A review by karlakayjenniges
Scream of the Butterfly by Christophe Maso

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0

“When something remains that can’t die, but can’t live either. And so, it lingers between life and death, in profane twilight. Whether it stays put or gets back up and starts to move around again, it has become a blasphemy, a mockery of its former glory.”

“But enough metaphor. I’m here to tell you the story of something real. The story of Morgan Shea, the girl I loved, and what our love ultimately became. What I became.”

James is the most loved student at Cabotsville High. He is also the smartest. Whether it be grades or social influences. He does what he can to establish a rapport by helping everyone he can in any way that he can, albeit some of those ways are shady and underhanded. He is able to provide what is needed where and when it is needed most. He does not think about or care about consequences that occur, that is, until he meets Morgan Shea, the girl he falls in love with. He changes his ways and tries to be a better person. When he begins to doubt their relationship and learns there are much darker beings in this world than he is, it destroys him and he sets out to do even more despicable acts; his ultimate revenge. The consequences that occur changes his whole entire world and his existence. 

James is a character you want to care for but in reality he is a sociopath that does so many horrible things to anyone who gets in his way. Then there is his nature of how loving he can be and when his heart is broken, it is impossible not to feel his pain and regrets. 

Morgan is a sweet girl, but she is harboring her own dark secrets, her pain and her suffering. This is a girl that you just want to fold into your arms, to love and protect from the horrors she has had to endure. It is impossible not to feel her pain. 

This is not a happy story. It is suffering, pain, and darkness. Insanity and selfish desires.

Beautiful written narrative that destroys the heart. Powerfully evocative and atmospheric.