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A review by speculativeshelves
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace
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've always been a person who loves second books in trilogies and Foxglove was no exception. While still maintaining the elements I enjoyed from the first book (gothic vibes, unique romance, well-executed murder mystery plot), it also felt like a step up in many ways. The stakes felt higher, the worldbuilding and character backstories were expanded, and the plot felt less predictable. I also loved the inclusion of Blythe's POV (and personally I wish she had more POV chapters than she did). It's an installment that clearly is a bridge between the first book (Signa's story) and the last book (Blythe's story) but also has a strong enough plot on it's own and provides excellent character development. Obviously I haven't read Wisteria yet, but this book made me appreciate Belladonna more in hindsight and I suspect the trilogy as a whole will feel stronger because of the inclusion of this book (as opposed to making it a duology).
There were a few moments (particularly in the first part) that didn't work for me in terms of pacing, but at the same time I binged the last half of this book in one evening because I was having such a good time with it. I still lack the investment in side characters outside of Signa, Death, Blythe, and Fate but that bothered me less here than in Belladonna - likely because the scenes we got between those four and their complicated dynamics were all so strong.
Ultimately though, Blythe and Fate were what made me enjoy this installment as much as I did. I'm obsessed with their dynamic and can't wait to see how it develops in Wisteria. While I like Signa/Death, their romance never hit me as hard as the scenes we got here with Blythe/Fate. It's good to know that I can still get deeply invested in a romance featured in a YA fantasy trilogy.
There were a few moments (particularly in the first part) that didn't work for me in terms of pacing, but at the same time I binged the last half of this book in one evening because I was having such a good time with it. I still lack the investment in side characters outside of Signa, Death, Blythe, and Fate but that bothered me less here than in Belladonna - likely because the scenes we got between those four and their complicated dynamics were all so strong.
Ultimately though, Blythe and Fate were what made me enjoy this installment as much as I did. I'm obsessed with their dynamic and can't wait to see how it develops in Wisteria. While I like Signa/Death, their romance never hit me as hard as the scenes we got here with Blythe/Fate. It's good to know that I can still get deeply invested in a romance featured in a YA fantasy trilogy.