Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Gothic Fantasy, Murder Mystery, Dark Fantasy
Release: August 2022
Part of a Series: Belladonna Series #1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Why I Picked This Up - I don’t even want to admit how long this one has been on my shelf. I had sooo many people recommend it and I saw quite a lot of raving reviews, but I knew I would want to read it during the fall season so I kept putting it off. I’m kind of disappointed in myself because this one was soo good.
What This Book is About - Signa Farrow is an orphan who has always felt death swirling at the edge of her life. In her short 19 years, every single one of Signa’s guardians, including her parents, have died untimely deaths. In light of the most recent mysterious death, Signa is sent to Thorn Grove to live with her only surviving relatives, the prestigious Hawthorne family. As rumors about her swirl, Signa is determined to keep her head down, blend in, and find a respectable gentleman to marry. However, Thorn Grove is riddled with mysterious happenings, the most mysterious of all being Signa’s cousin Blythe, who suffers from the same unfortunate sickness that killed her mother. Signa takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of Blythe’s sickness, because Signa is certain the cause is poison, the only question is who is doing it? To expose the truth, Signa must put aside her fear and her complicated connection with Death himself, embrace her own power, and solve a dangerous mystery before it’s too late.
What to Expect (Tropes But Better) -
3rd person, single POV
Dark, gothic setting
FMC can’t die
Death as an actual character
No one can be trusted
Complicated family relationships
Betrayals and hidden identities around every corner
Spice - Fade to black scenes
Fantasy Elements - Belladonna falls into the category of low fantasy, set in a world that feels very much like our own, with only a light layer of the supernatural woven in. There isn’t extensive world building or an elaborate magic system—instead, the fantasy comes through the characters themselves. The most compelling element is that Death is an actual character, speaking directly with Signa and guiding her through the dangers and mysteries surrounding Thorn Grove. Their conversations add an eerie, gothic edge to the story while also providing unexpected depth and intimacy. Signa’s abilities are also a standout; her powers are unique, unlike anything I’ve encountered in other fantasy novels. Rather than a specific magic system, the book leans more into paranormal gifts and atmospheric intrigue, which makes the fantasy feel subtle yet unforgettable.
Characters -
Signs Farrow - Our female main character, raised in unfortunate circumstances but drawn into the opulence and secrets of Thorn Grove. Curious, resilient, and marked by her strange connection to Death, Signa is both vulnerable and powerful.
Death - More than a force, Death is a fully realized character: sharp, alluring, and unexpectedly protective of Signa. Their dynamic is one of the most unique aspects of the novel, blurring the line between fear and fascination.
Sylas Thorly - The mysterious stable master who quickly becomes Signa’s friend and confidant. His loyalty and quick wit make him indispensable. He adds intrigue and depth to the household’s secrets.
Elijah Hawthorne - The head of Thorn Grove, weighed down by grief and the responsibility of his family. His presence anchors much of the drama within the estate. His demeanor and overall attitude towards the state of affairs had me questioning his loyalties for most of the novel.
Blythe Hawthorne – The sick, but spirited cousin, struggling with her own hidden illness and grief. Blythe embodies rage which she directs at anyone unlucky enough to cross her path.
Percy Hawthorne - Elijah’s son and Blythe’s brother, he’s polished and ambitious. Percy adds an undercurrent of tension to the family dynamic due to his ambition to run the family business but his father’s unwillingness to allow him to do so.
Marjorie Hargreaves – A motherly figure who manages the every day life at Thorn Grove. She takes Signa under her wing to help guide her for preparation of the season - a time when young couples court each other.
Byron Hawthorne – Elijah’s brother and rival, convinced that Elijah’s grief is destroying the family’s fortune. Calculating and persistent, Byron pushes to take control of what he believes Elijah can no longer handle, adding yet another layer of familial conflict to the story.
My Thoughts - Belladonna was, for me, close to perfection. The writing is beautiful—poetic and haunting—drawing me into every page. The characters are robust and well-developed, each bringing their own unique layer to the story. What I loved most is how the struggles of each character take center stage, pulling them in different directions and making their choices feel weighty and real.
The setting is everything I could want in a gothic fantasy: dark, moody, and reminiscent of Victorian England, with just the right touch of eerie atmosphere. The twists and secrets unraveled at a steady pace, keeping me hooked and eager to see what came next.
While the book leaves room for sequels, it avoids the dreaded cliffhanger ending, offering both closure and anticipation. Altogether, Belladonna is an elegant mix of mystery, romance, and gothic fantasy that made for an unforgettable reading experience.
Quotes -
“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.”
“Your name is no curse, Little Bird. I just like the taste of it.”
“Don’t resent me when I’ve only just gotten you, please, for I am what makes this world beautiful.”
The Playlist -
🎵 Little Bird by Jenny Owen Youngs
🎵 Don’t Fear The Reaper by The Spiritual Machines
🎵 Enchanted by Taylor Swift
🎵 Once Upon a Dream by Lana Del Ray
🎵 Bad Romance by Vitamin String Quartet
The Final Verdict - Belladonna is a lush and atmospheric gothic fantasy that balances mystery, romances, and the supernatural with elegance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy darkly beautiful settings, morally complex characters, and just a touch of the otherworldly. I absolutely will recommend this to one to others.
If you’ve read this one, let me know what you thought in the comments - Please keep this section spoiler free as much as possible.
✨ Want a visual companion to this story? Check out my Belladonna Pinterest Board for all of this book’s vibes brought to life.