When I finished the All the Stars and Teeth duology, I just knew I would have to read whatever Adalyn Grace wrote next and boy am I glad I did. Belladonna is a seductive, gothic murder-mystery that grips you from the first line. I would say that after the prologue the story takes some time to build, but the pace and action really pick up towards the middle of the book. The ending is just 'whew' and I can't wait for the sequel, Foxglove.

The main character, Signa, is very inspiring and I really loved her growth throughout the book. She was pretty sheltered growing up an orphan, but instead of being naive and entitled, she has learnt to cherish the people she loves even more. I loved how she made her own choices and really stuck her neck out for Blythe, even if Blythe was less than nice when they first met. Signa is a very determined and enchanting protagonist and I can''t wait to see more of her. The side characters were really well developed, especially Percy and Blythe. There was also a lot of courtly intrigue and societal expectations woven into the story.

The romance was very slow burn, but the passion and tension were definitely there. I believe this is being marketed as age 14 and up but there is one pretty spicy scene so if you're not into that you might want to skip ahead. I get the feeling the sequel might be a little spicier and marketed as an adult book. Overall the romance was steamy in places and sweet in others and it didn't overtake the main mystery element of the story either.

I had the audiobook arc and I would say the narrator was great for Signa's voice, but I didn't really like the male characters voices, it put me off as they were not how I would imagine them for myself. I think I would have liked Death more if I had read the physical book. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes gothic fantasy/murder mystery and I can't wait for the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this booked! It gives me bridgerton meets Addie larue meets paranormal murder mystery and I am here for it.

The characters are great, the plot twists are great and you don’t see them coming or if you do it’s right as it’s revealed.

The MC is likeable and you really empathise with her as she just wants to find her place in the world and have people around her.

The nickname little bird also was just perfect.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was also fantastic.

Highly recommend.

4.5 🌟

This YA fantasy book really surprised me! I got through it very quickly and was hooked.

The best way to describe this book is as Bridgerton but with ghosts. It takes place in the regency era, with the edition of Signa being able to see spirits. You see Singa grappling between meeting the expectations of a noble lady, versus her potential power, which goes against all she has strived towards. That gets made even harder by her growing connection with Death.

Death was definitely a highlight. @thiane_reads_sa described him as a mix of Wrath and Luc, and I couldn't agree more. Although I would also throw in a touch of Rhys in book 1. Yes, Death is a dangerous being, but he is actually such a cinnamon roll who cares for Signa deeply.

There were a couple of twists in this book which I never saw coming! It also gives you an interesting perspective of life and death, in that it is death that makes life valuable.

I listened to this on audiobook, and it's likely a reason why I loved it so much and got through it so quickly. The narrator's many voices really embody the regency era and kept me hooked.

Honestly I cannot fault this book. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars was because It's not the usual type of book I love and can read over and over again. But I definitely know that people are absolutely going to fall in love with this book and I can't wait for book 2!

Thank you to @netgalley and @hodderscape for the audiobook Arc, which releases on 30 August.

I loved this book so much! The narrator was fantastic, I could listen to her read 100 books and not get sick of her voice! The story was dark and haunting, yet beautiful and enchanting at the same time! I loved that it had fantasy elements mixed with a murder mystery storyline! The character’s were well written and likeable.. yet also relatable at times! This book was thrilling and had on the edge of my seat one minute, and the next tearing up with sorrow! I can’t wait to read the sequel to this fabulous tale!

Goodness I loved this book! I Raced through the audio version in a couple of days. This was partly due to a pretty gripping storyline and the absolutely expert narration skills of Kristin Atherton.

This is a gorgeous, gothic, sexy murder mystery with the hottest embodiment of Death I’ve ever come across sitting at its heart!

Signa is an orphan who is apparently destined to bring Death with her wherever she goes but who apparently cannot die. Having run through most of the available guardians Signa finds herself sent to Thorn Grove, home of the elusive Hawthornes who are in mourning after the death of the lady of the house. Signa however, has learned that the berries of the belladonna plant will bring her to a place where she can speak with Death and she recognises poison when she sees it and thus begins an investigation that will not only reveal the dark goings on at Thorn Grove but also the truth of who and what Signa is and what she wants from her life.

Adalyn Grace has created a lush, sensuous world , rich in gothic atmosphere and redolent with sensuality and darkness. I loved it! Signa is an engaging occasionally Bolshie heroine who is fierce and strong willed and the mystery is genuinely compelling. I loved it. My only critique would be that Grace as an American author has those identified as English high Victorians use phrases and expressions that simply do not sit well in the period. For example, Victorians did not say OK or pydchoanalyse themselves but I am a historical accuracy nitpicker and this does not detract from the overall enjoyment that this wonderful book gives!

It is great fun and feels like the beginning of a series and I hope it is! Kristen Atherton’s narration is flawless as ever - I listened to this this ensconced the East Riding of Yorkshire and I could not have been

“Don’t say my name,” Signa told him. “Upon Death’s tongue, it sounds like a curse.”
He laughed. “Your name is no curse, Little Bird. I just like the taste of it.”

Signa Farrow has been followed by Death her whole life. Her parents and their entire household were poisoned when she was a baby but, somehow, Signa survived. Since her grandmother’s death when she was a child, Signa has been shuffled from one uncaring guardian to another, constantly fearful of Death’s shadow upon her life, wishing for a day when she will again be loved and no longer alone.
When her latest guardian’s death brings her to Thorn Grove and the Hawthorne family, Signa is cautiously optimistic - could this be the family she has yearned for? Could she belong here?
But Death stalks these halls as well, and if Signa cannot master her mysterious gifts quickly, and find out what is making her cousin so sick, she may lose the only family she has left.

This book. THIS BOOK. I have grinned, laughed, and felt like crying for Signa, and Death, and so many of the characters in Belladonna. I adored them.

Signa and her powers - which she is determined to master, despite her fear that they will continue her ostracisation from society - were intriguing. I felt like the identity and motives of everyone in this story came into question at some point, and I spent most of the book suspecting the wrong person - which I love!

Signa’s character development and her journey to realise that perhaps her grandmother had presented an idealised version of her mother was heartbreaking, but I loved seeing her slowly accept herself and all that she is.
Similarly I adored that Blythe was so forthright in her determination to belong to no one but herself, and how her perspective gave Signa an insight into what the life she thought she wanted might look like.

The audiobook of this title was fantastic. I adored the way the narrator portrayed Signa and Death, especially, and actually switched from mostly reading the book to mostly listened to the audio after a while because it really added an extra dimension to the story. I would thoroughly recommend it.

I am so excited for the annotated chapters available as a preorder incentive - you should absolutely preorder this for that extra content alone, you’re going to want it. And I cannot wait for the sequel, Foxglove, which is hopefully being released next year.

Belladonna is beautiful and haunting. It is not a story you will soon forget.

First of all: I don't know why it took me this long to read Belladonna, because this was really good.
Second of all: nooo. I really could've done without the cliffhanger. This book would've worked so well as a standalone.

I really liked the atmosphere in this book - moody gothic settings are a favourite of mine.

The characters were pretty great too.
The protagonist, Signa, is such a strong character. On one hand she is trying to find her place in society and to fit in, on the other hand she quesions the strict societal rules and norms. She wants more from life and I couldn't help but like her.

"She wanted more than gossip and tea. More than maintaining a house, and ensuring her script was nice and her piano playing tolerable."


Then there's Death. He's surprisingly likable, considering his, uh, job. He somehow is a really nice(?) person and dedicated to helping Signa. What's not to like?

The main theme of the plot is the (murder) mystery aspect, with a touch of fantasy of course, and even though I did predict the "bad guy" about halfway through the book, there were a bunch of plot twists that I didn't see coming.
There's a cliché masquerade ball that nearly every ya fantasy seems to have by now, but at least there's a fun "surprise".

My single critique (if I can even call it that) was the character of Charlotte. She's a former friend of Signa, but they lost contact years before the plot sets in. They do meet again, but Charlotte doesn't really contribute anything to the plot which made it seem to me like she was just there to be "the POC friend". I hope I'm wrong there and that she gets a more important role in the sequel.

The audiobook narration was good.

Overall I absolutely enjoyed Belladonna and I wish I could read the sequel already.

Belladonna was a beautifully written and atmospheric story. Full of mystery and suspense, and some truly chilling scenes. Adalyn Grace wove a delightful murder mystery with gothic horror and fantasy and I absolutely loved it.

We follow Signa, a young woman who has always been followed by death since her birth, those around her always seeming to drop like flies. Upon arriving at her newest home, she becomes instantly aware that something shady is afoot, and searches tirelessly for answers in order to save the few members of her family she actually has left.

Secrets and mysteries unfold, everyone has a hidden agenda, and you're kept guessing right up to the end of the story. And WHAT an ending that was — I'm really looking forward to the second novel! I need more ghosts, and a lot more Death ❤

The narration on this audio was also very well done, couldn't fault Kristin Atherton at all — she gave life to the story and brought so much energy to each of the characters!

"... for Death came only where he was called."
~Adalyn Grade, Belladonna

I loved the All The Stars and Teeth duology - pirates, adventures of the sea and a strong female protagonist made for an epic adventure and so of course wanted to read Belladonna too as soon as I saw it!

Belladonna is very different the the previous duology and I love this book even more! The story was everything I imagined and so much more! It's set in the Victorian era and a murder mystery. with the two main characters 'Signa Farrow' and 'Death' himself teaming up to solve the murders. Both characters are something special and I have a particular sweet spot for Death and his shadowy self! From the very beginning I was caught up into Signa's journey and how both death of others and death himself followed her. I loved how the use of Belladonna was woven into this story of death. The Victorian setting and the Thorn Grove estate are perfect for the weird and wonderful story that takes place - think beautiful gardens, high teas, fancy ballrooms and dances and the usual gossipy chatter that accompanies all those things. But underneath all the splendour lies dark and disturbing secrets and Signa has no choice but to get caught up in it as she struggles not to lose anyone else who is close to her. Thorn Grove has already suffered the loss of the mistress of the house and the daughter's mystery illness indicates she's not long away from death too.

So Signa's hatred of Death has to be put aside (kind of) if she's to solve the murder and prevent more death.
Their interactions together create a whirlwind of a story I fell in love with. Signa's vulnerability, her loneliness, her alienation, her acceptance of her disastrous fate - all heavily dictates how she goes about her life. But now Signa has a family to save and a killer to find, so she steps out of her comfort zone and teams up with a handsome stableman, and forms an alliance with Death! Through this journey she learns of a different path open to her if she's brave enough! I can't wait for their next adventure!

Adalyn's melodious prose is hypnotic! The story has a gothic vibe and it's deliciously dark, seductive, witty and wonderfully told!

The audiobook has the perfect narrator for this story!

Thank you to @hodderscape for the audiobook arc of Belladonna by @authoradalyngrace 😍📚 This review is my honest opinion.

ughghghhht i am enchanted by this story!!!!!!! it is brilliant from begginning to end. signa has my heart and soul, i love her so much

This was so addictive! I loved the world building and the writing style. I was sucked into this and couldn't stop listening. All the little poison details and the spooky house! Completely my niche. I enjoyed the characters and their banter as they tried to figure out the culprit. I wasn't swooning over the romance but it didn't bother me either. Some of the plot twists I saw coming and others not. I will definitely be picking up the next book!

4.5 stars

Thrilling. Exhilarating. Dark.

This book was amazing. Everything I expected and left me wanting more.
It was a deliciously dark and magical story with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in to the mix and a romance so good and dark... im obsessed!
This was a Gothic romance (think Jane eyre) with horror elements that left me unsettled but at the same time wanting more.
I love Sigma and Death. They gave me all the feelings.
I Preorder this the next minute after I finished it because besides having not one but two absolutely stunning covers, the story is equally amazing.
Definitely a new favorite.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review .

'I know how society teaches us to be soft and dull and compliant, but you will not be any of those things. Do you understand? Do not change the parts of yourself that you like, to make others comfortable. Do not try to mold yourself to fit the standards that someone else set for us.'

Some truths are universal, and this quote is one of them!

If you like the death and the maiden trope in a dark mysterious setting, this book should be your next read. It reminded me of 'Invisible Life of Addie Larue' by V.E. Schwab, but with an actual plot and not just vibes and gothic atmosphere.
We follow Signa, who learns how to control her bizarre abilities. At the same time, she is thrown into a world of lavish parties and etiquette, but quickly learns how many secrets lay beneath the surface and how dangerous her new life is.
A very interesting premise, and a great set up for a series, that I hope the author will take advantage of. I for one cannot wait to read more, as the writing style is just my kind of… poison.

Belladonna is the first in a new series by bestselling author Adalyn Grace ( All the Stars and Teeth).

Belladonna is a mesmerising, Gothic-inspired murder mystery with paranormal romantasy (think Gallant & Caraval meets Stalking Jack The Ripper).
It is a beautiful and chilling journey of secrets, betrayal, mystery, curses, death, desire and love.

Signa is an absolutely fascinating character - I loved following her story, her thoughts and feelings and experiences. The perfect protagonist and the perfect “detective” to guide us through this murder mystery and a slow burn, swoon worthy romance.

I can’t describe how captivating this story is - it is brilliant and clever; eerie but not scary; mysterious yet amusing. And it ends with a breathtaking, flabbergasting cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book.

It’s definitely one of my favourites reads this year and one I’d like to return to again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for my audiobook (and physical arc).

My review will be posted on my social media and relevant retailers too.

Headlines:
Death is in the air
Family unwanted and found
Atmospheric

I read Belladonna by audio and physical copy because when I couldn't listen to audio, I needed to carry on with the story; it was unputdownable. The whole book oozed atmosphere from the early pages right to the end.

Signa was an unwanted ward, shunted around families who didn't want her but wanted her inheritance. Eventually, she found herself with an uncle and cousins who Signa actually felt some connection to. You know who else Signa had a connection to? Death...she saw the reaper whenever death was close or imminent. She hated him, wanted to be ignorant to Death's work and his presence that she felt in chilling ways. But over time, Death had a usefulness in helping solve an urgent mystery of poisoning. Signa came to understand Death and like him.

Death's character grew on me immensely and I think that was aided somewhat by the superb narration. Even though this was a single narrator, Kristin Atherton inhabited Death's character and voiced him so well. I was intrigued but wary of Silas and I was willing the new family in Percy and Blythe to show Signa the familial connection she was so neglected of. So much went on in Thorn Grove, parties, intrigue, business, death, poisoning and sleuthing.

The whole piece had a gothic feel, it was dark but not heavy. The writing was a joy, pulling you in while keeping you on your toes. This story finishes with a 'and then....' feeling and we have a title for a new book. There's plenty of wrapping up of plot however, so readers will feel okay with where this ends.

Thank you to Hodder Books for the early review copies.

I only finished this book the other day, but when I got approved for the audiobook, I was only too happy to dive in for the second time! I haven't finished listening yet, but the narrator is exquisite so far!

Onto the book itself:
This book was absolutely phenomenal! It was a perfect gothic story, and I loved it beginning till end. I have to admit the mystery kept me guessing until the end, which was a huge plus, and I utterly adored the romance in this one. I cannot wait for the sequel!

Belladonna is one of the best YA fantasy’s I’ve read in a very long time. The story is about 19 year old Signa who cannot die, and can also see Death. For most of her life she hates and ignores him because the people around her keep dying and she blames him. But when Signa finds herself in a new home where a relative of hers is close to dying, she realised that she might just have to stop ignoring Death and start getting his help.

I received an audiobook arc for this and Kristin Atherton did an incredibly job. Her voice acting added so much to the story and her voicing for Death had me constantly swooning 😂

One thing I really loved about this book was how while there was some societal expectations that you’d assume from a book set in the 1800’s, the author removed all the nasty homophobia and racism which was so welcoming. While Singa was preparing to “debut” as people did back then, there was no one pressuring her into marrying and having children. Too often authors feel like they have to stick too true to the age that their books are set in and it honestly feels so unnecessary, but thankfully Adalyn Grace decided against that and made her wonderful book even more impressive in my eyes.

I can honestly see this book becoming the next big thing. It contains a lot of elements I see in hugely popular books, all while still being original. If you like books with gothic themes, love interests who try to empower their women and encourage them to be who they are, and main characters tapping into powers they had always refused to acknowledge, then I’m certain you’ll enjoy this book.

“You are bolder than the sun, and its time that you burn.”

Would you rather than live forever, or rather live a life with love?

I am absolute dumbfound at how fantastic this was. This is definitely one of the best released books of 2022! The Goth literature is atmospheric and the ghastly ghost descriptions will make a shiver run through your spine, the settings described at Thorn Grove will make you feel like you live there and Deaths shadows will feel like your own. Magnificent prose. Absolute 5/5

Signa Farrow was orphaned as a young girl, and passed on from relative to relative only for the sake of knowing she has a massive inheritance to claim once she is 20. We follow her journey off as a lonely 19 year old who knows isolation well, and has a unnatural gift of seeing spirits. She also has the ability to see Death, who can communicate with her. Running from him ever since she can remember, she once again meets him when a wealthy uncle of hers invites her to come live at Thorn Grove. Her aunt, Lillian has recently died there, and now her cousin has taken ill as well. Signa knows Belladonna very well, and when she tastes it in her cousins medicine, she is determined to find out who is killing off the Hawthornes one by one. She gathers a string of accomplices to help her solve this, which includes their stable boy, the restless spirits at Thorn Grove, and even Death itself. Will she be able to save her cousin before Death has to intervene?

This book had a paranormal romance like no other. Death, just wow. I dare you not to fall in love with him. The banter, how softly he speaks to her and encourages her to be herself and not conform to the norm of society -* I get so weak in the kneeeeeesss*
It was absolute chef’s kiss! One of my favorite enemies to lovers I’ve seen in a while!

I listened to this on Audiobook which made it even more amazing, the narrator will draw you into this story and have you clinging to every word. There is also a not ONE but TWO plot twists which had me audibly gasping.

If this isn’t enough to convince you, let me tell you what Death reminded me off. Picture Luc from TILOAL mixed with Wrath from KOTW. YUP. That intriguing and amazing.

Do NOT sleep on this book! This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley this ARC.

Belladonna was an excellent addition to the YA gothic genre, and I think might be one of my favourites I’ve read! Where some YA authors who take on this genre fail to truly capture the eerie feeling central to gothic classics such as Jane Eyre and Rebecca (my personal favourites), Adalyn Grace did a fantastic job in creating a spooky mysterious atmosphere that had my heart racing and had me doing double takes at every shadow. Whilst listening to the audiobook, I was fully transported to the halls of Thorn Grove and found myself fully engrossed in the haunting prose.

Signa was a fantastic heroine that I loved to read from, I enjoyed seeing her character grow into her powers over the course of the book and to exercise her curious mind to solve the mystery laid before her - the fact that this book perfectly blended gothic tropes, paranormal fantasy elements and a murder mystery into one was just irresistible to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time unfurling the threads of both the central mystery plot, and the mystery of Signa’s powers and her connection to Death.

Death provided everything you’d want from a brooding forbidden love interest, he was perfectly swoon-worthy and his tension with Signa kept me turning pages. I can’t wait to read how their relationship develops over the course of the next book.

This is going to be the next obsession for fans of Crimson Peak and Thomas Sharpe, looking to find a new haunted house and macabre romance to consume their thoughts!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton audio and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book hooked me from the blurb...not even the first page... the blurb...

The book follows the story of Signa, a 19 year old girl who cannot be touched by death, aka, she cannot die and the ability to see spirits and converse with them. But curiously enough people around her always keeps dying. Just months short of receiving her fortune and her estate, Signa is yet again moved into one of her relatives place after her Aunt who was fostering her dies. Once there she is sucked into the mystery of Hawthorne estate, which lost its mistress quite recently and her cousin is dying slowly from exactly what took the life of her aunt, then there is the ghosts and spirits of the place, all while trying to get rid of Death who doesn't seen to leave her alone. Signa has to do something quickly to save her cousin from untimely death and for that she has to learn about the extent of her abilities and get over the fear of her being different, of her being like Death himself.

As much as the book was enticing, Signa the orphaned heiress was frigging annoying. Mostly because of her need to conform to every rule in the book to be the lady she is expected to be. I first thought I would appreciate the narrative of the MC not wanting to be 'not like the other girls' but this was just getting on my nerves. Also, the way Signa treated death who was the only one who has always been on her side was not appealing to me. For her to be in charge of her own wealth in less than a few month, from when on she will be able to live her life which ever way she want and still want to be 'normal' was worrying for me. My favorite character was Blythe and her bluntness. It was also beautiful to see Signa form bonds with this family and slowly come into herself was the best part of the story.

The twists and turns the story took was pretty much of convenience and the only answer I wanted was about her past, which was not even touched. The book would have been more riveting, if the the culprit had more incentive for the crime than there was. I did enjoy the atmosphere of the story and will look forward to book 2 (and I so expect much better things from it)


TW: Violence, Murder, Death, Grief, Suicide, Child Neglect