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A review by theespressoedition
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
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? No
5.0
If I tell you right here and now that I highlighted nearly 50% of the book, will that make you want to read it? Because friends, it was that good!
There are a few reasons why I'm considering Belladonna my favorite fantasy book of 2022:
First and foremost, it is cozy as heck. It primarily takes place during autumn and it exudes autumnal comfort and warmth throughout the entire story. It would be the perfect book to pick up during October for Halloween. It's not scary, but definitely a bit eerie, and the exact kind of book that a more sensitive reader (such as myself) would want to read during that season. I've used the term "cozy creepy" in a few of my reviews and I'd definitely place Belladonna in that category.
It is incredibly descriptive and atmospheric, making you completely forget that you're reading. So many of the pieces that I highlighted throughout the story were just descriptions, moments where the author described Signa's eyes, Death's shadows, Hawthorne House, Lillian's garden, a ballgown, or the way the autumn season presented itself. It was all so beautifully written that I found myself getting lost in it over and over again, forgetting that I was reading and just truly living it. Those are my favorite kinds of books.
It made you think you knew what was happening, only to surprise you later on! Let me describe this a bit better. You know those stories where you're convinced something is predictable, so you tell yourself it can't be that and it's totally something else, but then you've convinced yourself so much that the predictable thing winds up shocking you when it does happen? That's kind of how this felt. Only, it wasn't really predictable. It just felt right when certain moments occurred. I liked those moments of, "ah yes, that makes perfect sense" just as much as the moments of, "OMG WHAT?!?!"
THE CHARACTERS. That's it. That's all I need to really say. The cast was spectacular. Everyone was a little grey. Everyone was a little unlikeable in a way that made them lovable. You feel as though you're rooting for the bad guys, but in a satisfying way. The character dynamics (and even bits of the plot) reminded me of a mash-up of several favorite books: Echo North (Echo and Hal), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Addie and Luc), and The Inheritance Games (Avery and Jameson).
Adalyn Grace has mentioned a couple of her favorite chapters on Instagram and I was pleased to find that the chapters she loved were also some favorites of my own. They held shock, romance, and too many gorgeous quotes for me to even list in this review. Plus, I want you to read the book and experience them yourself!
I never thought I could love anything this author wrote more than I loved All the Stars and Teeth, but Belladonna blew me away. Before I was even a quarter of the way through it, I preordered a signed copy so I could read it again and again. It's absolutely magnificent in every way and I could honestly blather on about it endlessly. If you pick up only one book this year, let it be Belladonna. I promise you won't regret it!
There are a few reasons why I'm considering Belladonna my favorite fantasy book of 2022:
First and foremost, it is cozy as heck. It primarily takes place during autumn and it exudes autumnal comfort and warmth throughout the entire story. It would be the perfect book to pick up during October for Halloween. It's not scary, but definitely a bit eerie, and the exact kind of book that a more sensitive reader (such as myself) would want to read during that season. I've used the term "cozy creepy" in a few of my reviews and I'd definitely place Belladonna in that category.
It is incredibly descriptive and atmospheric, making you completely forget that you're reading. So many of the pieces that I highlighted throughout the story were just descriptions, moments where the author described Signa's eyes, Death's shadows, Hawthorne House, Lillian's garden, a ballgown, or the way the autumn season presented itself. It was all so beautifully written that I found myself getting lost in it over and over again, forgetting that I was reading and just truly living it. Those are my favorite kinds of books.
It made you think you knew what was happening, only to surprise you later on! Let me describe this a bit better. You know those stories where you're convinced something is predictable, so you tell yourself it can't be that and it's totally something else, but then you've convinced yourself so much that the predictable thing winds up shocking you when it does happen? That's kind of how this felt. Only, it wasn't really predictable. It just felt right when certain moments occurred. I liked those moments of, "ah yes, that makes perfect sense" just as much as the moments of, "OMG WHAT?!?!"
THE CHARACTERS. That's it. That's all I need to really say. The cast was spectacular. Everyone was a little grey. Everyone was a little unlikeable in a way that made them lovable. You feel as though you're rooting for the bad guys, but in a satisfying way. The character dynamics (and even bits of the plot) reminded me of a mash-up of several favorite books: Echo North (Echo and Hal), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Addie and Luc), and The Inheritance Games (Avery and Jameson).
Adalyn Grace has mentioned a couple of her favorite chapters on Instagram and I was pleased to find that the chapters she loved were also some favorites of my own. They held shock, romance, and too many gorgeous quotes for me to even list in this review. Plus, I want you to read the book and experience them yourself!
I never thought I could love anything this author wrote more than I loved All the Stars and Teeth, but Belladonna blew me away. Before I was even a quarter of the way through it, I preordered a signed copy so I could read it again and again. It's absolutely magnificent in every way and I could honestly blather on about it endlessly. If you pick up only one book this year, let it be Belladonna. I promise you won't regret it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction, Body horror, Sexism, Blood, and Physical abuse