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

challenging dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Spirits and violet eyes were the two things that dragged this book into my hands. Immediately I was drawn to Silas, a fellow queer autistic person, and the not too unfamiliar world of ignorance and conformance. I love the way each element and complexity of Silas’ personality was explored because it is something so often missed when queer stories are told. There are so many facets that cross and change and even evolve as our experiences shape us and to see Silas explore that in both light and dark ways was really exciting. 

Daphne was a gift in this story and I truly wanted to weep at the joy, wisdom, and love that her character brought into the story. The representation in this book was truly outstanding. 

Along with the loveable characters, the villains were also incredible. So perfect to hate. So relatable to want to see them punished. But there was also the establishment of characters who fell in between and they added a really great dynamic to the flow of the novel.

The landscape and set had a mixed approach as the supernatural mixed with the late 1800s London but the outfits and cult like gatherings kept the scenes intriguing.

I really enjoyed reading The Spirit Bares its Teeth and found that it came to a really satisfying and heart-warming end. A traumatic and winding road to a somewhat pretty happily ever after.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings