Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so glad this book was actually good than the last book
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Choosing the name "Beasty" for your pet fox is an...interesting choice?
Wisteria is the third and final book in the Belladonna trilogy, and I think it might be my favorite in the series. With Blythe and Fate as the focal point of the story, it felt very similar to Once Upon a Broken Heart, which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. The vibes were much more whimsical than the first two books in the series, and the wintery aesthetic also gave OUABH to me, even though it's not necessarily connected. I would also be more inclined to consider this romantasy/strong fantasy romance than the first two books, so I'm kind of surprised I liked it as much as I did.
Blythe married Fate to save Signa, but that doesn't mean she's going to be happy about it. Determined to show Fate just how big a mistake he's made, Blythe plans to annoy him as much as possible. The first 75% of the book or so is primarily romance in terms of plot; it's a wonderfully well-written enemies-to-lovers, complete with tropes like only one bed, who did this to you, and the princess carry. There are a few hints of mystery, but most of the tension lies in the romantic conflict and Blythe's exploration of her past. I almost wish the reveal of her identity had been in this book, not the last, but I understand why it was placed where it was (as a hook for book 3). The last quarter starts the more suspenseful fantasy aspects of the plot, although the late introduction made for a bit of a rushed and unbalanced pacing. I guessed one main plot twist early on, but only because I've read a few C.G. Drews books, which brings up another point I enjoyed: the mild botanical body horror. I've been a huge fan of plant body horror lately, so I really liked those few scenes. I also agree with most other reviewers in that the ending was kind of dumb. It felt a bit out of character and wasn't entirely satisfying because it was so quick, but aside from that, I enjoyed the banter and the vibes of this book.
Like I said, Blythe and Fate give major Evangeline and Jacks vibes to me. I liked Blythe more than Signa, especially in her independence and her refusal to be seen as something fragile. I think Signa's backstory was more interesting, but I preferred Blythe's POVs. I'm still not Fate's biggest fan, but because he had that whole Jacks aesthetic going on, I liked him more than I probably should have. I wish there was a bit more complexity in his backstory (addressing the fact that he basically lives every life ever?), but I enjoyed what little we got. Signa and Death weren't as relevant in this one, but their cameos were fun and I liked that we got a resolution to Signa's remaining mystery plot, even if it wasn't super satisfying. Solanine's appearance was a bit abrupt, so I didn't love her, but I'd be interested to see if she shows up in any spin-offs.
Wisteria is definitely a vibes>plot book, but I surprisingly enjoyed it more than the rest of the series due to the banter, character dynamics, and the aesthetics.
4/5
Wisteria is the third and final book in the Belladonna trilogy, and I think it might be my favorite in the series. With Blythe and Fate as the focal point of the story, it felt very similar to Once Upon a Broken Heart, which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. The vibes were much more whimsical than the first two books in the series, and the wintery aesthetic also gave OUABH to me, even though it's not necessarily connected. I would also be more inclined to consider this romantasy/strong fantasy romance than the first two books, so I'm kind of surprised I liked it as much as I did.
Blythe married Fate to save Signa, but that doesn't mean she's going to be happy about it. Determined to show Fate just how big a mistake he's made, Blythe plans to annoy him as much as possible. The first 75% of the book or so is primarily romance in terms of plot; it's a wonderfully well-written enemies-to-lovers, complete with tropes like only one bed, who did this to you, and the princess carry. There are a few hints of mystery, but most of the tension lies in the romantic conflict and Blythe's exploration of her past. I almost wish the reveal of her identity had been in this book, not the last, but I understand why it was placed where it was (as a hook for book 3). The last quarter starts the more suspenseful fantasy aspects of the plot, although the late introduction made for a bit of a rushed and unbalanced pacing. I guessed one main plot twist early on, but only because I've read a few C.G. Drews books, which brings up another point I enjoyed: the mild botanical body horror. I've been a huge fan of plant body horror lately, so I really liked those few scenes. I also agree with most other reviewers in that the ending was kind of dumb. It felt a bit out of character and wasn't entirely satisfying because it was so quick, but aside from that, I enjoyed the banter and the vibes of this book.
Like I said, Blythe and Fate give major Evangeline and Jacks vibes to me. I liked Blythe more than Signa, especially in her independence and her refusal to be seen as something fragile. I think Signa's backstory was more interesting, but I preferred Blythe's POVs. I'm still not Fate's biggest fan, but because he had that whole Jacks aesthetic going on, I liked him more than I probably should have. I wish there was a bit more complexity in his backstory (addressing the fact that he basically lives every life ever?), but I enjoyed what little we got. Signa and Death weren't as relevant in this one, but their cameos were fun and I liked that we got a resolution to Signa's remaining mystery plot, even if it wasn't super satisfying. Solanine's appearance was a bit abrupt, so I didn't love her, but I'd be interested to see if she shows up in any spin-offs.
Wisteria is definitely a vibes>plot book, but I surprisingly enjoyed it more than the rest of the series due to the banter, character dynamics, and the aesthetics.
4/5
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
I enjoyed it a lot until my stay in Wisteria started to feel a bit too long and... Chaotic
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was a little hesitant going into this book because after absolutely loving Belladonna I was a little disappointed by Foxglove. This book, however, did not disappoint! You get everything and more you would want in the third book in this series.
Since this is book 3, there's not really a lot I can say without major spoilers. However, the atmospheric creepy vibes you get from the previous two books are absolutely also in this one and I loved that!
Great characters, a swoonworthy romance, a beautiful and gothic atmospheric backdrop and just some absolutely fabulous magical moments. 10/10 recommend this series.
Since this is book 3, there's not really a lot I can say without major spoilers. However, the atmospheric creepy vibes you get from the previous two books are absolutely also in this one and I loved that!
Great characters, a swoonworthy romance, a beautiful and gothic atmospheric backdrop and just some absolutely fabulous magical moments. 10/10 recommend this series.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Pregnancy
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes