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!

Adalyn Grace wrote a compelling, intriguing and enchanting story with a incredible main character, amazing worldbuilding and a plot that keeps the reader on his/her/their toes. I loved absolutely everything.

A gothic vibe, an addictive murder mystery and romance - a combination that can only be a 5 star read for me!

While overall well written I would love to add the characters were incredibly well developed and intriguing (something that can often be overlooked when reading a book such as this).

I devoured this book in a single sitting.

Adalyn just gets better and better with each book - I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

5 stars - I need more 😍!

A well paced plot with fully formed characters, it merges the two raging tropes of forbidden romance and enemies to lovers and make use of the gothic elements to captivate its readers. Amazing book!

A beautiful, stunning book! From the mystery to the romance, it delivers excellence and stirs your emotions with the family dynamics. It brings together two perfect tropes of enemies to lovers and forbidden romance, and doesn't miss the emphasis on an atmospheric world, gothic intrigue, and historical backdrop. A perfect read.

This book did not disappoint!

I loved everything about it, the characters are beautifully written! Each one had there own personalities and are so enjoyable to read. The story was so different to what I am used to but i was instantly hooked.

Thank you Hodder for my earc of this book!
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are brilliant, the writing engaging and atmospheric with a historical and gothic feel without being slow or overbearing.
The plot itself is brilliant and well-paced and I loved Death as a character and the family dynamics.
I can’t wait to read Foxglove!

“I have waited for you for millennia, Signa Farrow” … “Since the dawn of this earth, I have waited. You are mine and I am yours. And together, this world is ours. “

Outstanding!!! Easy 5 star read, I absolutely devoured this book. The ending has left me desperate for book 2

Signa was the perfect FMC, I adored Death and Sylas and now I can’t wait to read about Fate!!!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden love
Murder mystery

Love love love ❤️

3.5/5 ***

Nice book, However in my opinion just an average YA with cardboard characters.
What I liked about this book is mystery that is surrounding main character.
In the way it reminded me "Vespertine", similar atmosphere and MC were rather similar.
I liked that for a change book was about something dark rather than cotton candy sweet.