A review by zee_lee
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

FANTASTIC BOOK! This author never fails to write a horrifically beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking novel. Never did I consider myself a horror person, but my love for both of his books have me seeking other horror novels like these. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth somehow managed to turn an idea of historical fiction into a queer horror novel with some of the most beautiful use of the English language I have ever read. However, this book is not for those looking for an easy read. I simultaneously couldn't put the book down and dreaded turning each page. But for anyone who can stomach beautifully written gore and having to deal with the harsh reality of the world we live in, I couldn't recommend this book more. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Cursing, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Torture, Transphobia, Pregnancy, and Dysphoria

Minor: Body shaming, Rape, and Vomit