About this book:
(Blurb from Exclusive Books)
For as long as Signa Farrow has been alive, the people in her life have fallen like stars . . .
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each 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. Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer, though, 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.
My Thoughts
My Thoughts“Belladonna” transported me to a dark and gothic Victorian world; it is pure escapism.
The main protagonist, Signa Farrow, has got a unique ability – see can see the spirits of those who passed on.
“It’s exhausting,” Signa said as she looked down to her lap, “to pretend you are something -someone- you’re not.” Blythe took her by the hand. “Then do not spend your life exhausted.”
Soon after arriving at Thorn Grove, she gets pulled into what seems to be an ominous and gloomy ghost story, a family encircled by sorrow and grief – and she also quickly realises that no one can be trusted. Even more so after seeing the spirit of the matriarch who passed away recently, who seem to suggest that she was in fact murdered.
“Elijah was unfazed as she tried to surround his pieces. “So you see the problem. I cannot sleep when I hear her roaming about, haunting these halls, and yet I cannot so much as shut my eyes in her absence, for I wonder if I will ever hear her again.”
Because Signa can experience the spiritual realm, she comes in close contact with Death, The Grim Reaper. Is he there to take even more from her? Let me just say, and I hope it’s not a spoiler, if you never thought of “Death” being sexy and sultry, this book may change your mind.
“Stop worrying about society and playing its game, hoping that you’ll be good enough, Death urged her. there is no such thing as true goodness, there is only perception. So why not try my way of living? I think it would suit you just fine.”
“Belladonna” is immersive and atmospheric, so much so that I felt as if I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The “Secret Garden” Easter Eggs were a delight and bit of spice also contributed to making this one of my favourite recent reads.
“She no longer feared what brewed within her, and she was done making apologies for who she was. Signa would not just burn; she would ignite.”
What I enjoyed most:
- Memorable Characters
- A bit of spice
- “Little Bird”
- Gothic atmospheric
- Well-developed plot
Book 2 in this series, “Foxglove”, is due for release next year. And thanks to the last chapter of “Belladonna” I am waiting the release with eager anticipation.
I also discovered this engrossing playlist on Spotify – if you enjoyed this book, do check it out!
With thanks to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
RRR (Roelia Reads Rating) 4/5
The details:
Available from Exclusive Books – get your copy now!
PUBLISHED BY: Hodder & Stoughton, Jonathan Ball Publishers (South Africa)
DATE PUBLISHED: 30 August 2022
PAGES:416
GENRE: Crime & mystery fiction (Children’s / Teenage)
About the Author:
@roelia_reads At-a-glance review of “Belladonna” by Adalyn Grace. #Belladonna #adalyngrace #adalyngracebelldonna #roeliareads #ebrecommends #booktok #booktoksa🇿🇦 #booktokmademereadit ♬ (Don’t Fear) the Reaper – Keep Shelly in Athens
