e-Audio, 13:14:28
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
Release Date: August 30, 2022
Published by: Hachette Audio
Read from: September 9-12, 2022
Belladonna, #1
Source: Library’s Libby
TW: Death, Death of a Parent/Parental Figure, Vomit, Body Horror, Child Neglect
For Readers Interested In: Fantasy, Romance, Death as a Character, Grief, Young AdultNew York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.
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.
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer 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*
At first I was iffy on this because I actually DNFed the author’s last book. But I read what this book was about and I immediately said “aightttttt I can give it a try…” This isn’t something I would normally read. I’m not huge on gothic or victorian times because they’re normally full of Black pain. But this one didn’t show that (except one) and for that, I was grateful.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about this book is the romance. I have to say I never thought Death was hot, but now…. This book will definitely change your mind. I haven’t decided whether or not that makes me weird but whatever. But I thought the way it progressed between the two of them was really easy and made a lot of sense. They first hated each other because I mean duh. And they progressed into more than that in a way that felt real. (Even if this is a paranormal person we’re talking about) But man, the reveal of who they were?! Like I think if I had even thought about it, I would have thought about that person. But I wasn’t even thinking about it. I legit thought they were separate people, so seeing that they weren’t it came as a complete surprise. And of course that means I loved it.
The mystery in this was also very good! I have read a lot of mysteries and can usually catch the murderer, but this one? Let’s just say I got it all completely wrong. Like there was no “I got the person right but the synopsis was so wrong,” like what might sometimes happen to me. So was I shocked? Yes. Did this make me like this book even more? Also yes. I hate guessing the person, so not doing so was a breath of fresh air. I loved it.
The world building was also really intriguing. As I said, I don’t really like historical, Victorian, or Gothic era because I don’t like the way Black people are perceived in them. Because always, always, ALWAYS there’s some Black pain. So seeing this with the romance, the castle that they lived in with the different passages, and the ball, I just loved it all. I did want some more imagery or descriptive details, but I think that’s just a me thing. I know I’m the only one that wants those things and I don’t care lol
This book was a surprise for me. So much so that I ended up buying the book. I will definitely need to re-read this when the next book comes out again. But now that the ending has transpired, what in the frick and frack is this next one supposed to be about? Whatever it is I can’t wait. I’ve already added it to my TBR, so I guess we’ll find out soon lol
Overall, I give this
