Hello Readers,
I’ll admit it Belladonna lingered on my TBR far too long. Now that I’ve finally devoured it, I can say with absolute certainty it was worth every second of the wait. From the very first page, this gothic fantasy wrapped its poison-laced fingers around me and refused to let go.
The story follows Signa Farrow a girl marked by death in more ways than one. After a series of mysterious guardian deaths, Signa is believed to be cursed. She sees spirits, cannot die, and shares a strange, growing connection with Death himself (an actual entity) who’s lingered in her life since infancy. When she’s sent to Thorn Grove to live with her remaining relatives, she’s pulled into a chilling murder mystery that threatens not only the family, but her own soul.
The gothic aesthetic is chef’s kiss: shadowed corridors, haunted gardens, secret letters, and poison that tastes like nightshade. Fans of Mexican Gothic or Stalking Jack the Ripper will revel in the macabre setting. Adalyn’s prose is lush and lyrical, painting each scene with vivid, romantic dread. The blend of historical fantasy and murder mystery is executed beautifully.
Signa is a compelling protagonist stubborn, thoughtful, and only beginning to understand her power. Her arc is satisfying to watch, especially as she unravels the web of lies surrounding Thorn Grove. And the romance? Swoon-worthy. The chemistry between Signa and Death is tender, dark, and emotionally gripping. Every ghostly clue and shadowed secret pulled me deeper. The pacing is sharp, and Adalyn builds tension with expert control. Even when I guessed a twist, I loved watching it unfold.
Death as a character… Utterly magnetic. Adalyn reimagines mortality as something intimate and oddly beautiful, infusing the story with reverence and depth. I laughed, gasped, and clutched the book like a lifeline.
If you’re craving a YA gothic fantasy with paranormal romance, ghostly mystery, and a heroine who literally walks the line between life and death, Belladonna delivers it all. An absolute must-read. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
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