Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Genre: Gothic Fantasy, Romance, Mystery | Publication Date: August 30, 2022

☕ Quick Take:

A Gothic tale of love, death, and dark secrets set in the haunting halls of Thorn Grove.

📖 Plot Overview:

Nineteen-year-old Signa has been passed from guardian to guardian, each one falling victim to an untimely death. Now, she’s sent to live with the eccentric Hawthorne family at their estate, Thorn Grove. As she navigates their glittering and gloomy world, a sinister mystery unravels when the ghost of the family’s matriarch claims she was poisoned. With Death never far from Signa’s side, she teams up with him to hunt down the murderer before it’s too late.

💭 My Thoughts:

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace was a spellbinding journey from start to finish! The rich Gothic atmosphere instantly drew me into the world of Thorn Grove, and Grace’s vivid descriptions made it feel like I was walking through the estate’s shadowy halls myself. The blend of wealth, desire, and betrayal created an intoxicating backdrop for the story.

Signa’s character arc was particularly compelling. Her evolution from fearing her powers to embracing them was both emotional and empowering. Her connection with Blythe added depth to her motivations, and I loved how fiercely protective she was of her last remaining family.

Now, let’s talk about Death! He’s such a captivating character—dark, mysterious, yet undeniably alluring. The chemistry between Signa and Death was palpable, and their growing connection added a unique twist to the story. The love triangle between Signa, Silas, and Death kept me on my toes, adding just the right amount of romantic tension to the plot.

The audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton deserves a special mention. Her performance brought each character to life with distinct voices and added an extra layer of immersion to the story. It felt like I was listening to a full-cast production rather than a single narrator!

🌙 Standout Moments:

The reveal of the murderer had me completely floored! The plot twists were masterfully done, each one heightening the suspense and leaving me eager to uncover the next secret.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

Fans of Gothic fantasy, slow-burn romance, and dark mysteries will fall in love with Belladonna. If you enjoyed books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or The Deathless Girls, this is a must-read.

📚 Final Thoughts:

Belladonna is an atmospheric and beautifully written story that had me hooked from page one. The tension between life and death, the richly layered mystery, and the unforgettable characters made this a standout read. I can’t wait to dive into Foxglove and continue Signa’s journey!