We read the first book in this series, ‘Belladonna’, back in season seven and we’re so excited to revisit Signa at Thorn Grove following the cliffhanger at the end of the first novel.

‘Belladonna’ is one of the most fun books we’ve read for the podcast and I think this is just going to be just enjoyable.

The dangerous, seductive and suspenseful New York Times bestselling sequel to the Gothic fantasy romance Belladonna.

A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago . . . and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games-all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

But will it hit any of the tropes to make it dark academia? Or will the mystery win out?

In this episode we discuss:

The way the novel raises issues of women, marriage, bodily autonomy in a vague historical setting

Fate vs Death

The need for justice for Blythe and Eliza