In Rhiannon Rollness's Black and Blue Widow, a dark romantasy for mature readers, Luella Amulius, a vigilante with god-given magic, marries and murders abusive men. When Cassius, the Emperor's brother, discovers her deadly game, he proposes marriage instead of turning her in. Meanwhile, Rose Octavius, desperate to escape a forced marriage to a brothel owner, makes a risky choice of her own. Both women navigate a treacherous empire, facing deadly schemes and unexpected romance. Will they find love or become victims? This gritty tale of sisterhood, revenge, and forbidden passion blends the intoxicating magic of Gild with the thrilling suspense of a female Dexter, exploring themes of power, justice, and survival in a world where trust is a deadly luxury.
Review Black and Blue Widow
Wow, "Black and Blue Widow" completely blew me away! It's a dark, gritty, and utterly captivating romantasy that kept me hooked from page one. The premise itself – a female Dexter-esque vigilante in a Roman-inspired world – is brilliantly original, and the execution is even better. Rhiannon Rollness masterfully crafts a world that feels both familiar and utterly unique, blending the familiar tropes of ancient Rome with a believable magic system and complex characters.
The dual POV narrative is expertly handled, allowing us to fully inhabit the minds of both Luella and Rose. Luella, the ruthless yet strangely compelling assassin, is a force of nature. Her internal monologue is fascinating – it’s chilling to see her meticulous planning and justification for her actions, yet you can't help but root for her as she dismantles the patriarchal system that has wronged her and so many others. Her methods are brutal, yes, but they’re also incredibly satisfying to witness within the context of the story.
Rose's perspective offers a stark contrast. Her vulnerability and desperation are heartbreaking, but her resilience and quiet strength shine through even in the darkest moments. Seeing her journey from a victim seeking refuge to someone finding her own power is both inspiring and deeply moving. The contrast between Luella’s proactive violence and Rose’s desperate fight for survival highlights the different ways women can fight back against oppression.
The romance, woven throughout the violent and intense plot, feels both unexpected and entirely earned. The relationship between Luella and Cassius is particularly compelling. He's not just a love interest; he’s a complex, intriguing character in his own right, and their dynamic is filled with tension, passion, and a surprising amount of mutual respect. Their connection is one of equals, a refreshing take on the typical damsel-in-distress narrative.
The plot itself is a whirlwind of twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured out where things are headed, Rollness throws in a curveball that completely reorients your perspective. The pacing is perfect, keeping you constantly engaged without ever feeling rushed. The world-building is superb, and the ancient Rome setting provides a rich backdrop for the story's themes of power, justice, and survival.
Of course, this book is not for the faint of heart. The content warnings are absolutely crucial to acknowledge; this is a dark fantasy with graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault. But for readers who can handle those themes, "Black and Blue Widow" is a powerful, unforgettable, and ultimately rewarding reading experience. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of women, a thrilling adventure, and a truly exceptional debut novel. I highly recommend it—but remember those trigger warnings!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.96 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 381
- Publication date: 2025
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