Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This is a world unlike any other I've read. I happen to enjoy the 'Death and The Maiden' storyline a great deal, and when I read the synopsis that Signa and Death would have a connection within this gothic murder mystery, I was eager to pick Belladonna up. Yet, I wasn't quite ready for how captivated I'd be by this world - so much that after sitting a few days before writing up this review, I've bumped it from a 4.5 to a 5 simply because I'm still thinking about this book in great detail.

Signa's abilities to defy death, and the tragic journey of her life that was overwhelmed by the loss of many guardians up till the point of this novel's beginning created such an interesting premise. I loved her from the first glimpse we get of her. Signa's growth as a person in high society, and with her dark magical abilities, all whilst marshalling for her ill cousin was such a rewarding experience to read. This world is so atmospheric, and much like Signa, I was kept on my toes the whole way through. The world-building was magical, and it felt as if I was able to step back in time to join Signa at Thorn Grove. The mansion and the grounds were described in such beautiful detail, and I enjoyed the small details about clothing and food, and the opulence contrasting the darkness of what was happening in her new residence. Adalyn Grace painted a world of wonderful grandeur and shadowed it well with darkness and deceit that I am still hooked on the imagery this book created for me.

The murder mystery elements of Belladonna had me guessing back and forth and made me doubt my suspicions on more than one occasion, which I absolutely loved. I'm not huge on murder mysteries, but this was delivered in a way that wasn't too overbearing and kept my interest up to figure it all out. And even though I was on the mark with who was behind the death of Lillian Hawthorne and the strange illness of her daughter Blythe, the reasoning behind it wasn't what I expected - another satisfying moment for me as a reader.

However, where this novel shined most for me was through Signa's confusion over her relationships with several people within the novel as her handle on her inner darkness evolves. At almost twenty, Signa is nearing the age to gain access to her inheritance. Her original goal was to make it to this age and live comfortably, and hopefully find herself a husband when she debuted into society. I loved how this desire she possessed was challenged throughout the novel, both by conflicting feelings for Death, Sylas, and the most eligible lord of the season, and by her growth as a person shrouded by abilities. Signa starts with very little understanding of society and how the world works in affluent circles, given her upbringing thus far. At Thorn Grove, she is thrust into the world she's only read about and finds it doesn't appeal to her as much as she believed it would. Her warring feelings between her abilities and societal standings were fantastically executed by the author, and I found Signa to be such a well-rounded character. The Signa we leave this world on is someone who has outgrown the one she hoped to become, and I'm so excited to see how she'll take what she's discovered about herself in this first novel into the sequel.

I absolutely loved the romance in this novel. Whilst at times I found Signa's back and forth between Sylas and Death exasperating - especially when she starts thinking about the newcomer for the season who tries to court her also - I found the love story to be the perfect balance for all the murder and illness Signa is navigating. The banter between her and the two main love interests had me giggling often and whilst I figured out early on how this would progress, I thoroughly enjoyed each step of the way. The romance was tastefully done, and I can only imagine how it will progress in the next book.

I also appreciated the found family dynamic between Signa and the Hawthornes. Her connection with the three of them whilst uncovering what was making Blythe so ill and solving who murdered Lillian was a delightful addition. I enjoyed her building these connections - something that no doubt felt strange given how hard a time she'd had with previous relatives up to this point. Even with her darker thoughts, and odd mannerisms from growing up so lonely, I find Signa to be someone full of hope and a strong sense of love for those who matter to her. This does fuel her to become reckless at times, but I only liked that about her more when it happened.

This is my first time reading a novel by Adalyn Grace, and I'm thrilled I picked this book up. It's going to be an anticipated wait for Foxglove for me.

*ARC received through NetGalley for an honest review thanks to Hodder & Stoughton*

***4 STARS***

“What in God’s name are you?”

“I am free.”


Firstly I haven't read an ARC in so long. I couldn't get into anything lately and I don't know what made me have a quick look on Netgalley but I did and this cover got me good lol. Then the story hooked me.

This is a story of 19 year old Signa (I think this may have originally been lower YA - with her age being 17 but the age changed from what I can tell. Could be wrong) and Death. The death that follows her and her love story with Death himself. It also has courting and ballgowns and ghosts and big parties and creepy mansions and a murder mystery to solve.

It's been a while since I struggled with how to rate a book but I've gone back and forth between 3 and 4. Even 3.5 didn't feel quite right so I've gone with 4.

I really really enjoyed parts of this story and other parts not so much. But no matter what, I was fully interested in this story and found it hard to put down.

The mystery. I truly loved this element of the story. I can't say I figured it out before nearing the end as I was bouncing back and forth between different suspects but I enjoyed the journey. I really loved the build up of getting to know these characters, all their flaws too. I have to say even though this is set in the late 1800's and had the whole historical set up, with courting and class politics it didn't really feel particularly "historical" if that makes sense.

I loved the creepy vibes to the book but I do think they are quite subtle, I wouldn't necessarily say it's particularly spooky. That all depends on each person's tolerance I guess.

Ok on to the biggest thing that I didn't enjoy here - The romance. I'm an avid romance reader and I wasn't feeling it. I'm sorry but I could absolutely not get past Death knowing and watching Signa since she's a baby and the whole alluded to fate thing. Part of me wished death was a mentor/friend type and there was another Death love interest for her. one that hadn't been watching her since she was a literal baby and now they have this *connection*. I do believe people will love that romance though and I'm in the minority. On the whole romance thing I think the author wrote some romantic, flowery lines but meh. I feel like there's too much expectancy on the lines themselves and the connection between Death and Signa didn't back it up because their connection feels forced for me. Like I said I believe I'll be in the minority on that one. The romance takes somewhat of a backseat and so I was able to overlook it I guess. But I wasn't exactly excited when it was happening on page. There's also a particular plot point with Death that I didn't enjoy at all. I just wish it wouldn't have happened. It felt sneaky and manipulative. It's pretty easy to figure out what's happening while reading but still. Also what the hell happened to Albert? Dude just upped and vanished? Did I miss something?

Something I was struggling with in the beginning was the author not just outright saying the colour of people's skin. It took until after the first half before we got there instead of every descriptor except for White/Brown/Black etc. I had to Google "umber " skin lol. I get the creative descriptive writing but even in that first half just one or twice saying the colour please and thanks.

There's commentary on society and what's expected of us and particularly Women and politeness and how we should behave and I enjoyed that even when Signa went a little back and forth. There's also commentary on death and grief and there's the philosophy of death giving meaning to life. It's really interesting, conversations about death and life can be. Perhaps it's my own relationship with grief but I didn't agree with the "justifications" here. A question arises essentially around would you prefer a very long life or a short one? With an insinuation that the long one has less meaning and love. Give me a long forever life thanks bye. Lol.

I really enjoyed it. I loved figuring out the mystery and what was going on with other characters. I enjoyed the writing style, I didn't feel weighed down with world building.

There's gonna be a sequel and I'm definitely intrigued after that ending. However with the romance not being something I liked I don't know if it will be for me. I'm interested to see the synopsis for that though. Also while there was no direct LGBTQ+ rep here I'm curious if that was a hint for an F/F relationship at the end there or perhaps that's just me because I read LGBTQ+ romance. I'm definitely intrigued about that and what's next for the characters in general. Signa Farrow in the beginning was lonely and feeling powerless and by the end of this book it was the opposite and what a fun journey it all was.

There are still questions for me personally about how it all works with Death and the choices made and how playing god actually works. Maybe they'll be explored more with book #2 and I'll have to read it afterall.

Wow. That’s my best assessment of this book: just wow.
Signa has a terrible talent - she can see the lingering spirits of the dead. With them comes the haunting presence of Death himself, and she desperately wants to be rid off him. But when she moved live with the family of her late cousin Lillian, she becomes preoccupied with a different problem. Who killed Lillian, and is her ailing daughter next?
Sumptuous and gothic, I’d easily categorise it as ‘upmarket’ fiction for it’s literary atmosphere but undeniably commercial appeal. It’s a sort of romantic supernatural murder mystery set in the 1850s, with uptight social conventions and extravagant balls and a good-looking stable hand and family secrets.
The mystery plot was twisty and suspenseful (I spent a lot of this book either gasping or screaming with delight) and the romance was just as skilfully woven. The characters are vivid and complex, especially Signa. She has lots of desires for her life - to get rid of Death’s presence, to protect the only family she has left, to do all the things her treasured etiquette manuals says she must do in order to find a husband so she will never be lonely and unloved again. But each of these desires come with a cost, and they frequently interfere with each other. She is always being pulled to work out what she *really* wants.
I adored every moment of this book. The epilogue is the perfect setup for a sequel, and I can’t wait to read that too!

‘belladonna’ is a gothic ghost mystery story, sets in the Victorian era, that follows our main girl Signa who is an orphan and, realizing of being able to see spirits and being immune to poisons, starts summoning Death himself to learn more about her powers.

the storyline was quite predictable, but the vibes were immaculate !! Signa realized that she cared way too much about other people opinions in society and that the “perfect” life she desired since she was a kid wasn’t actually what she wanted at the end. we follow her while she starts to become aware of how false people can be in society and how they basically just care about her inheritance and not feelings. Death himself reminded her often of being herself and not let all those stupid rules guide her every decision.
i have to admit i was scared this would’ve turned out being a darkling and Alina situation but thank god it wasn’t :) Signa is his only company but he doesn’t want her to sacrifice her real life to stay with him. i also loved when he was reflecting on how it’s better to live a short life full of love instead of an immortal one without it.

‘ humans have such a short time to experience their life, and so they MUST feel deeply. ‘

*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the earc in exchange of an honest review*

"Belladonna" is a wonderful start to a new duology: it has as much death and poison as one would expect from the title and synopsis, and I already cannot wait for the follow-up of this enchanting and riveting story. The essence of the book could be divided into two parts - one is a murder mystery and the other is a gothic romance. I will begin with the latter.

True avid readers and fans of the Gothic genre will not find many of its more weighty elements in the story, but there is plenty to enjoy - unrestful spirits, large ominous manors with long and dark hallways, a person who might be losing their mind, and someone who's teetering on the edge of death. There is also a nice nod to "The Secret Garden" and, of course, Death himself as a character and romantic interest.

It has been a while since a romance in a book truly gripped me and made me cheer, and even if I do think there could be a little improvement with the pacing of Signa and Death's relationship, I am overall happy with it. Signa is a steadfast and observant protagonist and Death is sufficiently ancient and youthful at once. There is also a dash of darkness and grey morality in their romance, which I loved.

Going back to Signa and the murder mystery part, it is as I mentioned - she's observant and smart enough not to get caught all the time, but it read as if the author wanted to keep her cards too close. I was thoroughly fooled and jumped to suspecting different characters along with Signa, but I was disappointed she never figured anything out. She overheard or read about it in secret but she did not deduce any relevant piece of information. A sensible writer would've let their protagonist piece together something, not necessarily who's the culprit, but something nonetheless. Which led me to be frustrated with Signa when I figured it out and she didn't.

Despite it flunking the mystery part, "Belladonna" delivered a satisfying story and made good on its darker facets. Signa made a couple of selfish and amoral choices, and it felt good to cheer her on when she didn't hesitate or feel guilty about it.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Belladonna is, and bear with me here, a fantasy-gothic-murder-mystery-romance set approximately in the 1860s. Signa is an orphan, passed from relative to relative each out to claim a piece of her fortune for themselves. Her only constant companion is death, in more ways than one. Signa can see spirits and even death himself.

When her aunt dies suddenly Signa is spirited away to Thorn Hall, a beautiful manor filled with shadows. When it becomes clear that the late mistress of the house was murdered and her ailing daughter might be next, Signa allies herself with a stable boy, and death himself to get to the bottom of what is happening on the Hawthorne estate.

This is not my usual novel, but I was drawn in by the frankly stunning (UK) cover and the fantasy elements and I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. I devoured this book on my commute, it is addictive and spellbinding in equal measures.

The delicate balance between mystery and romance was spot on. I was drawn into the mystery with all its twists and turns, that played off well with the more historical/romance elements of the plot, without either element feeling underserved.

Signa is a compelling protagonist, and her voice really came through in the writing style. She is brave, cunning and impulsive in equal measures, but at her core longs for a family and a place to belong. I won’t say much detail about the MLO, other than it was a completely unhinged choice, and for that reason the absolute best decision possible.

The epilogue also sets up a sequel(!) which cannot come soon enough.

All in an absolute delight of a novel, hands down one of my favourite reads of the year so far!

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

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC of 'Belladonna' by Adalyn Grace.

I purely fell in love with this book due to the cover and it didn't disappoint. The start was rather slow based but the further I read, the more I was addicted. The gothic themes were perfection and the characters were gorgeous. I absolutely adored it.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a delightfully dark YA fantasy. It is a new take on the old trope of Death and the Maiden - and we quite literally have Death appear as a character, which thanks to Terry Pratchett's iconic character has become one of my favourite things. Belladonna is fast-paced, hooks the reader quickly and is full of not all-together unforseen twists. Signa, the main character, just won't die. In a backstory reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, her guardians, however, keep dying. And now she's sent to the last relatives she knows of - an aunt. Her aunt has passed away in the meantime, though, so she's staying with the uncle and his two children, a son and a sickly daughter in their haunted mansion. Hitting on every Gothic trope in the book, this is just a wonderful escapist story that I couldn't stop compulsively reading. It never felt like it went in a particularly unexpected direction or re-invented anything major, but it doesn't need to. It does exactly what it says on the tin, and does so very well.

A few years ago, I used to be an avid reader of the YA/fantasy/New Adult genre but over the years I lost track of new releases. It’s been a while since I have managed to find some time to read in my spare time outside of my university courses (I study literature but hey, it’s not always masterpieces). Despite having hundreds of unread books, I craved for something new and deeply engaging, a book that would get me out of my reading slump and bring me back the true pleasure reading can provide - I couldn’t wish for more than Belladonna by Adalyn Grace.

I came across it by chance (or was it Fate himself?), pulled in by the title and stunning cover and I lost no time in requesting it through Netgalley UK after reading the synopsis. To summarize it shortly, it is a refreshing gothic romance, set in the 1850s/1860s, telling the story of Signa Farrow, an orphan girl that seems to attract misery and sudden deaths everywhere she goes. Yet, she is resistant to dying herself, no matter how much she tries. Her ability to speak not only with ghosts and spirits but with the terrifying Death himself restricts her from any sort of normal life she desires. After arriving at her distant family’s mansion Thorn Grove, she has the opportunity to use her powers to help the people around her, by trying to discover the secret behind a mysterious illness that resides within its walls.

Signa was a delightful character to experience the story through, as she was unusually complex. I think the author did a wonderful job at making her come to life throughout the book with strong character development. Signa seems interesting and unusual without getting too much into the “not like other girls” territory. I found her voice to be compelling and well suited to the overall tone of the book. As I want to avoid spoiling the book in any way, I just want to say that the love interest choice is a completely unhinged idea and I am here for every second of it.

I consider a gothic ghost story to be a relatively difficult genre to tackle nowadays, as it requires a strong mysterious atmosphere yet needs to be refreshing in the mystery itself. In my opinion, even in this, the author succeeded, as I consider Belladonna to be a book I would recommend to ghost-story lovers as well as to people who usually don’t read ghost stories with passion. I cannot wait for any further instalments within the series as well as any other books from the author.

Belladonna was an enojable reading. What I liked most was the mystery/murder aspect, which was developed well and the writing style was fluent enough. I couldn't connect with the characters, though. They weren't fully fleshed out and I wish they had more depth. Consequently, I wasn't invested in the romance either. All in all, it was a good story, even with some flaws, and other readers could enjoy it more than me.

Thanks NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

4,5 Stars!

Oh, this is a huge YES.

It was wholesome, interesting, mysterious, romantic and so well written.
I couldn't put it down, I was so emotionally invested. I really have no words to correctly express how much I loved and enjoyed it.
Seeing Signa's development and acceptance of her true self has been an incredible journey, just as much as trying to solve the mistery around the manour and its inhabitants, getting to know them and their own mysteries.
And the gothic theme of the story, with ghosts and Death himself showing up every now and then (with great pleasure, both mine and Signa's) made me appreciate this book even more: I loved the author's take over Death feelings, and also how he was an amazing love interest. While the presence of ghosts, even if not costant as much as I wanted, had anyway a great role in the story, especially the end.

At first, I was not completely satisfied with the powers of the protagonist: at the very beginning of the novel it wasn't so sure what was her position about them, even though then it got better explained, but it still seemed to me weird that out of the blue she started using them almost effortlessly and on her own (even though the only thing required was just a great determination). I wish we had seen more about this process, but overall I'm glad she turned out to use them, it was the right choice

But in the complex, as I said, this was a good book, and a bìgood, entertaining story, with an incredible ending and an even more unexpected epilogue.
The only problem now is that I really want the sequel, but this first book isn't even out yet!!

3.5 out of 5
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“The child is cursed by Death, some said. The wickedest of witches, spawned by the devil himself. Wherever she goes, the reaper will follow.”

Belladonna follows nineteen-year-old orphan Signa Farrow and her peculiar relationship with Death. Having survived Death’s touch herself, she must watch as he kills guardian upon guardian throughout her life. She despises him, plots against him even, but when she arrives under new care at Thorn Grove, she’s forced to team up with him in order to solve a murder.

I really enjoyed the premise of Belladonna; the idea that someone can be touched by death, but not die, cracks the door to the paranormal wide open. It gave Signa a really interesting dimension as Adalyn Grace touched on the age-old internal battle between good and evil in what did feel a bit like a coming-of-age tale.
I liked the idea of murder mystery meets fantasy and there were plenty of gothic elements thrown in for good measure. Although I guessed at a couple of things, I was still surprised by the twists and turns of Belladonna (especially the perpetrator) and actually look forward to the sequel.

Although the pace and world-building felt right, I did feel as though our main characters felt a little flat. Signa showed progression through her arc, which was lovely to read, but there are moments where I thought she felt a bit one-track-minded and, sorry to say, a little dumbed down. I would’ve also loved for death to be a touch more grey (who doesn’t love a bad boy?) but overall, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker and I was still absorbed into Signa’s world.

There’s also a touch of period in this, so Bridgerton fans with a thirst for murder and fantasy might find themselves completely head over heels for this.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Belladonna had such an interesting premise that I couldn't help but request it immediately. I mean, it's death and the maiden, what more could I ask for? From the start, Belladonna had potential, but as it went on, it unfortunately started losing steam.

It wasn't a bad book. It was just okay. A good bit of it bored me and I felt that this book was longer than it should have been — plus, some things just felt too cliché. There were a few storylines that felt a little messy. I sort of wish that the sole focus was just the mystery and I did feel that some storylines felt like they were taking away from others.

I think my main issue, or the one I was annoyed with the most, was there was a lot of *wink*wink*nudge*nudge* concerning a certain character. Like it is so obvious already and there were so many signs, but of course for the sake of plot the main character is clueless.

The romance is okay. I kind of like it but the pacing of it could have been better. There were some good romance lines though and as a whole their romance tropes were good. I just wanted better execution of it.

The mystery does have me wondering a bit. The perpetrator wasn't who I thought it would be and I had a good time guessing. It's one aspect that I enjoyed, as well as the whole ghosts thing. There is a creepy, spooky vibe all throughout the book that I very much enjoyed.

Overall, I'm not that impressed with the book, but hopefully others will enjoy this more than I did.

4.5/5

Loved loved loved this book.

Signa Farrow is a 19 year old girl touched by death but unable to die from his touch. Since she was a child, her guardians have been dying off rendering her cursed by everyone until she arrives at Thorn Grove and decides to not let her curse continue and let her cousin, Blythe, die. The Hawthorne estate however is anything but quiet and normal and when a spirit instructs Signa to stop Blythe dying, she begins working with Death to solve with poison mystery.

The way this author writes is simply chef's kiss. The pace, the writing, the story line, the romance, the mystery, it's all greaty. This gothic fantasy is everything I hoped it would be. The MC was interesting and everything she's not supposed to be despite the regency era theme.
I like her romance with Death and did not find it weird at all (in reference to other reviews) - I think it's important to note that Death notes that human lives go by in a blink on an eye for him and whilst he was intrigued by Signa - he did not act on it until she was an adult and became interest. However this is not the focal point of the book.

If you like mysteries, gothic fantasies, a slowburn romance - then this is a book for you. I honestly cannot wait for the sequel, Foxglove.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I knew I was going to love this, but I underestimated how much - this book is perfect! Our heroine Signa Farrow has always been surrounded by death - orphaned as a baby and passed around uncaring family members only interested in her fortune, its been hard to connect with people. Instead, she finds herself communicating with Death himself, which they're both rather perturbed by, When Signa is sent to yet another distant relative's, she stumbles into a mystery she needs to unravel, and Death has offered to help her.

This book had beautiful gothic nods, a unique and loveable MC, and somehow you end up rooting for a romance with Death! Adalyn Grace's writing is so perfectly paced, reading feels like a whirlwind. I'm also relieved to find theres a sequel on the way! this would make an excellent tv series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Dance with me, Little Bird."

I had no real idea what to expect going into this first in a gothic romance YA duology, but I was extremely happy with what I found within it's pages.

Part The Secret Garden, part murder mystery with the same vibes as Addie La Rue, this is a fantastic story. I immediately warmed to our FMC Signa, who had been plagued by Death all her life. Every guardian she's ever had has been claimed by him, and she herself seems immune to his power, even after poisoning herself with belladonna. At almost twenty years old, Signa finds herself desperate for meaningful human connections, and it seems she might find that at Thorn Grove with her relations the Hawthornes - her cousins Blythe and Percy, one mortally ill and bedridden, the other unable to reach their father who is so mired in grief for the recent passing of his wife that he's checked out of reality completely.

The manor itself is straight out of a gothic novel, with seemingly endless and labyrinthine corridors, secret passages, strange and disturbing portraits, and things that go bump in the night. The inhabitants are all recovering from the shocking death of the Lady Lillian, Elijah Hawthorne's late wife. And Signa is the only one who is sure she hasn't quite left them behind - her immunity to Death also means she's able to see the spirits of the departed, and more often than not those who linger on the mortal plain have something they need to say.

" "You are no soft thing to be coddled. You are bolder than the sun, Signa Farrow, and it's time that you burn."

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with a fantasy twist, and also anyone who likes a morally grey love interest because yes .

Firstly I want to say that I think the cover is stunning, it is so eye catching I really love it. The book was a quick and easy read that I finished in one sitting, it was a gripping read and reeled me in from the first page and didn't let me go. I loved the idea of 'death' as a character - I don't know why I just really like when books do that it really intrigues me.
I found the ending to be a little rushed and flat, I would have prefered a longer book and a less rushed feeling ending, but that is just my opinion and I still really loved the book. i will definitely be looking for more from this author.

Belladonna is told in third person and follows 19 year old Signa. Signa was made an orphan when she was a baby after death came for everyone. Signa is moved from guardian to guardian but they all meet an untimely end. Signa soon realises she cannot die after she ingests some Belladonna berries. Signa has a strange connection to death and has to work with him to discover a murderer. This book definitely has an intriguing presence but it didn't really deliver what was promised for me. It was a very quick read as the plot moved along swiftly. It just felt very flat and plain to me. There wasn't much that made me want to keep reading and if I didn't have this early copy I probably wouldn't have finished it.

I really enjoyed the first 90% of this book. Signa was a great character (love the name as well) and I liked how determined and independent she was. The first chapter absolutely hooked me and I grew to love the other characters as well I.e. Death, Percy, Blythe. But the ending just felt rushed and the things that happened just didn’t correspond with what the characters had previously done/said/how they’d acted. The mystery just fell flat for me. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.