Belladonna

“Do not change the parts of yourself that you like to make others comfortable. Do not try to mold yourself to fit the standards someone else has set for us.”

WOAH.

This is another perfect example of when I read a book and get mad at myself for taking so long to read it.

Belladonna is not like anything I have ever read before. This was the perfect gothic mystery and fantasy combination for me.

The writing of Belladonna was so beautifully poetic and I found myself absolutely enthralled by the story from start to finish. I honestly could not put this book down and I was cursing myself for needing sleep because I just wanted to keep reading.

I loved the character progression of Signa and seeing her grow into herself. I was always so excited to read the interactions between her and Death. They had great chemistry and I am not afraid to admit I grew a massive crush on him...

3.5 Stars


It starts off very slow for me. I put it down for quite some time before picking it back up again. But it was honestly so good, after about 100 pages or so. The beginning was slow and a little boring for me but by the end, I was losing sleep to finish it lol.

I'll say it's less gothic romance though. Gothic vibes for sure, but not too much romance honestly. I also wanted more from death than what we got but everything in the story makes sense as to why we got so little of him.

This was such an interesting concept and I enjoyed Signa and Deaths' characters. Some of the characters were a little bit harder to love or root for, but they grew on you. Really thought-provoking and definitely some interesting twists. I was pleasantly surprised considering I went into it blind. I wish it had some spice after all the tension but I didn't realize it was YA lol. Despite that, I still really enjoying it.

This, was SO GOOD.

How could I describe it? Bridgerton meets Ghost Whisperer plus we get to meet Death? YES, A MILLION TIMES YES. GIVE IT TO ME.

I'm so glad I decided to pick up this book. I got in only because of the Death premise but let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, the crime solving, EVERYTHING.

Also, perfectly themed to be read in October, which made it 10x times better.

The writing? On point. Quote after, quote. I have a million tabs on this book that range from the love heart warming scenes to the best wake up moments.

Plus, for a YA book? IT WASN'T FADE TO BLACK. It was obviously done with the utmost care, and as if it was seen from the perspective of a woman in that timeframe. And it was beautiful, let me tell you.

I don't know what else you want me to say for you to consider picking up the book. Just do it, you won't regret it.

https://bookscoffeeandpassion.wordpress.com/2022/08/22/book-tour-review-belladonna-by-adalyn-grace/

4.5 stars

Belladonna is a gothic, atmospheric, paranormal, mystery YA story.

Signa, a 19-year-old girl, was an orphan since she was a baby. Every single one of her greedy guardians had an unpleasant end, which led her from one place to another without ever feeling like she belonged anywhere. Now, Signa is going to travel to Thorn Grove, a dark, depressing estate, where the Hawthornes live. Everything seems odd in Thorn Grove. Her cousin Percy and her uncle Elijah have an awful relationship, her cousin Blythe has the same strange illness that killed Blythe's mother, everyone is grieving, there's a mysterious stable boy and the manor seems haunted... Signa allies with Death, that has been in her life since she was a baby, to uncover the murderer.

This story gripped me from the start and it was so entertaining! I had a lot of fun reading it. I don't think it's necessary to know much more about the plot. The story was beautifully written and I was immersed in it. I needed to know what was going on! The characters were fantastic! Signa wanted to belong, to have a family and I loved to follow her journey between figuring out if she wanted a life following society's parameters or if she was truly meant for more. Her relationships with all of the characters were interesting and added an even more mysterious atmosphere. I had a few theories and I guessed a twist or two, but overall I was surprised by how the story progressed.

Signa's hate for Death and their relationship was intriguing and so well done. I also loved the way it ended, with a surprise appearance of a character that was mentioned here and there... I'm very curious about the next book. The pacing was a little off sometimes, but my interest in the story never lessened. Some of the story was predictable, but there were also some motivations and developments I didn't see coming.

Overall, Belladonna was pure enjoyment to me. I loved the characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere, the mysteries, Signa and Death's relationship, and the stellar writing.

Merged review:

https://bookscoffeeandpassion.wordpress.com/2022/08/22/book-tour-review-belladonna-by-adalyn-grace/

4.5 stars

Belladonna is a gothic, atmospheric, paranormal, mystery YA story.

Signa, a 19-year-old girl, was an orphan since she was a baby. Every single one of her greedy guardians had an unpleasant end, which led her from one place to another without ever feeling like she belonged anywhere. Now, Signa is going to travel to Thorn Grove, a dark, depressing estate, where the Hawthornes live. Everything seems odd in Thorn Grove. Her cousin Percy and her uncle Elijah have an awful relationship, her cousin Blythe has the same strange illness that killed Blythe's mother, everyone is grieving, there's a mysterious stable boy and the manor seems haunted... Signa allies with Death, that has been in her life since she was a baby, to uncover the murderer.

This story gripped me from the start and it was so entertaining! I had a lot of fun reading it. I don't think it's necessary to know much more about the plot. The story was beautifully written and I was immersed in it. I needed to know what was going on! The characters were fantastic! Signa wanted to belong, to have a family and I loved to follow her journey between figuring out if she wanted a life following society's parameters or if she was truly meant for more. Her relationships with all of the characters were interesting and added an even more mysterious atmosphere. I had a few theories and I guessed a twist or two, but overall I was surprised by how the story progressed.

Signa's hate for Death and their relationship was intriguing and so well done. I also loved the way it ended, with a surprise appearance of a character that was mentioned here and there... I'm very curious about the next book. The pacing was a little off sometimes, but my interest in the story never lessened. Some of the story was predictable, but there were also some motivations and developments I didn't see coming.

Overall, Belladonna was pure enjoyment to me. I loved the characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere, the mysteries, Signa and Death's relationship, and the stellar writing.

OMG!
Can someone steal for me the next book in this story?
Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the unpredictable plot twists! Loved it all!

This book I couldn't let go. I ended up reading until 3 am two nights in a row as I couldn't put it down. I love it when dark romance is involved, when you aren't sure that you actually want a love story to happen but all of a sudden everything makes sense! And yes I know it has trigger warnings and some parts of the love story may be controversial but please! Sometimes we just need to enjoy something and not trying to find the controversial parts in it, just to burn it!

3.5 stars
Orphaned as a baby, Signa has been passed from one relative to another until there is only one left to take her in. Only one because everywhere she goes, death follows. By death, I mean Death himself. Signa has been able to see him all her life. He's been her one constant companion.
Signa will be wealthy and able to take care of herself once she turns twenty. Only one year to go. She would really love the year to go by without anyone else dying.

I really liked the Gothic vibe. I am ready for spooky season. My only complaint is that it was pretty predictable at times.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.

He estado con la sensación de leer algo incompleto, le falta de todo en todas partes.

La protagonista no me ha gustado nada.
La relación de amor con Muerte me ha parecido creepy y forzada.

Que Muerte, un ser con un montón de años se interese por Signa desde bebé, la observe durante toda su vida y luego se enamore de ella a los 19 años, cuando Signa es una persona que casi no ha podido experimentar la vida me ha parecido horrible.
Y Signa pasa de odiar a Muerte durante toda su vida a caer rendida a sus pies en 4 encontronazos.

El otro interés romántico tenía más sentido pero una pena que al final fuera el mismo personaje.

Perfectamente podría haber hecho a Muerte como un tutor y a otro personaje o otros personajes como intereses románticos y se hubiera librado del grooming super incómodo.

El plotwist de quién es el malo está sacado de la manga, el motivo bastante pobre y una vez descubierto la resolución ha sido instantánea.

Y bueno el final también ha sido absurdo, cómo es posible que les importe tan poco lo que acaba de pasar? Sobretodo cuando capítulos atrás hacen un discurso sobre como la familia es super importante y todo lo que ha hecho ha sido por ella.

Habían muchas situaciones repetitivas que se hacían tediosas de leer, sobre todo los pensamientos de la protagonista que tiene los mismos una y otra vez durante toda la novela.

Los personajes secundarios han quedado muy de fondo pero algunos me han resultado más interesantes que los protagonistas.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace  “Which is better? To live forever, or to live and love?”
Synopsis: Signa Farrow was orphaned as a baby and raised by a series of guardians more interested in her large inheritance than her well-being who all met an untimely end. Now 19 and not long away from gaining access to her fortune, she has been sent to her latest guardians - a recently bereaved uncle by marriage and his two children, one of whom appears to be dying from the same mysterious malady that took her mother. Here, Signa meets her deceased aunt's ghost who requests her help in stopping the poisoning and attempted murder of Signa's cousin. Since surviving the mass poisoning that killed her parents, Signa has been able to see and communicate with Death, and she enlists the help of him and the stablehand Sylas in the endeavour. 
“Your name is no curse, Little Bird. I just like the taste of it.”
My Thoughts:

• A great gothic atmosphere that made me want to don a red ballgown and creep around a manor house and secret garden literally flirting with death and attempting to solve a murder.
• The apparent love triangle between Signa, Sylas and Death wasn't overdone, Signa was attracted to and intrigued by both but wary of their motives. Without spoiling anything, it was resolved satisfactorily.
• This is the first of a series and so the central murder mystery is solved, there are some questions I still need answers to, most significantly:
  • Is there significance to Signa's aunts being two different colours beyond the resemblance to her late aunt?
  • Why were Signa's parents, all their guests and staff poisoned? By who? Is this still an open criminal case, because it seems like it should be a bigger deal!

“Do not change the parts of yourself that you like to make others comfortable. Do not try to mold yourself to fit the standards someone else has set for us.”

I think that Death should not be allowed to have a penis. Or a clitoris, I don't care, just do Not let Death fuck.

OK gang! Here's the conundrum I present you with today: Let's say you're a young, twenty-year-old girl. Everyone you have ever loved, or who has taken care of you in any sense of the word, has died. When you should have died, you didn't. So ever since you can remember, you can see the Reaper and you can see ghosts. You have seen Death, the very real being, over and over again, and he has seen you; you decide you will be rid of him. You take a dose of poison???the titular belladonna???and Death appears before you, hulking, a predator. He calls you “Little Bird”. You run at him with a knife.It seeps through him, and he laughs. The ruckus alerts your cruel aunt, who appears at your door and tries to strangle you. You should die there, but you don't; she does. Death disavows the reaping. He says he is not your enemy. He says that he will prove it to you in two days' time.Two days later, an invitation to a new home is offered to you, and a young, handsome stable boy arrives to pick you up. His shoes are too clean to be a stable boy, and it appears improper that a young man should be sent alone to pick up a young lady, especially according to your late mother's etiquette book. You learn that the Hawthorne estate is in troubling times because its matriarch has recently passed away from illness, its patriarch is lost in wine and sorrow, its son lost also in his grief and frustration, and daughter dying of the same illness as her mother.Also, Lillian Hawthorne's twisted ghost haunts the estate, seeking to protect her daughter from the murderer that killed her.Now!As you solve the murder mystery alongside them, should you get with Sylas???the mysterious, handsome, peasant man who escorted you here???or Death himself, whose powers it seems you share? If you, like me, tend to envision Death as an ageless, sexless being, when main character Signa (yep) starts being attracted to Death???who has been watching and protecting her since she was a baby???and Death reciprocates, you said aloud, “Big yikes!” My only consolation was that there were more potential romantic interests, so maybe Death would eventually refuse her for Being Death reasons, except then the book solves the potential love triangle by having Sylas be Death in disguise. Which explains why he's so curiously around and then absent at seemingly random times, I guess, but also adds to the Yikes! factor because it's just Death grooming and manipulating Signa all the way down.I could get into how the other parts of the book are flat???none of the main cast have engaging personalities and too much time is spent at tea parties and talking about scones, plus there's constant talk of “pieces falling into place” in the “puzzle” Signa is solving???but most of my energy is lost in the fucking of Should-Be-Your-Grandfather Death. Don't do that. At least he asked for consent every time I guess.

I read this book because it was a Goodreads Nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction. I surmise that when there is a young adult-ish protagonist (such as twenty-year-old-yet-to-debut Signa here) and the writing and story are Just Okay, publishers shove it into YA. The audiobook performance by Kristin Atherton is the source of 2 stars.

Oh also a big shout out to the like three instances of the shadow lesbians who are always making out in the corners 10/10 queer rep

Re-read 1: I think I didn't give this book the credit it deserved. I think I was wrong to dislike it as much as I did and for that I want to change the rating from 2 to 3 stars.
I still wasn't over the moon with Signa or Death but I did appreciate Signa's dedication to her new family.
_________________

This book was largely not what I would have wanted nor expected. I did not like Signa at all and Death was not exactly appropriate wanting her since she was a child. I was the least fond of that I must say.

I quite liked Percy which made it easy for me to assume he was the murderer, I have a thing for preferring the more villainous characters over the more normal ones.

It's too bad that Sylas was just death, I was hoping there'd be something more for Death to fight for if he truly wanted Signa.

5 out of 5 stars

“Belladonna” by Adalyn Grace is a captivating blend of gothic fantasy, mystery, and romance that will enchant you from the first page. Set in a slightly magical 19th-century world, the story follows Signa Farrow, a 17-year-old orphan with an unusual gift – she can communicate with spirits and has a unique relationship with Death himself, and she does not like it at all.

When Signa is sent to live with her last living relatives, the Hawthornes, at their eerie Thorn Grove estate, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, suspicious deaths, and a mysterious illness plaguing her young cousin. As Signa delves deeper into the family's dark history, she must use her supernatural abilities to uncover the truth behind her aunt's murder and save her cousin's life.

Grace's writing is beautifully atmospheric, creating a lush, gothic ambience that permeates every page. She weaves together elements of fantasy, paranormal, and mystery, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is well-executed, with plenty of twists and turns to maintain suspense throughout the novel.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its characters. Signa's growth from an angry, lonely, cursed orphan to a young woman embracing her powers is compelling. The supporting cast, including the charismatic Death, adds depth and intrigue to the story. The chemistry between Signa and Death is particularly noteworthy, creating a slow-burn romance that will leave readers swooning. Talk about an age-gap romance!

While some readers may intuit one or two plot twists, the overall mystery remains engaging, with several surprises in store. The ending sets up an intriguing cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series. Luckily, the next two books are already published and I absolutely devoured them.

“Belladonna” is perfect for fans of gothic literature, paranormal romance, and murder mysteries. Adalyn Grace has crafted a dreamy, imaginative world that will linger in your mind long after you finish this book.

With its stunning cover matching the beauty of its contents, this book is both a visual and literary treat.

4.5 stars
This was a fun read! I typically do not care for regency/historical fiction, but because Belladonna had such good suspense, ghosts, and a murder mystery, it was so enjoyable. The narrator for the audiobook had a lovely accent which made it easy to listen to.
As for the characters, I liked Signa (which is a surprise since I usually grow to hate YA FMCs) but Death was 100% the best character in the book.
My only complaint is that I wish there was a little more romance! I can't wait for Foxglove.