Belladonna: Belladonna, Book 1 Adalyn Grace – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Belladonna: Belladonna, Book 1 Adalyn Grace

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

38%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Gothic romance where Death himself courts a 19-year-old—atmospheric vibes can't save the problematic immortal-teenager dynamic.

Belladonna: Belladonna, Book 1 Adalyn Grace

book

2023

38%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Gothic romance where Death himself courts a 19-year-old—atmospheric vibes can't save the problematic immortal-teenager dynamic.

4.2

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be direct: this is a New Adult romance masquerading as YA, and the central relationship is a problem. An ancient immortal Death figure grooming a 19-year-old isn't romantic—it's concerning, and multiple readers called this out immediately.

The Gothic atmosphere works, and the murder mystery setup has potential, but the execution falls flat with predictable twists and what readers describe as mediocre writing. The first half apparently hooks you, then the second half nosedives into problematic romance territory.

If you're an adult reader who enjoys dark paranormal romance and can critically engage with unhealthy relationship dynamics, you might find entertainment here. But for teens? Hard pass. The explicit content alone disqualifies it, and the last thing we need is romanticizing immortal beings pursuing teenagers as aspirational love stories.

Age Fit

This is adult content (18+) despite being shelved as YA. The explicit sexual content, problematic romance dynamics, and mature themes make it inappropriate for teens. Even older teens would benefit from critical discussion about the unhealthy relationship modeling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The central romance involves Death—an ancient immortal being—pursuing the 19-year-old protagonist, which raises significant grooming concerns noted by multiple readers. The relationship dynamic is inherently imbalanced and problematic. Characters engage in casual underage drinking (19-20 year olds), heavy adult drinking, and the emotional tone skews dark with themes of murder, poisoning, and manipulation rather than modeling healthy relationships or cooperation.

Imaginative

The Gothic romance premise—a girl who can see Death himself while investigating a murder at a gloomy estate—offers creative world-building and an intriguing supernatural mystery. The blend of Regency-era wealth, restless spirits, and a personified Death creates atmospheric storytelling. However, execution falls short with predictable plot twists that readers spotted 'from the first few pages,' limiting the sense of discovery and wonder.

Safe

Common Sense Media confirms 'fairly detailed sex scenes' throughout, multiple deaths from belladonna poisoning, and consistent mature content. The romanticized relationship between an immortal being and a teenage protagonist (with grooming undertones) presents unhealthy relationship modeling. This is definitively adult content that would be inappropriate for younger readers to encounter unexpectedly, despite being marketed as YA.

Enriching

While the Gothic mystery framework could prompt thinking about family secrets, grief, and trust, the execution is undermined by 'mediocre writing' and predictable plotting per reader reviews. The problematic romance overshadows potential character growth. Some readers appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and the mystery elements, but the book prioritizes romantic tension over meaningful insight or ethical complexity.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Atmospheric Gothic setting with glittering estates, family secrets, and murder mystery intrigue
Creative premise of a protagonist who can interact with Death as a physical being
Fast-paced first half that many readers found engaging
Appeals to fans of dark romance and supernatural YA who are comfortable with mature content

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sex scenes throughout—this is New Adult content mislabeled as YA
The central romance involves an ancient immortal pursuing a teenager, with clear grooming dynamics that many readers found deeply uncomfortable
Casual underage drinking and heavy alcohol use by characters
Multiple deaths via poisoning and dark themes throughout
Predictable plot twists may disappoint readers looking for genuine mystery

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy? How do you feel about the age and power difference between Signa and Death?"
"The book deals with grief and how different characters process loss—what did you notice about how the Hawthorne family handles their mother's death?"
"Signa has been passed between guardians who only wanted her money. How do you think that shaped who she became?"
"If you could interact with Death as a person, what would you want to ask or understand?"

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