Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Books A Million
Book Overview:
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a delicious Young Adult Fantasy filled to the brim with gothic vibes. Set in the Victorian era we meet Signa who was orphaned as a baby and was forced to live with various family members throughout her formative years. Aside from her grandmother who cared deeply for her until her passing her remaining relatives only cared for her because of the generous allowance they were provided for taking her in. But, she was often in questionable environments.
And if that wasn’t enough Signa is being followed by Death himself who’s taken a keen interest in her. Signa suspects that Death is leading her relatives to their untimely death causing her to be feared amongst her family and perceived as cursed. Additionally, Signa has a gift in which she can see and communicate with spirits.
However, everything changes after the unexpected death of her current guardian. She is whisked away to live with her remaining relatives the Hawthrones at Thorn Grove Manor. Upon arrival, she discovers that a sinister plan is afoot in which her aunt the lady of the house was poisoned leading to her death. And she suspects that her cousin who seems to suffer the same affliction is being poisoned as well.
Desperate to get to uncover the truth Signa seeks the help of stable boy Sylas to find the culprit. But to her disapproval, she begins to realize that striking an alliance with Death may be the best chance for her to identify the killer. Caught in a web of her own making Signa becomes enthralled with Sylas and develops a passionate attraction to Death.
Time is running out and Signa needs to get to the bottom of what’s happening at Thron Grove and make a decision about whether she should pursue the life of a lady which she’s always dreamed of or embrace her darkest passions with Death at her side.
Book Review:
Belladonna was a silly, goofy time filled with a dark and forbidden romance, a compelling mystery, the timeless beauty of the Victorian era, and all the gothic vibes one could desire. To say that I ate this up would be a tremendous understatement because I fell for this book hook, line, and sinker.
For starters, the Gothic atmosphere was well executed and wasn’t too much or too little but just right. Grace did a perfect job of creating the setting for this story and making it feel real and palpable. Additionally, the characters were an entertaining part of this story as well. Signa is full of spunk, attitude, and determination and I love it. I enjoy it when female characters are fiery and go after what they want. Additionally, her compassion, loyalty, and deep appreciation for her family were endearing.
Throughout the story, Signa mentions her desire to enter into society and be a lady who marries a suitable bachelor and lives a life of love and stability building a family and looking forward to a future where she’s not alone. However, Grace does an excellent job of challenging Signa on some of her beliefs regarding society and a woman’s place in it. Revealing to Signa that perhaps society isn’t all she dreams it to be as it holds rigidly to the ideals of oppressing and judging women while men carry on and live their lives unfettered. I felt this was interesting to weave this talking point within this tale.
As it comes to the romance it was filled with angst, passion, and longing. Signa’s heart is torn between Sylas the stable boy who she feels an attraction and Death who arouses an all-consuming passion and longing. The banter was immaculate and they both led her to discover truths about herself she couldn’t forsee.
When it comes to the twisty ending I didn’t see any of it coming and was shocked as all the pieces fell into place. And the final scene had me absolutely gagged. I immediately purchased the second book because I have to know what happens next.
This book was the perfect kickstart to this Gothic Young Adult Fantasy series. As long as you don’t have high expectations and recognize that it’s ideal to go into this story with your head empty and no thoughts you’ll have an enjoyable time.
