From the prologue, I knew this story was going to be something special, but as it began to unwind, I was enthralled in everything it was. The characters in particular were remarkable. Signa is so cool and just the slightest bit unhinged at times. Her relationship with Blythe was really nice and felt natural. They were inexplicably drawn to each other, but it felt real.

Then there was the matter of the plot of this book, which is pretty much set up like a murder mystery, but there's so much attached to it that really raised the stakes. I will say that I easily guessed one major revelation by around chapter 4, however I don't think that revelation was meant to be as significant as the others. There were many plot twists that I thought I had guessed early on, but had been totally wrong and it was such a fun shock to be proven wrong. I felt like I was questioning everyone by the end and was still surprised when all the events unfolded.I love the aesthetic of this book too. It was dark and mysterious, but also stunning. We get a masquerade ball and I just don't think I'll ever tire of reading those. I'm so in love with this book and I truly can't wait for the next. I just know it'll be soooo good after THAT ENDING!!!

This story is soooo unbelievably, imaginatively good. I truly love everything about it.

The atmosphere is peak gothic ghost vibes. I love the family shrouded in dark history and the old manor filled with restless spirits. It creates a living, breathing setting that propels the story in a wonderfully spooky direction in terms of plot.

The characters are also top notch. I loved them all. Signa's stubbornness, Sylas’ snark, Death's charm. Each and every one of them are full of depth and personality and are so enjoyable to read about.

And the writing is so improved from AG's previous books. Not that her writing was bad before, but this feels more elevated, more mature. And I really appreciated that.

So not a single negative thing to say, tbh. Honestly, this is the kind of book where I would collect multiple editions of it because I love it that much! lol.

Overall I enjoyed the premise of this book but it just couldn’t quite hit the mark for me. The plot was slow and tedious at times, and I wasn’t super invested in most of the characters. I did like Blythe, though. I also was VERY entertained by the twist at the end; even though I had already predicted the murderer, that extra twist was awesome! The cliffhanger is interesting, though I don’t know if it’s enough to warrant a sequel. Not 100% sure if I’ll pick it up yet.

Wow! Where do I start? I am absolutely in love with this book. It was everything I wanted in a book and more! The setting was eerie and mysterious, the characters were sarcastic and lovable, the themes were *chef's kiss*.
I already knew I wanted to read Belladonna as soon as it would be published so when I was accepted to review it I dropped everything to read it. I was HOOKED. The main character Signa was so interresting and i loved her so much, and the love triangle? DELIGHTFUL. I am not one to love triangles in books, especially in YA but this one is unlike any I have ever seen.... you will have to read the book to know what I mean!
I didn't think I could love a character more than Death but he was the best!
This book was a perfect mix of fantasy with a haunted house and ghost apparition oh and a murder mystery.
The romance made me witty and giggle and the ENDING I NEED THE SEQUEL RIGHT NOOOOW.
It is definetly a new favorite for me and I'll be buying the UK edition as well.

5 stars ! This gorgeous cover absolutely goes with the gorgeous story. I love the idea of Belladonna being used to communicate with death in another dimension.
Our main character has been through so much in her life, going from care taker to care taker but on her 20th birthday she will receive her inheritance, Meanwhile she finds out that she can take the poisonous belladonna without dying but instead communicate with death and the dead. This gothic tale is not only hauntingly beautiful, but the story is engaging and to be honest I didn't want it to end.
I preordered the physical copy and I can not wait to place it in my library and reread it in the Autumn close to Halloween

Well this was a pleasant surprise! YA is a genre I steer clear from but when I saw other people talking about this book, my interest was piqued. Of course the romance is what drew me in and even though it wasn’t the main focus of Belladonna, I really enjoyed it nonetheless.

Belladonna was truly unlike any book I’ve read before! It felt like a combination of genres that created a beautiful mixture and compelling story. The plot and mystery of it all was weaved beautifully and kept me on my toes, always causing me to second (and third… and fourth) guess myself until the very end!

While the story pulled me in from the first chapter and engaged me all the way through, what really pushed this book to five stars was the writing. Belladonna is incredibly atmospheric; Adalyn Grace had a way of placing the reader into the bone chilling rooms and the lush yet creepy garden of Thorn Grove.

Grace also did a wonderful job at creating well developed characters while also creating an air of mystery around each of them. Our MC was no exception either. While she held an air of mystery about herself, I think it is also fair to say that Signa found herself. She developed beautifully as a character from beginning to end as she learns more about the world and herself.

Overall, this book was incredibly atmospheric, wholly gothic, and just a touch reminiscent of romance era novels such as Wuthering Heights in both prose and setting.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review ***

I was so excited to dive into the read, as I'm an adalyn grace fan for sure and this book did not disappoint. There were twists and turns and I gotta say I didn't see that ending coming, even though I thought I had it all figured out.
I loved watching the characters interact and grow together and DEATH ... I can't wait to see more!

Oh my GOD. This book was everything I’ve been wanting. Signa is the heroine I wish I had growing up, and this PLOT.

Think A Series of Unfortunate Events meets Clue meets Death/Maiden romance. Signa, our orphan MC, is trying to make her way in a world that makes it quite hard for a woman to do so, especially one everyone believes is cursed. We see her grow so amazingly into someone that I would look up to for how confident she becomes in herself. She’s fantastic, and so is the cast of characters her story is woven with.

Belladonna gives us steamy romance, and don’t get me wrong it’s a 10/10 A+ romance, but it also gives us the power of family and friendship that I rarely see so well balanced.

This is going to be THE book I recommend for folks who want romance, family, and a big ol’ dose of confidence to be themselves.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC. All thoughts (and so many emotions!!!) presented here are my own and done so honestly.

This was a 3.5🌟 read for me, rounded up:

Some of the character development and motives fell kind of flat - and while the romance was well written enough the concept wasn’t one I favored. Having read an advanced copy, there were also still errors that need to be worked out but overall I enjoyed her writing style and descriptions and it was easy to fall in love with the setting and some of the characters. It’s open ended and I would definitely read more of the world if given the opportunity.

The cliffhanger for this book is unfair. I loved that the story was solving a murder with Death as your sidekick. I loved the romance and the writing. I need the next book immediately!

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Adalyn Grace, and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of Belladonna.

I absolutely adored the historical backdrop of this story alongside the gothic vibes which made the read all that more enjoyable. I specifically liked the fantasy-based plot twisted with contemporary subplots.

I found the main character endearing though I do wish she was a little more fully fleshed out. This comes to another qualm I have with the characters, in that they all seem flat and shallow to me and a bit one-dimensional which makes certain plot twists not as impactful as they could have been. I am also not sure how I feel about the character Death in this book, as he seems a bit one-dimensional and a bit too YA for an omnipotent being. I think I was expecting a bit more complexity out of him especially considering how fast the romance between him and the MC develops.

In regards to the plot twists themselves, I found them predictable but overall still quite enjoyable and fun to read.

In short, this was a fun read and I rate this 3.75 stars.

“I know you better than you think, just as I know that you will never rid yourself of me, Little Bird.”

Marketed as “Bridgerton meets Knives Out” with a hint of gothic romance, I knew I had to get my hands on this book. And Belladonna did not disappoint! As the reader you’re transported to a gothic world filed with mystery, magic, paranormal activity and alluring romance. The environment was beautiful; grand balls in haunted mansions and a ghostly eerie garden, it felt like you were in a scene from a Tim Burton movie. From the very first page, your attention is grabbed in a unique way. The FMC grapples with the fine line between life and death, and where she feels most alive.

Death himself is the main love interest, which I absolutely loved. I definitely think this romance could’ve been more of a slow burn, but Death was written graciously with compelling qualities. He gave me “The Darkling” vibes !!!

That cliffhanger??? It’s devious but has me so excited for the next book!

Fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and The Haunting of Hill House will love this book! Overall I recommend if you’re looking for a YA fantasy read that’s haunting and different than what’s typically marketed.

Thank you @netgalley and Little Brown Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💜

Belladonna is a superbly written piece that left me breathless from beginning to end with its exhilarating narration. I was consumed by the story, immersed in its gothic plot, in love with its achingly beautiful romance, and eager to solve its murder mystery.

This story has it all and it had me all in.

Our protagonist Signa is a gorgeous character. She is eager to try to fit into society but first must learn to accept herself. She is vulnerable but slowly allows herself to embrace who she is, empowering herself with agency and confidence. I felt proud and protective of her— I loved how she explored who she is and how she fits in the world. Her journey is beautiful.

Then there’s Death. What an exquisite character. As an adolescent I read a YA novel love story involving Death, and have chased after him ever since—longing for a more mature take. And with Adalyn Grace’s Belladonna, I have finally found it. And now I’m highly protective of it and hope this dance of love with Death makes it to the end— or until eternity.

The supporting cats is an elective bunch, who could be trusted played a part in the narrative, but I also appreciated how Signa found family within these new people who came into her life.

There are also plot twists on the horizon, and what I appreciated it whether you see them coming or not, you can trace their origin within the story. Where the puzzle pieces fit in the end will keep you on your toes, your heart racing, and your fingers itching to turn to the next page.

I have no complaints, just wants for more. Although I am anxious for its sequel, and hope my favorite characters remain okay— I absolutely want more.

having loved Grace's All The Stars and Teeth series I was super excited to be given the opportunity to read Belladonna. Do not go in thinking this will be the same sort of fun magical novel. It is different , but not in a bad way . While overblown and dramatic at times there is great characterization with Signa and Death. There is a fine line between what means to live with Death and what her life was like before she met Death without anger.. Not having watched or Read Bridgerton, i think that fans of that will enjoy the costuming, the balls and the time period this is set in .
I wanted more magic and more adventure, but was happy to have read this novel.

I saw this on bookstagram a bunch; and people were just raving about it. So this was pretty high up on my TBR. All around a very good book but didn’t quit meet my expectations.

I really loved the mystery too it. It felt a little gothic to me and I was trouble place there time period that it was set in. But that added to the mystery for me.

The plot of the book was good, and I enjoyed that aside from the main mystery there was love mixed in there. As well as the theme of self discovery and finding your place in the world.

I’m not really sure if it’s set up for another. It ended like it could be. I don’t think I’d want another one as it would probably feel a little redundant. But I do want to know how the relationship progresses further. It really just kind of resolved in the end of the story so I feel like more could be made out of that part of the plot line.

Overall a really enjoyable read. I was hooked pretty soon after reading. And then I sat and read it all in one sitting.

Are you looking for a book with a strong female lead, who can speak to the dead, and becomes allies with death itself? Then Belladonna is the book for you! Signa is an orphan who is passed around from home to home. Her caretakers tend to be more interested in her wealth, and she is often neglected. But they all seem to meet their end while caring for Signa. Signa’s last remaining family are the Hawthornes. She is soon whisked away to Thorn Grove. But her new life comes with a murder she needs to solve. Will she be able to uncover the truth before she loses more family members?

What I LOVED:
- I was instantly drawn into this book. The first few pages of the prolouge had me hooked.
- Signa. Outspoken, feminist vibes, and she is very likable. She was an amazing lead for this story. I wanted to scoop her up and hug her. I love how thoughtful she is. I also loved seeing her character finally getting bit of happiness.
- The gothic vibes, the thrill, and mystery really keep this book at a fun pace. I had a hard time putting this book down.
- The dash of romance! 💖
- Death. I adored Death!


There is more I loved but I don’t want to spoil too much! I have had the authors other books on my TBR list forever now. Her writing in Belladonna was great! I might just take her other books off my TBR list. The ending has me ready for the next book in this series. 4.5 stars out of 5! Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was 5 out of 5 hands down. I did NOT expect the plot twist at the end at ALL! As a thriller murder mystery lover, I adored this plot and felt entranced the whole time. I cannot wait until the second book! I really liked the character development as well and found the world building to be beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley for the E-Arc!
I absolutely love this book! The characters are phenomenally written; all of the characters have such a well-developed plot lines and they all are very dynamic and interesting to read about. Not only that but the premise of the book is super fun to read.
Signa is unable to die and is able to communicate with ghosts and death. She uses this power to help solve who murdered her new guardian's wife. It is so interesting and in the whole book, I was trying to find clues and figure it out. There is also a romance element that is wonderful to read; Death is a great character who adds a lot to the story.
Not only that but it is very well written and planned out. As I am reading, everything flows really well and reads extremely easily.

4.5 ⭐

"To me, you are a song to a soul that has never known music"

My gosssshhh I loved this. It's the perfect mixture of gothic fantasy, romance, morally grey characters, and mystery.

I was hooked from the first few chapters. It's so captivating, it keeps you guessing throughout the whole book. I was so drawn to the characters that I couldn't wait to see what happened next for them. The plot has a good pace throughout and I can't wait for the next book!

Now brb going to run and preorder this because the first editions are gorgeous👌

Quick Summary:
Death has been following Signa for years and she cannot escape him. When she becomes a ward at her remaining relatives estate, she soon realizes they could be in grave danger. To solve a murder, Signa must make an alliance with Death himself.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!