Belladonna (Belladonna, 1)

The New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth 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 one 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.

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Death has been following 19-year-old Signa for her entire life. After her parents died, Signa was forced to move from guardian to guardian hoping for somewhere to call home, until coming of age to receive her inheritance. She has come to realize that she has some immunity to dying and can even see and communicate with Death itself. When Signa finds herself at Thorn Grove she begins to settle in with her estranged family, but quickly realizes that her cousin is being poisoned. Uncovering this mystery alongside Death, Signa finds herself confronted with societal and moral quandaries. Grace provides an intriguing gothic-infused fantasy, focusing on the supernatural concept of Death personified. The novel is slow to start, but as Signa and Death develop a relationship, the story becomes more alluring. There are continuous difficulties that Signa must face, and her actions and decisions deliver a suspenseful narrative. Readers will be drawn into the mystery presented but may also find themselves uncovering secrets well before the characters do. A twist at the end provides an interesting opportunity for the sequel. VERDICT Put into the hands of readers looking for a dark fantasy with a hint of mysterious intrigue.-Aliza Mangefridaα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart

“A deliciously deadly gothic romance. Full of poisonous deeds, spectacular secrets, and dark mysteries. Belladonna is a hauntingly atmospheric read, with an absolutely fantastic ending that will leave readers begging for more.”

Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Kingdom of the Wicked series

“Decadently atmospheric. This gothic romance is filled with desire, betrayal, and of course, Death.”

Renée Ahdieh, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn and Flame in the Mist

“Darkly twisted and deliciously gothic, Belladonna is the kind of wicked fairy tale I've loved for most of my life. Grace's world is vivid and sexy. The romance and the relationships are pitch perfect, and I fully expect readers to fall headfirst into Signa's morally complex world, just as I did."

Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fable

“In Belladonna, Adalyn Grace has crafted a darkly romantic tale that will sweep readers away. This decadent world and forbidden love story are a perfect, addicting escape.”

Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches

“Belladonna effortlessly weaves mystery, magic, and romance together into a gothic-infused masterpiece sure to become YA’s new obsession. Every page drips with atmosphere and will leave readers wishing that they, too, could roam the halls of haunted Thorn Grove. Utterly original and completely addictive, Belladonna is a fantasy to die for.”

Jennifer L. Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of From Blood & Ash

“Adalyn Grace spins a gothic tale immersing the reader in a world of secrets, curses, mystery, romance, and Death! She takes us on a journey with Signa that has you sighing from rich details, gasping from exciting twists and turns, and swooning from romance. This book is a true pleasure to read from beginning to end…and it all begins ‘with the cry of a baby."

Jessica Olson, author of A Forgery of Roses

“Delicious and haunting, Belladonna is the type of story that sinks its teeth into your soul. With addictive, atmospheric prose and an absolutely spellbinding mix of mystery and romance, this is YA fantasy at its finest. It’s dark, it’s sexy. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Astrid Scholte, author of Four Dead Queens

“A darkly gothic tale that is equal parts sensuous and sinister, Belladonna breathes new life into YA paranormal romance. Readers are sure to want more of Signa’s tantalizing dance with Death.”

Buzzfeed

“With exquisite pacing, luscious details, and impeccable prose, Grace’s latest is a standout.”

Teen Vogue

"The Gothic novel of your 'Bridgerton' and 'Jane Eyre' dreams.”

Publishers Weekly

"Signa’s burgeoning attraction to both Death and Sylas lends heady romance to the ethereal read."

B&N Reads

"Belladonna is the gripping story full of wealth, desire, and betrayal that will sweep readers up in its haunting tale from the very beginning!"

The Nerd Daily

“This highly imaginative and excitingly original premise is supported by lush evocative writing, magical world-building and a gripping, well-crafted storyline. Meshing multiple genres with ease, Belladonna will enchant readers who enjoy romantic fantasy, gothic vibes and murder mysteries. An addictive and atmospheric dark upper YA novel, this is fair warning to you all not to start reading late at night unless you want to be up past dawn turning the last page!”

The Young Folks

“With Adalyn Grace’s trademark atmospheric writing, the irresistible romance we came to love in her previous book and a glimmer of Hades mythology, this might be one of the most anticipated releases of the summer.”

death himself

“In the 19th century, a young woman who can’t seem to die falls in love with her lifelong protector

School Library Journal

"Alluring.... suspenseful.... Put into the hands of readers looking for a dark fantasy with a hint of mysterious intrigue."

Booklist

"An immersive, romantic atmosphere with dangerous secrets about inherited wealth, death, love, and danger embedded in every page."

now if only I didn't have to wait forever for the next book.”

“Full of ghosts, poisons & house parties, Belladonna is a gothic, romantic mystery with Death as a major player. It's everything I needed it to be

Arts & Letters Bookstore (Granbury, TX)

“I loved everything about this book! Wonderful characters, a new take on the concept of Death as a sentient being, great writing, and a slow-burn romance. I think this would make a perfect autumn read!”

from the dulcet, seductive voice of Death to the common parlance of the household help, the high-pitched snobbery of Signa’s friends, and the bass voices of all the male characters."

"Kristin Atherton narrates this gothic mystery with a distinct accent and tone for each character.... Atherton seamlessly delivers each character’s dialogue

About the Author

Adalyn Grace is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of Belladonna, Foxglove, and Wisteria, and the All the Stars and Teeth duology. Prior to becoming a writer, Adalyn studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation's popular series The Legend of Korra. Local to San Diego, she spends her nonwriting days watching too much anime and playing video games with her two dorky dogs. She invites you to visit her on Instagram @authoradalyngrace or her website, AdalynGraceAuthor.com.

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