Sloane and Rowan find solace and excitement in their shared predilection for violence. They are drawn to each other's darkness, finding comfort in a connection free from judgment. The novel explores the complexities of finding kinship in the macabre, asking whether such a bond can truly flourish without corrupting the individuals involved.

The annual game of blood that Sloane and Rowan partake in fuels their competitive spirits and their desire to impress one another. However, as the stakes escalate, the line between play and reality blurs. The novel highlights how the thrill of the game can mask very real dangers and how our desire to win can blind us to the potential consequences.

Can love redeem even the darkest of hearts? "Butcher & Blackbird" grapples with this question as Sloane and Rowan's feelings deepen against the backdrop of their violent actions. The novel challenges conventional notions of morality, forcing readers to confront their own judgments about love, forgiveness, and the capacity for change.