BELLADONNA was a book that had a lot going for it. I loved ALL THE STARS AND TEETH and was excited to read something new from Adalyn Grace. Grace's writing remains as strong as ever. I really enjoyed getting to know Signa as a mc, who finds herself entangled with Death from the time she was born. When another one of her guardians dies, Signa is sent to live with the Hawthornes at Thorn Grove. Soon, she comes across a plot of poison, betrayal and murder and must find out who is responsible before she loses the only family she has left. I was riveted by the connection and development of the relationship between Signa and Death. The romantic tension there was top notch. There was something really special and atmospheric about Grace's writing that made me intrigued by this story. This book is ghostly, gothic and just totally good fun. The central mystery of Thorn Grove kept me guessing and took me by surprise when it was revealed. My big complaint about this book, however, was that there was no broader worldbuilding. At all. I got a good sense of Thorn Grove sure, but I wanted a better sense of Signa's world. I had no idea if I was reading a book set in our world or in a fantasy world until the last quarter of the novel. This threw me for a loop and did impact how I was feeling in the middle parts of the book, but the ending left off on such a note that landed this one a rating of 4 stars in the end.

“You are bolder than the sun, Signa Farrow, and it’s time that you burn.”

Infinite stars given!!!
This book is my newest obsession and has earned itself a spot on my favorites shelf, which is no easy feat to accomplish. I loved every single minute of this book, from the first to the last page. Adalyn Grace has truly shocked me with Belladonna. I haven’t read a book this good in a while where I was so utterly hooked and on the edge of my seat the entire time.

“Good night, Death.”
“Good night, Little Bird.”

Belladonna is full of surprises, murder, mystery, and romance and I was loving every second of it! The characters were amazing and the plot was spectacular. I fell so in love with this story, its world, and its characters.

“Because I have waited an eternity to meet you, Signa Farrow. To me, you are a song to a soul that has never known music. Light to someone who has only seen darkness. You bring out the absolute worst in me, and I become vindictive toward those who treat you in ways I don’t care for. Yet you also bring out the best in me–I want to be better because of you. Better for you."

Death is my new favorite character. He was just so great and I was basically swooning every time he opened his mouth. I loved how he helped show Signa what she could be if she just stopped caring about what others thought. Watching her grow and embrace her powers and her connection to Death was amazing.

“Stop worrying about society and playing its game, hoping that you’ll be good enough,” Death urged her. “There is no such thing as true goodness, there is only perception. So why not try my way of living? I think it would suit you just fine.”

This one really blew me out of the water. I have read Grace’s other works (All the Stars and Teeth duology) and while I enjoyed it, it was nothing compared to how I feel about Belladonna. If you are a lover of fantasy mixed in with a good dash of mystery and some amazing romance then this is definitely for you.

“Since the dawn of this earth, I have waited. You are mine, and I am yours. And together, this world is ours.”

I could go on for hours about how much I loved this. I already know this is a book I will be rereading several times in the future and I am so excited for the sequel so I can continue Signa’s and Death’s story. The ending was amazing and I have no idea how I am supposed to wait so long for Foxglove.

“So which is better? To live forever, or to live and love?”

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for gifting me an eArc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect mix of regency romance and murder with a little bit of steam and poison. Signa can’t die and no matter how hard she tries, she’s never successful. The only thing that happens when she eats the poisonous belladonna berries is she comes face to face with Death himself. She’s determined to end her curse but when she arrives at Thorn Grove under the protection of her last living relatives, the Hawthornes, and encounters their mother’s spirit claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family maybe in danger. With the help of the stable boy, they work to hunt down the killer before it’s too late.

I loved the atmosphere of this story. The regency setting but also the gloomy gothic vibes of the Thorn Grove manor were enticing. I loved the ghosts, as all manors should have some ghosts in my opinion! Sigma’s ability to see spirits was fantastic and I love that we got to meet other ghosts besides the mother’s spirit.

The characters were all entertaining. I loved Signa’s stubbornness, Sylas’ snarkyness, and Death’s charm. Their interaction were fantastic, but I think Death owns a piece of my heart. His and Signa’s relationship was adorable and I love that he worked with her instead of against her. I’m starting to see why books are popping up more that have Death personified!

The twists were fun to watch unfold. It was gruesome and fascinating. The writing was beautiful and has definitely improved in maturity compared to Grace’s first works. And that ending?? I need the next one now!

Overall this book was a fantastic introduction to a new gothic world from Adalyn Grace and I’m excited for the next one!

This one releases August 30, 2022.

I’ve read All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace and loved it so I had high hopes for Belladonna and it did not disappoint. This one kept me guessing the whole way through and Death? I loved him.

I can’t wait for the next book Foxglove!

Thank you to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for this e-arc.

the cliffhanger! so excited for book 2! although i struggled with pacing at the beginning, this murder mystery gothic novel is wonderful. signa is a delightful character and i loved the banter between her and death. some plot points felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end but still very entertaining!

After falling in love with All the Stars and Teeth, I was fully set on reading anything Adalyn Grace wrote. Yet, when I first read the premise for Belladonna I was uncertain it was for me. Personally, I wanted more ATSAT or something equally enthralling and as a reader who doesn’t typically read mysteries or thrillers I was not hooked with the description.

I went into Belladonna expecting to not enjoy the story. However, much like Grace’s first Duology, there is something about her writing style and story telling that draws me in. Belladonna’s premise may not have sold me, but the descriptions of Death sold me.

If you’re looking for an immersive mystery, Belladonna is for you. If you’ve enjoyed how enthralling her writing is, this book might work for you.

Adalyn Grace writes a great romance amongst her titles thus far, and Belladonna is no exception.

I was definitely proven wrong by the end of this book.

Belladonna is a beautifully written Gothic horror Historical Romance with a side of paranormal. The writing here is exceptional and I felt the vivid detail in every page.

Signa Farrow is a 19 year old orphan with a significant trust fund and a revolving door of relatives looking to gain some of her wealth. When Signa ends up at her last remaining relatives, the Hawthorne's, Signa realizes that they need her help more than they realize. Signa can see the dead and Death himself. with her power she aims to figure out who killed Lillian and who is poisoning Blythe.

This story was extremely unique and I loved the creative blend of murder mystery and gothic horror romance. The style of writing allows you to really immerse yourself in every detail and the characters and world really come to life. I appreciated this style but it does mean the pacing is a little on the slow side due to all the detail and "fluff".

Signa was a great main character, she had a lot of growth over the book. Signa wanted to fit in with society because for so much of her life she was an outcast but she starts to realize what's important to her and what isn't. Death was also a very intriguing character and I enjoyed all the twists and turns he presented to the plot. the side characters were all loveable as well in their own unique ways and I felt even the difficult to love characters grew on me as the story progressed.

Overall I definitely recommend this book for those that enjoy Gothic Horror, murder mystery, descriptive detailed writing style, paranormal romance, and/or upper YA/New Adult with just a little steam.

thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for the E-ARC!

Wow, what a book!
I loved this one. It has everything i love:
A murder mystery with fantasy elements, a great romance, and all set in the Victorian Era.
It was everything i expected and more.
I really liked the mystery, i found it a bit predictable, the plot twist at the end didn't catch me by surprise but i liked it nonetheless.
But. THE ROMANCE!!!!!
It was the best part. It was AMAZING!!!
I enjoyed their dynamic a lot, too.
Signa, for her part was a very interesting and compelling character. I loved her.
Her friendship/sibling-like relationship with Blythe was so cute, too.
The setting was also great. Who wouldn't want to live in a creepy mansion in the woods with ghosts? (For the record, i would). I felt like i was there with her, discovering all the clues and following all her leads.


Also, this book made me want to know what belladonna berries taste like.


Can't wait to read the sequel!!

This has been one of the best books I have read this year! It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice meets Series of Unfortunate Events and The Sixth Sense. It's a beautifully crafted novel that's gripping, dark, and filled with hope, leaving me wanting more.

Also, it includes Death personified?! Yes, please!

Grace's writing style sucked me in. This story is tight and fast paced with intrigue at every turn. Signa learns that things aren't always what they seem. I love the portrayal of strong females in the presence of a heavily patriarchal society, girls who refuse to bend to convention when it means sacrificing their dreams. Signa's relationship with Death is deep and complicated, and I can't wait to see how it develops further in Foxglove!

Dear Adalyn Grace,

You are a visionary! When you describe this as bridgerton meets knives, spot on. This is the biggest next read that should be on the tops of your list. Everyone should read this book, not once but at least 10 times. I love Signas character development. Let's not forget to mention all the swoon worthy tender love, found family, and murder mystery. I've waited to post a review because I had to re-read the book, it's just that good. When it comes out August 30th... Run do not walk.... Repeat run to get this book 😍.


Thank you Netgalley

Today I’m reviewing Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, releasing at the end of August.
Belladonna is about a girl orphaned as a baby, whose string of guardians have each met an untimely demise, who allies with Death himself to save the poisoned daughter of her latest guardian. It features poison, politics of the upper echelons of society, and Death as a character.
For me to sum up why you should read this book in one sentence, allow me to say three words:
Death is sexy.
Belladonna has more reasons than that for why you should read, of course, but the personification of Death into a character (and the usage of that character as a potential romantic option for the main character) is something that distinguishes Belladonna from other books out there.
Belladonna is a mystery at its heart. As such the characters within are all complex and multidimensional in a way that will leave the reader guessing at the answers to the central mystery until the very end.
But with all that said, it is protagonist Signa Farrow herself that is most compelling. She has grown up mistreated by her various guardians, the one consistency in her life her inability to die. She desires nothing more than to turn twenty, access her inheritance at last, and finally immerse herself in high society. She is a lonely girl at heart, and conflicted between her own spirited nature and the docility she believes high society requires of her. Readers can’t help but root for her to get her happy ending.
Overall, Belladonna is an excellent gothic tale of death, and one that will leave readers dying for the sequel.

this is my shit right here! exactly what i needed from a gothic novel right now.
i really liked the mystery and plot, it made me want to reread stalking jack the ripper. i was pleasantly surprised with the twists in this novel, luckily every time i thought i knew where it was going and where it could be quite predictable, it wasn’t and i was just very oblivious.
only disappointment i had was from the romance. it felt undeveloped and i needed more from the romantic dynamic. hopefully in the second book their relationship will become a little more complex and developed further. i really liked how things were ended and with the cliffhanger i’m very excited to see the direction the series is going in.

*Thank you NetGalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a copy of the book*

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot! I will read any retelling of Greek myth I can find and this one did not disappoint!

In all the best possible ways, this book reminds me of a combination of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

As a baby Signa was orphaned and forced to endure a series of family members and caretakes - all of whom were taken away by Death. Close to claiming her inheritance, she has one remaining relative, an uncle-by-marriage, Elliot Hawthorne and his son and daughter who live at Thorn Grove. But the Hawthorne's haven't been untouched by death either. Signa's aunt, Lillian, died and her cousin Blythe is sick, seemingly by the same illness. The spirits refuse to leave Signa alone and Death is so much more than it appears. And in the end, she may need his help.

This is a beautiful, gothic, paranormal, fantasy romance. I loved this story and while sometimes I think I'm over the Hades/Persephone/maid/Death trope I then read a book like this and realize I will never, ever, ever be over it. This is so well told and the language and writing is beautiful. There's a cadence and rhythm to the story that enhances the story.

And the tension? The love? The twist...here's the thing, I saw the twist coming. Then I doubted myself. Then I thought maybe. Then I said no way. Ugh. So good.

But also, that ending?? I'm reeling! It's a cliffhanger my friends, but this story is also complete if that makes any sense. I'm definitely looking forward to book 2 and Adalyn Grace has cemented her position as an auto-buy for me!

This book was simply amazing and entertaining to read. The story of a girl who could not die, but Death follows her throughout her life. Following Signa and the progression of her relationship with Death over her journey was very well written. The pace was well set, I didn’t find myself bored or rushing through the story. I enjoyed the twist of Sylas at the end, it was not what I was expecting. The ending surely had me hooked and I can’t wait to continue this story.

A young woman, Signa, is able to escape her own death and yet cannot evade death entirely. Death follows her, and she can speak to spirits who have not yet passed on. Passed from home to home, Signa finally lands at Thorn Grove, where her aspirations to join society and become part of a family are threatened by an unsolved murder that literally haunts the estate. Aided by a cast of not-so-trustworthy yet fun characters—including Death himself—Signa attempts to understand the past before it can repeat itself.

Such a fabulous gothic novel!! I loved how atmospheric this story is. The prose reads like a dark fairy tale, and some moments were so creepy. If this were ever made into a movie, some scenes would be horrifying.

Furthermore, I really enjoyed the mystery. Everyone felt like a suspect, adding to the paranoid, dark atmosphere. Trying to solve the mystery alongside Signa was delightful. There’s a nice balance of surprise and moments where I could feel satisfaction at guessing a twist correctly.

I lowered my rating because the romance has some spoiler-related points that I wasn’t a fan of and felt underdeveloped. But I don’t want to deduct too much because this is a complete, satisfying story even if there was zero romance.

The ending was rewarding—although there’s a cliffhanger, which I usually dislike, this book at least wraps up the main plotline. And I will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out.

A couple final notes—the bits of unexpected humor brought nice balance to the story. And the book mentions scones often and subtly enough that before I finished reading, I ended up baking scones.

This novel would be perfect for late-night reading—especially around Halloween. Definitely would recommend if you enjoy some gothic lit and eerie tales!

Book received for free through NetGalley

Yet another incredible book. I completely enjoyed reading it and the characters gripped me immediately and made it hard to put the book down. Can’t wait to continue the story if there’s a follow up.

If you love a solid mystery with epic plot twists and a slow-burn romance steamy enough to fog your glasses, look no further. The concept of Belladonna is unique with characters both distinct and swoon-worthy. (I will jump in front of a train for Blythe.)

I loved Signa for her insecurities about where she fits in the world of the living as well as her courage to protect the shakey foothold she has in it. Her relationship with Death, who makes shadows look hot, is at times fun, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and sexy.

I enjoyed discovering the motivations of those Signa met along the way. I didn't anticipate some of the twists at the end, which I found delightfully surprising and refreshing.

That said, there's a moment that felt a bit repetitive. Signa's decision to either embrace or not embrace those parts of her she's feared/those tied to her emotional wound. She seems to have this grand moment three times, which pulled me out of an otherwise well-crafted world and fast-paced story. I also had trouble believing doctors couldn't identify the illness afflicting Thorn Grove, which caused me to suspend disbelief more than I'd like.

That said, I will read this story again for Signa, Death, Sylas, and the Hawthornes and look forward to the sequel. Thanks to NetGalley for this arc. What a fun read!

This book has equal parts mystery, romance, fantasy, and paranormal. I really enjoyed the romance with Death concept. I have never read a book like this before. The author's writing was really beautiful and really made this book an easy page turner, because I was eager to find out what would happen next. I took off one star because I was able to guess a couple of the plot twists before they happened. Overall, a great read. Already excited to read the sequel, Foxglove.

Oh, I enjoyed this one so much! I wasn't ready for this to end - I wanted to know what happened but I wanted to stay in this world just a little bit more. Hoping for a book 2!! Its like a new adult, gothic, romantic version of the Secret Garden. And I loved the Secret Garden as a kid, so this version gave me all sorts of wanting to curl up by a fire and devour this in one sitting - feels. Oh - and the whodunit kept me guessing. I appreciate that I could not guess the ending!

Thanks NetGalley for the read!!