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remi_jane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, and Vomit
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Physical abuse, Murder, and Alcohol
justkimmithings's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
The gothic fantasy romance of my dreams!!! I absolutely loved everything about this book. Couldn’t have picked a better first read of 2023. Death and Signa are EVERYTHING.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, there were so many twists. It was done so incredibly well. Foxglove can’t get here soon enough!!
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, there were so many twists. It was done so incredibly well. Foxglove can’t get here soon enough!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Vomit and Murder
Minor: Physical abuse
headinthepages's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I usually struggle with the pacing that often comes with a historical/gothic fiction but this was absolutely brilliant.
I was engaged in the story as soon as I started reading and found the style of writing, characters & dialogue particularly good.
I loved the plot and was very much along for the ride. I loved Death as a character and can’t wait to find out what happens in Foxglove!
I was engaged in the story as soon as I started reading and found the style of writing, characters & dialogue particularly good.
I loved the plot and was very much along for the ride. I loved Death as a character and can’t wait to find out what happens in Foxglove!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
I enjoyed this far more than I had expected! I love reading a story in which Death is personified and throughout a great deal of the book, I had expectations that would have put the rating lower, including a pretty annoying book trope. But nothing was what I predicted, even when I thought I was starting to piece the puzzles together and the ending was an absolute surprise. I went into this book mostly blind, having skimmed the blurb very briefly and I was drawn in by the murder mystery aspect, definitely not what I was expecting when I initially started the book. And despite there being a romance in this, I felt like a greater deal of importance was placed on the MC's love for her newfound family, and that is always more of a delight to read over romance, at least for me. I will certainly be picking up the sequel when it comes out this August!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, and Vomit
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Physical abuse
jasmine256's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Vomit, and Murder
Minor: Animal death, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
soniajoy98's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
juliesbubble's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Audio advanced readers copy (arc) from Netgalley and Hachette audio, Little Brown Young Readers.
Belladonna is a fantasy, murder mystery, historical book, with some gothic vibes. It has some twists and turns, and you keep guessing throughout. I did not get all my guesses right. If you like these kinds of books, this is probably a good fit for you.
The book was a bit slow, so it took a bit to get into. I really liked the characters, and I actually wish we would have gotten even more interactions between Signa and Blythe especially. The mystery part of the book was also good and the most important part. I think what dragged it down for me was the society, the upcoming season and trying to fit in. All this at the same time as a big mystery was going around, that I cared so much more about (oh, why don't we go drink tea while someone is literally dying?). That is probably a me problem, not the book, and i did not know about it going in. I think that without that, I might have liked this book better. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it, but this was more in the middle for me.
And last I must say I loved the epilogue. I laughed and really enjoyed that. It was a good ending. The book wraps it up nice, and the very last part gives us a feel for the sequel, but other than that, this could have been a standalone.
I got this arc as an audiobook and i liked the narrator. It's one I have heard before, and I felt that she was a good fit for the book. It's easy to know who is talking and the book is easy to imagine.
Belladonna is a fantasy, murder mystery, historical book, with some gothic vibes. It has some twists and turns, and you keep guessing throughout. I did not get all my guesses right. If you like these kinds of books, this is probably a good fit for you.
The book was a bit slow, so it took a bit to get into. I really liked the characters, and I actually wish we would have gotten even more interactions between Signa and Blythe especially. The mystery part of the book was also good and the most important part. I think what dragged it down for me was the society, the upcoming season and trying to fit in. All this at the same time as a big mystery was going around, that I cared so much more about (oh, why don't we go drink tea while someone is literally dying?). That is probably a me problem, not the book, and i did not know about it going in. I think that without that, I might have liked this book better. It was a good book, and I enjoyed it, but this was more in the middle for me.
And last I must say I loved the epilogue. I laughed and really enjoyed that. It was a good ending. The book wraps it up nice, and the very last part gives us a feel for the sequel, but other than that, this could have been a standalone.
I got this arc as an audiobook and i liked the narrator. It's one I have heard before, and I felt that she was a good fit for the book. It's easy to know who is talking and the book is easy to imagine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, and Vomit
bookishflower's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
- Light enemies-to-lovers
- Atmospheric gothic fantasy
- mystery solving
- murder
- ghosts
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Signa Farrow has been surrounded by Death her whole life. With her string of guardians all meeting untimely ends, Signa is determined to not let Death ruin her fresh start with her cousins at the mysterious Thorn Grove. But when her aunt's ghost tells her she was murdered and her daughter is next, it's up to Signa, Sylas the infuriating stable boy, and her sworn enemy Death himself to help stop the murderer before it's too late.
'Belladonna' was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and it did not disappoint! This is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, mystery and the gothic! If you looking for a book that feels like a Hozier song, look no further. (It also needs to be said that this is one of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen!).
I adored the writing style and how Signa as a character develops and comes into her own with her powers and sense of self. Death was mysterious, alluring and the sarcastic love interest of your dreams. I have never been more excited for my theories to be right than I was when I got to that bit! Signa and Death balance each other out perfectly- the banter, reluctant allies, consent, and encouragement?!!! I can't wait for 'Foxglove' and that cliffhanger was evil- I loved it!
- Atmospheric gothic fantasy
- mystery solving
- murder
- ghosts
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Signa Farrow has been surrounded by Death her whole life. With her string of guardians all meeting untimely ends, Signa is determined to not let Death ruin her fresh start with her cousins at the mysterious Thorn Grove. But when her aunt's ghost tells her she was murdered and her daughter is next, it's up to Signa, Sylas the infuriating stable boy, and her sworn enemy Death himself to help stop the murderer before it's too late.
'Belladonna' was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and it did not disappoint! This is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, mystery and the gothic! If you looking for a book that feels like a Hozier song, look no further. (It also needs to be said that this is one of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen!).
I adored the writing style and how Signa as a character develops and comes into her own with her powers and sense of self. Death was mysterious, alluring and the sarcastic love interest of your dreams. I have never been more excited for my theories to be right than I was when I got to that bit! Signa and Death balance each other out perfectly- the banter, reluctant allies, consent, and encouragement?!!! I can't wait for 'Foxglove' and that cliffhanger was evil- I loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Self harm, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
bookstarbri's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I thought I knew what was going on with this book. I really did. And then I learned I knew nothing at all. This book was so much fun. It was creepy and weird and everything I love in a book, but it was also emotional and a bit scary and had a powerful message.
I haven't read many books with Death personified, though I know it's a decently common thing to do? In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed Death personified in this. He was a brilliant character who I was so fascinated by from the very beginning. Death was so cool to meet at the beginning and how intrigued he was of Signa was evident. Their attraction to each other was like magnets and was kinda beautiful. 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!!!
Thank you so much to Little Brown and NetGalley for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I haven't read many books with Death personified, though I know it's a decently common thing to do? In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed Death personified in this. He was a brilliant character who I was so fascinated by from the very beginning. Death was so cool to meet at the beginning and how intrigued he was of Signa was evident. Their attraction to each other was like magnets and was kinda beautiful. 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!!!
Thank you so much to Little Brown and NetGalley for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Physical abuse
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
If I tell you right here and now that I highlighted nearly 50% of the book, will that make you want to read it? Because friends, it was that good!
There are a few reasons why I'm considering Belladonna my favorite fantasy book of 2022:
First and foremost, it is cozy as heck. It primarily takes place during autumn and it exudes autumnal comfort and warmth throughout the entire story. It would be the perfect book to pick up during October for Halloween. It's not scary, but definitely a bit eerie, and the exact kind of book that a more sensitive reader (such as myself) would want to read during that season. I've used the term "cozy creepy" in a few of my reviews and I'd definitely place Belladonna in that category.
It is incredibly descriptive and atmospheric, making you completely forget that you're reading. So many of the pieces that I highlighted throughout the story were just descriptions, moments where the author described Signa's eyes, Death's shadows, Hawthorne House, Lillian's garden, a ballgown, or the way the autumn season presented itself. It was all so beautifully written that I found myself getting lost in it over and over again, forgetting that I was reading and just truly living it. Those are my favorite kinds of books.
It made you think you knew what was happening, only to surprise you later on! Let me describe this a bit better. You know those stories where you're convinced something is predictable, so you tell yourself it can't be that and it's totally something else, but then you've convinced yourself so much that the predictable thing winds up shocking you when it does happen? That's kind of how this felt. Only, it wasn't really predictable. It just felt right when certain moments occurred. I liked those moments of, "ah yes, that makes perfect sense" just as much as the moments of, "OMG WHAT?!?!"
THE CHARACTERS. That's it. That's all I need to really say. The cast was spectacular. Everyone was a little grey. Everyone was a little unlikeable in a way that made them lovable. You feel as though you're rooting for the bad guys, but in a satisfying way. The character dynamics (and even bits of the plot) reminded me of a mash-up of several favorite books: Echo North (Echo and Hal), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Addie and Luc), and The Inheritance Games (Avery and Jameson).
Adalyn Grace has mentioned a couple of her favorite chapters on Instagram and I was pleased to find that the chapters she loved were also some favorites of my own. They held shock, romance, and too many gorgeous quotes for me to even list in this review. Plus, I want you to read the book and experience them yourself!
I never thought I could love anything this author wrote more than I loved All the Stars and Teeth, but Belladonna blew me away. Before I was even a quarter of the way through it, I preordered a signed copy so I could read it again and again. It's absolutely magnificent in every way and I could honestly blather on about it endlessly. If you pick up only one book this year, let it be Belladonna. I promise you won't regret it!
There are a few reasons why I'm considering Belladonna my favorite fantasy book of 2022:
First and foremost, it is cozy as heck. It primarily takes place during autumn and it exudes autumnal comfort and warmth throughout the entire story. It would be the perfect book to pick up during October for Halloween. It's not scary, but definitely a bit eerie, and the exact kind of book that a more sensitive reader (such as myself) would want to read during that season. I've used the term "cozy creepy" in a few of my reviews and I'd definitely place Belladonna in that category.
It is incredibly descriptive and atmospheric, making you completely forget that you're reading. So many of the pieces that I highlighted throughout the story were just descriptions, moments where the author described Signa's eyes, Death's shadows, Hawthorne House, Lillian's garden, a ballgown, or the way the autumn season presented itself. It was all so beautifully written that I found myself getting lost in it over and over again, forgetting that I was reading and just truly living it. Those are my favorite kinds of books.
It made you think you knew what was happening, only to surprise you later on! Let me describe this a bit better. You know those stories where you're convinced something is predictable, so you tell yourself it can't be that and it's totally something else, but then you've convinced yourself so much that the predictable thing winds up shocking you when it does happen? That's kind of how this felt. Only, it wasn't really predictable. It just felt right when certain moments occurred. I liked those moments of, "ah yes, that makes perfect sense" just as much as the moments of, "OMG WHAT?!?!"
THE CHARACTERS. That's it. That's all I need to really say. The cast was spectacular. Everyone was a little grey. Everyone was a little unlikeable in a way that made them lovable. You feel as though you're rooting for the bad guys, but in a satisfying way. The character dynamics (and even bits of the plot) reminded me of a mash-up of several favorite books: Echo North (Echo and Hal), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Addie and Luc), and The Inheritance Games (Avery and Jameson).
Adalyn Grace has mentioned a couple of her favorite chapters on Instagram and I was pleased to find that the chapters she loved were also some favorites of my own. They held shock, romance, and too many gorgeous quotes for me to even list in this review. Plus, I want you to read the book and experience them yourself!
I never thought I could love anything this author wrote more than I loved All the Stars and Teeth, but Belladonna blew me away. Before I was even a quarter of the way through it, I preordered a signed copy so I could read it again and again. It's absolutely magnificent in every way and I could honestly blather on about it endlessly. If you pick up only one book this year, let it be Belladonna. I promise you won't regret it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Body horror, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Blood