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A review by trixtabella
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Firstly I would like to give my thanks to Adalyn Grace, Hodder & Stoughton and Net Galley for supplying an audio ARC of Belladonna in exchange for an honest review.
As I listened to this on audio I don't think I can start this review without telling you how utterly blown away I was with the voice acting in this book. Kristin Atherton was sublime, her voice fitted the style of Belladonna perfectly her soft velvet tone fitted the mysterious tone of the book brilliantly. She is the best narrator I have listened to so far this year.
Now onto the story itself. You follow Signa Farrow a young lady who lost her family at birth and has spent her years after the death of her grandmother going from guardian to guardian who cared more for Signa's wealth then her care - but they all seem to meet an untimely end.
Soon as gossip spreads people begin to suggest that Signa is cursed!
Signa may even believe she is cursed as she can see spirits and talk to death.
With the death of another guardian Signa finds herself on the way to the Hawthorne's, and their home Thorn Grove. A house in mourning after the death of Lady Hawthorne by a mysterious illness which also seems to be taking the life of her uncle Lord Hawthorne daughter. But has Signa arrived in time to untangle the mystery of Thorn Grove.
This book was enchanting, I have a soft spot for a Gothic Horror/mystery if you loved Gallant or Crimson Peak you will love this book.
Signa is such a well rounded character as the book progresses her character really blossoms from the shy unsure girl you meet at the start of the book into a young woman who is a force to be reckoned with by the end.
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing. I had no idea of the twist until the last couple of chapters and the realisation hit my like a sack of bricks. There may have been an audible NOOOOO! whilst I was listening.
I don't want to say too much and give any of the plot away but with Autumn just around the corner I'd recommend this book as the perfect cosy Autumn read if you love Gothic Horror with a sprinkle of mystery Belladonna is the book for you.
I will have to buy myself a physical copy and will be looking out for the sequel.
As I listened to this on audio I don't think I can start this review without telling you how utterly blown away I was with the voice acting in this book. Kristin Atherton was sublime, her voice fitted the style of Belladonna perfectly her soft velvet tone fitted the mysterious tone of the book brilliantly. She is the best narrator I have listened to so far this year.
Now onto the story itself. You follow Signa Farrow a young lady who lost her family at birth and has spent her years after the death of her grandmother going from guardian to guardian who cared more for Signa's wealth then her care - but they all seem to meet an untimely end.
Soon as gossip spreads people begin to suggest that Signa is cursed!
Signa may even believe she is cursed as she can see spirits and talk to death.
With the death of another guardian Signa finds herself on the way to the Hawthorne's, and their home Thorn Grove. A house in mourning after the death of Lady Hawthorne by a mysterious illness which also seems to be taking the life of her uncle Lord Hawthorne daughter. But has Signa arrived in time to untangle the mystery of Thorn Grove.
This book was enchanting, I have a soft spot for a Gothic Horror/mystery if you loved Gallant or Crimson Peak you will love this book.
Signa is such a well rounded character as the book progresses her character really blossoms from the shy unsure girl you meet at the start of the book into a young woman who is a force to be reckoned with by the end.
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing. I had no idea of the twist until the last couple of chapters and the realisation hit my like a sack of bricks. There may have been an audible NOOOOO! whilst I was listening.
I don't want to say too much and give any of the plot away but with Autumn just around the corner I'd recommend this book as the perfect cosy Autumn read if you love Gothic Horror with a sprinkle of mystery Belladonna is the book for you.
I will have to buy myself a physical copy and will be looking out for the sequel.