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linhsreadinghour's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I don’t know how to feel about this book if I’m being honest 😂.
In summary: A gothic fantasy murder mystery that takes place in regency-ish times. Signa Farrow grapples with her own identity and desires whilst solving a murder mystery. Belladonna is one of them books that should be read for fun. There is nothing particularly astonishing about this book other than it was very entertaining and overall a good YA fantasy novel in terms of its writing, plot development and characters.
The book tackles themes such as identity, coming of age, role of women in society. Most importantly, the book tackles themes of grief/death in a refreshing way.
—
Up until 75%, not much happened and it was just Signa trying to solve the murder. At 75%-80%, I found myself uncomfortably laughing out loud in disbelief and at the romance for a number of reasons.
Is no one else weirded out about it the fact that Death watched her grow up from a baby to a 20 year old, and fell in love with her? The romance was too quick and the whole Sylas thing (before it was revealed you know what about Sylas) had me conflicted about Signa’s character. But now it all makes sense!!
There is one chilli pepper (🌶️) in this book, I don’t particularly have strong feelings either way about this in Belladonna. The book could have done without it and it still would have been good.
The plot twists at the end were very good, I did not see that coming but they weren’t enough to satisfy the entire book for me so I rate it a 3.5 ⭐️. Will I continue the series? I think so, the ending made me intrigued to read the next book, but it’s not the case that I will be jumping immediately into it.
In summary: A gothic fantasy murder mystery that takes place in regency-ish times. Signa Farrow grapples with her own identity and desires whilst solving a murder mystery. Belladonna is one of them books that should be read for fun. There is nothing particularly astonishing about this book other than it was very entertaining and overall a good YA fantasy novel in terms of its writing, plot development and characters.
The book tackles themes such as identity, coming of age, role of women in society. Most importantly, the book tackles themes of grief/death in a refreshing way.
—
Up until 75%, not much happened and it was just Signa trying to solve the murder. At 75%-80%, I found myself uncomfortably laughing out loud in disbelief and at the romance for a number of reasons.
There is one chilli pepper (🌶️) in this book, I don’t particularly have strong feelings either way about this in Belladonna. The book could have done without it and it still would have been good.
The plot twists at the end were very good, I did not see that coming but they weren’t enough to satisfy the entire book for me so I rate it a 3.5 ⭐️. Will I continue the series? I think so, the ending made me intrigued to read the next book, but it’s not the case that I will be jumping immediately into it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
naechan's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
The audiobook narrator added significantly to my enjoyment of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Vomit and Infidelity
bujo_bellel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
I LOVE SIGNA AND DEATH TOGETHER OMG. I seriously can't get enough of them kjfdjffj. I really liked how their relationship developed and I love the story line, the world building AHHHH. I really enjoyed the murder mystery figuring out who was the murderer and seeing Signa interact with Lillian and seeing her bond with Elijah, Percy, Blythe, Sylas and Death (obviously). It did not cross my mind that SYLAS AND DEATH ARE THE SAME PERSON??? WHATTTT Oh gosh like wow. I really liked learning about Signa and her powers and how she meets Death like that's so cool! I've never read a book like this before and I'm really invested in the world and I might start reading other Gothic fantasies after this :)) Also, I LOVE the cover!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Vomit, and Sexual content
misszoe's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
This may actually be my favorite book this year. If I could, I'd give it more stars.
My favorite part of the book was the main character, Signa. With many books, I think its hard for me to relate to the main character. They're often the least defined in my opinion, but with this, it was very different. Signa was very much thought through but not in a way that felt forced. Her entire personality and motivations felt very logical and in tune and she turned out to be a character I very much cared for. I could feel her desperation at times but I also felt her triumphs and while this may sound dramatic, it's the best I can describe it. I loved Signa's character growth over the course of the book. It made sense even if it was painful for her. And the message at the core of it is something I think everyone can relate to.
The writing itself was wonderful. The way Adalyn Grace played with language was beautiful and I loved that the theme kept the same throughout the book. I loved the plant metaphors obviously but also the winter and night ones. They fit together beautifully.
As for the plot, I love a good murder mystery and it gave me exactly this. I had many theories but it was hard for me to guess what was actually happening. Every character had unique motivations and their own secrets so it was fun to keep guessing what was actually going on. All the characters made sense though. Special shout-out to Death, Signa and Blythe for being my favorites.
All in all, I can't wait to read the second book!
My favorite part of the book was the main character, Signa. With many books, I think its hard for me to relate to the main character. They're often the least defined in my opinion, but with this, it was very different. Signa was very much thought through but not in a way that felt forced. Her entire personality and motivations felt very logical and in tune and she turned out to be a character I very much cared for. I could feel her desperation at times but I also felt her triumphs and while this may sound dramatic, it's the best I can describe it. I loved Signa's character growth over the course of the book. It made sense even if it was painful for her. And the message at the core of it is something I think everyone can relate to.
The writing itself was wonderful. The way Adalyn Grace played with language was beautiful and I loved that the theme kept the same throughout the book. I loved the plant metaphors obviously but also the winter and night ones. They fit together beautifully.
As for the plot, I love a good murder mystery and it gave me exactly this. I had many theories but it was hard for me to guess what was actually happening. Every character had unique motivations and their own secrets so it was fun to keep guessing what was actually going on. All the characters made sense though. Special shout-out to Death, Signa and Blythe for being my favorites.
All in all, I can't wait to read the second book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Body shaming
readbyjaimes'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? Yes
4.0
I had a lot of fun with this book and I'm excited to read Foxglove!
I really liked Signa's character and I found her nonchalance towards death very relatable so that was fun!
I liked the discussions that were had surrounding death and grief I found them very comforting. I also really enjoyed the aesthetic and spooky vibes of this book! Definitely perfect for the fall season and gloomy weather.
I also LOVED Blythe! I was that she has her own book after Foxglove so I'm excited for that! Overall, I thought it was a fun YA read and am definitely going to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia
bakergirlsbooks1999's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Grief, Vomit, Abandonment, Body horror, Death, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Death of parent, Gore, Alcohol, and Blood
beautyandthebookworms's review against another edition
4.5
around 4.25-4.5 stars⭐️
~
💜there’s so much to say! & that’s even keeping it spoiler free
💜okay I gotta say the second half reallllly did it for me & the last 50-100 pages I gasped out loud more than once
💜the beginning was pretty good but like I said the second half was *so good* I couldn’t put it down
💜I really enjoyed Signa as the FMC, she has been passed from relative to relative after her parents died when she was very young. Signa can see spirits & can see Death, who is a reaper of these spirits.
💜Signa is brought to Thorn Grove where the Hawthorne family lives:: Elijah and his son Percy and daughter Blythe (along with many workers). His wife/their mother tragically passed away BUT Signa learns that she needs to investigate what happened & why Blythe is suspiciously very sick too…
💜this book follows Signa trying to unravel the mystery & geez I found myself questioning every little thing trying to figure it out 😭 I love a good mystery & this didn’t disappoint. I was left like this 😲 when ~everything~ came to light at the end of the book
💜you also get to see Signa interact with the people at Thorn Grove, I enjoyed her getting to build relationships after feeling so lonely for so long.
💜Signa learns so much about herself, her family, about those around her, and can she do more than just see & speak to spirits after all?
💜her encounters with Death just get better & better each time—he’s so protective of her & cares so much for her. some of the quotes I’m like ugh 😩🫶🏼
💜there were some parts mostly noticeable in the first half of the book where I didn’t like the writing/sentence structure or something. It would at times feel disjointed, but like I said the second half I didn’t notice it & the writing just got better & better
~
💜for real, it is hard to not go on & on AND not to spoil anything so I’ll just leave it at that—I highly recommend this book. It was exciting, it has a romance, it keeps you on your toes & guessing, I’m excited to read the next ☺️
~
💜there’s so much to say! & that’s even keeping it spoiler free
💜okay I gotta say the second half reallllly did it for me & the last 50-100 pages I gasped out loud more than once
💜the beginning was pretty good but like I said the second half was *so good* I couldn’t put it down
💜I really enjoyed Signa as the FMC, she has been passed from relative to relative after her parents died when she was very young. Signa can see spirits & can see Death, who is a reaper of these spirits.
💜Signa is brought to Thorn Grove where the Hawthorne family lives:: Elijah and his son Percy and daughter Blythe (along with many workers). His wife/their mother tragically passed away BUT Signa learns that she needs to investigate what happened & why Blythe is suspiciously very sick too…
💜this book follows Signa trying to unravel the mystery & geez I found myself questioning every little thing trying to figure it out 😭 I love a good mystery & this didn’t disappoint. I was left like this 😲 when ~everything~ came to light at the end of the book
💜you also get to see Signa interact with the people at Thorn Grove, I enjoyed her getting to build relationships after feeling so lonely for so long.
💜Signa learns so much about herself, her family, about those around her, and can she do more than just see & speak to spirits after all?
💜her encounters with Death just get better & better each time—he’s so protective of her & cares so much for her. some of the quotes I’m like ugh 😩🫶🏼
💜there were some parts mostly noticeable in the first half of the book where I didn’t like the writing/sentence structure or something. It would at times feel disjointed, but like I said the second half I didn’t notice it & the writing just got better & better
~
💜for real, it is hard to not go on & on AND not to spoil anything so I’ll just leave it at that—I highly recommend this book. It was exciting, it has a romance, it keeps you on your toes & guessing, I’m excited to read the next ☺️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Death of parent
maries_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Murder and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death of parent
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is my book club’s choice for October as well as the Pumpkin Spice Café. I hadn’t heard anything about this book before it was the choice for October. I went into this book completely blind.
This book is based on nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, she was orphaned as a baby and has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her wellbeing and each have been met with an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, they are an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate that is both glittering and gloomy. The head of the house, Elliot is mourning his late wife by having wild parties, his son is struggling to get control of the family’s reputation and his daughter is suffering from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realises that the family she depends on could be in grave danger, and enlists the help of a stable boy to hunt down the killer. Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer, though, is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful and more irresistible than she ever dared imagine.
As stated, I went into this book completely blind not reading any reviews or anything like that. It was a very strong storyline, and I was hooked from the first line. I loved the characters in the book especially Signa and Death. They were both firing off sexual chemistry and tension from the get-go. I love the regency and gothic feeling with all the balls and talks about how a woman must act in society and then Signa like nope screw that I'm out. Death is supposed to be big and scary and then acts like a complete golden retriever when he is around Signa and will literally do his job if anyone is even slightly mean to her.
The mystery element had me from the beginning and I had my suspect early on and I guessed correctly. I won’t ruin who it was, but I think I’ve read way too many mysterious and crime books that I'm getting good at guessing it. That's my only reason for not being a five-star read. I would have loved to have been shocked and gasping when it was revealed.
The ending was cruel, and I wanted more and now I must wait for the second book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Murder and Vomit
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content
sova_bean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Death, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder