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

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to Daphne Press and Netgalley for getting me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. 

The Spirit Bares its Teeth is a gothic horror novel set in Victorian England. In this story we follow Silas Bell, who is a sixteen-year-old transboy who is trying his best in a world where he’s not fit in society. That world insists on seeing Silas as a girl who’s fit to be an obedient wife nonetheless. Silas is diagnosed with “Veil sickness”, which is a mysterious disease that drives violet-eyed women into madness. Because of this, he’s shipped away to a sanatorium/finish school in order to become the wife that the society wants him to be. However, what happens to the girls that keep being themselves? And why is Silas suddenly seeing their ghosts? 

I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. The writing was so horrific, but in the absolute best way. The story itself was very gory and disturbing, but also a little sad. The entire cast of characters was well flushed out. I especially really liked the dynamic between Daphne and Silas and that had me rooting for them throughout the entire storyline. 

I can definitely recommend this book if you like gothic horror or fantasy like me. I can’t wait to read the author’s next book!