A Supernatural Gothic: "Belladonna" by Adalyn Grace

Adalyn Grace's Belladonna trilogy is a masterful blend of Gothic romance, murder mystery, and dark fantasy that has captivated readers with its atmospheric storytelling and complex character dynamics. The series opens with "Belladonna," introducing us to nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, a young woman who possesses a peculiar relationship with Death itself. Raised by a string of guardians who mysteriously died around her, Signa finds herself at the grand but troubled Thorn Grove estate, where she must unravel the suspicious circumstances surrounding her cousin's illness while navigating her unique abilities and an increasingly complicated relationship with Death.

Grace, known for her imaginative young adult fantasies, brings her considerable talent to this Victorian Gothic series, crafting a world where the line between life and death grows ever thinner. Her prose is richly detailed and atmospheric, painting vivid pictures of sprawling estates, moonlit gardens, and candlelit ballrooms that hide dangerous secrets. The author excels at building tension through both supernatural and human elements, creating a reading experience that keeps audiences guessing until the final pages.

The sequel, "Foxglove," expands the world established in the first book, diving deeper into the supernatural elements while raising the stakes for all involved. Grace maintains the delicate balance between romance and mystery, introducing new characters and complications that test Signa's resolve and abilities. The second instalment builds upon the foundation laid in Belladonna without falling into middle-book syndrome, instead offering fresh challenges and deeper emotional resonance while maintaining the series' signature Gothic atmosphere.

"Wisteria" the trilogy's conclusion, brings the series to a satisfying close, weaving together the various threads of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue established in the previous books. Grace demonstrates her skill at crafting satisfying endings that honour both the characters' growth and the readers' investment in the story.

Throughout the trilogy, Grace explores themes of mortality, power, and the price of immortality with nuance and depth. The romance elements are expertly woven into the broader narrative, creating relationships that feel both passionate and authentic to the Victorian Gothic setting. The steam level remains moderate throughout the series (5/10), with romantic tension expressed more through lingering glances and charged conversations than explicit content, making it appropriate for mature young adult readers while still satisfying adult audiences.

What sets the Belladonna trilogy apart is its unique approach to Death as both a concept and a character. Death appears as a darkly charming immortal being who has walked alongside Signa since childhood, manifesting as a devastatingly handsome young man with an air of ancient wisdom and carefully controlled power. Their interactions crackle with tension, wit, and an underlying current of danger - Death is both mentor and mystery, protector and potential threat. He challenges Signa's perceptions with centuries of accumulated wisdom while harboring secrets of his own. Their banter is sharp and often playful, despite the gravity of his nature, and their relationship evolves from an uneasy alliance to something far more complex and intimate.

The romance between Signa and Death defies conventional tropes. Their dynamic is built on years of strange familiarity, with Death being both an immortal force of nature and a deeply compelling individual. Grace masterfully develops their relationship through loaded conversations, lingering touches, and moments where the line between ally and something more becomes deliciously blurred. Death's character is a fascinating study in contrasts - he can be coldly practical about mortal ends one moment and show surprising tenderness the next. He maintains rigid boundaries with humanity while finding himself increasingly drawn to Signa's unique ability to perceive and interact with him.

The supernatural elements in the series extend beyond Death's presence. Signa's own abilities mark her as extraordinary - she can sense death and illness in others, cannot be killed herself, and possesses an affinity for poisons that proves both gift and curse. The world Grace creates is rich with supernatural elements: spirits linger in manor halls, ancient magic pulses beneath Victorian propriety, and the veil between life and death grows increasingly thin. Signa learns to navigate these supernatural waters, discovering her own powers while uncovering ancient mysteries tied to mortality itself. Grace's personification of Death brings fresh perspective to the supernatural romance genre, while her intricate plotting keeps readers engaged with multiple mysteries spanning the series. The books excel at building upon each other without becoming repetitive, each installment adding layers to both the world and the characters.

The supporting cast is well-developed, with each book introducing memorable new characters while maintaining meaningful roles for established ones. Grace pays particular attention to female friendships and family relationships, adding depth to Signa's character beyond her supernatural abilities and romantic entanglements.

The trilogy's Victorian setting is more than mere window dressing, with Grace incorporating period-appropriate details about society, medicine, and class structure that enhance both the atmosphere and plot. The author's research shines through in subtle ways that ground the supernatural elements in a believable historical context.

This trilogy is ideal for readers who appreciate Gothic romance with a supernatural twist, intricate mysteries, and character-driven narratives. While the books contain some dark themes including death, poison, and murder, Grace handles these elements with sensitivity while maintaining the series' haunting atmosphere. The Belladonna trilogy stands as a remarkable achievement in young adult Gothic fantasy, offering a complete and satisfying narrative arc that will leave readers thinking about its characters and themes long after turning the final page.