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A review by theaceofpages
The Butterfly Assassin by Finn Longman
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"It's my trauma. You don't get to tell me how to deal with it."
The Butterfly Assassin is a book about pain and trauma set in a city run by assassin guilds (no, not like the game). We follow Isabel as she tries to scape the darkness, which seems to insist on continuing to follow her. I can't actually remember where I first came across this book but I remember thinking it sounded interesting and was very happy when my library got a copy. I was a little disappointed by the first chapter or two but I quickly got invested in the characters and plot. It is a bit of a weird mix of being quite YA at times (not meant as a bad thing -neither more typical YA style writing nor the writing found in books intended for an older audience is better than the other) and simultaneously rather grim and gritty. There were some points where the story was a bit predictable or formulaic, but overall, I loved what the author did with the characters and the fact that Isabel wasn't magically "cured" of all her struggles and problems by the end. The book explores a lot of dark themes (some of which are based on the author's own experiences - although they aren't an assassin as far as I know) and may may contain content that is difficult for some to read (I would definitely recommend taking a look at content warnings if you need them.
Isabel is definitely a complex character. At times it feels like she isn't actually sure of who she is - understandable given her incredibly traumatic past. I am interested to see what direction the author takes her in in the next book. Especially if she isn't sick for half the book and can actually work on herself and find out what she wants. She is also aroace. Although this is only brought up in the authors' note (in which they mention she is asexual and uninterested in romance like they are), knowing that makes me happy. I hope this is explores on page a bit more in the next book though. I do absolutely love that it never feels like she is missing anything because of her orientation though as strong friendships can be just as fulfilling as relationships. I must say that I really enjoyed the lack of romance in this book as so many stories present it as this crucial component of life and magic solution to all your problems, even when in the depths of an intense and life-threatening scenario. It was so nice to read about how other kinds of people can have just as much of an impact on your life.
If you are interested in a dark YA story where everything isn't all neatly tied up at the end I can definitely recommend this one to you (although do check the content warnings first if you need them). I will definitely be picking up the sequel as I am very interested to learn more about Isabella and the world she lives in.
Some notes on some of the content warnings. All are individually spoilered.
Child death:Brief mentions but goes higher if you consider older teen deaths
Chronic illness:Effects of poisoning
Medical content:Includes doctors visits, needles for taking blood and minor surgery
Mental illness:PTSD, trauma and anxiety
Toxic relationship:Parent-child relationship rather than romantic
Injury detail:Lots of discussion of scars. may also be triggering for SH but they aren't self inflicted
Medical trauma:Includes experimentation and loss of reproductive ability
The Butterfly Assassin is a book about pain and trauma set in a city run by assassin guilds (no, not like the game). We follow Isabel as she tries to scape the darkness, which seems to insist on continuing to follow her. I can't actually remember where I first came across this book but I remember thinking it sounded interesting and was very happy when my library got a copy. I was a little disappointed by the first chapter or two but I quickly got invested in the characters and plot. It is a bit of a weird mix of being quite YA at times (not meant as a bad thing -neither more typical YA style writing nor the writing found in books intended for an older audience is better than the other) and simultaneously rather grim and gritty. There were some points where the story was a bit predictable or formulaic, but overall, I loved what the author did with the characters and the fact that Isabel wasn't magically "cured" of all her struggles and problems by the end. The book explores a lot of dark themes (some of which are based on the author's own experiences - although they aren't an assassin as far as I know) and may may contain content that is difficult for some to read (I would definitely recommend taking a look at content warnings if you need them.
Isabel is definitely a complex character. At times it feels like she isn't actually sure of who she is - understandable given her incredibly traumatic past. I am interested to see what direction the author takes her in in the next book. Especially if she isn't sick for half the book and can actually work on herself and find out what she wants. She is also aroace. Although this is only brought up in the authors' note (in which they mention she is asexual and uninterested in romance like they are), knowing that makes me happy. I hope this is explores on page a bit more in the next book though. I do absolutely love that it never feels like she is missing anything because of her orientation though as strong friendships can be just as fulfilling as relationships. I must say that I really enjoyed the lack of romance in this book as so many stories present it as this crucial component of life and magic solution to all your problems, even when in the depths of an intense and life-threatening scenario. It was so nice to read about how other kinds of people can have just as much of an impact on your life.
If you are interested in a dark YA story where everything isn't all neatly tied up at the end I can definitely recommend this one to you (although do check the content warnings first if you need them). I will definitely be picking up the sequel as I am very interested to learn more about Isabella and the world she lives in.
Some notes on some of the content warnings. All are individually spoilered.
Child death:
Chronic illness:
Medical content:
Mental illness:
Toxic relationship:
Injury detail:
Medical trauma:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Infertility, and Vomit
Also poisoning (moderate - both development and effects)