Belladonna
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow forms an alliance with Death in this atmospheric tale by Grace (the All the Stars and Teeth duology) set in an alternate industrial-era England. Signa, who was orphaned as an infant when her wealthy mother was poisoned, believes she cannot die; every time she arrives on Death's door, be it purposefully or accidentally, he refuses to take her. Her slew of guardians are not as lucky, each succumbing to varying inexplicable fatalities until she's sent to stay with distant relatives, the Hawthornes. The family is reeling from the sudden death of their matriarch, Lillian, and struggling to navigate Lillian's daughter Blythe's mysterious ongoing illness. Seeking answers, Signa successfully summons Death, who allows her to speak with Lillian's spirit. When Lillian reveals that she was murdered and Blythe's illness was caused by poison, Signa enlists two unlikely allies—Death, who is kinder than he seems, and snarky stable boy Sylas—to search for the killer. While a predictable plot and dropped threads occasionally distract from Grace's lush and deliciously eerie prose, Signa's burgeoning attraction to both Death and Sylas lends heady romance to the ethereal read. All characters cue as white. Ages 14–up.
Customer Reviews
Slightly enjoyable
I enjoyed most of this book although it took a while for the action to get started. The plot is rather interesting although the romance is rather unsettling and not very realistic. Although this is true I might read again.
-Addie 923
A breath of fresh air
Lovely world building and character development. Can’t wait for book 2!
Enjoyed it!
Definitely enjoyed the read! Totally love this book. Can’t wait for book 2.