Book Review: When They Burned the Butterfly by [Author Name]
When I first stumbled upon When They Burned the Butterfly, I was instantly drawn in by the intriguing premise: a world where criminal gangs wield power from various gods and spirits. It promised the rich tapestry of magic and myth I adore, coupled with a strong, unapologetic female protagonist. Adeline caught my eye as the kind of character I often root for—bold, fierce, and defiantly unlikable. So imagine my excitement when I secured a copy through NetGalley! But as I delved deeper into the pages, my enthusiasm quickly turned into frustration.
Let me start with Adeline herself. She is, as many have noted, a true "bitch," and I can’t help but appreciate that. Characters like her—who don’t care about being “Nice”—are rare treasures in YA literature. Adeline embodies that rebellious spirit, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Her sharp-edged personality breathes life into the narrative, and it’s exhilarating to witness her journey. I found myself rooting for her, wanting her to burn the world down for spite, to embrace her vulnerabilities, and to explore the unique connection she has with the Butterfly goddess.
However, while Adeline’s character development holds immense potential, the overarching plot felt disappointingly simplistic. The idea of various gangs drawing power from gods is captivating, yet it lacked depth. I craved more exploration into the nature of these connections—what defines a god, where these beings come from, and how Adeline’s unique bond might reveal deeper, more intricate layers of the world. But my wishes went unfulfilled, which left me feeling somewhat disconnected as the story progressed.
Now, let’s talk about the prose. This is where my reading experience took a turn that I didn’t expect. For context, I tend to ‘hear’ prose in a way that might differ from the average reader, and unfortunately, the rhythm of Lee’s writing felt unbearably jerky to me. Sentences stopped and started, establishing and breaking rhythm in ways that detracted from my engagement. I found myself wading through awkward phrasing, particularly in the dialogue, which at times rang false.
There were beautiful moments—such as Adeline’s first experiences of Sapphic Awakening—that shone through like gems amid the rubble. Yet they felt too few and far between.
“And she had another something whose articulation was formless on Adeline’s teeth, tart and vivid enough to strike the nerves in her gums…”
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Lines like this made me grateful for Lee’s talent, but they were overshadowed by clunky phrases such as,
“The street constantly smelled sweet of burning chrysanthemums.”
The epilogue, which I reluctantly turned to after considering a DNF, left me with more questions than answers. Was it meant to tie things up? Or was it an indication of a follow-up that might never come? The wishy-washy wrap-up felt unsatisfying, particularly for a book that aims for a gritty, immersive narrative.
So here I am, torn. While When They Burned the Butterfly showcases an unforgettable protagonist and offers glimmers of magic, the pacing, prose, and overall execution didn’t resonate with me. I genuinely hope that others find joy in it—especially those who appreciate unlikable heroines and a glance into a unique magical world.
For readers who relish complex characters and are less sensitive to prose rhythm, this might be your next favorite read. But if, like me, you find beauty in lyrical writing and crave deeper world-building, you may want to tread lightly. Here’s hoping for more stories with fierce heroines like Adeline in the future, but alas, this one wasn’t my cup of tea.
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