A review by saylaurmoon
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

5.0

↠ 5 stars ⭐️

I knew I was going to love this from not only the HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL COVER, but [obviously] the summary on the back cover. And boy, was I right. I mean, gothic fantasy? Say less. I devoured this and lost sleep over this book. Adalyn Grace’s writing is so beautiful and atmospheric; she completely immersed me within her enchantingly dark and gothic fantasy world.

Not only did her writing captivate me, but I loved her characters. I loved Signa. I loved experiencing her grow from an isolated and lonely girl who was scared to embrace who she was into a young woman full of love who embraces and wields her strength and power confidently. I also loved Blythe! She was so feisty and strong, and I loved watching her and Signa grow closer throughout the story. Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters! Every character was well-written and well-developed.

“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.”


Oh, and Death? Never thought I would be able to say I am attracted to the grim reaper, but here we are. I love Death. No, not literally. But he was a phenomenal character. He was dark and mysterious but respectful and caring. And handsome! He had so much faith in Signa and cared so deeply for her, and it melted my heart. And I adored the chemistry between them toooo.

I also appreciate how the author humanizes and softens an entity we tend to hold such negative assumptions of—for obvious reasons. Death was not ashamed of what he must do, but he expressed a unique sense of gentleness and care for those he must take. Grace was able to shed new light on the concept of the reaper and find some good in what's usually seen as dark, and I thought that was really beautiful.

"There's good in it, too ... I am the first person people see when they draw their last breath. I am the messenger who can deliver them to those they've missed. I am the one who assures them not to worry, or who delivers a swift death to those who are not welcome into the afterlife. I am many things, but what I am not is ashamed."


Okay, this is getting longer than I planned. But anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed Belladonna and definitely recommend it. If you love gothic fantasy with mystery and romance, this is a book for you!

And I am so excited that Foxglove comes out in less than two weeks!!!
Especially after that cliffhanger..