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nixet914's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Pedophilia
jaynovara'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
natural_witch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book isn't for the faint hearted, full of gore, murder, assault, accidental cannibalism and more (Check the content warnings) but is full of brilliant banter between our two main characters where two serial killers fall in love while hunting other serial killer. A book where he falls first and finds over the course of many years their relationship move from competition to friends and the lovers. Some parts of the relationship development does appear to happen off page, as our character feelings change. However this does not change the enjoyment of the relationship between the two characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its a light hearted dark romance that ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Plus at the beginning of the book you have a playlist to listen as you read! Which honestly i enjoyed so much!
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Cannibalism
ladydeathnesta's review
- 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
cheesine's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
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
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pedophilia
readingwithacoffee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Stalking
sunshine671reader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Pedophilia, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
louise_jayne99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Gun violence, Torture, Vomit, Stalking, and Car accident
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Death of parent