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A review by savvyrosereads
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Signa Farrow is an orphan who has been surrounded by Death all her life—but when she finally confronts him, it sets in motion a series of events that leads to her solving a murder, uncovering her powers, and realizing what she really wants in life (and afterwards).
I’ve been itching to read this one since I first saw the cover and hardback design (seriously, this book without the dust jacket? I genuinely don’t think I own anything more beautiful), and even more so because the concept sounded so unique and captivating, so I was thrilled when one of my book clubs made it their January pick! I was supposed to spend the entire month reading this with the club, but once I got started I absolutely could not stop, so I “accidentally” finished it in a few days instead. Whoops.
Belladonna was everything I wanted it to be—dark, funny, romantic, creepy, with brilliant characters and fantastic world building. I never thought I’d be swooning over literal Death incarnate but…here we are. The plot was complex and thought-provoking, and I loved the way the murder mystery and reveal unfolded! My only small complaint would be that it started off a bit slow, but once it really got its hooks in me (somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way in) I never wanted it to end.
Suffice to say, I am absolutely dying with anticipation for the sequel (Foxglove, out August ’23!)
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: Gothic mysteries; historical fantasy; the idea of a romance featuring literal Death
CW: Death/murder; loss of parent; alcoholism
Signa Farrow is an orphan who has been surrounded by Death all her life—but when she finally confronts him, it sets in motion a series of events that leads to her solving a murder, uncovering her powers, and realizing what she really wants in life (and afterwards).
I’ve been itching to read this one since I first saw the cover and hardback design (seriously, this book without the dust jacket? I genuinely don’t think I own anything more beautiful), and even more so because the concept sounded so unique and captivating, so I was thrilled when one of my book clubs made it their January pick! I was supposed to spend the entire month reading this with the club, but once I got started I absolutely could not stop, so I “accidentally” finished it in a few days instead. Whoops.
Belladonna was everything I wanted it to be—dark, funny, romantic, creepy, with brilliant characters and fantastic world building. I never thought I’d be swooning over literal Death incarnate but…here we are. The plot was complex and thought-provoking, and I loved the way the murder mystery and reveal unfolded! My only small complaint would be that it started off a bit slow, but once it really got its hooks in me (somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way in) I never wanted it to end.
Suffice to say, I am absolutely dying with anticipation for the sequel (Foxglove, out August ’23!)
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: Gothic mysteries; historical fantasy; the idea of a romance featuring literal Death
CW: Death/murder; loss of parent; alcoholism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Alcohol, Murder, and Grief