Full Book Review of the Belladonna Series by Adalyn Grace
Check out my honest review of the Belladonna series by Adalyn Grace including the best parts and book recommendations to read next. If you’re looking for a gothic fantasy romance with an intriguing murder mystery plot, look no further.
Here’s a short synopsis of the book:
“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.
Full Book Review Without Spoilers
This is a must-read series if you enjoy romantasy with a murder mystery plot, a Victorian era high society setting, or a series with gothic vibes. This series really has it all with a swoon-worthy love interest, lots of mystery and intrigue, and magical elements of fantasy.
Within the series as a whole there’s lots of great romantasy tropes including found family, enemies to lovers, one bed, fated mates, and marriage of convenience. There’s tons to love about this whole series including plot twists, character development, and swooning romance. If you love all of those things placed in a dark, gothic world where Death literally shows up as a handsome, broody man, you should really read this whole series.
Death is really my ideal MMC-misunderstood at the beginning and then he increasingly pulls you in. He gives the perfect balance of dark, mysterious, and a little bit grumpy mixed with yearning and gentleness for only Signa. Fate was also an enjoyable MMC in the following two book, but more in the way that you love to hate him and his cockiness until you get to know him underneath the mask.
While I really loved this whole series and would recommend it to other romance fantasy readers, the ending to the series felt a little rushed and a little disappointing. I have more of the specifics in the section with spoilers, but I just wanted more out of it. That being said, still a great series to read.
Does Belladonna have spice?
Technically no, there’s no explicit scenes, but there is mention of spice happening. This is one of those books thats labeled young adult because there’s no explicit spice, but other than that, it’s the same reading-wise as many other fantasy books that aren’t considered young adult.
Characters
Probably what I loved most about this first book was the two main characters and a whole lot of interesting side characters. In the second book, I like the mix of main characters now all involved in the main plot. And while I don’t like the main characters in the last book as much as Signa and Death, their story is still a satisfying read.
Plot
If you’re looking for fantasy that’s something besides save the world or overthrow the corrupt rulers, give this series a try. This fantasy plot revolves around a murder mystery that also keeps you guessing and looking for clues throughout the books.
Writing
Author Adalyn Grace does a great job pulling you into the story of Signa and Death right from the beginning. Then, you’re so invested in the characters, you have to go right into the next two. Her writing even feels magical yet wonderfully gothic at the same time that keeps you invested the entire time.
Full Book Review With Spoilers
You’ve been warned that from here on out there will be spoilers. Continue on to the conclusion section to avoid them.
I really think this book gets passed over by people because it’s labeled young adult. But unless you’re looking for spice over plot, then you shouldn’t skip this one! The writing is just as good if not better than a lot of romantasy that’s labeled adult fantasy.
This series as a whole is a thrilling story with a plot twist at the end (Percy) that I really didn’t see coming. I was here for the plot, the female characters, and the fantasy aspects of the series. But my favorite parts were definitely in the two MMCs, Death and Fate.
I personally found Death to be a to-die-for MMC because I love a dark, grumpy MMC. But even Fate grew on me during the second and third books because of the banter and dynamic between him and Blythe. If you like an enemies to lovers in forced proximity, the third book is perfect.
My biggest complaint with the series is the ending felt like a little bit of a letdown. A lot happens right at the end, but then I thought more would happen with Chaos and/or Fate’s fight for Blythe. It all felt somewhat abrupt and anti-climatic that they didn’t more against Chaos, and then Blythe finally just finds Fate through the front door.
Pros of the Book
The biggest pro of the books is the two MMC. And really, the best part of all, is that you get two such well-written but unique MMC in the same series.
Another pro for me was the writing of the book. It kept me entertained and invested for the entire series, and I still wanted more when I was finished. The plot was written well, but the characters were written even better.
Cons of the Book
The biggest con for me was that I wanted a little more from the ending of this series with Chaos and the fantasy behind Life and Fate. That being said, I did go into the last book with high expectations because I liked the first two so much.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the popular romantasy, I fully recommend this series. It’s different from the usual romantasy books of the FMC saving the world or toppling an evil regime, so it feels refreshing to read. Add it to your TBR if you want some gothic fantasy romance with a grumpy MMC.
I have a full summary of the book here if you need a refresher on any of the main points.
Rating- 4.25 Out of 5 Stars
As a fan of romantasy, this series was such an enjoyable read for me. It was different, it was fun, and it was emotional in a good way. I don’t know if I’d read it again at the moment, but I might in the future and will recommend it to others.
Who Would Enjoy Reading?
Fans of romantasy especially with gothic or regency elements would especially love this series. Also, if you’re looking for a clean or closed-door fantasy romance, this is a great option. Conversely, if you’re looking for romantasy with spice in it, this is not the series for you.
What to Read After Belladonna
If you liked this series as much as I did, either because of the characters or the writing style, check out more of my recommendations below.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
If you’re looking for the same gothic vibes with a similar mystery element, try this duology. These two books have another dark, grumpy MMC that I love.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Another series that shares the same magic fantasy elements while an equally swoon worthy romance is this series by Stephanie Garber. She’s another author with great writing that only gets labeled young adult because there’s no spice in her books.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
If you’re also a fan of fantasy during the regency era like me, try this new book! It is more of a true YA, but the plot is still so intriguing and really based around regency high society.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
If you’re looking for another romantasy series that doesn’t have spice but still a great plot, grab The Prison Healer. This is more of the classic romantasy plot, but still so good with similar vibes to Belladonna.
