Wow. Where to start? This book explores grief, guilt and trauma perfectly. It shows the feelings someone can go through when what happened to Chloe happens. Parts of it were very thought provoking. You really felt for Chloe and the people around her. The character development was done very well. You truly felt her worries around what was going on.
This is a story that I hope many people will read in order to understand what people might feel when going through trauma.

This book was one of the harder ones to read, and I don't mean as in I thought it wasn't good but because of the situations the main character, Chloe, is put in. This book shows a perfect representation of what it's like to be someone who has dealt with sexual assault. While reading this book, you almost form a bond with Chloe and feel like reaching in and hugging her. I loved the character development in this book as well. This book is sure to yank on your heartstrings and make you feel a certain type of way. I recommend this book to anyone, BUT please know that there is graphic detail of sexual assault. If you feel that this might trigger you, I would recommend passing on this book.

Let me start by saying I did enjoy this book, however it was one of the harder ones to get through. Not that I didn't enjoy it, but some of the topics mentioned throughout made it difficult at times. The book deals mostly with Grief and Trauma, both of which were written very well. I felt as though Chloe’s character was well written, along with her character development throughout the book. The author did a great job representing her feelings as she tried to process the sudden changes in her life. Overall I think the book covers some topics that aren't addressed enough. With that being said there are graphic details of sexual assault, so please be aware going into this book if that's something that may trigger you.

Swatting at Butterflies
by SA Fanning
I was given an ARC to review my honest opinion. It would a great teen/young adult book. Of course these days with book censoring in schools they would not have it in school where it would be most useful. I felt so sad for sixteen-year-old Chloe.

This book was <i>gripping</i>. Recently, I’ve been taking longer to read ebooks but I couldn’t put this one down. It was uncomfortable to read at times, but this book does an amazing job at showing Chloe’s grief as she encounters this new and extremely horrific trauma shortly after. She’s a fascinating and truly intelligent character.

Admittedly, the pacing of the story was odd to me. I think some parts could’ve been further expanded on to give the story more depth. But that being said because I cannot come up with the words, I still loved the book.

This book was difficult to get through, not that it was bad, just that it was hard to read graphic depictions of SA of a minor. I did appreciate how the book explored Chloe’s experience with grief and trauma, subjects that are often overlooked in books like these. Her character arc was written well as she struggles with these topics and learns to grow and process the changes in her life that were difficult to adjust to. You truly feel for Choloe and want to reach through the pages and comfort her.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC.

'Swatting at Butterflies' took me by surprise. It's one of those unique reads which explore confronting topics in a very thought-provoking manner.

The depiction of grief, trauma and SA in this book is graphic and I had to pause reading a few times to process my thoughts. This book is difficult to read but I was immersed in Chloe's story and Fanning's beautiful writing.

Chloe's character arc was compelling and evocative. Her emotions are very palpable and readers can't help but empathise with her adversities. Whilst this book is on the short side, I know that Chloe's story will stick with me for a long time.

This book is not for everyone because of its sensitive nature. But it is authentic and definitively worth reading for those who are interested in the premise of the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4/5) stars

Swatting at Butterflies by SA Fanning is an intense read! Trigger warnings for SA, abuse, parent death and violence. The story follows Chloe, a 16 year old who just lost her mom, as she attempts to get used to life living with her Uncle's family. She is relieved to make a friend when her charming cousin Andrew shows up but slowly realizes that he is no friend but instead someone who will change her life forever. The authors unique writing style and vivid imagery make this book an unsettlingly realistic thriller. She covers topics of grief, pain, and survival in a way that shows the humanity of dealing with these hard things. This book was a difficult read but came to a satisfying conclusion. Check the trigger warnings but I would definitely recommend it!

Not for the faint hearted! Great writing and left me with that feeling of suspense, second guessing what was going to happen next. Very well thought out characters and an overall great read!

You've gotta be pretty tough to read this one! The way grief and guilt are explored in this book is absolutely beautiful. Such a good read!

Wow, another book about sexual abuse added on my "some of the formidable books I've read in my life". The protagonist's story is one of the many young girls thoughout the world and we need such stories in our world. This book is real and the struggles of the main character are things that will haunt you while you read this book.

I received this Arc from Netgalley. Thank you for the chance to read this book early. My review is honest and 100% my own thoughts about the book.

Trigger warnings:
* Mother/ Parental death
*SA
*Murder

Oh my goodness this book had me picking my jaw up from the floor. This is a surprising coming to age book. The MC had the world going against her from day one. With only her uncle on her side and being a model student, all of that turns upside down. Things happen where she is scared to be where she is and afraid to come forward to tell her story. One thing happens after another. Decisions are made and secrets are made to keep. But the author teaches us all that not all of the secrets that are being kept are what they seem.
This books was suspenseful and stressful to read. I was scared for the MCs well being. But this mystery with a small amount of romance was awesome and had me page turning.