I don't rarely feel a book is worth a 5 star rating but this book earned it easily. I was hesitant to read it, not knowing what to expect, because I had attempted to read All the Stars and Teeth twice but it seemed slow and boring, and the writing style left much to be wanted. BUT I feel the author has done a 180 with Belladonna compared to my first impression of AtSaT. This is exactly the kind of story I love! The writing is graceful, the characters are developed in depth, and the plot is well thought out. All of the twists were a surprise to me except the biggest one at the conclusion; I had a hunch and it proved correct. The author executed the precarious balance of life and death with seamless mastery. Adalyn Grace is definitely on my radar now. Thank you to #NetGalley for offering this book in their catalogue. This opinion is my own.

Surprisingly, I didn't put two and two together on this one until the end. I'm usually better at figuring out the plot of a book. 

When I first picked this one up, the elements of the macabre and darkness just swept me right up into the story. I love stories like this.

Death as a main character? Uh-huh, sign me up!

With a gothic feel, and romantic undertones, this story was a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and fantasy. The characters were intriguing and no part of this story bored me. I would say that's a definite win!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book! My review will be live, at the link given, on 8/29/22.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this. It was hard to put down. Only downside is that this one isn't even out yet and I want the next one!! THAT ENDING :O

That opening scene was killer, and even the story set-up afterwards was intriguing. I was enthusiastically exchanging theories with my reading buddy up until around a third of the way through, but either the pacing shifted or finally caught up with me, because I had to all but drag myself through the back half of this book.

The absolute biggest miss for me were the scenes where Signa was learning about and trying to navigate “society”. I’m not sure if it’s the Bridgerton effect, but there’s absolutely no need to shoehorn a young woman’s ~societal debut~ into a story about vengeful ghosts and murder conspiracies. Belladonna has a focus problem—where the things that felt the most pressing, like issues of life and death, had to take a backseat to the frivolous and tedious aspects of aristocratic posturing.

I also couldn’t fully conceptualize ‘Death’ based on the description provided by Grace. Is he a ghost? Logistically, I have many questions, but his character never felt fully real to me either. There was a bit of Luc from Addie LaRue in his demeanor and presentation, though that character had motivations, his powers and reach were clearly defined, etc. But with Death, I still don’t understand what ‘he’…..is.

The actual ghosts were the best part and more interesting than most of the characters, despite rarely getting to speak, and I wish we didn’t keep getting dragged from them back to the boring humans. Basically all you need to know is that this book was heavy on vibes, missing plot in the middle and probably best enjoyed not thinking too hard about anything presented.

If you're looking for an atmospheric and mysterious fall read then you should definitely pick up Belladonna! Not only does it have a satisfying slower burn romance, but also loveable morally grey characters who make some surprising decisions. In my opinion, the book straddles the line between YA and NA in the best way because both types of readers will enjoy the story and characters. My only complaint is that occasionally I was confused about how much time was passing, but in some ways that contributed to the overall atmosphere. Definitely recommend this one for the fall of you're looking for a ghost/mystery story that won't keep you awake at night!

Hands down 5 stars, I'd give it more if I could. You know those books that become. apart of your soul, the ones that give you this unexplainable feeling that other books don't give you? Belladonna checks all those boxes for me. I haven't had such a good feeling like this from a book since ACOTAR/CC/ToG.

You'll see me recommending this book to anyone and everyone, I am not going to shut up about this book. Cannot wait for book two.

Belladonna was quite a pleasant surprise for me! Admittedly, I wasn't quite sure what I expected going in, but I think my expectations were slightly... off? Regardless, this ended up being different, but in a good way!

Signa has been left alone- once again- after her most recent guardian dies. Honestly, she's not that broken up about it because her aunt/guardian was pretty awful. I wasn't too broken up about it either, except for Signa's life being thrown into upheaval. Oh, and the fact that she kiiiind of killed her aunt? But look, accidents happen. So, Signa is shipped off to yet another family member.

But when she gets to her most recent guardian's estate, things are... okay fine, things are a hot mess here. Her cousin Blythe is actively dying (of seemingly whatever the heck killed her aunt- not the crappy aunt who just died, an aunt she never met), and no one else in the house is handling their grief well, either. Meanwhile, Signa is in communication with Death- yes, actual Death- on the regular, and she doesn't particularly like him (at first, anyway).

The book is incredibly atmospheric, as you can feel the mystery and eeriness of this old house and its occupants. Not only is Signa seeing Death, but she can also see spirits. So with the help of Death and the spirit of Blythe's dead mom, Signa sets out to figure out what killed the mom- and hopefully save Blythe's life in the process.

Both the mystery and Signa's character growth were my favorite aspects of the book. I too wanted to know what was happening in this place- who would want to kill the mom, who was seemingly loved by everyone? And even more, who would want to kill this innocent young girl? While she figures out the mystery and tries to save her cousin's life, Signa ends up learning so much about who she is and what her role in the world is. And maybe she will learn more about Death along the way, too.

There are a few predictable moments, but the overall mystery wasn't overly predictable, so it wasn't too big of a deal. I also wasn't sure when or where this was supposed to take place (though we do receive an indication of "when", eventually), which is probably more of a personal gripe, because it doesn't actually factor much into the story.

It ended on a big ol' cliffhanger, and I am very excited to see what happens to Signa and her family next!

I'll be honest and say that any book that has an interesting relationship with a persona of Death, is almost going to suck me in immediately. And Belladonna was no exception. Right from the very beginning, I was drawn into Signa's story. The beginning of the book did a great job of explaining Signa's situation without going into too many details. Then almost immediately her journey to Thorn Grove where death (figuratively and literally) surrounds her. At first, I was a little confused because I thought it was going to be a story of solving Signa's mothers murder but I was definitely wrong. And while Signa was trying to solve the murder of Lillian, it was more so about saving Blythe. Lillian was present in the beginning and the end, but not so much the middle. I had many theories about many different things and was pleasantly surprised that only one of my theories came true. It's fun trying to solve them and be right, but I do enjoy being wrong as well. I thought this was well written and enjoyed it very much. Once I got into the meat of the story, it was really hard to put down and I was itching to pick it back up.

I loved Signa Farrow so much. With her initial wanting of becoming into society, to discovering her true passions and who she wants to be. I do with there was a little more relationship building with the Hawthorne's themselves because it was mostly by description that Signa did care for them, but it still worked. I absolutely loved the portrayal of Death. The way that he is the most "feared" man on Earth but the beauty in his job as well. It was clear why he felt connected to Signa but I also enjoyed seeing her overcome her own stigma.

Overall, Belladonna by Adalyn Grace was a complete win for me! I loved the story and the sleuthing to find out who was poisoning Blythe in order to save her. Signa was such a great character and I her personality really shown through the pages. This was such a good example of a Death personified done right! The relationship between Death and Signa was so well done and even Death himself was done great. If you love the supernatural with a bit of murder mystery, then please pick up this book.

This book is everything you'd want in an autumn read. A haunted gothic romance where our heroine has a deep, dark secret. She can't die. But it feels like everyone around her does. And at every death scene, she witnesses a dark, strangely protective reaper who she can't seem to stop thinking about.

oh wow, thank you Little Brown and Netgalley for a free review copy of this book!

First of all, I read the blurb of this book in like, January or something like that and stalked Netgalley constantly until this was available to request. I was not disappointed. My ridiculous obsession was totally worth it.

Adalyn Grace is a masterful story teller. The detail, the atmospheric descriptions, the setting, the characters were all exquisite. I was fully immersed and never did I think it was too much or at all clunky.

The mystery portion is taut and intriguing. The relationships are magnetic. We go from hate, to a slow waltz toward curiosity, then an awakening and a blossoming, then into the beautiful dance between Signa and Death. I swooned, I clutched my pearls, I swooned again with glossy unshed tears. I just loved it.

The mystery, the coming of age, the supernatural touches and the evocative, misty gothic setting make this novel a masterpiece . Perfect for upcoming autumn reads.

New favorite! It moves a bit slow but it is so worth the read! Jane Austin meets Agatha Christie. This books is so well written. I am totally in love with the characters. Looking forward to the sequel.

This was more than I expected!

"Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end."
While it sounds like a sad story Signa is stronger than you think. While it is sad that she has been passed around to various guardians she does not let that effect who she is. If anything it has only made her stronger than what people expect. I loved that she wasn't the woe is me type or a helpless baby deer. I like that she would stand her own ground and not let others push her around. When she gets to live with the Hawthorns you instantly know she'll fit in.

"But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer."

This is the part that really made me want to read the book. There's a good mystery that takes place, plus you get a bit of paranormal and gothic mixed it, While reading you're able to solve the case with Signa and there are some unexpected twists and turns. Signa also gets to learn more about herself and what she wants for her future. Theres a bit of a love-triangle or should I say possible love square? Either way you can't help but love the drama that plays out. Just when you think theres nothing left in the book there's a big plot twist at the end so get ready to want to read the second book soon after it's done.

OMG!!! Gimme the sequel now! Romance between a girl and death is the most amazing concept for a book. I am in love with this book. The mystery, the romance, ughhh it was beautiful. I will be buying both editions of this book for my love has no bounds. Overall love love LOVE this book. Thank you Adalyn Grace for this beautiful book.

This book is an instant new favorite! It's Jane Austen meets murder mystery.

I'm so in love with this story and these characters! The mystery kept me awake, reading, desperate to know who did it. Every time I thought I had a handle on it, I was sent off in another direction.

I also swooned over Death. And Sylas. Either choice would have made me happy in the end. (Can you tell I'm a sucker for snarky men?)

Honestly, after finishing reading it, I'm desperate for Book 2 (though this storyline is resolved it is a series) and wondering if 3 copies of this book will be enough....

There's nothing inherently wrong with this book, it's just moving too slow to hold my attention and I'd rather spend my time reading other books which do hold my attention.

The premise sounded really good, and having loved Grace's All the Stars & Teeth duology, I really hoped to enjoy this one as well. I find these books to be very different in terms of atmosphere and writing style, which is not a bad thing. However, I will not be continuing with this book, as I feel no attachment to the story and no strong desire to find out how it ends.

Rating system:
5 - absolutely love, little-to-no dislikes that did not impact my reading experience

4 - great book, minor dislikes that did have an impact on my reading experience

3 - good/decent book but for some reason did not hook me or there were some problematic things that just were not addressed or greatly impacted my reading experience

2 - is either a book I did not click with and did not enjoy, problematic aspects are not addressed and severely impacted my reading experience, or I DNF'd but think it has potential for others

1 - is very problematic, I would not recommend the book to anyone

Where to even begin with this one. Dark, dreamy, and deathly, those are the words that come to mind thinking about Belladonna. With lush storytelling that makes you feel like you're there the world building in this book is second to none, I could smell the smoke of the train, feel the sway of the carriage Imagine the feel of the fabrics and taste the food as it was being described, that kind or detail is something I love in a book.

This story will take you on a journey, one in which Signa our main character will have gone through numerous guardians just trying to make it six months until her birthday so she can become her own woman and never have to depend on people who only want to use her for her money again. She can see so clearly what she wants in the future, but will it be what her future holds?

She has never been able to be on her own or make her own choices, from the day her entire family died at deaths hands tragedy has followed her and those who choose to take her in. She's lost everyone she ever cared about or thought cared about her from family, to friends, to a garden she loved to be in she's seen more than enough loss at the hands of other people and is ready to begin the life she's been dreaming about for herself.

We start out story with an infant that fascinated death, and she learned lather that she could call on him, the only catch she has to "almost die". In finding that she can call death she finds she has certain abilities, some good, some very very bad and she has to learn how to handle not only her own life but the afterlife of those she encounters.

You see one of the abilities she has is to see spirits, some are good, some are bad, some Signa has to fight to not send on to the next phase of the ever after they're so annoying, that aunt of hers was interesting to say the least.

Before I go too far, I will say one thing I loved about the story was the balance, there is a price to be paid when Death saves her, or anyone is saved for that matter and it's a steep price. When her cousin Blythe is saved Signa learns just how steep that price is.

Because even living the life she's been given, so intertwined with death, with the choices she has to make, Signa wants to be good, and do the right thing, to not hurt anyone and to find a place to call her home, it's really not that much to ask.... or is it?

Thinking about everything that happened in this book I would almost call it a reverse fairy tale where the dark is trying to find and possibly the light, free the spirits, and save the girl, (who just happens to be her cousin and, in the beginning, slowly dying of the same wretched disease that killed her mother). However instead of leaning heavily on a prince (There is a fantastic male character here who is very much her match so don't worry about that) she does things on her own, in her own way, does that include eating poison to have discussions with Death himself, well yes, and does that include her chasing after spirits and threatening to light things on fire, also yes but what's done is done and Signa is moving forward, at least that's what she tells herself.

With everything from mention of a "gentlemen's club" to unusual parties, eerie illnesses and accidents that seem to follow Signa this story takes you on a wild ride that will have you sitting on the edge of your chair ready to cry one moment and ready to throw something the next it's fantastic and I can't wait to read more.

This is one book you can most definitely judge by its cover, it's breathtaking just like the story is and I will be reading more by this author as soon as I can.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by this book from the moment I read the synopsis. Which might be why it fell just a tad flat. But it was very entertaining. I liked the aspect of ghostly, murdery mysteries and it really would be the perfect fall read with the gothic vibe it has going on.

I have been dying to read Belladonna since it was announced, so thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Death seems to follow Signa. Literally. Orphaned at a young age, all of her guardians have met untimely ends, and she has a strange ability - she can see Death. When her last remaining family sends for her, Signa thinks she's finally found a place where she belongs. But when the ghost of a murder victim comes to her seeking help, Signa realizes she'll have to uncover the murderer or lose her new home forever.

This book was amazing! I adore gothic literature and speculative murder mysteries, which made this the perfect book to cozy up with on a dreary day. Without spoiling anything, I will just say that the relationship between Signa and her love interest pulled me through the book. I cannot wait until the sequel is released!

Highly recommended for fans of Erin A. Craig and fans of YA gothic horror.

The premise for Belladonna was what drew me in - a gothic tale, a girl who can't die, a murder mystery, and an unexpected connection with Death himself.

The atmosphere for this was perfect; the house and its inhabitants were strange and fantastic to read. As much as I loved the mystery, the book had little focus on it. Instead, Signa spends most of her time hating and mistrusting Death but constantly thinking and obsessing over him. I just could not bring myself to care about the romance.

It's not an engaging read. I would find excuses to put the book down and do something else.

Overall, I mainly feel indifferent toward the book, I don't hate it, but it's not something I'll ever think about again.

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.*
I have to say, I loved this book. I am super picky with giving 5 stars to books, but this one most definitely deserved it.
The character development of the main character is probably my favorite part of the book. I just enjoyed watching her grow as a person and she found her way in society. Growing up an orphan with all your relatives really only wanting you for the money they get out of it (and of course them treating you terribly) can do some damage, but Signa stayed strong through it all. I loved the internal conflict she had with herself over conforming to society or being true to herself and I think she choose the best path.
The mystery part of this book was done pretty well. I didn't find myself constantly trying to guess who the murderer was and I did guess right at one point. It didn't prevent me from being shocked though when I realized that one of my guesses was right because the truth came with some unexpected information.
This is strange for me to say, but I also really liked the romance in this book. I won't say much about it because it would spoil a lot, but the direction it went made me happy. I will say, I am glad she chose to follow her heart over what was expected of her by society's standards.
I can't say I had many issues with this book. I do think the beginning was a little slow, but honestly, that didn't prevent me from wanting to come back to it. Any issues I had with this book I think were caused by the fact that I read an ebook version. I tend to have problems with ebooks just because staring at a screen bothers me so I tend to read slower and not want to come back as often. So that wasn't the book's fault at all.
Overall, I loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning. If you love a good murder mystery with a little romance sprinkled in, I definitely recommend this book!