Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Hodder & Stoughton for accepting my request of the E-ARC of Belladonna.
This is my complete honest review.

Belladonna is on of my most anticipated reads of 2022. And boy it did not let me down! I was drawn in from the first page.
I loved it so much!
Signa should have died as a baby but for some reason Death didn't come for her. The story follows Signa, who is plagued by bad luck and death.
I absolutely adored Signa and Death.
The story was written perfectly, the world building and the characters. I loved everything about it.

I can't wait for this to be released, I hope we get so many special editions especially in the UK because I Need them all.

Alright! I'm giving it 5 stars, because I just loved it that much! You guys! This is like perfection!
This book is everything! It's this perfect combination of everything I like in fantasy books, a darkly gothic fantasy novel, with a crime to solve, a lot of mystery, a heavy touch of paranormal, a lot of gothic elements and a romance to die for (literally) with just a touch of smut (it's very poetic in that specific scene, so not too much of steam, and that's alright, made it perfect for the novel tone).

The book revolves around 17 years old Signa Farrow, a supposedly cursed orphan, that brings everyone who adopts to die one by one. But she is no ordinary girls, she is a gifted girl who stands at the thin line between life and death by chewing the poisonous belladonnas to summon Death, the one she thinks is the culprit to all the death that surrounds her.

But one day Signa connects with Death breaks an important rule without knowing it. It’s after these developments that Signa ends up at her relative’s home, Thorn Grove, a place where she discovers her powers, a love, a crime to solve and a family to save.

I think all the characters are well developed, that is evident in Signa, who grows to understand that not everything is as it seems, that living for the expectations of other is no live at all and that be fearless and defend the ones she loves, she as to accept who she is and her powers.

Also, of course Death was my favorite character, he is the most alluring and charismatic character of the book, I was always expecting him to appear. This totally resemble my feeling towards the Darkling in the Shadow and Bone! BUT, this book gave me what Shadow and Bone was not capable of giving me. The bantering, the tender moments, the steamy moments. Signa and Death are everything, I adore them! They remind me a lot of the dynamic between Hades and Persephone, with this impossible love that teeters between life and death.

Oh and the plot twist! I had a lot of suspicions about the murder, but was not expecting it, not at all! There were some other points that I did find out before they where reveled, but that did not take the fun of the reading experience.

Overall, this book was amazing, and I highly recommend it for anyone that’s a fan of gothic romances that linger between YA and Adult. I’m excited to learn more about Death, about Fate and the next crime mystery in the next book and see what happens.

<i>Thank you kindly to Hodder&Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for this honest review.</i>

I have read quite a few books already this year, but Belladonna has very easily become my favourite. The concept of a girl that sees death but cannot die, teaming up with literal death to solve a murder was something I didn't know I needed, but now need in every single material available. Paperback? hardback? limited edition covers? ebooks? I don't care, just take my money.

Signa was a very interesting main character, who was weathered by bad luck, and plagued by death, causing her to be handed around to new family members her whole life, until she is taken in by her rich distant relatives and cousins. Signa never lets the hardships affect her as a person. She has a lot of charm, but still holds herself in a strong manner, and can fight her battles, whether that be with family or death. There is an innocence to her, and at times her words get her into trouble, but there was something quite wholesome about watching her form friendships, and have experiences that she was lacking as a child. As a character, Death is incredibly charming, and often bounces off of Signa and jabs at her to get a rise, but always does it in a comical way, that often irritates her, but makes her smile too. As weird as it is to type, there was great chemistry between Signa and uh... death?
The romance was perfectly balanced with the mystery aspect, and there was no overshadowing. There were small moments between Signa and other character's that were perfectly tense, and helped to introduce the side character's into the story better, and left me caught between who Signa would choose.

The world building and descriptions in the book were incredible, and it was easy to imagine everything on the page, which is one of the main reasons I love reading Adalyn Grace's work. The gothic atmosphere was noticeable immediately, and had everything you could imagine, from secret passages to self portraits scattered around the house, and ghosts haunting the building.

My interest was grabbed from the first line of the prologue, and didn't falter all the way to the cliffhanger, which was perfectly constructed. I am in desperate need of the sequel, and cannot thank the netgalley Gods enough for blessing me with an arc.

This book was so, so good! I loved every minute of it.

Signa Farrow should have died as a baby, poisoned just like her parents. Instead, Death found himself unable to take her, and Signa was left to grow up in the care of a series of guardians who cared more for her wealth than her. All of them met an untimely end, and now everyone believes Signa cursed. Signa believes it too - especially as she can see ghosts, and talk with Death when he draws near.

After the demise of her latest guardian, Signa is invited to Thorn Grove by the family of her deceased aunt, who are deep in mourning for their wife and mother. To make things worse, Blythe, the daughter of the family, is ill from the same mysterious sickness that killed her mother. She looks certain to die until her mother's ghost appears to Signa, claiming she was murdered and someone is now trying to kill Blythe. Signa's determined not to let another relative die and so turns to Death himself for help. Together the two must discover the murderer, before it's too late.

Everything about this book was enjoyable. The descriptions, the atmosphere, the character development, the love interest, the mystery of it all! I read Belladonna quickly and wish I had the sequel in my hands already. I feel like I haven't read a *really* amazing book in a while so this was just what I needed. There was one tiny element I would have like cleared up, but I can't say what without spoilers - and it was so tiny that it doesn't really matter. If you enjoy gothic novels and historical fantasy then you need to read this book!

Belladonna is a beautifully haunting, gothic infused YA fantasy about a girl (Signa) who confronts death—her own deadly powers— to solve a murder in this enthralling tale of magic, mystery and a deadly betrayal.

For as long as Signa Farrow’s has been alive, the people around her have all succumbed to an early grave. Orphaned as a baby, nineteen year old Sign has has a string of guardians, each more interested in her vast inheritance than her well-being—and each has met and untimely death.

Her only remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family who live at the gloomy and imposing Thorn Grove, an estate still steeped in the patriarch’s grief for his late wife—a wife who still haunts its walls and a daughter who suffers a similar ailment.

But when said wife’s spirit appears to Signa claiming she was poisoned, Signa realises the family she depends on could be in grave danger, and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to help hunt down the killer.

It’s hauntingly atmospheric, deliciously gothic and I fell absolutely in love it! That opening chapter was absolutely phenomenal and really sets the tone for the rest of the book—the world building is gorgeously lush, with an ethereal, dream-like quality to some of the outdoorsy (nature filled) scenes that I just really enjoyed. But, there’s also a richer, darker undertone to Thorn Grove itself that was deeply compelling.

Signa, our protagonist is an interesting character—impervious to the poison that left her an orphan, Signa has spent her life isolated and lonely, wishing for a better grander life and with only the spirits and death for company it’s easy to empathise. Her time at Thorn Grove sees her flourish and evolve, tracking down the cause for the mysterious illness plaguing her family and learning the wield the death-like powers she has been gifted with.

Her evolving relationship with death was also exquisitely crafted, and gave us the most delicious Hades and Persephone vibes. Death is an incredible character too, he’s nothing but a shadowy hooded figure during all of his intersctions with Signa but his dark Byronic charm and acerbic wit was fabulously entertaining. He and Signa definitely have chemistry and the love triangle dynamics that entangle them both was absolutely swoon-worthy.

Honestly, I loved everything about this marvellously moody, gothic romance with its hauntingly lush atmosphere, lyrical prose and plot twists to die for!

The ending does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which sets up the sequel Foxglove but, I guarantee you’ll be utterly satisfied with this absolute masterpiece of a book so get preordering now.

Also, thanks to Hodder&Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.

4.5****

A girl who cannot die but can see death: Signa Farrow has been sent from one guardian to the next since her mothers death. All of these guardians have mysteriously died one way or another, she believes she is a curse, and for a girl who can see Death, it’s needless to say that she hates him.

When a letter comes from Thorn Grove from a distant Uncle inviting her there, her hopes at a new place and new start are enticing. However, all is not as it seems at thorn grove with poisonings, family secrets, and her own entanglement between Death and an annoying stable boy.

Love love loved this prologue, it got me intrigued in the story straight away. Signa was a character who was unfortunate in some of her circumstances and seemed to be plagued by Death everywhere she went, despite her desire of wanting to be a proper young lady: with debuts and society. I enjoyed Signa as a character and loved her curiosity (although this aspect of her personality was hinted on too much at the beginning of the book; “I was curious” was repeated). I really enjoyed her sarcasm and wit with two of the male characters, and loved the bickering and banter she had with them (my favourite type of “romance” type: an enemies to lovers).

I loved Death as a personification (and this made me think of The Book Thief). The authors descriptions of death as a person, shadows and darkness had me utterly enchanted. The author also did fantastically at drawing me into the gothic descriptions of Thorn Grove Manor and it’s grounds- reminding me of Manderley or Jane Eyre. It was utterly enticing.

The issues I had with this book was that some things I had guessed which became apparent at the end (although still largely enjoyable!). In addition, this works so well as a standalone despite the epilogue being a build up to book 2; I really think this book would’ve worked well without that included as I’m hoping this just doesn’t ‘drag out’.

Overall, this had mystery and darkness, with a romance I really enjoyed. The descriptions were enchanting and kept my imagination going.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this E-Arc copy.

A deliciously deadly Gothic romance. I was engrossed from start to finish; such a well-crafted, thrilling and moving story surely marks this author as an author to watch. I can't wait for more!

I received this as an eARC from NetGalley but all thought and opinions are my own.

Rounded up from 4.5 stars.

I picked this up, not really having read much of the blurb, I thought it looked really cool. When I started to read it I found I couldn't put it down.

It follows Signa, a young woman who has been surrounded by death her whole life, and is very angry at him for that. When her latest guardian dies, she heads to Thorn Grove to stay with some distant cousins. Sadly Thorn Grove is grieving and her cousin is gravely ill. Not wanting to see another family member die Signa sets out to use her powers to save her cousin.

This book is essentially a gothic supernatural mystery with a nice little romance subplot. It was a pretty easy read and it kept me guessing the whole way through. It fits right in with the kind of book I love so I became very taken with it right away.

There were a few points where I was a big confused as to what was happening. I don't know if it was me reading too fast or what. Some pages with big reveals took me a couple reads to really understand what just happened

I really liked this book! Loved the Gothic elements and you KNOW I love a suspicious death. A period romance/fantasy/mystery solving mashup? What more do you need?? This book gives me serious Gallant by V.E. Schwab meets Nancy Drew meets Bloody Chamber vibes. Like, what a combo. I love Sigma and her nonchalance about death and how she just carries on despite several traumatic events. All the characters are really interesting - I’m not 100% sold on the ending, just because some of the reasons the murderer cited didn’t really make sense to me. I am very intrigued to see where the next book goes, especially with the events of the final few pages!!!

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Belladonna is the first book in the new series of Adalyn Grace. A book with captivating premises that did not disappoint me!

The story follows the point of view of Signa Farrow, a nineteen year old who has been followed by Death all her life, and above all, has some powers such as that of not being able to die.
When her last caretaker dies, she is sent to the Hawthorne family in Thorn Grove. Here Mrs. Hawthorne has recently died of a strange disease, it will be up to Signa to investigate to discover the truth.

Belladonna combines gothic elements, fantasy and thriller aspect creating an absolutely engaging mix. The story is intriguing, fast-paced and certainly does not lack a certain suspense.
I particularly appreciated the gothic atmospheres, between ghosts and poisons, while I would have preferred a greater depth of the characters.
In fact, I found some things a bit hasty, such as the relationship between Death and Signa, and the final part managed a bit hastily.

A pleasant reading, with spooky and creepy vibes that manages to involve until the end.
3.5 and I'm really curious to read the sequel, Foxglove!

This has everything!
At the heart of this novel is Signa Farrow a young woman with some interesting talents.
Around that is a serious layer of murder and mystery.
Add of course “Death” and a bit of the supernatural.
Lastly, a touch of romance and some very good writing!

Nothing more to add other than read it!
What a wonderful novel that will steal you from the first page and leave you smiling after the final sentence.

There are whispers of how Signa Farrow is a strange and dangerous girl. She can see ghosts, cannot die and is believed to have brought death to all her legal guardians, and perhaps even her parents. She can even see Death, an entity in of himself, who haunts her - never leaving her alone for long. However, when Signa arrives at her newest ward’s residence, Thorn Grove Manor, an angered spirit makes it clear to Signa someone is conspiring to kill members of the family. To save her reputation and finally face her fears, Signa decides she must stop Death. But is Death truly her enemy?

HOT DAMN. My lungs are STILL hurting from all the gasping and squealing!! From the first few pages, I knew we struck gold with Belladonna. It delivers delicious romance, a murder mystery that causes the mind to spin with theories and an entertaining fantasy rooted in death, life and the power of both. It possesses *every* vibe I love in books; especially the grim and macabre. There’s poison gardens, dark woods, family secrets, haunted and shadowy halls… I can’t put into words how much I loved it. Past reads that evoked similar vibes for me are House of Salt and Sorrows and Mexican Gothic.

”I cannot sleep when I hear her roaming about, haunting these halls, and yet I cannot so much as shut my eyes in her absence, for I wonder if I will ever hear her again.”

The story unfolds in a time period akin to Bridgerton, where a young lady’s value is linked to her status and marriageable worth. Consequently, Signa must navigate how to perfect appropriate etiquette, or face the fact she may never truly fit into such societal standards because of her connection to beyond the veil.

Signa is a great character. She’s stubborn, hearty and has the powerful potential to rival Death himself. The conflict of Signa’s abilities and status were thoroughly riveting to explore, and it became increasingly complicated the more the murder mystery developed, leaving me curiouser and curiouser. Even though I found the mystery elements predictable, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment in any way, due to how rich the world felt. Moreover, I adored how reverently Adalyn Grace illustrated the nature of death. It was beautiful how every belief of what comes after life was given its place, and I must praise the author for this.

The romance was *chef’s kiss*. We have Sylas, a mysterious and sarcastic stableboy, and then on the other hand, Death, a devastatingly tender and lethal entity. I loved them both and found myself unable to choose. The duo of Signa and Death are like Emilia and Wrath from Kingdom of the Wicked but in a world like Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Their vibe also reminded me of Vasya and Morozko from the Winternight series and Alina and the Darkling from Shadow & Bone. Meanwhile, Signa and Sylas’ detective work reminded me of Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell from Stalking Jack the Ripper. So can anyone blame me when I stress I was unable to choose between them!? But do not panic, the way the romance is ultimately handled was extremely satisfying.

The ending!!! I knew it was coming but I still squealed! I am really, really, really excited for the sequel, Foxglove. It’s not the worst of cliffhangers, but rather, sets the stage nicely for the next adventure. I’m so excited to return to this world and see more of these characters. And on that matter: Adalyn Grace and Hodderscape, if you happen to have a copy of that sequel at hand… I wouldn’t say no. I’ll bake you cookies for it! And I *promise* they won’t have Belladonna in them.

Belladonna is moody, romantic and, quite simply, a must read for YA gothic fantasy readers. It’s without a doubt in my favourite reads of 2022. The prose was lyrical and rich, the ghostly and atmospheric world enveloped me, the chemistry between Signa and her love interest was decadent… All in all, it’s a lusciously gothic tale and I was truly, fully in its thrall. I’ll definitely be rereading it before Foxglove arrives. Don’t sleep on this one, book friends! You need to add Belladonna to your TBR if you love any of the following:

~ Kingdom of the Wicked
~ The Shadows Between Us
~ Hunting Prince Dracula
~ House of Salt and Sorrows
~ Haunted Mansion
~ Corpse Bride

Thank you kindly to Hodderscape for providing me with an eARC in exchange for this honest review.

Belladonna is a gripping, Gothic YA fantasy that will make you fall in love with Death himself. Every YA Fantasy fan needs to have this on their shelves in August.

The book has:
- a Gothic haunted house
- a murder mystery
- a smart, curious heroine
- and dark family secrets

The book hooked me right out the gate with the beginning: A party is held for the newborn Signa Farrow and everyone at the party - including Signa's parents - dies from poison. When Death tries to take the baby however, he finds she cannot die. Nineteen years later, Signa has been handed from guardian to guardian, all of whom died after a short while. Signa wants nothing more to be a normal lady and have her debut, which proves to be difficult since she not only seems to be immortal but can also see spirits.

After the current guardian meets a tragic end as well, Signa is taken in by the Hawthorns at the Thorn Grove estate. The matriarch of the family died a few months earlier of a mysterious illness and the same illness seems to have befallen Signa's cousin Blythe. Moreover, Signa finds out that it may not have been an illness at all, but murder. Convinced that Death is sabotaging her, Signa vows to not let anything happen to her new family. With the help of a stableboy and Death himself, Signa vows to find the murderer.

I had a lot of fun reading this. The book is influenced by Victorian England and the historical inspiration reminded me a lot of A Sorcery of Thorns. The haunted mansion, the dark family secrets, and Signa's guardians dying after a few months all screamed Gothic literature and I loved it. The dread, the feeling of being watched, of being haunted, not just by spirits but the past, were were persistent, especially in the first third of the book. Since Signa can communicate with spirits however, the book lost some of it's eerie atmosphere and momentum around the halfway mark. That didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book though.

The murder mystery was very engaging. The author really kept Signa guessing and I think I suspected almost every side character at some point in the story. Alas, I didn't figure out who the killer was - in fact, I suspected everyone but the killer - but the reveal made sense and was satisfactory enough.

What kept me reading, though, was Signa herself. She had a really great arc of self discovery and was a sympathetic protagonist. Signa starts of as a typical YA heroine - curious, stubborn, if a little naive. Since none of her guardians gave her a real education, she lacks the social graces her cousins have and is a bit of a fish out of water in 'polite society'. She bends over backwards to fit in with the gossipy neighbors who only worry over their marital prospects. As Signa starts to discover more about her powers though, she starts to realize she wants to take a different path in life and that society's expectations of her don't matter. While this is a pretty standard character arc for YA, it was well executed.

I found myself liking the side characters too. I loved Signa's relationship with her cousin Blythe and how much Signa fights for her family. Most of the other rich, upperclass people she met were insufferable though and like I mentioned, I suspected everyone to be the murderer. I would probably be a bad detective.Despite from being shady, all characters did have distinct personalities and goals they wanted to meet. The spirits Signa meets were not as scary as I would have liked but they were memorable - one spirit's fate in particular made me laugh out loud.

Another highlight was Signa's relationship with Death. As he helps her discover her powers, Signa realizes a life full of power on the edge of society is more desirable to her than to get married and spent her time with tea parties and the like. I found Death to be a very interesting character and his dynamic with Signa was fun to read about. At times, it looked like a love triangle would develop but fortunately, this was resolved by the end of the book, and in a great way. That is to say, don't let that turn you off the book, not everything is as it seems. Without spoiling too much, this book falls under the Death and the Maiden trope which I'm a sucker for. Who doesn't want a shadow monster to fall in love with you, am I right?

Now I suspect the sequel, Foxglove could be Adult since some scenes in this book were a bit more explicit than YA normally gets. There were no graphic scenes however so the book is still fine for Upper YA sensitivities.

As you can see, the book has a lot going on - Signa's character journey, romance, the murder mystery and her familial relationships - but all the plotlines were balanced very well and all brought to satisfying conclusions. The elements of fantasy, mystery and Gothic literature meshed well and made the plot a unique and entertaining one. Adalyn Grace's prose was stunning and transported you right into the dark halls of Thorn Grove. The book does end with a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next one! I recommend Belladonna to fans of YA fantasies like Kingdom of the Wicked and Sorcery of Thorns.

4.5⭐️

I’m so glad I got to read an ARC of this book! It was well-written with interesting characters and world building, as well as a swoony romance. The mystery wasn’t overly complex but I like that there’s the potential for more stories in this world. I also guessed some things about Sylas fairly instantly, so it would have been nice to have been left guessing a while longer on that front.

This book didn’t make me that emotional and was a bit predictable as mentioned, which stopped it from being five stars. However, I loved the concept and I adored that the MC didn’t just go along with society’s pointless rules and instead questioned them and herself – though I did find her shortsightedness a bit annoying in some of the earlier chapters.

This was an atmospheric book, reminiscent of The Haunting of Hill House but with a little more lightness. It felt like if Gallant and Sorcery of Thorns had a love child, it would be this book. I liked that there was a little steam too, as the MC is 19/20 so it felt comfortable and right for the plot.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would read more in this world.

I will always be a big fan of whatever Adalyn Grace writes, but this was a phenomenal read. Belladonna completely had me hooked and I was enamored by the characters and plot.
The mystery elements entwined with slight romance, honestly a 10/10.
In fact, I am desperately waiting for the physical book to be in my hands so that I can annotate it and put it with the rest of my favourite books.
If you enjoyed In The Ravenous Dark or Vespertine, I definitely think this book is for you.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.

This is a lovely gothic mystery with our protagonist Signa working to uncover the villain before another life is taken, with help from a handsome stable boy, and Death himself.

Signa is a great character and I really enjoyed her development through the book. The side characters were also well fleshed out and I thought that the author dealt with themes of grief and death outstandingly.

This is quite a unique story which I found fascinating - though I couldn't help but draw parallels between Signa and Death, and Vanya and Morozko from the Bear and the Nightingale.

The epilogue sets up book 2 nicely and I will definitely be reading it when it comes out.

This is a 3.5/5 for me; an easy, fast paced book I devoured in a day.

3.75⭐️- A Deliciously Gothic victorian tale full of mystery, intrigue and a hint of romance

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an Advanced DRC in return for an honest review🥰

*Some Spoilers but no twists revealed*

I love anything Gothic so I was drawn to this book and super excited to read it!💜 Although it’s marketed as YA, I would definitely say it is more Upper YA because of some saucy scenes and can be enjoyed by adults just as much.

It gave me big Hades/Persephone Vibes, following 19 Year old Signa who cannot herself die, but seems to invite death wherever she goes, passed from relative to relative after she was orphaned as a baby. Oh, she can also see spirits and communicate with Death himself!

I liked Signa as a main character and felt like she developed well as the plot progressed. The mystery at Thorn Grove was compelling and had twists and turns that left me guessing. There were 2 major twists- one that had me shouting ‘I knew it!!!’ out loud and the other that I didn’t see coming at all! 💜

This was an enjoyable read, and was definitely executed better than other similar YA Gothic’s I’ve read but I really struggled to rate it because even though I liked the mystery and the characters and the romance, it also made me feel slightly uncomfortable due to the fact that Death had been watching Signa since she was a baby (I don’t want to go into to much detail because of spoilers but I think when you read it you’ll see what I mean!)

Finally there is a sequel to BellaDonna, FoxGlove, that’s due to be released next year and although the ending of this book left me intrigued to see what happens, I also feel like it could easily have worked just as much as a standalone💜

I absolutely loved this! Every single second of it. I had several theories throughout and then it would be disproven, though I have to say I guessed the twist and squealed with delight so loudly when I was proven right that my son ran to demand to know what I had been right. Loved, loved, loved it. So well written, wonderful characters.

Deliciously gothic, beautifully written, and once again a rather swoonwrthy version of Death: I truly enjoyed reading Grace's latest novel. I haven't read her fantasy duology just yet (it does sit on my shelf begging me to stop adding new books to my shelf instead of reading the books I already own), so I went into "Belladonna" mostly blind with no expectations whatsoever, but I'm so glad I did.

"Belladonna" tells the story of Signa Farrow, a 19 year old orphan who cannot die. She tried, repeatedly, yet even the most fatal injuries heal, and swallowing poisonous belladonna proves only a way to meet personified Death, stab him in the chest, then go back to being happily alive. The people around her though, they seem to drop like flies. Add to that the spirits she can see and her unusual eyes, and it's obvious: She must be cursed then, with death awaiting everyone who gets to close to her. After the death of her latest caretaker, she's sent to the only family she has left: The elusive Hawthornes who live in Thorn Grove - an estate that seems just as cursed as she is, with the lady of the house having died of a mysterious sickness just shortly before Signa's arrival and her daughter suffering from the same sickness now too. There are ghosts and spirits everywhere, and when Signa finds out that this mysterious sickness might have actually been murder, she sets out to uncover the truth and save her family.

The mystery at the heart of "Belladonna" is an intriguing one and while there are some obvious red herrings, it's still a lot of fun to read. But the central aspect of the novel is most definitely the relationship between Signa and Death, a shadowy monster and seductive gentleman that is more than intrigued by Signa's apparent deathlessness. Their romance is beautiful, though sometimes things develop a little too quickly for my taste and I would have loved for more of a slow-burn, but that's just personal preference. I do think the romance would have benefitted from not going zero to 100 in basically the span of a few pages, especially when one of the two people falling in love is, you know, Death. I'm usually not a fan of this age-old trend of "thousand year old entity falls in love with a teenage girl" either and it'll never be my favourite trope, but it's well done here and I enjoyed it.

And the ending? Yes damn, I need the second book now please! I loved how it introduces a new character that has been teased multiple times before, and in such an exciting way, too. This is a cliffhanger done well.

All in all, a more than solid 4 star read that would have benefitted from a little more focus on the side characters and more patience on the romance front, but I'm more than excited to read "Foxglove".

Belladonna is a fast paced gothic fantasy that takes the reader on a wild ride of romance, secrets and betrayal.

Death has followed 19 year old Signa Farrow all her life. Orphaned as a baby, death has taken every single one of her guardians, most of which are only after the money Signa shall inherit upon her 20th birthday. Signa is cursed with a unique gift of being unable to die, as well as the ability to see lingering spirits and even Death himself.

Signa is a beautifully constructed character, with both courage and stubbornness, and she is determined to hate Death for all he has taken.

After the loss of her most recent guardian, Signa journeys to Thorn Grove, accompanied by stable hand, Sylas. Upon her arrival, she meets the Hawthorne's, or at least what is left of them, since her Aunt Lillian recently died of an unrecognisable illness, one that her daughter Blythe is now suffering from.

Signa instantly suspects foul play and recruits Sylas to help her uncover the mystery of who murdered Lillian before death comes for Blythe.

Signa is incredibly clever and I loved her and Sylas working as a team, though it did take me a while to warm up to him. I loved Death instantly since he was very charming and misunderstood, something that Signa soon learns after his many visits at Thorn Grove. I loved Signa's growth throughout the book and watching her embracing that the fact that she is no ordinary girl.

I absolutely loved the plot! It was unique and very gothic. I did suspect one of the plot twists very early on and I was delighted to learn that my suspicions were correct!

The Epilogue set up book two nicely and I am very eagerly awaiting the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.