eyelash glie

The Black Witch Chronicles is a series of young adult fantasy novels written by Laurie Forest. The series is set in a fictional world called Erthia, where a complex society is divided into different magical races. The story follows the main protagonist, Elloren Gardner, who comes from a powerful magical family but has no magical abilities of her own. Elloren's journey begins when she enters the university, a place where young witches, shapeshifters, and other magical beings are trained. In this world, tensions rise between different races, especially between the Gardnerians and the Icarals. Elloren, being a Gardnerian, finds herself challenged to confront her family's beliefs and prejudices as she forms unlikely alliances with other magical beings.

Elloren, being a Gardnerian, finds herself challenged to confront her family's beliefs and prejudices as she forms unlikely alliances with other magical beings. Throughout the series, Elloren learns about the history of Erthia, explores her own identity, and discovers the power within herself. As she navigates the political and magical complexities of her world, she becomes entangled in a dangerous plot to overthrow the existing order.

Belladonna Book Review

What's a Dark Academia theme without a gothic manor, a poison-filled mystery, and literal brushes with Death? This week, we're reviewing Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, the much-anticipated book about a girl who's been surrounded by death and spirits her whole life—and who might be falling for Death himself. Ah, yes, we did say we. Because this is Jordan and Kori's first buddy read and joint review! And away we go 😉

Genre: YA Dark Romantasy

Category: Cozy Read

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RATING: 3/5 Stars

Characters: 3/5 stars

Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each 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.

Signa Farrow is no stranger to the world of spirits, having been able to see them her entire life. She views them as a nuisance, but it's Death she really has a bone to pick with. In her mind, he's a threat to her stability, wreaking havoc on her life by taking every relative so she's bounced from one home to another.

Signa cannot die and any wound or illness does not linger for long. So she's only able to contact Death by "killing" herself temporarily—and her favorite method is ingesting belladonna berries, which allow her to hover in the space between life and death.

The plot kicks off with Signa doing this so she can demand to know why Death torments her. The mysterious, shadowy entity claims he has done nothing but his job and only comes to Signa when called—meaning when she dies.

To put her mind at ease, Death assures Signa she'll be well cared for after Signa accidentally kills her vindictive Aunt Marigold by touching her. Yep, it would appear Signa has the death-touch when she's. well, dead.

So Signa is shipped off to yet another relative at Thorn Grove estate. She's escorted by a handsome and grouchy stable boy, Sylas, whose connection to the family is hazy at best. Only when Signa arrives at her new home, she finds Death already hovering over it—literally and figuratively.

The lady of the manor, Lillian Hawthorne, died of a wasting illness shortly before, and now her daughter Blythe is sick with the same symptoms. After Signa meets Lillian's vengeful spirit who hints that her death was no accident, she ropes Sylas into a secret mission: find the murderer and save Blythe before it's too late.

J: Sounds like an awesome concept, right? It was! It is! But no! The book yanks the reader from one red herring to the next: Sylas's whole situation is suspicious, but no one really cares. Elijah Hawthorne doesn't want his family business yet refuses to hand it over to his brother Byron or his son Percy, and they're all pissed about it. But no one will talk to each other? No one directly asks why. It's infuriating.

The governess, Marjorie, is in cahoots with Byron and has a thing for Elijah. Love triangle between Marjorie, Lillian, and Elijah? It would appear so, but that's too obvious. Signa's old friend Charlotte, whose life was ruined when her mother had an affair with Signa's uncle and they all lost social standing, knows her way around a garden and poisons. But no one thinks twice about her.

K: Then there's the fact that pretty much every clue leading to the big reveal is either handed to Signa, or she falls bass-ackwards into discovery. When she did find evidence that gave her cause to suspect one of the characters, she RAN with it, instantly accusing and not analyzing the clues further.

Sure, this could have been an honest mistake, but her sleuthing skills are lacking at best. And her constant use of the puzzle analogy was grating.

J: Yes. Practically every page after the mystery began was "must solve the puzzle" and "she could not make the puzzle fit." Of course you can't, Signa, you aren't doing any puzzling *shakes book*.

What's a Dark Academia theme without a gothic manor, a poison-filled mystery, and literal brushes with Death? This week, we're reviewing Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, the much-anticipated book about a girl who's been surrounded by death and spirits her whole life—and who might be falling for Death himself. Ah, yes, we did say we. Because this is Jordan and Kori's first buddy read and joint review! And away we go 😉

The Black Witch Chronicles is known for tackling important themes such as racism, discrimination, and the power of education. The series also delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the meaning of loyalty and friendship. Laurie Forest's writing style is immersive and detailed, creating a richly developed world that captivates readers. The author weaves a compelling narrative filled with twists, turns, and surprises that keeps readers engaged until the very end. With its vibrant characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, The Black Witch Chronicles has gained a loyal fanbase and garnered critical acclaim. The series is not only an exciting adventure but also serves as a mirror to our own society, encouraging readers to reflect on the importance of acceptance, empathy, and understanding. Overall, The Black Witch Chronicles is a captivating series that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. It combines elements of fantasy, romance, and social commentary to create a truly immersive and thought-provoking reading experience..

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eyelash glie