When They Burned the Butterfly

When They Burned the Butterfly by Wen-yi Lee

From the very first line, When They Burned The Butterfly had me hooked. Wen-yi Lee writes with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, weaving a world so vivid and seamless it feels lived-in. The atmosphere is lush and cinematic, and the tension hums on every page.

At its core, this is a story of vengeance, but it never loses sight of the emotional cost behind the fury. It balances righteous rage with aching tenderness, especially in its exploration of identity, legacy, and the burden of survival.

Adeline is a standout—sharp, vulnerable, and utterly compelling. Her journey feels both personal and epic, and the world around her only deepens the stakes.

Fierce, haunting, and full of fire, this is a debut you’ll want to keep your eye on. I can’t wait to see what Wen-yi Lee writes next.