Belladonna is a book that has received a lot of hype since releasing in 2022. I even grabbed an eARC of this book when it was read now on Netgalley. When a book is really hyped, I tend to be careful, because I’m afraid the hype is going to get my expectations too high. That wasn’t the case with this book and I’m mad a myself for taking so long to read it. So I finally did and want to talk about it, so keep on reading for more!
A big thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown for providing me with an eARC to read and review. This didn’t influence my opinion in any way.
The New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.
Review
“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.”
Belladonna is a big case of why didn’t I read this book sooner?!? I’ve heard amazing things about this book, but when I picked it up, I just couldn’t put it down. Adalyn Grace sucked me into the world and left me wanting more. So I have to say part of me is glad I waited, because there is already a sequel out in the world and a third book that releases later this year.
Signa is such an interesting character and your heart breaks for her after just reading the prologue. She has an interesting relationship with death and is determined to not let anyone around her die. I love how she starts standing up for herself more and becoming more confident. Death is also a very interesting character and his relationship and how it develops with Signa had me hooked.
“You must not allow yourself to be consumed so thoroughly by death. It’s not selfish to live.”
The dark atmospheric writing is also perfect for the mystery elements in this story. It’s the perfect read for a dark and rainy day. The author surprised me with quite a few twists and turns and I have to say it had me close to tears a few times. That ending also had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room.
If you’re looking for a dark and atmospheric story that gives all of the vibes, I highly recommend Belladonna. I can’t go too into details, because I don’t want to spoil anything, but this book deserves all of the hype it has received since it released.
I definitely see Belladonna ending up on lists of my 2024 favorites! Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
