Reviews

Bruises on a Butterfly by Chad Lutzke

davscomur's review

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

4.0

toxicum's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

scottneumann's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• 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

4.25

bravesirtoaster's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

chloewiart's review

emotional sad fast-paced

• 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? N/A

5.0

I wasn't  ready for this short story. It was so sad, Taylor's story is going to stay with me for a while. 

nwreader's review

dark emotional sad medium-paced

5.0

🦋Three Friends, One Secret, and a Heart-Wrenching Discovery: My Bookish Thoughts on BRUISES ON A BUTTERFLY by Chad Lutzke

Calling all fans of STAND BY ME and THE FLY! Prepare to be swept away by a powerful tale of friendship, loss, and the complexities of being a preteen boy. This book follows three inseparable teenagers who find solace and adventure in their hidden clubhouse in a cornfield. But their world is turned upside down by an unexpected event that forces them to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge dark secrets.

Chad's masterful storytelling paints vivid portraits of each boy, their unique struggles, and the delicate dynamics of their friendship. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, tackling sensitive topics with honesty and nuance. Be prepared to have your heart wrenched – but in the best way possible. This is a coming-of-age story that packs a punch, leaving you with a rollercoaster of emotions long after the final page.

If you're looking for a quick read that delves into grief, trauma, and the enduring power of friendship, look no further. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates raw, emotional storytelling and characters you can't help but root for. It's a guaranteed "feels" trip, and you won't regret taking the plunge. So grab your copy, settle in, and prepare to be surprised, challenged, and deeply moved.

This author really is one of the top authors in the indie world. Thank you for making me feel my feels @chad_lutzke 😅🖤🦋

*Thank you to Chad and Cemetery Dance for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
**CW - if you want to know them, look them up or DM me.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, and Body horror

chellecmorgan's review

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

irish_m1nx's review

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This coming of age story follows three 12 year old boys that experience a strange cosmic occurrence while spending the night in a newly built fort out in a cornfield. 

This beautifully written novella is gripping, heartbreaking, and emotional. 💔🥹
The vulnerability of these boys, the honest and raw emotions, and the loyal friendship kept me so invested in this story. This one will stay with me. I highly recommend! 

findingbetterdays's review

dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

onetrackmind77's review

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

4.5