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issed's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
Love the love story and the two main lead but the main mystery was kinda boring
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Child death, Death, and Blood
katievallin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Animal death, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Body horror, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Infidelity, Murder, Sexual content, and Sexism
Minor: Classism, Body shaming, Infertility, Child abuse, and Pregnancy
shaylee_n_20's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical trauma and Classism
Minor: Sexism, Fire/Fire injury, Infertility, Misogyny, and Infidelity
bukephalos0603's review against another edition
Not into a relationship based on an immortal being watching over a girl for all her life and then getting together with her once she is an adult. Thanks but I’m not into child grooming
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Sexism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
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, Vomit, and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Murder, and 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: Sexism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Vomit, Abandonment, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Infertility, Alcoholism, Medical content, Miscarriage, Blood, Grief, Gore, Child death, and Infidelity
pookiee's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Addiction, Sexual content, Animal death, Vomit, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Pedophilia and Homophobia
nebraskanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was one of my most anticipated releases for the year and I’m bummed I didn’t like it as much as I had hoped!
I am not really a fan of horror and the part of the book where Lily’s spirit looks like Scarlet Witch when she comes out of the gong in Dr. Strange’s Multiverse of Madness movie, limbs cracking/moving in odd angles and her mouth gaping open with blood and sores, was a little bit too horrific/graphic for me. It was so strange because that scene was creepy/scary but then the rest of the book did not keep with that tone. That scene just tonally felt so off for me and just came out of nowhere. Then the story goes back to a campy, Clue-like mystery with the dark-brooding Death love interest. It just felt very odd/out of place for me.
Also, I feel like Death and Signa’s love/relationship did not feel very fleshed out for me. It was giving very Edward and Bella. Death tells Signa “I’ve waited forever for you.” He’s literally a deity and Signa is a 19 year old girl. The whole thing just felt very strange and rushed. Like okay your cousins are dropping like flies but you need to make out with Death in a garden, okie doke.
Also Death meets Signa when she was a literal baby when everyone at this party dies, including her parents, but Signa does not. It’s giving Jacob and Renesme? Like Death knew he was going to wait until Signa was “of age” for him to have her even though he’s been watching over her since she was a literal baby. Through out the book, Death kind of deceives Signa and lies to her. Okay she can see dead people like he can but other then that, why should they be together?
I know this was Adalyn Grace’s first kind of time dipping her toe into more adult content, which I think is awesome, good for her. However, this book was just an odd mix of adult themes/scenes with the characters still being very YA in their development and lack of personality.
I am not really a fan of horror and the part of the book where Lily’s spirit looks like Scarlet Witch when she comes out of the gong in Dr. Strange’s Multiverse of Madness movie, limbs cracking/moving in odd angles and her mouth gaping open with blood and sores, was a little bit too horrific/graphic for me. It was so strange because that scene was creepy/scary but then the rest of the book did not keep with that tone. That scene just tonally felt so off for me and just came out of nowhere. Then the story goes back to a campy, Clue-like mystery with the dark-brooding Death love interest. It just felt very odd/out of place for me.
Also, I feel like Death and Signa’s love/relationship did not feel very fleshed out for me. It was giving very Edward and Bella. Death tells Signa “I’ve waited forever for you.” He’s literally a deity and Signa is a 19 year old girl. The whole thing just felt very strange and rushed. Like okay your cousins are dropping like flies but you need to make out with Death in a garden, okie doke.
Also Death meets Signa when she was a literal baby when everyone at this party dies, including her parents, but Signa does not. It’s giving Jacob and Renesme? Like Death knew he was going to wait until Signa was “of age” for him to have her even though he’s been watching over her since she was a literal baby. Through out the book, Death kind of deceives Signa and lies to her. Okay she can see dead people like he can but other then that, why should they be together?
I know this was Adalyn Grace’s first kind of time dipping her toe into more adult content, which I think is awesome, good for her. However, this book was just an odd mix of adult themes/scenes with the characters still being very YA in their development and lack of personality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body horror, Medical trauma, Grief, Violence, Vomit, Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Sexism, Medical content, Abandonment, Bullying, Murder, Addiction, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Infidelity
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: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Classism, Physical abuse, Sexism, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
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: Gore, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction, Body horror, Sexism, Blood, and Physical abuse
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