A review by lilith_bookshelf
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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

4.0

“A human life is a beautiful thing,” he said. “You humans… you feel. You feel so deeply that it consumes you. […]”

Signa Farrow, an orphan, has been raised by several guardians, all of whom were more interested in her wealth than her well-being. Her last relatives, the Hawthornes, live at the Thorn Grove estate. Lillian's spirit claims she was poisoned, and Signa fears that Blythe could be next. To solve the mystery, Signa must ally with Death himself, the man she hates most, who will show Signa that their connection may be more powerful than she imagined.

The book has excellent writing. The ambiance is described better than the characters, which are developed over time. Many profound phrases regarding life and death are included in the story. The relationship between Signa and Death is the highlight, even with the Sylas in the middle. The Hawthorne family has a great influence on Signa's personal development, and she also helps reconstruct the family after Lillian's death. The setting of the story could easily be around the Victorian era. This book provides a different perspective on death and what it signifies. Although it may not help much with loss, it stimulates a debate on a taboo topic. The book combines fantasy and romance, and the theme is well portrayed. I enjoyed taking my time to ponder over certain phrases and thoughts. I had high expectations for the book, and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book for fantasy lovers. While some parts of the ending may be predictable, depending on how much attention you pay and how much fantasy you have read, I was still surprised by the resolution. The story gave me a warm feeling, and I cannot wait to read Foxglove.