When I first started reading this book, I thought it was a little weird, but it grew on me and I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read book 2 and see where the story takes me! I haven't read a book based on poisoning or death, so it was interesting to see where the story went.

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for slightly unlikeable characters, and while Signa isn’t a cruel person, life has been cruel to her. She’s learned lessons the hard way, and aside from her Grandmother, no one has really shown her love. The only constant she has had is the presence of Death, and she’s really rather sick of the sight of him. Or so she claims.

Achingly beautiful and full of stunning, winding plot lines, Belladonna takes you on multiple adventures all in one book. You want to solve the mystery of the death Signa arrives soon after. You want to prevent the next death that might just happen. You want to know more about Death. You want to know more about Signa’s powers. You just want more, and the book delivers it all unapologetically.

In a previous post, I’ve written about books with Death as a character, and this might be one of my favourite examples of this that I’ve come across. The mistrust, with an edge of resentment, that Signa can’t quite let go of, almost like she just has to know a bit more… it’s simply delicious. Death features as a multifaceted soul, complicated; kind to Signa but disinterested in any other human, until she reminds him of what they can give back. The relationship is very much give and take between them, and it’s beautiful to watch unfold.

The mysteries at the heart of the story are twisting and turning, full of moments I didn’t see coming, and surprises with moments of, “but wait! There’s more!” as you go along. Every time you think you might have it just figured out, there’s still too much of the book left for all the answers to have fallen into place, and it’s a great feeling.

I adored this book, and I can’t wait for the sequel, Foxglove, which releases later this year. Take my five star recommendation and treat yourself to this luscious read in preparation for book two; with Gothic touches, a masquerade ball, and a love triangle with Death himself, you will not be disappointed.

I was about three sentences into Belladonna when I knew I was going to love this book, I can't describe it but it was exactly what I needed at the time.

Belladonna is a delightful gothic fantasy, it's atmospheric and captivating. It is such a page turner, Belladonna is the kinda book where you tell yourself you'll only read one more chapter but before you know it you've read half the book.

I loved Signa, her tragic backstory and her character development. Death is certainly a character I'm intrigued by and I have no doubt he'll become booktok's latest book boyfriend!

If you're looking for a murder mystery with a touch of romance you'll love Belladonna. I, for one can't wait for the sequel!

i think i should stop trying with young adult fantasy, it's becoming my own fault when i don't like them. the prose was stronger than i expected, i just didn't enjoy the characters. beautiful cover though.

4.5 stars

Belladonna was such a beautiful and intriguing read that had me hooked from the first chapter!

I loved the atmosphere of this one and the characters were just perfect! Signa, despite her ability to not die, just wants to be a normal woman. She wants to debut, she wants to fall I love and get married and that made me love her even more!

This book had me guessing throughout and I loved the murder mystery element of it all! My only issue was how quickly Signa's opinion changed of death. I felt like I had whiplash haha but otherwise I fully enjoyed this one and cannot wait to read the next one!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was brilliant! I didn’t really know what to expect, it seemed like a gothic fantasy but I wasn’t sure what the whole premise was (I don’t reread blurbs before I start a book, I like to surprise myself with something past me thought I’d like! ).

It was really addictive really quickly, the murder mystery elements, sleuthing and spying were just so much fun. I really loved how it intertwined with the supernatural elements as well! That ending was so much fun but I’m annoyed about the cliffhanger =)

The love triangle was so well done, I’m not normally a huge fan but that ending with the big reveal was incredible. I cannot wait to see where the romance goes in the next book!

It was a little slow and confusing at the start for me which is why it isn’t a full 5 stars but I’m sure that the sequel will blow me away.

4.5 stars

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my e-ARC! Xxx

This book was everything I love wrapped in one perfect package. A gothic novel with bridgerton vibes, a slightly spicy romance with literal death, and a murder mystery.

The pacing is just right, everything revealed at just the right time. The characters are well written, the reader relates and roots for our heroine.

Signa finds her powers, along with a family and a budding romance. She is someone you feel strongly for and all her motives are iron clad.

There are many twists and turns in the book. All are foreshadowed but not so much that I wasn’t surprised.

I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

Loved everything about this book, everything about it was amazing! Finished it in a day! Can’t wait to read the next book!

I really enjoyed this book, Characters and plot are well formed = great for any reader.

Adalyn grace has just made it onto my auto buy list

The gothic atmospheric vibes of this book were everything. I find that sometimes its hard to pull this setting off but this book did it justice.

The characters were written and developed beautifully and i loved every single one of them. Adalyns writing has become much more elevated and mature and i loving seeing their growth as an author.

The audiobook was great at creating the gothic feeling and i enjoyed it so much.

Excited for book 2 and to see where the story goes.

I really wanted to love this more than I did. The "death and the maiden" trope is one I adore and one of my all-time favourite books is Keturah and Lord Death, but I found my attention wandering off in parts of this. I would start to think I was getting interested, then Signa would have a long interaction with a side character I cared nothing for and I was pulled out of the story again. I'm generally a quick reader but it took me so long to make it through this.

“So spread your wings, Signa Farrow, because you are limitless. Spread your wings, and oh, how we’ll fly.”

Pages: 416

Representation: NA.

Trigger warnings: Death, Grief, vomit, murder, poison, gore.

Summary: Death has followed Signa all her life. For years every guardian she’s had has dropped dead. Now the only relatives she has left are the Hawthorns, with their mysterious manor and literally haunting past. With the help of the stable boy-and death himself-can Sigma figure out what’s really going on.

Belladonna was a sweet dance slow with death, but at times I wish the music could have picked up tempo.

I had no idea what Belladonna was about when I picked it up, but it had me gripped from the start. The plot seemed to be flowing one way and then would veer in another direction, and although it wasn’t entirely unpredictable, it wasn’t as stereotypical as it first appeared. The characters were all written with clear differences, but weren’t that memorable; The feelings that the characters gave me stuck with me. I remember wanting to route for them, or hate them, or being awed at their relationships. Even months later, which is a testament to the impact the characters had on me as a reader.


The plot was so interesting that I constantly wanted to know more, until about half-way through. The main plot seemed to be in the background to side-adventures at times, and it felt like a huge case of bad prioritising. It was hard to care about all the day-to-day societal ‘woes’ when we were halfway through solving a murder.

The ending sets up a sequel, which I will read but don’t think is needed. Belladonna works perfectly well on its own as a stand-alone novel. It still kept me intrigued enough to want to buy the next book though, which-to me-is the sign of a well-written book and an extremely well-rounded story.

Spoilers in this paragraph: I’ve seen other reviews of this book mention the distaste for a relationship between the 19 year old MC and Death. I understand the concern, but don’t believe this is similar to the usual “500 year old and teenager” dynamic. He never pressures her, or expects anything of her beyond tolerance. I never took his claims that he’d “been waiting forever for her” as romantic, but instead as the fact that he’s been waiting forever for someone he can interact with. This is a personal interpretation, but as someone who is harsh to critique books it definitely didn’t seem to me that death had any bad intentions from the start. I think it’s been written in a respectful enough way-especially with the fact that towards the end of the book he tells her to go live her life, and when her life is over they’ll have eternity together.

Its shining glory: The atmosphere was set immediately and helped create the perfect tone that lasted through the entire book. Reading this felt like being in the grounds of an old mansion, the ground covered in mist.

Its fatal flaw: The pacing was inconsistent, which made the book feel a little slow at times.

Read this if: You want a murder-mystery that somehow manages to keep things light. You like supernatural thrillers with romantic aspects.

Skip this if: You want a book that grips you from the start and doesn’t let up. You don’t like character-driven books with largely romantic aspects.

Belladonna gives us a beautiful, lush and atmospheric story with a stunning romance and a murder mystery plot that had me on the edge of my seat!

The characters had so much depth and the character developed was done so well. The banter and relationship between Signa and Death was one of the best I’ve read in a long time and I’m dying for more!

Please note that this book is not for me - I have read the book, However I had to DNF and because i do not like to give negative reviews I will not review this book fully - there is no specific reason for not liking this book. I found it a struggle to read and did not enjoy trying to force myself to read this book.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for the opportunity to read this book

deathly gothic romance? yes it put me to my grave.
well, i expected this to give more than it gave... it was just meh and kinda really boring.

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC.

DID NOT FINISH. Read 30% before stopping.
The main character came across as whiny and unlikeable. The plot felt a bit predictable, but none of the characters or story were likeable or engaging enough to continue. The writing style was good, and I have no complaints with how it was written. But when you can't connect with the story or characters, it makes it dull to read.

When I read that it was a kind of murder mystery story, this was definitely not what I was expecting, but I wasn't disappointed either! I loved the atmosphere from the first page and chapter (which was crazy, not going to lie), and I can't wait for more!

A story that is to die for! (bad book pun?)

I literally just finished this one yesterday and boy was it worth it!!!
I am absolutely drawn into this story world with it's dark romance, supernatural atmosphere and thrilling storyline.
A little bit of whodunnit, and a lot of coming to age. Picture Enola Holmes meets House of Hollows and you will totally understand why everyone, and yes I mean everyone is raving about this story!

With book 2 out soon, I can definitely recommend heading to the store and getting yourself a copy as this one is not to be missed.

Adalynn Grace is a powerhouse writer with a brilliant voice. Her characters, although historical, feel relatable and charming. I honestly could not put this one down.

🫐🫐🫐🫐
(if you know you know)

3 1/5*

This is a great gothic YA fantasy. A hauntingly romantic 'who-dunnit' that hits all the marks atmospherically and is lush with dynamic characters. However it is by no means perfect, and relies on overused metaphors one too many times. The writing at times feels a bit lazy and the phrase "puzzle pieces began piecing together" started to lose all meaning, as it seemed to be the only way the author could explain any characters' understanding of the matter at hand. This being said, it was an enjoyable read that kept me on my toes.

I would be interested in reading what Adalyn Grace writes next.

This was so much fun! I absolutely loved it, it was gothic, romanthic, fun and honestly just a great read! Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the sequel!