So, I was excited going into this book because it said gothic on it, and I’m into pretty much anything gothic. And boy, did I get gothic! I also got a mix of fantasy elements that I love so much. And Death. Death was great as well. In some ways the atmosphere — something — about the book reminded me of Sorcery of Thorns, one of my all time favorite books. As well as Down Comes the Night. The combination in this book was just so well done. I was living for it. It is going to be a must re-read this fall when it's spooky season. (I promise, you won't be disappointed!)

Grace’s writing has only improved since her debut series, and I was gripped by it in this book. It was great before, and it is even better now. While the themes are different and styles are different, she does both very well! I found it easy to read and very addicting. I kept wanting to hug Signa. I loved her so much in this book. I adored her story — I felt connected with her even though she experienced things I hadn’t. And that is Grace's talent, she can make you connect with a character even if it isn't something you have experience. You feel empathy with them.

Also, the prologue was amazing . One of the best prologues that I have ever read to be honest. And I mean…the prologue was something else. What a way to get you into a book and keep you reading! Hook, line and sinker!

This book was a slow burn in many ways; the romance, the plot, the world building, but it was beautifully done. I was obsessed with the idea of this glittering world, of “witches” of the personification of Death.

The romance in this book was much like Grace’s previous, it was slow and twisting; I rather enjoyed those aspects of it. Then you had the complicated factor of the mystery. Honestly, the mystery and ghosts were some of the best parts of this book. It incorporated well into the book, and it gave the book more body. And I love a gothic mystery that incorporates paranormal elements. I'm a sucker for it, and Grace had all of that.

And I loved the plot. I kept flipping pages because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! Suffice to say, I LOVED this book. What was also nice was the MC was 19! An older YA character! Hurray! This book literally checked all the boxes I could ask for. And I am addicted. ADDICTED I TELL YOU.

I need to get my hands on the sequel because HOLY HECK I can’t wait to see what happens next! This is definitely going to be one of my favorite books of the year. I already have THREE editions ordered.

Another intoxicating read by Adalyn Grace! I loved the romance! This book has everything, romance, magic and a murder mystery! I plan on reading the next book in the series!.

4 stars

Belladonna initially drew me in with its insanely stunning cover and its immensely intriguing premise. I mean, a girl who can't die having to solve a mystery alongside Death? It's a gothic dream come true! Now that I have finished it, I am happy to report that Belladonna definitely hit the mark for me.

The book's greatest strength is definitely its protagonist, Sigma Farrow, who is an deliciously contradictory character. On the one hand, she wants nothing more than to be free of Death and yet, she revels in the power that she has over it. While the mystery at the heart of the story was certainly interesting, it is Sigma's journey throughout the book that really propelled the narrative forward for me.

That being said, I would have loved a little more time spent on establishing the setting. The beginning of the book read to me almost like a fantasy world, so it came as a bit of a shock to me when I realized we were just in the Victorian era. Really committing to that period would have further enriched Sigma as a character and her growth as she discovers that she doesn't necessarily want what society at large is offering.

All in all, I am so glad that I picked up Belladonna and I am anxiously awaiting the day when ARCS of the second book in this duology are released!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This is easily one of my favourite reads of the year!

Belladonna is a gothic murder mystery, in which the main character Signa has been followed by death her whole life. After her parents died when she was an infant, Signa was passed around to various (pretty crappy) relatives but each seemed to meet an untimely death. Not only that - but Signa can see death himself come to collect their souls. She blames him for her misfortune and just wants to be left alone but when Signa moves into the Hawthorne Manor and realizes her cousins mystery sickness is actually that she's being poisoned, and that her mother who died of the same affliction must have been murdered, Signa must work with death to solve the mystery.

This book was perfection. I never knew I needed a gothic paranormal murder mystery but now that I've read it, I will be thinking about this book none stop until the sequel comes out in 2023. This book kept me on my toes and I never knew what was going to happen next.

BIG BIG thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It would have been a travesty if I never discovered and got the privilege of reading this book. It's THAT good!!

I didn't have any expectations going into this, but I ended up enjoying it. Grace's writing was atmospheric and gave off an eerie, Gothic vibe that I loved. I also really liked her characters. Signa was so interesting with these strange powers. I wish we learned a little bit more about her background because I wanted to know how she came to be with them, but I'm intrigued to see how they'll grow from here. I also liked her relationship with Death. It was teasing yet protective at the same time. They bickered constantly, but you could tell that underneath it all, they both truly cared for one another. I did see the twist of Death's identity coming from a mile away, so it wasn't as shocking when it was revealed. There were also little clues about the plot twist I was able to suss out as well, but I still liked how Grace wrapped everything up. While the pacing was too slow for me at times, and I think this would've worked well as just a stand-alone, I'm excited to read the next one.

I went in with high hopes because I love a gothic setting and add a girl who sees Death? I'm there. The prologue for this book was also fantastic. Moody, atmospheric, and just the right amount of melodramatic.

So why is my rating not higher for this book? Well, unfortunately after about 15% of the book, I feel like the original direction of the book was lost. I had absolutely no idea where it was headed, and unfortunately, that really showed in the story, which felt somewhat loosely cobbled together. from various tropes and images. I couldn't quite put my finger on

Belladonna is a gothic mystery, wherein Signa attempts to use her burgeoning connection to a personified Death. I love the Death and maiden trope, and I will probably read way too many Hades/Persephone retellings in my lifetime, so I was perfectly primed to like this book.

However, I'm not sure this book knew what it wanted to be. It doesn't quite go all in on the mystery aspect, nor does it fully embrace the romantic time period element. Nor does it fully embrace the gothic atmosphere. Instead it does a smattering of all three, and as a result, I think it never quite nails any of the three.

The romantic situations in the book also felt a bit odd. I kind of figured this book would have a heavy romantic focus, but it lacks the build up or foundational elements of a romance, so when the romantic situations occur, it honestly feels a bit off-putting.

I think if you enjoy a light gothic atmosphere and some mystery solving, then you will enjoy this book.

This is my first book from Adalyn but it's definitely not going to be my last. First of all I absolutely love anything set in Autumn/Winter. Belladonna absolutely catches the entire season vibes! Second, Death! I mean come on?! How could it not be absolutely fantastic? Seriously though Adalyn did such an amazing job with the relationships with Signa and each individual character. You definitely feel the hate Signa had for Death and how it slowly changed throughout the story. The way all the relationships grow and change and how all the characters slowly start to develop and change is just phenomenal.

From the start this book had me enthralled. The mysteries and questions kept slowly unraveling the entire story. Then you're hit with not one but TWO twists! Both took me totally by surprise. At one point my jaw dropped and just hung open. I finished the second half of this book well after my bedtime because I just could not stop reading. I HAD to find out what happened!

All of the characters are really well developed with out it being so overly descriptive that it's repetitive. I felt like I could have connected with anyone of the characters written about. Thaddeus is one of the smaller characters that's only brought in for a short time but the way he's described and how his personality shows through with the dialogue is so great! He's one of my favorite characters in the whole story. If you're an avid reader once he's brought up you'll understand why!

My only complaint is I wish the spicy scenes had been just a bit more. They were a bit vague but maybe that's just because I really wasn't expecting any spicy scenes in here and what I usually read in that area is 🌶️🌶️🌶️ The book is great without them but for me those scenes could have been fade to black or more detailed.

I'm actually devastated that I have to wait so long for the second one! I've been in a bit of a slump lately and this book absolutely did it for me. If you like paranormal, mystery types I definitely recommend this book. It's really everything I didn't know I needed. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the second book takes Signa, her family, and Death.

A huge thank you to Netgalley for the digital ARC I reviewed

On paper, Belladonna sounds like a book I would enjoy. It has many elements I love: a murder mystery set in a gothic manor, ghosts, romance, and Death as one of the main characters. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up to my expectations. Belladonna has a descriptive writing style that some people would love, but I found that it came at the expense of the action and character development. I struggled to stay invested in the story and care for the characters. I realized that this author's writing style doesn't work for me. According to Goodreads, I read her debut novel, and for the life of me, I don't remember what that book was about. I gave her debut three stars too.

Belladonna is tinged with poison, dripping in gothic splendor. It’s a book that revels in painstakingly revealing its layers, twisting around haunted ghosts and abandoned gardens and manors full of secrets. Our main character Signa is unapologetically herself, and every character in this novel feels as if they were crafted from the Victorian era (in the best way possible). So of course, I adored this.

This book truly has so many of my favorite things. We have a gothic manor, ghosts, Death, a murder mystery, a female character who simultaneously enjoys dressing up while not fitting in…the list goes on and on. And somehow, Adalyn Grace pulled off every single trope with such ease that I can’t believe she wrote a pirate duology before (although that is certainly on my TBR now).

THERE’S LITERALLY TOO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT.

I have so many notes that aren’t actually notes and just me highlighting because of emotions I guess. Anyways, from the start of this book, I really loved Signa. She’s not afraid to be feminine and loves feminine things while still wanting to be free from the constraints of society.

Also, the plot??? I had whiplash??? There are so many twists and turns to this story, I never knew what to expect next. Like how did Adalyn Grace write this incredibly atmospheric paranormal story and somehow stack a mystery with twists that I didn’t predict on top of it? This is just such a well-plotted story that is paced immaculately. I guessed nothing and was absolutely blindsided by that cliffhanger of an ending. I cannot stress enough how good of a YA fantasy this book actually is. It truly breathed new life into the genre for me.

And if that’s not praise enough, can we just mention the characters??? Each and every one of them felt fleshed-out and purposeful. I mean, Signa’s cousin Percy might have given me slight Mr. Bingley vibes and Lord Everett definitely got the short end of the stick but that’s okay. Even the ghosts were fun characters.

If you read this book, you’ll know that one of the love interests is Death incarnate. And yeah, while I thought it was a little weird that Death knew Signa as a baby and then became a love interest later on…nevermind, it’s just weird. There’s definitely a reason for it, and I mean, this is a gothic story after all so I wasn’t overly bothered by it. It’s just something that’s weird to remember.

On that note, I thought that the romance was fine? I don’t know, I was hoping for a good slowburn full of angst and pining and this wasn’t really that. It’s definitely well-written, but my expectations were just a tad bit different from what this book is actually about (which is okay!) Also, I think that the family relationships and friendships are just so entertaining and well-done that I almost preferred them to the romance. Anyways, I really liked the ending of the book with regards to the romance, I just wished that the actual journey there had been a little different!

To the Victorians, belladonna symbolized silence, falsehoods, and death. To me, it symbolizes a new favorite book of the year!

I loved this authors other two books but I liked this one more. I just liked the vibe, it had some horror aspects that surprised me but I loved it! I also liked her death powers and the poison. The twists with the murder were really good and I did not see them coming. I expected more with Death and her from what I'd heard from others, I think there could've been more done there but it was also pleasantly a little spicy! I think this is more for the older side of YA. Felt like a fast read to me I really enjoyed it.

This book had so many of the themes I loved, all wrapped into one pretty well thought out book. There was the central story- a mystery, or “ who dunnit” but also many other little mysteries and reveals that made it so enjoyable. The romance was magical and well planned out- the romantic scenes were sweet but sultry without being overdone and staying firmly in the YA genre. And of course I love a good fantasy book too. It’s hard to put this book into one category and I love it. The mysteries weren’t super predictable - some I guessed but not too early on, and some that really surprised me. The MC was easy to root for and so was the romance. Although the mysteries were mostly wrapped up there seems to be a set up for another book that I would definitely read. This is my first from this author and she did not disappoint.

Signa was orphaned from a young age and passed from guardian to guardian, each of them meeting a quick death. But Signa herself cannot die, and she hates Death for the chaos he has brought to her life. When her only remaining relatives take her in, Signa realizes that she may need Death's help. Her young cousin is being poisoned, and it is up to Signa to save her. I loved this fantasy and the mystery that went along with it! The characterization of Death was so intriguing, and I loved Signa's growing relationship with Death. The mystery also kept me intrigued! I spent the entire book trying to guess who the murderer was and was still surprised by the reveal. It also set up the next book perfectly, and I cannot wait for Foxglove to come out next year! (I love the poisonous book titles!) If you like mysterious fantasy books, you will love this book!

A fun new twist on the historical fantasy genre; Signa's combination of self-confidence and self-doubt made her a very relatable protagonist, even if most of us don't have uncanny powers, or find ourselves with Death Incarnate for a love interest.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the premise and it was super unique.

We have a girl who can’t die, who definitely is not like other girls, really wants to be like over girls, but eventually chooses to peruse being herself without shaming the other women that want to be apart of the “societal standards”. That little subtly was so refreshing since I’ve been so tired of the “not like other girls” trope that tends to bash girls who are “like other girls.”

I will say I was caught off guard with the Death to Signa romance (sounds like health insurance). The intimate moments they had also threw me off since I didn’t have a depiction for death that wasn’t just a cliche reaper looking skeleton.

The twist of the murderer was not one I was expecting and I did successfully get fooled. However, the twist of Sylas was one that I kinda saw coming pretty early on.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am excited for the sequel.

You know a book is good when you feel it in your chest. When your heart pounds and you can't stop turning the page. Belladonna truly has it all: romance! a good mystery! a gothic setting! a found family! real stakes and real conversations about life and Death and society and what it expects from women. I know this book has been described as Bridgeton meets Knives Out but I would also add "crossed with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" which is the highest compliment I can give. I already can't wait for the next book.
I will say there is one twist at the end that I didn't really enjoy, I didn't think it was much of a twist more like a "huh, okay" moment that I felt was slightly rushed, but it didn't ruin any of my enjoyment of the story.
Because this is now the second book I've read where a character falls in love with a much older man who has watched her since birth, I feel like I must mention that aspect of the romance. Belladonna does a good job balancing the relationship between Signa and Death, but there is still the fact that he knew he since she was born, watched her grow up, and is ancient and immortal. However, he does not seem to have unduly influenced her during her youth, only stepping in to protect her which is why their relationship didn't bother me as much. Plus, Signa enters it as a willing participant.
TLDL I love this book and I'm going to be yelling about how everyone should read it when it comes out.

A very atmospheric and well-written novel. I've been hearing about this book for years (and it's still not out yet), so I was excited to get an advanced copy. Overall, I enjoyed it! I did stop reading it for a couple days about halfway through, mostly because the murder mystery plot was kinda boring me (personal preference). But I'm glad I stuck with it. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I loved ATSAT and ATTAF, so I wanted to read BELLADONNA, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. It had a mystery vibe and Death as a character.

Being hesitant that this might not be the book for me, didn’t stop me.

I am so glad I read this book. I was super busy and often annoyed that I was while reading. Before reading, I wondered if I’d be able to relate to Signa as a character. As I got to know her though, the way she wanted to find a family and where she belonged was heartwarming. Once she fit into her cousin's home, she not only found her footing but was also protective and loyal to them.

Then that romance with Death. Holy Moly! I think I look at the afterlife a little differently and have a new respect for a reaper. How is that even possible?

I love a good gothic romance, but honestly, my favorite character was a ghost in the library.

A few side notes-
• I love a good gothic romance, but my favorite character was a ghost in the library.
• It’s hard to throw plot twists at me I don’t expect, but Adalyn succeeded in doing it!
• I preordered the UK edition because that cover is breathtaking!

Thank you to NetGalley, Little Brown, and Adalyn Grace for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

I loved this book! Such an amazing world and writing style that really brings you into the story! I’m not going to spoil anything (cause I don’t like spoilers before I read a book) but what I will say is that the book had some unexpected twists and turns. I didn’t see everything coming and I loved that! Cant wait for the next book!!

ARC provided

Warning: Some people find age gaps concerning. In this book and a character has existed for a very long time and meets the MC when she is a baby, multiple times through her childhood and then as an adult. This character does become a love interest when the MC is an adult.

This is Adalyn Grace’s best book yet. If she excels in any area it is creating atmosphere. From the language to the descriptions, this was the perfect setting to get sucked into. Some of the plot twists were predictable, but I enjoyed the storyline throughout. There were moments in the book that felt a bit slow and purposeless, but seeing as the epilogue teases at a second book I’m hopefully this book was merely setting the stage.

4/5 stars ⭐️

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Signa Farrow has been plagued by Death since she was a baby, when her parents, and all guests at their party were poisoned and killed, leaving Signa as an orphan. Since that tragic day Signa has been shuffled through different relatives, each of which has met an untimely death. At 19, she is taken in by her uncle Elijah Hawthorne and moved to his estate, Thorn Grove. Once there she soon discovers that the restless spirit of Elijah’s late wife is haunting the premises, and her cousin is deathly ill from a mysterious malady. Signa enlists the help of Sylas, a mysterious stable hand, along with Death himself, to help her solve the mysteries plaguing the Hawthornes and Thorn Grove.

I quite enjoyed this book! I loved the gothic, atmospheric vibe. But while being moody it also had a lot of heart. Signa was a fantastic main character. She’s headstrong and determined, and will do anything it takes to protect her family. She has significant trauma in her past which definitely colors how she handles certain situations, and how she reacts to the things that are happening at Thorn Grove. Death, as a character, is so intriguing and mysterious. He’s charming in a way that you’re not sure if he’s to be trusted, or if he has nefarious motives for offering his assistance. I would like to say I saw the twist coming, because I’m normally pretty good at figuring out that sort of thing, but I did not! I loved it! Overall, I had so much fun with this book, and can’t wait to read the sequel when it releases next year!

4/5 Stars ⭐️