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A review by t0ast_and_t3a
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Did not finish book. Stopped at 58%.
I don’t usually like historical fiction, but I’ve found I like fantasy historical fiction less.
The writing wasn’t terrible—there are vivid details and a unique setting. But the plot is slow, with the focus on Signa coming out into society rather than developing her “skills”.
The prologue gave the indication that she’d be this intriguing character and really she just act a bit immature. And before you say, “It’s a YA,” I know that, but the MC is 19, about to be 20, and she reads like she’s 13-14.
Maybe it’s because of the setting, so that’s why I tried pushing through—I got about 60% before putting it away. But really, it was the weird love triangle developing in the story that had me DNF.
The banter isn’t engaging, and the characters don’t ever become more—they just seem flat. And the MCs voice isn’t engaging—I mean, she refers to one of the love interests thighs as tree trunks with muscles . And Death is interesting up until you realize he’s been watching the MC since infancy and speaks to her like she’s the reason the sun rises and sets .
The whole story feels stiff. I really wish I had better things to say because it was a unique concept.
I really tried, and I’m glad so many like it, but it just wasn’t for me.
If I had to rate based upon what I read, it’d be 2⭐️, and only because the author used such vivid details to describe the dark setting.
The writing wasn’t terrible—there are vivid details and a unique setting. But the plot is slow, with the focus on Signa coming out into society rather than developing her “skills”.
The prologue gave the indication that she’d be this intriguing character and really she just act a bit immature. And before you say, “It’s a YA,” I know that, but the MC is 19, about to be 20, and she reads like she’s 13-14.
Maybe it’s because of the setting, so that’s why I tried pushing through—I got about 60% before putting it away. But really, it was the weird love triangle developing in the story that had me DNF.
The banter isn’t engaging, and the characters don’t ever become more—they just seem flat. And the MCs voice isn’t engaging—I mean, she refers to one of the love interests
The whole story feels stiff. I really wish I had better things to say because it was a unique concept.
I really tried, and I’m glad so many like it, but it just wasn’t for me.
If I had to rate based upon what I read, it’d be 2⭐️, and only because the author used such vivid details to describe the dark setting.