Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Double Review ♥ Breaking Butterflies & Killer Instinct.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

I shall be reviewing two books today since I cannot write a single review for each book separately. The heavy concepts are similar so might as well.

Breaking Butterflies
M. Anjelais
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • Publisher: Chicken House (August 26, 2014)
  • ISBN-13: 978-0545667661
  • Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
  • Source: Review Copy was sent via Scholastic Press.

Synopsis: The closest he will ever come to happiness is when he's hurting her. Will she let him? A beautiful and twisted story of first love and innocence lost -- written when the author was just eighteen. Sphinxie and Cadence. Promised to each other in childhood. Drawn together again as teens. Sphinxie is sweet, compassionate, and plain. Cadence is brilliant, charismatic. Damaged. And diseased. When they were kids, he scarred her with a knife. Now, as his illness progresses, he becomes increasingly demanding. She wants to be loyal -- but fears for her life. Only the ultimate sacrifice will give this love an ending.


  • Sphinxie and Cadence were promised to each other, promised to marry and have their own children. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as expected. Cadence is damaged, mentally he is. I'm not talking a reckless "bad boy" here, he's actually mentally ill hence why he scarred Sphinxie when they were children. Now, several years later they meet again..  Does Sphinx decide to be with him or let him go for good? Does she give the ultimate sacrifice in the end? I've seen several negative reviews of Breaking Butterflies on Goodreads, although I can totally understand each point everyone is making but I feel some people are missing the bigger message and you should read this with a more open mind... However, I really liked this book. This is more of a personal approach and review. Mild spoilers up ahead.
  • I've seen this statement a lot for this novel, "it has an abusive relationship and it romanticizes abuse." If you're a sociopath, it doesn't give you a free pass to hurt and abuse others. From what I have studied from psychology over the years, I just don't blame them when they do because they have an illness. Their brains aren't the same like the rest of us. They're mentally ill, they lack a moral conscious, and they feel no remorse or empathy. I don't believe you can compare this relationship to other abusive relationships, they're not exactly the same. 
  • Sociopaths aren't just mental illness free reckless men with anger management issues. They're more dangerous. Sociopaths are born, not created overtime like some reckless men.  I wouldn't call this an abusive relationship but a more intense, destructive relationship. It can destroy both partners. As for romanticizing abuse, that wasn't what the author was doing. He was trying to portray a different relationship that cannot be helped. 
  • Cadence is manipulative, sometimes emotionless, he uses Sphinx and crushes her like a butterfly. Cadence might seem heartless, but Sphinx still has emotions that make her stay. If you loved someone so much, wouldn't you want to be there for them in their last moments? I understand Cadence is not your average love interest, I would think twice to be around him. Although, I wouldn't abandon my son if he was mentally sick even if he treated me like crap, so why would you abandon a partner you love? The heroine knows this is wrong, Cadence is not normal, but it's her choice to still stay with him. I don't think it's because she loves him, I think it's because he needs her even though he cannot say it. I don't think this is a love story or a romance book, it's more psychological. There is hardly any romance in this novel though, the feelings are there but there isn't any mushy gushy stuff. They don't even kiss okay? There are a couple of errors about sociopaths in the book, it's probably because the author wrote this book at a such a young age, he was only eighteen. 
  • Sphinx could be considered brave for even dealing with Cadence or incredibly stupid for wanting to be around someone insane. Sphinx knows she doesn't deserve to be treated as a doormat, but I realized she's just trying to be there for someone else no matter how hard that can be. I wouldn't exactly judge her for that though. It's easier to make up your mind about a human being who doesn't have an mental illness and they hurt you anyway, you can leave them - but I would find it quite difficult to leave someone who has an mental illness. I wouldn't call Sphinx a doormat but rather helpless.
  • The actual plot was fascinating, this novel had many twists and turns down the way. The author presented a sick, destructive relationship that isn't too common in Young Adult, I found that really unique and different. I found it realistic for the most part, it would have baffled my mind if Cadence somehow changed because of love but he doesn't. He remains true to himself. I didn't agree with all he did, but I did empathized with him. One thing that bothers me about this book is the parents. Leigh and Sarah, I would never let a sociopath guy near my child and vice versa. I empathize yes, but they're still dangerous. 
  • The book is horrifying and intense, although I would have liked to see more darkness in this novel, it could have been five butterflies for me if it was more developed. This book should have been made more for adults and not teenagers because it can be taken the wrong way. Overall, I won't forget a book like this again, it does make an impact on the reader. The writing is fantastic, it's easy to get lost into a novel like this. It can be hard to read Breaking Butterflies though, it's not a book for everyone but I found it a unique novel. I would have liked to know Cadence's POV as well. This is a twisted book, you don't want to keep reading, but at the same time you cannot wait for what happens next. I would rate it 4 butterflies.



Killer Instinct
S. E Green

  • Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 6, 2014)
  • ISBN-10: 1481402854
  • ISBN-13: 978-1481402859
  • Purchase: Amazon
  • Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • Source: Review Copy was sent via Kaye Publicity. Thank you Julia.

  • SynopsisA teen girl version of Dexter meets the high stakes danger and mystery of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in this riveting debut. Lane is a typical teenager. Loving family.Good grades. After-school job at the local animal hospital. Martial arts enthusiast. But her secret obsession is studying serial killers. She understands them, knows what makes them tick. Why? Because she might be one herself. Lane channels her dark impulses by hunting criminals and delivering justice when the law fails. The vigilantism stops shy of murder, but with each visceral rush, the line of self-control blurs. And when a young preschool teacher goes missing—and returns in pieces—Lane gets a little too excited about tracking down “the Decapitator,” the vicious serial murderer who has come to her hometown. As she gets dangerously caught up in a web of lies about her own past, Lane realizes she is no longer invisible or safe. Especially after the Decapitator contacts her directly. Now she needs to use her unique talents to find the true killer’s identity before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim…

  • Lane is an ordinary teenager who is trying to pass high school, but she does have a secret obsession with studying serial killers. She might be one herself - she has dark impulses to hunt criminals, but she hasn't done so yet. Lane is soon targeted by "the Decapitator" after getting too involved with her mother's case who's an FBI agent. I thought this novel was refreshing, it's not every day you read about hunting killers. I don't mean the police or anyone, just actual ordinary people who you wouldn't expect that from. I couldn't put this novel down, the writing itself is compelling. Well, this is another novel that several people disliked but I found it intriguing enough. I tend to be the minority in most cases, I usually end up liking the book most people don't and I don't like the book everybody does. 
  •  I found the heroine Lane fascinating, her character is refreshing. She is brave, but that could be mainly because she's fearless. She doesn't really have fear. Although, she does do "slut-shaming" but I'll forgive her since they're subtle comments and she doesn't always do it. She has this sick obsession with delivering justice. I'm surprised why she doesn't become a cop herself, but she actually wants to deliver the punishment herself. I wasn't the biggest fan of the romance, it wasn't the most important aspect of the novel. The romance doesn't seem to go really anywhere, Lane only tries it because she wants to feel "normal" for once. I find the other love interest that has always been there in her life to be more forbidden and daring, I would have liked to read more about him.
  •  Overall, the world building plot was intriguing enough - the last few chapters of the book were just amazing, I wasn't expecting that twist and I respect Lane a lot for making that decision in the end to keep it on the down low. This is similar to Dexter, although Dexter is one of my favorite shows. Lane does have several emotions because she's not a sociopath nor does she have a mental illness. She sounds like she does, but she also has human characteristics about her. She shows mercy, and she loves her family especially her mother and younger brother. She's also capable of loving someone. She's ordinary but she's still dark if that makes sense. I would have thought she had OCD, but it's not quite there yet and I could be off. The novel doesn't actually explain how she gets these dark thoughts to hunt killers though. I cannot wait for the sequel of this novel!  This is an odd and dark novel that keeps you on the toes, you could never guess who the actual killer is.
These two books are recommended for fans of Dexter, and I Hunt Killers.

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron 
femmmefatalee@gmail.com

45 comments:

  1. When it comes to the first book mentioned it does sound interesting. I haven't read too many books about destructive relationships and when it comes to that kind of abuse it is always tricky to write it well. And knowing the author wrote it at age eighteen is impressive as well seeing as it is an intense and emotional novel as well. Killer Instinct appeals to me a bit less, but serial killers are hard to find in books as well. Sounds like they both have some pretty rare concepts here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is quite tricky and hard to write about a relationship with a sociopath. The concepts are intriguing enough, thank you for dropping by Olivia ♥

      Delete
  2. I'm glad that you ended up giving these books a go despite the not so praising reviews you read before. This has happened to me a few times too and I have ended up enjoying the book, I think out of the two Killer Instinct is more my sort of read, so I shall certainly giving it a go soon. Great reviews Benish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jasprit ♥ & yes, glad I'm not the only one :) Killer Instinct was good for the most part.

      Delete
  3. I haven't heard of either of these but they both sound like they were pretty solid reads! Great reviews!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm not such a fan of super-angsty, high drama relationships, so will probably skip Breaking Butterflies. And glad you enjoyed Killer Instinct but the violence was just too graphic for me. I couldn't watch Dexter either. I'm a wimp!
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen at YA Romantics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aaah, no worries. These books can't be for everyone :)

      Delete
  5. The plot does sound nice, but sad to hear there wasn't a lot of romance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the first book isn't a romance book - it's more psychological.

      Delete
  6. I've read a few reviews of Breaking Butterflies but they are mostly positive. I do agree that sociopathy is very different from an abusive person and sociopaths are different in a way that they have no remorse or emotion. They're wired differently. I will never see a book like this romance but I'm intrigued...I'll probably read this when I'm in the mood for something dark. The second book is interesting too, I have a thing for vigilante characters and the idea of a Dexter-like female also sounds intriguing! I'll check both books out Benish! Lovely review!

    ~Amir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? I've seen mainly negative on Goodreads & yes, Breaking Butterflies was more of a psychological read than an actual romance novel. I really liked it though, I think it's something worth experiencing, both of the books are pretty good ♥ Thank you for dropping by Amir!

      Delete
  7. Breaking Butterflies sounds like a book that would be very emotional to read. And I definitely agree with you, sociopaths are different and you have to take that into account when reading this book. But I do love books that challenge me as a reader and as person. Killer Instinct sounds interesting as well. The main characters draws my interest and I would love to see her through her eyes. :)

    Lovely reviews!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you could agree Magen! <3 I liked both books for the most part, they're rather unique and challenging books.

      Delete
  8. I love twists and turns. I hope I get to read Breaking Butterflies! Great reviews :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jazmen ♥ I really liked Breaking Butterflies, hope you do too :)

      Delete
  9. Wow, these two books sound really intense and different. I love the sound of the first book, it does make you question a relationship like that. Great points you have made!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you & yes, they are pretty unique.

      Delete
  10. Hmmm... I am not a fan of the abusive relationship either, but I liked your points. I might just have to check that one out. Thanks so much for the helpful reviews.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Heidi, & no probs! I'm glad they could help out ♥

      Delete
  11. You've managed to make me curious..and I cannot help be curious about these edgy books. Wonderful, well thought reviews :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have a copy of BREAKING BUTTERFLIES to read, and I've been hesitant because every review I've read has been pretty negative or at least very mediocre. Like you said: they focussed on the aspect of an abusive relationship being romanticised. I find your take on this really interesting, Benish! And now I kind of want to read this book right now. I love those kinds of books where you cringe when you read it but you also can't take your eyes away. I also really like dark YA novels, so I think I might like this one in all its weirdness. Great review! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should so read Breaking Butterflies soon! Although, it's not a book for everyone but I feel it is worth reading. Thank you for your thoughts Chiara♥

      Delete
  13. Breaking Butterflies seems like a difficult read with that type of relationship in it. Good to see you enjoyed it.
    Killer Instinct sounds interesting, but I don't think it's my kind of read... and I never got into Dexter...

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

    ReplyDelete
  14. I added them to my TBR! The reviews for the first book actually shied me away from it as I don't want to read about abusive relationship, but you do have a point if the character is a sociopath. They can't help what they do. It's not that I am condoning it - I don't - but it's just something they can't really control, and I think it would be fascinating to see how the relationship would go down the rabbit hole. And as for the second book... hey, don't we all love awesome MCs pursuing killers? ;)

    Faye at The Social Potato

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for agreeing Faye ♥ I know, many people might not agree with this perspective, but even the law doesn't judge mentally ill people for harming others. Hope you enjoy these two books!

      Delete
  15. Very nice reviews! I have been very on the fence about Breaking Butterflies, mainly for the reasons you said, but I also really agree with your analysis of it, and I hadn't heard that perspective before! So yes, I think I will be giving it a try for sure! And I was kind of wary of Killer Instinct because it said "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" in the blurb and I HATED that book. But, your review makes it sound not at all like that, so I am rethinking my stance!

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Shannon! I was a bit hesitant to share my perspective since no one mentioned it before, but I'm glad you guys are liking it :) & Aaah, I don't know why it says The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, they're two completely different books - although the thrill feeling is there.♥

      Delete
  16. Breaking Butterflies sounds fascinating, though messed up. My kind of story.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love everything you said about Breaking Butterflies! Most of the reviews I've read for it have been negative and did mention the destructive relationship. But honestly, you described everything so beautifully, and everything just makes sense the way you put it. I've never thought of it that way--why leave a partner if you won't leave a kid? I recently watched a documentary about a woman whose kids all had mental issues, but she stuck with them all through thick and thin. I guess that's how it was for Sphinx was for Cadence. :) Adding this book to my wishlist now, Benish! Killer Instinct sounds wonderful too, but I think it's Breaking Butterflies that caught my interest in this post. Lovely reviews!

    Aimee @ Deadly Darlings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay!! Thank you so much Aimee, that actually means a lot! ♥ I'm really happy you could understand my perspective & I understand what you mean, some people are quick to judge partners when they do such thing but they hesitate when it comes to their own blood. Hope you like reading these books!

      Delete
  18. Breaking Butterflies has such a beautiful cover but I don't think it would be for me, I love romance in everything I read but I prefer the mushy stuff ;-) this sounds a bit too intense for me. I am quite intrigued by Killer Instinct, I love a fearless MC.

    Lovely reviews! Sharon – Obsession with Books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aah, Killer Instinct would be your book then out of these two - thank you Sharon ♥

      Delete
  19. Sooo fascinating these books! I read Breaking Butterflies and wow, even today it still has left an impact on me. It was so dark, disturbing, discomforting and twisted. I remember being absolutely freaked out, at the parent's behaviour at letting Sphinxie hang out with Cadence and at their deep spiral. Super interested in Killer Instinct's character and the way she delivers justice herself. I haven't watched Dexter, but I think this one would be up my alley. Great reviews Benish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I didn't like the characters much either, although I could understand their pain and what they're going through. Dexter is pretty amazing, one of the best shows out there. Thank you Jeann! ♥

      Delete
  20. Great reviews! I'm not sure how much I like the sound of the first one, mainly because I do not read that sort of genre a lot. The second one seems a little more my style though. But your comments about the relationship in the first make me feel like this is a novel I should read anyways.

    Dreams @ Once Upon A Dream Books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you ♥ They're both good novels & Breaking Butterflies is worth trying, although you have to read that book with a more open mind :)

      Delete
  21. Sounds like two mind bending reads. I would think Breaking Butterflies would be more difficult to read, because I'd be hoping the sociopath would change and actually have some compassion or empathy, and that wouldn't happen. It sounds like you were able to read about their relationship objectively without hoping for the impossible and thereby avoiding disappointment in the end.

    A female Dexter? I like it. I'm a fan of the series as well, although I'm seriously behind in seasons. Books have consumed my life, lol! Great reviews, Benish! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha aw lol I agree with you. I barely get time to watch television these past months, although I shall start soon :) Thank you Rachel ♥

      Delete
  22. I haven't read any good things about either books, so glad that you enjoyed them, I think I might since I'm into this sort of thing, and I've read from a sociopaths perspective before, so Breaking Butterflies should be interesting...and little scary, haha. it has an abusive relationship and it romanticizes abuse Agreed! it's not even close, and actually it's kind of demeaning actual abuse, because it's completely two different things with a sociopath.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesss, I'm glad you & and so many others can agree to this approach! I totally understand all the negative reviews about this book, but I feel people are missing the bigger picture. I hope you like these two <3

      Delete

Powered by Blogger.