Review: Breaking Butterflies by M. Anjelais

Breaking Butterflies is an intelligent and thought provoking novel, written when the author was just eighteen. Although the premise may be a little far-fetched, the insight into abusive relationships and the way that people can become bound to those who frighten them is brilliant. Our heroine, Sphinx, believes that she and Cadence are bound to one another due to a childish promise that their mothers made many years ago at age seven that if they were to have a boy and a girl, the pair would grow up to marry one another. As a child, Sphinx simply accepts this as inevitable and perhaps just a little romantic. Cadence seems to want her around--but it must be on his terms. The relationship comes to a head when the psychologically disturbed Cadence discovers that he has a terminal illness and just a few months to live. He wants Sphinx to die with him, but will she?

As previously stated, the premise is a little far-fetched and the insight into abusive relationships is brilliant. Sphinx is an interesting heroine, she's a peacekeeper who feels things in abundance and believes in the promises that her mothers made. Cadence is adept at manipulating those around him, particularly Sphinx. The prose is intelligent and ending is a satisfying one. Recommended. 

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