BOOK REVIEW: Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
What a surprising, gripping, exciting and amazing ride this was!!!
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it was definitely not what I got! I absolutely LOVED this book. It was so fun, unique, dark and disturbing. But, it was so good and lived up to all the hype that I have been hearing about it.
This was one of the books in my 12 books in 12 months by 12 friends challenge. I can’t remember which friend recommended this book, but I’m really glad they did! The fact that it starts off with a massive trigger warnings list and fantastic dedication just set the tone for the rest of the book. The author’s sass shines bright throughout the entire book.
Basically this is a book about two serial killers who kill serial killers. You know, basically vigilantes in a sense: saving the world by eliminating one serial killer at a time. They end up entering into a little competition with each other and once a year they meet up somewhere in the country and see who can kill the targeted serial killer first. Of course, along the way they develop some strong feelings for each other. I’ll give a little spoiler - he falls first.
Knowing that, it is safe to say that there is a lot of murder and gore. I’m not squeamish and love slasher movies, so I thought it was fun, which makes me sound a little disturbed. Anyway, I love how sarcastic the characters are. It mirrors everything that the book is built on. Again, the tone of the book from the first page creates a lively and at times lighthearted atmosphere that is in complete contrast to the basis of the plot.
Being a serial killer who kills serial killers is a great hobby… Until you find yourself locked in a cage.
As I’ve stated so many times before, one of my favorite writing structures is multiple POVs, and this one did not disappoint with having Sloane and Rowan each with their POV represented. What was even better was that with the audiobook the narrators stayed true to their characters even in the other characters’ chapters. This allowed it to feel almost like you were listening to a play or movie without the stage or screen. At times you forgot that they were simply just reading a book. It made everything even more engaging. It was for sure one of the best audiobooks I’ve read/listened to in a while, so kudos to narrators Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers!
The characters are extremely well developed, an while Sloane’s “day job” isn’t a major part of the storyline (at first, I thought she was lying about it), I love how Rowan’s legit career played a pretty critical role in the progression of the plot. It impacted their relationship as well as the climatic scene. Needless, to say, I was a big fan. Even though their jobs must pay more than I think they do based on how they both live and galivant around the country. But, it’s fiction, and suspension of disbelief is important.
I also appreciated the introduction of Rowan’s brothers and the minor, yet important role they play and Sloane’s BFF, Lark, who is a FMC in book 2. And, who can overlook the other serial killers that they are out hunting??
I didn’t gouge them out, Butcher. I plucked them. Delicately. Like a lady.
The writing style was just so unique, fun and engaging. The wittiness of the dialogue was fantastic and the fact that the characters were the yin and yang of each other had me laughing because their interactions felt so authentic and sarcastic. But then you have them acting like normal people, feeling awkward and nervous, but you’re like, “what’s deal? You KILL people!”
Where does this book land on my bookshelf?
Top shelf without a single doubt. I absolutely loved everything about it, and the audio just made it that much better. If you are looking for a spicy, dark, serial killer romance, this is for you. The story is character driven by the two most unique characters I have encountered in quite a while. I was literally obsessed with this book. Granted, now I’m not sure if I can look at ice cream of orzo the same way again. I really can’t say enough about this book and HIGHLY recommend it!! I’m eager to read book #2, Leather & Lark.
For those of you who read the trigger warnings and said “Accidental cannibalism?! Count me in!” This one’s for you.
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