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witcheep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The audiobook experience, read as a duet, is exquisite. The narrators' performance fits the characters spot on.
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Grief, and Stalking
Minor: Sexual violence
ladydeathnesta's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction and Pedophilia
aksmith92's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Setup: Butcher and Blackbird is a dark romance that weaves together elements of horror, thriller, and romance in a unique and gripping narrative. The story revolves around two vigilante serial killers, Sloane Sutherland, known as 'Orb Weaver,' and Rowan Kane, known as 'Boston Butcher.' Their shared mission to rid the world of other serial killers is a product of their traumatic pasts, driving the plot forward.
Sloane's character is complex, marked by her dark artistry as she turns her kills into macabre webs. Her life turns when she meets Rowan, who shares her mission. Their relationship evolves from rivalry to deep affection, all while they navigate the horrible world they inhabit. Rowan, who balances his brutal side with a nurturing role as a chef and caretaker for his brothers, finds himself drawn to Sloane, and the two engage in an annual deadly competition to find and kill the worst of humanity.
The novel delves deep into the character's internal struggles, the impact of their pasts, and the unlikely romance that blossoms between two people who live on the edge of humanity. The narrative's blend of horror elements, emotional depth, and dark romance makes it a standout for readers who enjoy stories that push boundaries and explore the darker sides of love and justice.
What I Liked: Goodness, goodness me. First and foremost, I did not believe I would like this book. It blew up on TikTok, and I firmly believed that this would be like Haunting Adeline - a crime through and through, and I wouldn't be able to feel how people could read this. Well, parts of it are still most certainly a crime, but I ended up enjoying this way more than I thought. Truth be told, I was going to rate this a 4.5 up until about 60% and then near the end. I'm even tempted to bring it up to 4 stars because it had a good plot twist I didn't see coming, which I always appreciate. Overall, these characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed them a lot. The plot was ridiculous, but it made sense (well, kind of), and overall, I LOVED the slow burn aspect of this book. The development of the side characters was also a lovely touch, and I am interested in seeing what Weaver produces in the future with some of the other characters. I was hooked, to be honest, and I couldn't put this book down. Not only was it interesting, but Weaver made it funny. I did laugh out loud in many places. As mentioned, a pretty good plot twist near the end was an interesting touch. Overall, I had a good time.
What Was Just a Bit Off: Ugh, I am not a dark romance girly in my core. Albeit this is the best one I've read, I can't get on board the very demanding and unrelenting male character, particularly during sexual instances. Around 60% of the way through, when the two characters finally got together, it seemed that the book mostly turned into erotica and porn, which I want to go on record is NOT a bad thing, but it just took away from the story for me. And I feel this way about most spicy romances with dark, brooding, and demanding men. Regardless, this book started feeling flat for me once they got together. Additionally, during the plot twist, I think the way Rowan handled the situation was out of character for him - he would've found another way around saying those words, even if they had some hidden messages in them [yes, I am vague due to spoilers!]. I loved Sloane's character through and through, though.
I just can't believe I read this, and I am so glad I did. While it's not the highest rating I've ever given, it's a big star in my book for some dark romance. Weaver is a good writer who can piece together a fabulous narrative with witty humor. Bravo!
Please be advised of the trigger warnings in the front of the book. It is NOT for highly sensitive folks or those who regularly get squeamish. I was sensitive to only one part about someone getting beaten (I struggle with that in books, movies, etc.), but there is some intense gore, body horror, and violence. Additionally, there are some fierce sexual scenes - all consensual and done well, but wow, was it a lot. Please take care of yourself first!
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Rape
coolhandluke140's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you don't mind dark themes or spice, I'd recommend a read/listen as it's fairly short.
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Grief
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Vomit, and Stalking
mamadeb615's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, I enjoyed this read much more than I thought I would. I mean, I finished it in one day!! Did I cringe? Yep. Did I laugh out loud several times? Also yep. Was this steamy AF? You better believe it!! And best of all, I loved the characters! I was cheering them on the entire time — even when doing morally grey activities. 😆
And if you haven’t listen to the audiobooks, you’re missing out! The narrators are fantastic and bring the characters to life. It’s almost like a graphic audio book because the male and female narrators play off each other.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Toxic friendship
jessi169's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
chasingm00ns's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, and Injury/Injury detail
SPICYedilyaaang's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love morally gray characters especially when their purpose is for the greater good. All those gory details never bothered me. Though, I think being a true crime fan had made me immune to that. And the fact that the "victims" were serial killers and their targets were innocent people kinda lessen's the MCs guilt it, I guess? My moral compass is askew but idc.
I love Sloane and Rowan. I love their banter. How they looked out for each other and accepted their respective flaws because they can relate to one another. I love how Rowan insists on talking and being honest to one another and how Sloane makes an effort to overcome her trauma to trust him.
I also love every one of the side characters and can't wait for their stories, too. And I will definitely be reading more works from the author in the future.
PS:
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Drug use, Rape, Vomit, Cannibalism, Stalking, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
sage_alexandra's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
For those of you who read the trigger warnings and said, "Accidental cannibalism?! Count me in!" This one's for you.
Excited to read Leather and Lark next! I bought it when I was about halfway thru B&B.
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, and Stalking
Minor: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Grief
lmanusos22's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Cannibalism, and Murder