My ratings for Belladonna
Overall Rating: Trust me, you’re going to be hooked
Spice Level: There’s romance, and a few spicy scenes but not plenty
Re-readability rating: This book is well worth a second trip
It’s one of those books that pulls you in with its unique twist. What I loved most about Belladonna is that the heroine’s powers feel more like a curse than a gift—something we don’t often see. She’s weird, strange, and I loved watching her learn to embrace what makes her different. It’s a fresh, captivating story that I can’t stop recommending!
Summary
19-year-old Signa Farrow has been haunted by loss her entire life. Left an orphan after her parents’ strange and sudden deaths at a lavish party, she’s been marked by tragedy. Ever since, Signa has been passed from one neglectful guardian to the next. Each guardian continues to meet an untimely end, with Death always lurking close by. For years, she’s resented him – the shadowy figure who seems determined to snatch away everyone she’s ever known.
After yet another tragedy strikes, Signa is sent to live with her last remaining relatives, the Hawthornes at Thorn Grove. But Thorn Grove is far from the safe haven she imagined. Signa finds the Hawthornes plagued by a terrible curse. Her aunt has recently died under mysterious circumstances, her cousin Blythe is dangerously ill, and her uncle seems on the brink of losing his mind. Determined to save the only family she has left; Signa throws herself into uncovering the secrets of Thorn Grove.
Confronted by the danger of her quest, Signa begins to understand that the abilities she once viewed as a curse may, in fact, become her greatest strength. But with Death as both her reluctant ally and her enemy, she’s forced to navigate an unpredictable path where love and survival intertwine in ways she never expected.
Key details
Mood of the story
Dark Fantasy, Victorian Gothic vibes, Romance, supernatural forces and personification of Death.
Central Themes
Found family, forbidden romance, mystery, murders, supernatural powers.
Audience
You’ll love it if you’re into dark fantasy, mysteries and slow-burn, forbidden love stories.
Opinion: My take on Belladonna
I kept seeing this book every time I browsed the bookstore, and the cover kept tempting me. I’d been more of a thriller and mystery kind of reader, but I’d recently started exploring fantasy. And I’m so grateful I picked up this book. I couldn’t put it down! It was nearly impossible to go to sleep when all I wanted was to read just one more chapter. Belladona is the perfect mix of supernatural, romance, mystery, and a hint of historical fiction.
World-building
The world of Belladonna captures the feel of Victorian Gothic with a fresh supernatural twist. Thorn Grove, the grand estate where much of the story takes place, is filled with foggy grounds, candlelit halls, and plenty of hidden secrets. Adalyn Grace creates a setting that feels rooted in Victorian society, complete with its strict social rules, expectations, and whispered scandals. This structured world makes Signa’s connection with Death even more intriguing—he represents something entirely outside of society’s control.
The Victorian atmosphere isn’t just a backdrop; it adds tension as Signa navigates a society that values reputation above all, even as she’s drawn into the mysteries surrounding her family.
“There is a beauty in the dark, one that only those who have dared to stand on the edge of oblivion can truly understand.”
Death, Belladonna
This line perfectly captures the dynamic between Signa and Death. Their connection is mesmerizing and twisted, creating a darkly romantic game that’s impossible to resist. Imagine Jane Austen meets Crimson Peak, with a dash of forbidden romance.
Writing style and Pace
Belladona is a slow burn, yes, but never too slow. Adalyn Grace maintaints a careful balance, making sure the story keeps moving, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, guessing, and always craving the next chapter.
The balance between mystery, romance, and danger is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat. And the romantic tension? Let’s just say Death and Signa’s chemistry makes you root for something you know you shouldn’t. Watching them dance around their forbidden connection is thrilling, and the slow-burn payoff is absolutely worth it.
Characters
Signa’s got that perfect mix of stubbornness, curiosity, and resilience. She’s not some damsel waiting around for answers. Instead, she charges into danger, demands to know what’s really going on. She’s willing to risk everything to protect those she loves, which makes her incredibly compelling. I also love how she gradually embraces her uniqueness, growing into herself without caring what others think. Watching her accept her ‘weirdness’ and step confidently into her own identity is truly satisfying.
Death is dark, sarcastic and has all the charm you’d expect from an eternal morally gray character. Watching him spar with Signa, both verbally and emotionally, is an absolute treat. He’s got that mysterious, dangerous vibe that makes you want to know everything about him.
Story of Belladonna
The plot is a perfect balance of mystery, supernatural elements, and romantic tension. Personally, I’m not a fan when romance takes over the plot, but Belladonna strikes the perfect balance. The romance adds spice and tension without overshadowing the rest of the story. It just adds excitement and spice to the mysteries. I read Belladonna at the beginning of 2024 and was instantly hooked, counting down the days until Wisteria, the third book, was released. And let me tell you, the wait was worth every second.
‘Life and death,’ she whispered, ‘are two sides of the same coin, aren’t they?’
Blythe is also a refreshing female character. In a society where women are told to sit still and look pretty until a man comes to make them their wife, Blythe rejects all of this and is decided to live the life she wants. Gosh, I just love strong female characters!
Other books in the series
Belladonna is the first book in the series, followed by Foxglove and Wisteria. Foxglove dives even deeper into Signa’s and Death story and the mysteries surrounding Thorn Grove. In the third book, Wisteria, the story focuses on Signa’s cousin, Blythe, and her adventures with Fate.
“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.”
You’ll love Belladonna, if you enjoyed…
If these books are already favorites of yours, then Belladonna is calling your name:
A Court of Thorn and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
A sweeping romance where themes of life, death, and resurrection intertwine with dark, brooding characters and high-stakes magic
A Touch of Darkness
by Scarlett St. Clair
A seductive retelling of Hades and Persephone, featuring a brooding God of the Dead and a steamy mythological romance
Death
by Laura
Thalassa
Intense and redemptive romance set against an apocalyptic backdrop featuring Thanatos, the embodiment of Death
Media adaptation
As of now, there’s no film or TV adaptation for Belladonna, but I think it would fit very well on screen. With its Gothic vibe, romance, and supernatural elements, Belladonna would make a stunning, haunting series or movie. And I’d really like to see who would play Death and Fate.
Your thoughts on Belladonna
Did you read Belladonna? I want to know what you thought!
- Who was your favorite character?
- What did you think of the romance?
- Do you think there’ll be a new book after Wisteria?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
