Belladonna by Adalyn Grace follows a strong and fiery protagonist named Signa Farrow. She is orphaned as a baby and moves from house to house after constantly being thrown out. A dark secret hovers over her wherever she goes. She can’t die. No matter how many times she encounters the antagonist, Death, he never takes her. He’s very familiar with taking people that she loves though. She feels his presence near her cousin, Blair, who has fallen ill from being poisoned, but she refuses to let him take her. Blair is the only family she has left. Signa must find out who did this to her cousin while warding off Death himself in the process.
Belladonna is a beautiful take on a gothic style fantasy. This book incorporates romantic and eerie elements to keep you on the edge of your seat and reading faster just so you can see what is said on the next page. The world of Belladonna is full of death, betrayal, and mystery that makes you feel immersed in the story. You rapidly start to feel for and connect with Signa after the hardships that she encounters. Adalyn Grace does a terrific job at conveying themes of societal conformity and the effects of nonconformity through the main character, while keeping it spooky and attention grabbing. This book is one that will put you in the autumn mood, but it will also leave you thinking for a while after you’ve finished reading it. This mystery and fantasy crossover is one hundred percent worth the read, especially during the fall season.
