing and so well done. I also loved the way it ended, with a surprise appearance of a character that was mentioned here and there… I’m very curious about the next book. The pacing was a little off sometimes, but my interest in the story never lessened. Some of the story was predictable, but there were also some motivations and developments I didn’t see coming.

Overall, Belladonna was pure enjoyment to me. I loved the characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere, the mysteries, Signa and Death’s relationship, and the stellar writing.

Oh, man. I was NOT prepared for how much I ended up adoring this one.

I read the All the Stars & Teeth duopolgy from Adalyn Grace, and was beyond disappointed by the second book after quite enjoying the first. It made me concerned about what my experience would be with Belladonna. I’m SO happy to be able to say that my fears were not confirmed!

Belladonna has the most atmospheric, unique, intriguing, dark & gritty premise while also consistently infusing a cozy, fall & winter feel. This is the book you want to curl up with next to a crackling fire, drinking apple cider and listening to the rain fall outside your window.

Signa is such a fun & bold character. For her entire life, she has been followed by the death of those around her, while simultaneously carrying the knowledge that she cannot die (without the reason for why). She craves a consistent sense of love and community that she has never had the privilege of finding. She is fearless and compassionate, outspoken and unapologetic as she confronts and explores her own darker sides. I ADORED her.

The murder mystery here had me completely gripped, and it intertwined with he gothic fantasy aspect seamlessly. I had my hunches about what the ending would be, and while some of it I was able to predict, the journey we took to get there was entirely unexpected for me. And the ROMANCE! *swoon*. I wasn’t prepared for how beautifully the romance here would unfold. Its a quite large part of the plot, and it also coincides very naturally with the overall mystery and intrigue. These sides of the story don’t feel like “sub-plots” of each other, but rather one large story that finds a way to give you everything you’re looking for.

I am so incredibly excited for more folks to read this one. It’s perfect for the upcoming season, and I am so happy to see that this author has grown immensely as a writer, and also that she could demonstrate immaculate range with this story when put alongside her debut series.

In summary, we’ve got a dark & gritty gothic fantasy set in an ancient, haunted manor. A gripping murder mystery that tangles with a complex, hidden family history. A female MC with mysterious power that ties her to Death. We’ve got Death himself, who is powerful, frightening, and sexy *eyes emoji,* and so surprisingly deep. We’ve got a romance with a male MC who is genuinely prepared to remake the world for the girl he loves. En epilogue that promises future gothic fantasy mysteries!!! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this.

Thank you to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title before publishing!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /4.5 stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book via TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange for an honest review!

Belladonna is a story about Signa, a girl who can’t die but everyone around her does. When she’s brought to the Nth guardian, she is determined to save them from the person who is trying to kill them.

“It’s said that five belladonna berries are all it takes to kill someone.”

Belladonna has been on my radar for quite a while and I was excited to finally start reading it! I love mysteries and combined with fantasy; I have always enjoyed those stories very much. I have to say, I really enjoyed this mystery! Paired with the whole vibe of this book, it was a big joy to read Belladonna.

The whole book had a mysterious, eerie vibe that fitted so well with the plot and its characters! Thorn Grove manor is a perfect setting for this story. The way the manor is described gives you such a clear picture of its lay-out, world and setting. It made for a very quick read as well, because everything seemed to fit so well. The mystery kept you wanting to read to try and figure out what was happening.

The characters are all very different and interesting. Signa is a character that has a huge personal growth and development, which I really enjoyed reading. While she seemed a bit simple minded at the start, with thoughts that didn’t really seem to fit her or seemed like her own, I was happy to read how she grew into herself. The other characters were just as interesting and really added the layers to this story. All of them were really fleshed out and well developed. Not once did a character seem unnecessary, but all added to the plot little by little.

My favourite character in this book has to be Death. He intrigued me soooo much while reading. I just wanted to learn more about him, as he was so different from what I’d expected. He was sarcastic and funny to read about. Honestly, the further along in the story, the more intriguing he became to me.

The romance was realty well written in this book. I also enjoyed how the romance didn’t take away from the major plot point of trying to solve the mystery. It was complementary to the story. I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle that seemed to be brewing during this book, as I’m not a fan of the trope. Luckily it was solved very well hahaha.

The ending was really fun. I had never thought that the mystery would have that kind of answer. It was fun and unexpected to find those answers. I am curious how certain points or characters will move forward after that ending. I also loved the way to book ended and immediately gave you a sense of what to expect in the sequel.

Overall, I really did enjoy reading this book and I am curious to see what’ll happen to the characters in the sequel and what mystery will be brought along.

4.75 ⭐️

Wow okay, I loved this book so very much! Exceeded all my expectations and now I’m craving more romantic mysteries!!

I’m so impressed by Adalyn Grace’s writing style. I absolutely loved how immersive it was and the way she described the entire setting. And not just that, everything had a vivid description which made me feel like I was right there, experiencing the things Signa did and it was such an amazing experience!

The vibes were IMMACULATE, FLAWLESS, SPECTACULAR, CHEFS KISS! The old Thorn Grove manor shrouded in mystery, it’s occupants with secret histories and motives, the spirits of the dead roaming free, everything had set up a very interesting premise that had me instantly hooked.

Our main character, Signa goes through huge character development and I loved her for it! I mostly loved her but I’d admit that for 50-60% of the story, I found some of the things she did/said/thought a little bit annoying (the reason for deducting 0.25 stars) but that was my personal preference and I don’t think everyone would feel the same way because the (good) changes in her character throughout the book were enough to make me fall in love with her!

I won’t be able to talk about the side characters without giving spoilers but Sylas, Lillian, Marjorie, Percy, Blythe, Elijah, Byron, Charlotte and others were all such interesting and fleshed out characters! I cannot wait to know them even better in the next book! I also loved the fact that we got introduced to so many characters throughout the book but they all had their own purpose for being there and weren’t there just for the sake of it. This made every interaction throughout the book very meaningful.

I think my favourite and the most complex character in Belladonna was of course Death himself. Despite his name, he was total cinnamon roll which surprised but delighted me because it was the exact opposite of what I expected! After the twists in the last few chapters, I’m even more intrigued by him. I have so many questions that I need answers to ASAP so the wait for Foxglove will be a torture.

I don’t have a lot to say about Death and Signa’s romance except that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very curious about what’s going to happen next and how things will work out. I was very scared when I sensed a love triangle brewing because I hate that trope but turns out, I had nothing to worry about because Adalyn Grace handled it so well that in the end, it didn’t even matter.

I also have to mention that this was a very quick read because it was paced so well and the mystery aspect of the book kept me on my toes. I was constantly making new theories and I was right about some but that didn’t diminish the enjoyment but enhanced it because I was so proud of myself for guessing something correctly and got all the more eager to see if I could guess something else correctly too lol.

There were also some Bridgerton vibes which I was already expecting considering it’s pitched as Victorian Bridgerton meets Knives Out which I can’t agree more with!!

All in all, this was a quick and super fun read and it’ll be perfect for the fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and A Forgery of Roses.

I’ll highly recommend this Gothic- infused murder mystery to everyone who love their fantasy books sprinkled with romance and spooky vibes!

A huge thank you to Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I'm a sucker for a good gothic mystery infused with a spooky Victorian atmosphere and this book delivered! A haunted house, a girl who can't seem to die, a personification of Death lurking in the corners, a murder mystery plot, and a lot more steam than I was anticipating all made up for a pretty good time.

My only personal qualm was it felt a bit long, and it felt like the "YA fantasy romance" and "murder mystery" storyline were competing for showtime in the second half of the book. I also didn't realize this was going to be the start of a series, and I'm not sure if I'll continue in the series as I like where this one wrapped up, but I may end up giving it a chance if it sounds interesting.

Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Belladonna held so much promise and the beginning of the book had a lot going for it. The story has a dark atmospheric vibe and I was very much ✨ here for it ✨ Much of the book takes place in a gothic mansion with a protagonist that cannot die who can also see Death. Signa must work alongside Death to solve a murder and track down the killer before he strikes again. Like I said, sounds pretty awesome, right?

And it was, up until a point. After getting past the first quarter of the book, the rest of the story seemed to fall pretty flat and predictable. Nothing surprised me. Nothing gripped me. Nothing kept me engaged and wanting to read on other than the prospect of finally finishing the book. And in all honesty, I'm also not sure why this needed to be a series? It could stand well enough on its own as a standalone. I'm all for a good series but it felt very unnecessary to force this into a series.

Another major issue I had was the romance. It had major ick vibes and I could not get over it once I got to the point that I could see where it was heading. Death is thousands of years old. He says multiple times how he's 'been waiting his entire existence' for Signa...who is only 19. I don't mind the big age gap as long as it is done within reason and written well, but this was not it.

I'm really sad that this disappointed me so much because I adore Adalyn Grace and that cover is one of the prettiest book covers I've seen. Belladonna definitely delivers on the dark gothic Victorian vibes it promises, but the rest of the book fell short.

Dark and sultry with an eerie setting and simmering slow-burn romance, Belladonna is part gothic murder mystery, part paranormal fantasy where our heroine teams up with Death to solve the mysteries that lurk beneath the haunted halls of Thorn Grove manor.

Bewitched by the atmospheric setting, suspenseful plot, and ghostly allure, I instantly was hooked and immersed into this novel. It kept me on the edge of my seat, anticipating what clues or secrets would be unveiled next. I adored the cast of characters, from our main heroine to her adoptive family and the new twisted take on humanizing Death—I fell for them all.

I thought the interpretation of the timeless inspiration, Death and the Maiden, was cleverly woven into the story and added such a beautifully romantic and extra gothic touch to the narrative. I loved how Death becomes so many things to Signa—her nemesis, her mentor, her friend, and so much more! And the powers Signa discovers throughout the book were SO imaginative and just plain cool.

But overall, the build-up to the final act of the novel was *chef’s kiss* brilliant. All the pieces coming together subtly to craft a truly shocking ending was the best part of this story. There were many other things I loved, from the Christmas ball to the earned friendships and relationships to the journey to self-discovery, everything made this book quite a standout for me, and I can’t WAIT for the next one!

Definitely keep this book in mind for the upcoming spooky season! It is the PERFECT haunting read that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is beautifully written, a literary masterpiece! The way the following words build a picture is just fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery and then that plot twist caught me completely off guard! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

I loved this book and found it to be a super unque read and one that a flew though. This read as def higher Ya to me. It also screamed regency romance and brigerton to me with a magic twist. This story had some many gohtic elemetns that captured me from page one. I also loved the death magic element and how that was crafted throuhgout this novel. I also really loved how this book built a found family element it and also was super captured by the mystery at the heart of the read!! I did not predict the ending and so excited for book 2!!

NO BC IT JUST STOPPED THERE??? What is it with these books ending in huge cliffhangers 😭 and to have to wait over a year for the next book?? Too cruel

Beyond spectacular. I have no words for how much i loved this. Gothic infused fantasy romance served well🙏

Signa and Death have my heart and soul <3 the bantering, the tender moments, just how funny and sweet they were to each other- istg i adore them😩

And not only is the romance god tier but the self-discovery AND familial relationships that grew?? Golden. The side characters were so well layered sdfdjkfsk Blythe is a queen just know that.

I guessed one of the big plot twists in the first 50 pages but the other one?? I WAS SO OFF HAHA and here i was being so smug thinking i got it😭✋

ANYWAYS MANIFESTING AN ARC FOR FOXGLOVE BC IM DYING HERE😭 such a masterpiece everyone needs to read belladonna

I have read Adalyn Grace's previous works and I really enjoyed her writing style. She sets the scene and does it in a beautiful way with her descriptions. When I heard that she was coming out with another book and I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. She did it again with the descriptions and the writing style. It isn't over complex and it is very easy to consume but still gives you all the details that you need.

In this story we follow nineteen year old Signa who has been orphaned as a baby and has gone through a few guardians in her short life. She has wealth that she will come into once she turns twenty and it seems that is all people want from her. She is sent to live with her family, the Hawthornes, after her latest guardian dies unexpectedly. Unfortunately, Elijah Hawthorne's wife Lillian has previously died and his daughter is sick with the mysterious illness as well. Lillian's ghost appears at the manor and claims that she was poisoned. Signa realizes that it is up to her to save her cousin and figure out what actually happened to Lillian. Unfortunately she has to deal with Death himself in order to uncover this mystery.

I was gripped in the first half of this book but the second half left me wanting more. I wanted more of the mystery as I felt the book was trying to do too much at one time and it didn't do any of them to the full scale that it could have. This is a series though so I am hoping the second book brings more of the mystery out with the lush descriptions and the setting that was set in this book. Overall I gave this book 3.5 stars out of 5.