Book Review: Foxglove (Belladonna, #2) by Adalyn Grace
Welp. That was a painful disappointment. After being swept off my feet by Belladonna, I was beyond excited for the sequel, Foxglove. The Gothic allure, the intelligent storytelling, and those beautifully crafted characters had me dreaming of a continuation that would be one of the best reads of the year. Instead, I find myself staring blankly at my reading nook, feeling like a soggy piece of bread languishing in a puddle.
In Foxglove, we dive back into the life of Signa Farrow and her complex relationship with Death. Enter Fate, Death’s brother, who arrives claiming that Signa is the reincarnation of his long-lost love, Life. And while this setup teases potential intrigue, Fate, unfortunately, flounders. He should have been a tornado of chaos, but instead, he felt more like an unseasoned dish. Where was the ambition, the messiness? It’s hard to find a character compelling when they have all the charisma of a wet blanket.
One of my major gripes was the so-called love triangle. A love triangle demands chemistry, tension, and emotional stakes—and this one felt like a pseudo-setup at best. Signa’s disinterest in Fate was almost comical, making the dynamic appear painfully one-sided. Meanwhile, the spark that once ignited the connection between Signa and Death was worryingly dimmed. Simply put, I scarcely remembered Death was a character, appearing only for brief moments that lacked substance. Where was the edgy banter and lingering glances that held us captive in Belladonna?
The writing style remained lyrical, which truly was a saving grace. Adalyn Grace has a way with words that can evoke atmosphere even when the plot falters. However, it felt like the effectiveness was overshadowed by pacing issues and a plot that stagnated in the “book two syndrome.” At times, I found myself skimming Signa’s chapters just to return to the vibrant and compelling Blythe Hawthorne, who was the real saving grace of this book.
Blythe was the only character brimming with purpose and passion, making my time with her chapters something to look forward to. Every word spoken by her felt alive and invigorating while Signa’s arc plodded along with uncharacteristic passivity. I found myself frustrated every time Signa outshone Blythe, especially since it was glaringly obvious that Blythe was the true “Life” all along!
By the end of the book, I was left feeling a bit hollow. Foxglove failed to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor, and I found myself wishing that Belladonna had been a standalone. Characters that were once so rich and intriguing had lost their shine. The relation between Signa and Death lacked the heart-pounding intensity that kept readers enthralled in Belladonna, and sadly, Foxglove didn’t deliver on the thrill of a compelling murder mystery either.
However, while I might not have adored this installment, I hold onto hope for the upcoming Wisteria, which seems more aligned to Blythe’s potential and promises a new story that could redeem this disappointing turn. For those who adore character-driven narratives and appreciate the occasional misstep in a beloved series, perhaps Foxglove will still connect with you. As for me, I’m looking forward to what Adalyn Grace brings to the table next—preferably something that returns to the immersive world and characters I fell in love with.
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