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Butterfly: A Psychological Thriller of False Accusation, Revenge, and Moral Collapse
Inspired by true events—one accusation can destroy everything.
Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy Davis Day had everything: contract offers, loyal teammates, and a future on the field. Until a single lie destroyed it all.
Overnight, he becomes a criminal in the court of public opinion. Friends vanish. Coaches turn their backs.
When prosecutors offer a plea deal that could save him or bury him, he faces an impossible choice: tell the truth and lose everything, or confess to a crime he didn’t commit.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose, but may be distressing for some readers.
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Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy Davis Day had everything: contract offers, loyal teammates, and a future on the field. Until a single lie destroyed it all.
Overnight, he becomes a criminal in the court of public opinion. Friends vanish. Coaches turn their backs.
When prosecutors offer a plea deal that could save him or bury him, he faces an impossible choice: tell the truth and lose everything, or confess to a crime he didn’t commit.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose, but may be distressing for some readers.
Links
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
About the author
Orion Monroe
2 books9 followersOrion Monroe is a filmmaker, writer, and advocate for social change, committed to storytelling that sheds light on critical social issues.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 1, 2025
This book had me completely hooked. What an amazing plot. So much is repeatable and this is really an important read because these things happen in real life and that’s the tragedy of this whole thing. The characters were so relatable and I felt a lot of strong emotions for them all. The author did an amazing job with this book. There are many lessons to be learned in real life from this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2026
Want to read something thought provoking? Then this may be a book for you.
This is about a young guy called Davis.
He's bipolar. Arrogant. Quick to anger.
Obsessed with wearing the latest brands and projecting an enviable lifestyle to his large growing social media following.
He's also really talented at playing soccer ⚽️
A soccer prodigy if you will.
Tipped to go professional.
And then IT happens....
He is accused.
This story is about being falsely accused and the ramifications of that.
The ripple effects on him, his family, and the reactions of peers and vigilantes.
The story was descriptive and really set the scene about not just Davis, but his parents, his friend, and the accuser.
I found myself quickly immersed in the characters and the way Davis is flawed... no polished halo, it felt real and at times, bleak.
And the updated cover? Once I finished reading this, looking at it again, it made brilliant poetic sense.
This book.... i feel like this is one thats gonna sit with me, and for that, I give it 5 stars, and a high recommendation to read this.
This is about a young guy called Davis.
He's bipolar. Arrogant. Quick to anger.
Obsessed with wearing the latest brands and projecting an enviable lifestyle to his large growing social media following.
He's also really talented at playing soccer ⚽️
A soccer prodigy if you will.
Tipped to go professional.
And then IT happens....
He is accused.
This story is about being falsely accused and the ramifications of that.
The ripple effects on him, his family, and the reactions of peers and vigilantes.
The story was descriptive and really set the scene about not just Davis, but his parents, his friend, and the accuser.
I found myself quickly immersed in the characters and the way Davis is flawed... no polished halo, it felt real and at times, bleak.
And the updated cover? Once I finished reading this, looking at it again, it made brilliant poetic sense.
This book.... i feel like this is one thats gonna sit with me, and for that, I give it 5 stars, and a high recommendation to read this.
December 12, 2025
This was an intense literary fiction surrounding trauma and assault. The exploration of social media, society, and parental influence was so interesting to me. Knowing this story is based on true events was utterly heartbreaking. I really enjoyed Orion’s writing style and hope to see more books from him in the future!
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November 15, 2025This book was devastating to read. Anybody who has a loved one that has been falsely accused will identify with the characters. Anybody who hasn't should read this to have more empathy.
June 28, 2026
What an absolutely heartbreaking read! Orion Monroe ✍️ 🦋 has perfectly penned this fictional story, which is based on true events of an innocent young man who was caught in a web of lies & deceit by someone he loved & trusted. This very powerful and harrowing story follows Davis and his family and friends through a heartbreaking and horrific time brought on by the consequences of those lies! This is a must read! No innocent person or their family should have to go through something so harrowing! Awareness definitely needs to be spread about stories like this, because It could happen to some one you love! This is a slow burn and a very emotional read, as you get to know all the characters. I rate this a 5 star 🌟 . Definitely a read i will never forget!
April 9, 2026
What a hauntingly beautiful book. The writing style really painted a picture of everything that happened in this book, the good and the bad. Such a harrowing story that made me emotional throughout. The fact that this is real life is scary and heartbreaking.
June 26, 2026
Butterfly is one of those rare novels that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. The writing is raw, elegant, and deeply human — capturing both the fragility and resilience of a soul caught in the web of false accusation. Every chapter unfolds with emotional precision, revealing how easily truth can be buried beneath rumor and perception.
The characters feel painfully real, their struggles echoing the injustices too many face in silence. What makes Butterfly extraordinary isn’t just its gripping storyline, but the compassion and truth beating at its core. It’s heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget.
A powerful story of betrayal, redemption, and the quiet strength of those who refuse to be broken. I couldn’t put it down — and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time to come. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
The characters feel painfully real, their struggles echoing the injustices too many face in silence. What makes Butterfly extraordinary isn’t just its gripping storyline, but the compassion and truth beating at its core. It’s heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget.
A powerful story of betrayal, redemption, and the quiet strength of those who refuse to be broken. I couldn’t put it down — and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time to come. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
March 30, 2026
WOW WOW WOW, this book needs be read as it’s based on facts of the true events of what happened to this poor lad who was and is still innocent. Unfortunately these things do happen when someone accuses a person of a serious crime and don’t careless that your suffering because of it (when the system just has a text they think that’s proof enough) but that is not enough as they should of had physical evidence, Gretchen should have bee examined & proved with the obvious DNA that he’s innocent.
This happened 30yrs ago but this girl/woman is now living her life in luxury, got children of her own, she’s still not confessed. She did this to another person called Ethan when she was younger before Davis (her age is no excuse for lies, no matter who actually did it), she ruined his life and future, not just his alone but his whole family.
Gretchen played on his vulnerabilities and knew he would say yes in a text that he did it as his mind gets messed up at times (he had bi-polar), she got him that wound up his head hurt, he was pushed into a corner even though he DID NOT DO IT.
Cher a friend of hers later on told Davis it wasn’t him and that Gretchen lied. But in the end it was too late. Travis, Davis best friend stood by him right from the start as he knew he was innocent, he was a great friend to him and I wish I had a friend like him in my life. This book made me angry and upset of what Gretchen done and the fact the system let him down.
This broke me as that lad could not move on with his life as he couldn’t have one due to the lies still out there and what is on his record. Yes some tell the truth but there are also ones that are out there innocent.
Lies hurt family, friends, colleagues, affect the person future and their mentality. With these lies also can get them beaten up/killed/both to which in my eyes that’s murder/manslaughter. I don’t like Gretchen and the case should be open again.
The system has to change and has a lot to answer for also. At the end of the book it left me crying, gasping for air, I am still mortified too this day and will forever be feeling the same. Even though this book is based on true events, it was written beautifully and well thought out, thank you for bringing this out and nobody should shy away from the truth of what is happening as put yourself in his shoes and his families.
How would you feel and what would you want to happen, the public need to speak and open up about things like this and get heard. You can hide away from it.
This happened 30yrs ago but this girl/woman is now living her life in luxury, got children of her own, she’s still not confessed. She did this to another person called Ethan when she was younger before Davis (her age is no excuse for lies, no matter who actually did it), she ruined his life and future, not just his alone but his whole family.
Gretchen played on his vulnerabilities and knew he would say yes in a text that he did it as his mind gets messed up at times (he had bi-polar), she got him that wound up his head hurt, he was pushed into a corner even though he DID NOT DO IT.
Cher a friend of hers later on told Davis it wasn’t him and that Gretchen lied. But in the end it was too late. Travis, Davis best friend stood by him right from the start as he knew he was innocent, he was a great friend to him and I wish I had a friend like him in my life. This book made me angry and upset of what Gretchen done and the fact the system let him down.
This broke me as that lad could not move on with his life as he couldn’t have one due to the lies still out there and what is on his record. Yes some tell the truth but there are also ones that are out there innocent.
Lies hurt family, friends, colleagues, affect the person future and their mentality. With these lies also can get them beaten up/killed/both to which in my eyes that’s murder/manslaughter. I don’t like Gretchen and the case should be open again.
The system has to change and has a lot to answer for also. At the end of the book it left me crying, gasping for air, I am still mortified too this day and will forever be feeling the same. Even though this book is based on true events, it was written beautifully and well thought out, thank you for bringing this out and nobody should shy away from the truth of what is happening as put yourself in his shoes and his families.
How would you feel and what would you want to happen, the public need to speak and open up about things like this and get heard. You can hide away from it.
May 28, 2026
This is not my normal genre but was gifted it for a true review!
Wow what a book. This book is so raw and true real life activities.
I haven’t read a book I could relate to in such a long time. From the teenager in me, the friend or the parent there are so many aspects that rang so true. Orion wrote so beautifully and bang on to true life it’s as raw as it is in true life and the words hit as if you’re walking through the page yourself.
This book shows the brutalities of adolescence the fear of growing and changing, whilst navigating friendships, emotions and knowing you’re different but also trying to blend in.
There are some very tough topics within this book so check your trigger warnings as parts with break you and leave you staring at a wall.
I believe anyone that reads this book will relate to at least one character within this book.
This book shows you how accusations stick and destroy even when you are innocent. How easily consumed by others views we can be just because they said something so it must be true. The lack of support available for the innocent victims and lack of justice for the truth.
This book is a heartbreaking masterpiece it will forever stay with me.
Thank you Orion for this masterpiece.
Wow what a book. This book is so raw and true real life activities.
I haven’t read a book I could relate to in such a long time. From the teenager in me, the friend or the parent there are so many aspects that rang so true. Orion wrote so beautifully and bang on to true life it’s as raw as it is in true life and the words hit as if you’re walking through the page yourself.
This book shows the brutalities of adolescence the fear of growing and changing, whilst navigating friendships, emotions and knowing you’re different but also trying to blend in.
There are some very tough topics within this book so check your trigger warnings as parts with break you and leave you staring at a wall.
I believe anyone that reads this book will relate to at least one character within this book.
This book shows you how accusations stick and destroy even when you are innocent. How easily consumed by others views we can be just because they said something so it must be true. The lack of support available for the innocent victims and lack of justice for the truth.
This book is a heartbreaking masterpiece it will forever stay with me.
Thank you Orion for this masterpiece.
January 1, 2026
He has lost everything with one lie and he now needs to decide what to say. He could tell the truth and risk everything but saying he did a crime he did not do would also ruin his life. Follow him as he decides what he should do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
July 14, 2026
Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase
I listened to this book on audio, but I also have it in ebook and physical book as that way I can keep the physical book on my shelf .
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
Verified Purchase
I listened to this book on audio, but I also have it in ebook and physical book as that way I can keep the physical book on my shelf .
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
April 30, 2026
Butterfly is an interesting and emotional journey that had me grasped from the beginning.
The way in which Orion has told the story is both clever and fascinating— with different view points and character perspectives, the reader is shown how real life events can be viewed from different angles. Add in everyday situations like the use of social media, parties and sporting events it’s interesting to see how mental health, upbringing and public opinion can create a hurricane of questions and turmoil.
This book explores the opinions and views of others in a realistic way, it makes the reader really think about how they would react in certain situations. It’s very easy to imagine when something bad happens to someone else, but is it as easy to live through these experiences ourselves? I constantly found myself thinking, ‘What would I do in that situation?’
I found the pacing of Butterfly to be very good (I did listen to the audiobook), the characters are very well developed with ample depth - I spent most of the book disliking a few. My only minor critique would be the narrator used— I found it to be slightly jarring in certain scenes. That’s just my opinion, and I’m fully aware it’s not the be all and end all but it was a minor niggle for me.
The language used was appropriate for the story and subject.
There are a few scenes in this book that people may find difficult to read, but it shows what really does happen in the world.
I think this is a great book and I’m keen to see what the author does next. This isn’t a story for everyone, but I definitely think it should be a story read by everyone. Even if it’s just to make you stop and think for a moment. It’s thought-provoking, deep and at times slightly dark and sinister. If you haven’t felt every emotion under the sun, you’ve clearly skipped a chapter.
I think Butterfly will stay with me for a while, it really does deserve far more recognition.
The way in which Orion has told the story is both clever and fascinating— with different view points and character perspectives, the reader is shown how real life events can be viewed from different angles. Add in everyday situations like the use of social media, parties and sporting events it’s interesting to see how mental health, upbringing and public opinion can create a hurricane of questions and turmoil.
This book explores the opinions and views of others in a realistic way, it makes the reader really think about how they would react in certain situations. It’s very easy to imagine when something bad happens to someone else, but is it as easy to live through these experiences ourselves? I constantly found myself thinking, ‘What would I do in that situation?’
I found the pacing of Butterfly to be very good (I did listen to the audiobook), the characters are very well developed with ample depth - I spent most of the book disliking a few. My only minor critique would be the narrator used— I found it to be slightly jarring in certain scenes. That’s just my opinion, and I’m fully aware it’s not the be all and end all but it was a minor niggle for me.
The language used was appropriate for the story and subject.
There are a few scenes in this book that people may find difficult to read, but it shows what really does happen in the world.
I think this is a great book and I’m keen to see what the author does next. This isn’t a story for everyone, but I definitely think it should be a story read by everyone. Even if it’s just to make you stop and think for a moment. It’s thought-provoking, deep and at times slightly dark and sinister. If you haven’t felt every emotion under the sun, you’ve clearly skipped a chapter.
I think Butterfly will stay with me for a while, it really does deserve far more recognition.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews