Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More steamy scenes in exciting romantasy sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In FOXGLOVE: BELLADONNA, BOOK 2, the Duke of Berness lies dead on the ballroom floor after cyanide poisoning. Signa's Uncle Elijah served him the drink that killed him, so he's whisked away to stand trial for the duke's murder. Signa and her cousin Blythe are determined to clear Elijah's name just as the courting season is amping up, which makes gossip all the more rampant. Signa is less concerned with gossip and more concerned with who's come courting: a man she met the night of her uncle's murder who claims to be a prince. But Signa, new to both her powers as a reaper and her amorous relationship with Death himself, knows the Prince in his true form as Fate, and suddenly Fate won't leave her alone. He claims she's the reincarnation of his lost love and will stoop to any manipulation to win her away from Death. With Elijah's life at stake and so many secrets to hide from Blythe about her powers -- and her hand in Blythe's brother Percy's disappearance -- Signa has little choice but to consider a life without Death.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel mixes a potent brew of paranormal romance, haunted manors, and murder mystery that fans of the first book will die for. Fate is right on time to the ball for the next murder at Thorn Grove, home of the Hawthornes and Signa Farrow. With his assertive designs on Signa, it's both frightening and fun to watch in Foxglove as Fate hosts a ball and muddles the minds of a whole room full of people as he tries and fails to woo Signa. And it's a pleasure to watch Signa's arrival at her family home, Foxglove, where she finds out how much she cherishes alone time and how useful her powers are to ease the suffering of ghosts and the ones they leave behind -- a scene of a mourning mother on the seashore is particularly poignant.
Away from Fate, Signa realizes that he can't tell her who she's supposed to be or whom she's supposed to love. Signa's cousin Blythe is also delightful, both for the intrigue around her paranormal gifts and her fierce personality. She's not to be messed with, not after she's cheated death so many times and definitely not in a game of croquette. Readers may grasp some of her secrets before the big reveal at the end, but not all, and they'll be excited about what's to come, especially for her, in Book 3, Wisteria. As long as Fate doesn't mess things up, that is.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Fate in Foxglove. How does he manipulate everyone around him? Does he deserve the compassion he receives from Signa after his behavior?
Women often don't treat other women well for most of the story. How does the courting season automatically make it harder for women to be supportive of one another? When does Signa show empathy toward Blythe and Eliza? When does Blythe change her behavior toward Signa?
What do you think is next for Book 3, Wisteria?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : August 22, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate