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A review by karin_goodreads
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
We listen, and we don't judge. Who doesn't love it when a game gets a little murderous?
Dark romance is a very subjective genre. I've had my fair share of experiences, and this book (by extension, the whole series) felt like a breath of fresh air. I assume it's because of the main couple, Sloane & Rowan, and their dynamic. Both of them are serial killers who hunt other killers and such. They meet in a quite interesting situation and start an exhilarating game between themselves that also bonds them further with their mutual but held-back attraction.
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that Sloane was the woman she was; I'm so tired of MCs who are like deer caught in headlights. We need more Sloane-like characters. She was a skilled killer who was very meticulous and even artistic in her ways while not removing aspects of her humanity and vulnerabilities. A great other half to a charming but just as deadly Rowan, whose humor and cunningness made him seem less killer-y, which is completely untrue; he just has the ability to present himself as something else on the outside than within.
It was interesting to see the story play out from two different perspectives with all the background action. Maybe it was the time skipping's fault, but one thing that bothered me was the fact that the flow of the book made me feel like I was sometimes missing some development moments. Perhaps the plot could've been slower or more written out in some sections.
Also, the story and the characters can be dark, but it's written in a way that didn't feel disturbing with all the murdery and some other questionable bits. 👀 (Who am I kidding? I love that.) I like how all the characters were in the picture; there weren't just Rowan & Sloane moments, but a story that involved many without it being overwhelming or confusing.
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that Sloane was the woman she was; I'm so tired of MCs who are like deer caught in headlights. We need more Sloane-like characters. She was a skilled killer who was very meticulous and even artistic in her ways while not removing aspects of her humanity and vulnerabilities. A great other half to a charming but just as deadly Rowan, whose humor and cunningness made him seem less killer-y, which is completely untrue; he just has the ability to present himself as something else on the outside than within.
It was interesting to see the story play out from two different perspectives with all the background action. Maybe it was the time skipping's fault, but one thing that bothered me was the fact that the flow of the book made me feel like I was sometimes missing some development moments. Perhaps the plot could've been slower or more written out in some sections.
Also, the story and the characters can be dark, but it's written in a way that didn't feel disturbing with all the murdery and some other questionable bits. 👀 (Who am I kidding? I love that.) I like how all the characters were in the picture; there weren't just Rowan & Sloane moments, but a story that involved many without it being overwhelming or confusing.
The character development from this:
"You'll love me someday."
The next day is not that day.
To this:
"You'll love me someday."
One of my steps falters.
Today is that day.
EXTRA: I did read the bonus chapter "Skullduggery" and let me tell you, that was needed. It was nice to see Rowan and Sloane living their best life in many ways, and a nice way to connect us to the beginning of the second book of the series called "Leather & Lark". And then it was spicy. All I have to say are two words – dragon onesie. Do with that what you will! 💋
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Torture, Violence, Cannibalism, and Stalking
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Death of parent
Just read the content and trigger warnings section in the beginning of the book!