How 'spicy' is this book really?

It’s definitely on the 'steamy' side of YA. There’s a lot of physical tension, pining, and descriptive kissing, but it stops short of explicit sexual content. Think 'PG-13 movie romance' rather than adult fiction.

Is the horror element too scary for a 12-year-old?

It depends on the kid, but it’s more 'eerie' than 'slasher.' There are ghosts, descriptions of dead bodies, and a plot involving a serial poisoner. If they handled Wednesday or Stranger Things fine, they'll be fine here.

Do you have to read Belladonna first?

Yes, absolutely. Foxglove starts almost immediately after the events of the first book and relies heavily on the character growth and world-building established there. You'll be lost without it.

What's the reading level?

It’s standard YA—accessible but uses a rich, descriptive vocabulary consistent with its Victorian-inspired setting. It’s a great 'stretch' book for a strong middle-school reader.

Foxglove – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Foxglove

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

84%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Death is the boyfriend, Fate is the jealous brother, and the Victorian vibes are immaculate—it's Gothic romantasy at its peak.

Foxglove

book

2023

84%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Death is the boyfriend, Fate is the jealous brother, and the Victorian vibes are immaculate—it's Gothic romantasy at its peak.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is currently wearing a lot of black, listening to moody playlists, and obsessed with 'romantasy,' Foxglove is a slam dunk. It’s the second book in Adalyn Grace’s series, and it doubles down on the lush, eerie vibes that made the first one a hit. It’s smart, well-written, and just the right amount of creepy.

While the marketing emphasizes the romance between the protagonist and Death (yes, literal Death), the core of the book is actually a solid murder mystery. It’s a great pick for readers who want high-stakes drama without the mindless fluff often found in the genre. Just be aware that it deals heavily with mortality and grief, albeit in a very stylized, Victorian way.

Age Fit

Targeted squarely at the 14+ crowd. It's perfect for teens who have outgrown Harry Potter and want something moodier, more romantic, and a little bit dangerous.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a dark, gothic mystery centered on murder and personified death. While it handles complex emotions and loyalty well, the tone is intentionally macabre and 'seductive' rather than sunny.

Imaginative

Personifying Death and Fate as brothers in a high-stakes supernatural rivalry is a fantastic hook. The world-building blends Victorian social norms with eerie, creative magical systems.

Safe

As a YA novel, it contains themes of murder, poisoning, and supernatural peril. The 'seductive' elements are within the standard bounds of modern teen fiction—steamy but not explicit—though it might be too intense for younger middle-grade readers.

Enriching

The prose is sophisticated and atmospheric, great for building vocabulary. It explores heavy themes like agency, destiny, and the ethics of power within a compelling narrative.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gothic atmosphere that feels like a cross between a Jane Austen novel and a Tim Burton movie.
Creative personification of Death and Fate makes for a unique, high-stakes love triangle.
Mystery-driven plot that keeps the supernatural elements grounded in a 'whodunnit' framework.
Strong female leads in Signa and Blythe who have to navigate rigid social structures while wielding terrifying powers.

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What to Watch For

The 'seductive' tone means there’s plenty of romantic tension and heavy pining, though it stays in the YA lane.
Gothic horror means blood, ghosts, and descriptions of poisoning/death that might be too much for sensitive readers.
It’s a direct sequel; trying to read this without finishing Belladonna first will leave your kid totally lost.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to choose between a life of safety or a life of dangerous magic, which would you pick?"
"Do you think Fate is actually a villain, or just someone who can't handle losing?"
"How do Signa and Blythe use the strict rules of high society to their advantage?"
"If Death were a person, what do you think their personality would actually be like?"

Deep Dive

The Romantasy Wave Done Right

We’re living in the era of 'Romantasy,' and while a lot of it is, frankly, recycled tropes and mediocre writing, Foxglove stands out by actually caring about its world-building. Adalyn Grace has crafted a version of the 19th century where the supernatural isn't just a gimmick—it's woven into the social fabric.

Signa, the protagonist, is a refreshing lead because her struggle isn't just about which magical guy to kiss; it's about her own autonomy. In the first book, Belladonna, she came to terms with her connection to Death. Here, the introduction of Fate adds a layer of 'destiny vs. choice' that gives the story some actual intellectual weight.

Aesthetic as Narrative

The 'Gothic' label isn't just for show. The book leans into the aesthetic of crumbling manors, poisonous gardens, and opulent balls. For a teen reader, this is high-level escapism. It’s the kind of book that rewards attention to detail, as the clues for the murder mystery are often hidden in the lush descriptions of the setting. If your teen liked Stalking Jack the Ripper or the darker edges of Bridgerton, this is the logical next step. It’s atmospheric, slightly addictive, and proof that YA fantasy can be both 'seductive' and genuinely clever.

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