Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

111 reviews

alittlenutmeg's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


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manaledi's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A YA mystery pseudo romance with an anthropormophized version of Death. I kept expecting her to ask for Death's real name. I feel like a lot of books I've read recently somehow all end up set in a somewhat haunted giant old manor with a mystery and a vague enemies to lovers (thinking in particular of "House of Marionne"). Other than the fact that Death himself was a main character, I didn't find this all that dark or gothic. I thought the mystery was better developed than the romance. 

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itsbrianascall's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-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? No

4.5

"You must not allow yourself to be consumed so thoroughly by death. It’s not selfish to live."

I genuinely loved so much about this book. The characters all had distinct voices, and I found myself loving most of them for various reasons, even the ones who had some traits that aren't exactly pleasant. The story was eerie, it was heartfelt, it was introspective, and above all else, it kept me engaged throughout the whole thing.

Having the historical fiction elements tied in with the supernatural and topped off by a murder mystery, I went into it worried that there would be too much going on in this book for any of the storylines to be done well. I can only really think of one situation where I wish I had more context, but seeing as this is a series, it's possible it'll be touched on in the sequel. I can't wait to start the next one and let this series become my whole personality 💕

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claireisagrisha's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

OMG OMG OMG!!!! So this book has been on my TBR since the Scream Into The Void girlies told me about it… and they were not lying, this book was STUNNING. 

I’m so happy that I read this book. 
It had all the amazing things a book can have: a badass main character, a murder mystery, paranormal fantasy, romance with the mysterious Death, betrayals and twists that will make you jump and run around the room (I did), and beautiful imagery of Thorn Grove !!!!!! 

The murder mystery had me so stressed… I honestly did not call the ending. Well part of it … hehehehehehe 

The romance between Death and Signa … HAWT but also I love them together. They are just two lonely people (not really but just go with it) that found someone who they truly connect with and feel cared for by. 

Have I not convinced you yet? 
Ok… well put on those headphones and turn on Hozier … it will transport you. 

During the ball when Signa is wearing her red dress, I picture the song “I Hear A Symphony” by Cody Fry playing. Just play that with headphones on as you read that chapter and the vibes are unmatched. 


THE ENDING WTF?!?! Omg, I have so many thoughts and so many feelings!!!!! 
Marjorie not being the bad guy shook me because from the start, she was suspicious to me. Anyway, Percy being so evil and twisted and horrible was probably more of a shock to me than it should have been. He wasn’t the perfect son or perfect sibling, but I thought he was salvageable? Lol what else? Fate just showing up at the end… I did see that one coming. I mean they kept mentioning him. The one thing I did guess was that Sylas and Death are one and the same. I called that once I kept reading how they interacted with Signa.

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alisylvi's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.25


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mirroaoror's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

True to its name, this book felt like a poison, slowly killing me as I read through it...and now I'm dead. As with most readers, I'm sure, I was drawn to it by the cover since it was beautiful, and I had high hopes for the book. But ultimately, this book left a bitter taste in my mouth.

 In the beginning towards the middle part, I was actually quite intrigued by the mystery and Signa's unusual connection with Death and his powers (though, we never got an explanation for this, and I'm unsure if it's something that will be explained in the second or third book because it is unfortunate since I don't have plans on reading them anymore). I couldn't put the book down throughout the most part of the story. I also didn't mind the several twists that came out one after another. 

The relationship between Death and Signa was...mediocre at best and creepy stalker-ish at worst. But I didn't really care for it. The thing that bothered me the most was the way Signa dealt with Percy. 
I think that just ruined the whole point of Signa finally finding a family in the Hawthornes because not only did she rob Percy the chance to explain himself to his father and sister and take accountability for his actions, but she also left Elijah, Blythe, and Marjorie not having any closure with him. It wasn't Signa's place to decide whether or not Percy should have died or not. Also, sure, it saved Blythe's life, but I don't think she would have wanted that if her brother died instead. And no, I don't condone Percy's actions, I just thought that death or being absorbed by Death or whatever was the easy way out for him.The ending felt so hollow because of it, and since the conclusion wasn't satisfying, it's as if the build up towards it was pointless. But yeah, I still enjoyed a good chunk of it.

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dovahkiin_shea's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Once she is taken in as a ward at her cousin's home, Signa realizes that death is coming for her cousin, Blythe. Using every weapon at her disposal, and determined to find out who's behind her Blythe's sickness, it's a race against time. But murder, poisonings, and betrayal aren't the only things in store for Signa. 

This story is full of ghosts and murder, with a surprising romantic aspect to it. 

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mbzoller's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love this book.

It took a while for me to get into it, but I was quickly swept away with the romance plot.

The audiobook narrator is wonderful, especially for the voice of Death.

So excited to read Foxglove.

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nicoles_reading_corner's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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cams_shelf's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

What made me want to read this book is that death personified is a love interest. If you think that's interesting and like a good mystery, a romance side plot, and strong female main characters, I'd definitely reccomend this book. The plot twists were good, and I think the story is well written.

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