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taliabasma'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
4.0
I think my dark romance is limited to a brooding mafia man that comes home bloody but we don’t get the details.
Too many TWs to list, please search them up on the author’s site.
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
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
3.0
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 up until about 60% and then near the end. I'm even tempted to bring it up to 3.5 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 liked the slow burn aspect of this book. The development of the side characters was also a lovely touch. 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 overall, I am 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 narrative with witty humor.
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
clemireads's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
leahkmci'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
4.5
THIS BOOK WAS DARK AF
but somehow also a romcom in a very twisted way.
I could not put it down and the plot twist
I texted my bestie when it happened and I quote “bruh….you are going to shit a brick”
Can’t wait to read the next book
ALSO THE FUCKING EPILOGUE IM DEAD
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
readyforit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Wow I wish every audiobook with dual pov came with duet narration; it really elevated the story for me! I wasn’t sure if I’d vibe with this end of the spectrum of dark romance since there are some pretty graphic scenes involving murder. I think if you like true crime you will probably be okay with the level of gore, unless you’re eating while listening😵💫. This is more of a romcom serial killer adventure book than it is dark romance. There are a lot of crossover tropes like touch her/him and die, but I don’t ever expect to laugh while reading dark romance and I laughed a lot during this book! I can definitely see myself rereading and I’m excited to read the next book.
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Vomit
Minor: Gun violence, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
This book is pretty gory at times, do NOT eat any kind ofedilyaaang'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
ariajb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Kidnapping and Fire/Fire injury
stumpty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Excrement, Vomit, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
wickedgrumpy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
elliott_the_clementine's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I started reading it as a romance and immediately stopped - I don’t have the stomach to read it quite that realistically. However, once I stopped taking it seriously, I found that I really enjoyed it. It kind of reads like a satire on morally grey characters and the world’s fixation on serial killers while also somehow portraying a MUCH healthier relationship than even some not-“dark” romance books (seeking consent, viewing each other as equal partners, etc.). The characters are also sympathetic enough to make them bearable. Their brutal actions have sort of good intentions (both are kind of like twisted contemporary Robin-Hood-style “superheroes” - put them in masks and tights and you have a pair of bloodthirsty Avengers).
Read with caution and don’t take it too seriously - it’s the unserious moments that make Butcher & Blackbird shine as a messed-up horror-comedy for romance-trope-loving readers venturing into the genre.
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual violence