A review by librarymouse
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This novella is beautifully written and disgusting. It seems I've developed a penchant for finding books that fit that description as of late. Cassandra Khaw's writing style is very immersive. That being said, the story feels like it finishes too quickly and I want to know more of the characters than what we're given. The initial pacing of the novella feels like an introduction to a far longer work, and we are thrown into the story without necessary context. It does well for setting an uncertain tone and pulling the reader's along with the characters in their interpersonal disputes, but the lack of resolution is unsatisfying.
To reiterate though, Cassandra Khaw's writing and the depth of her world building was enrapturing, and I would have happily read 500+ pages of this story.
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