Belladonna, Adalyn Grace, Jonathan Ball Publishers, ISBN: 9781529367225

In Belladonna, Adalyn Grace weaves a gothic mystery filled with death, intrigue and romance. Signa Farrow is an orphan with a peculiar curse – she seems to be immortal. However, in a cruel twist of fate, people around her seem to die indiscriminately.

Following the death of a string of guardians, all of whom seemed more concerned about her wealth than well-being, the 19-year-old is determined to find stability with her remaining relatives at the Thorn Grove estate, where things are a little unconventional. Things turn both eerie and dire when the family matriarch’s ghost reveals to Signa that she was poisoned and that her daughter may be next. With the help of Death himself, Signa must unravel the mystery before it’s too late. The catch, however, is that Signa blames Death for all her suffering.

The novel brilliantly builds suspense in a darkly atmospheric setting, while the characters shine: Signa’s bravery and Sylas’s wit are particular standouts. However, while the ‘enemies to friends’ romance between Signa and Death adds tension, it occasionally feels uncomfortable and somewhat undermines Death’s enigmatic allure. I think I would have preferred if he had been her wise father-like mentor. A touch of misogyny also colours parts of the narrative, but I would mostly attribute that to the book’s historical setting. Despite these points, the story’s twist and immersive atmosphere kept me hooked until the end.

Belladonna combines gothic vibes, mystery and supernatural elements to create an unforgettable read that I couldn’t put down. – Mariclair Smit 4/5 stars

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