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A review by mjscooke
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
I received a digital reading copy from Hodder and Stoughton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Belladonna is dark. It takes the fascination with the macabre to a whole other level. Which is why I'm sure there are many people who will love this book. The murder mystery aspect was gripping - so much so that I did finish the novel despite many moments of almost adding it to a DNF pile. The plot was interesting but I simply could not get past the absurdity of the romance element. I'm all for a certain level of suspension of disbelief, particularly in regards to fiction with a fantasy element, but the twisted relationship to death was just too much for me. I won't be reading the sequel but I can understand how some other may enjoy it.
Belladonna is dark. It takes the fascination with the macabre to a whole other level. Which is why I'm sure there are many people who will love this book. The murder mystery aspect was gripping - so much so that I did finish the novel despite many moments of almost adding it to a DNF pile. The plot was interesting but I simply could not get past the absurdity of the romance element. I'm all for a certain level of suspension of disbelief, particularly in regards to fiction with a fantasy element, but the twisted relationship to death was just too much for me. I won't be reading the sequel but I can understand how some other may enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Self harm, Sexual content, and Vomit