Absolutely horrifying but so addicting.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White was a highly anticipated read for me after the authors debut horror novel in 2022. I’m a big fan of horror but this book introduced me further to the historical fiction and gothic genres.

Set in London 1883, we follow the story of an autistic transgender teenager as he faces the challenges of a patriarchal society that’s goal is to force conformity upon anyone who tries to defy their preconceived norms.

Although I had expectations of quite graphic horror based on the authors previous book, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth was on a whole other level. Its focus on medical gore was particularly terrifying as I was reading it just prior to having surgery.

Andrew Joseph Write is an incredible author that has the ability to fully capture the reader and immerse them in the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of horror or gothic novels.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing me with an eARC for review.

This was really great. I liked it even more than his debut, which I also thought was great, but he's really elevating his skills in this one, and the way he writes trans and autistic characters is just so good and so needed. With this book it solidified that Andrew Joseph White is a must-read author for me and I'm even more excited for his adult novel now.

I read the audiobook for this, which lead to a bit of confusion at times with the narrative not always being clear, but for the most part that didn't take away from my understanding or enjoyment- I did have a physical copy with me that I just never got around to picking up to see the written structure, I may still do that at some point. So I'd recommend the audiobook, but it may be nice to have the physical book too.

Definitely check trigger warnings on this one, I really appreciate the author intro with a trigger warning at the beginning. Some CW: a lot of medical/body gore/body horror, sexual assault, conversion therapy, transphobia, pedophilia, abortion, miscarriage, death, murder

I don't typically read anything that could be categorized as horror, but I am so glad I made an exception for the Spirit Bares Its Teeth. This book was shocking in all of the best ways and the trans and autistic representation was fantastic. I was so invested in Silas's story, the camaraderie built between the individuals at the Sanitorium and Finishing School. This may not be a book for everyone, but it was definitely one for me!

I am so glad that this sophomore novel from Andrew Joseph White lived up to the awesomeness of his freshman effort! This one is for those who love Gothic horror and, as always, trans / queer rep. Grab this one and be sure to get it in your favorite school, classroom, and/or public library!!

Was this horrifyingly gory and bloody? Yes. Did I eat this book up? Also yes. I am definitely getting my hands on a physical copy as soon as possible, as well as copies of the author's other books, because it was amazing. It was one of the most brilliant books I've ever read I think, it showed the darkness of humanity with crude honesty. I have no words to talk about this book, just please read it!

So unique! White masterfully intertwines elements from both fantasy and horror to create such a rich and immersive world. I was very late to the party in reading this one, but I would honestly recommend this to anyone. I can see why this author is so beloved (:

I believe this was my first book where a main character is trans and autistic, what is weird for how many books I read in my life.

The author made me feel so absolved in the history and Silas mind, it was an incredible sensation.

Silas was an amazing main character, his fight for freedom in the middle of all the cruelty and prejudice. There were so many moments in with, I wanted to get in the book and hug and help him.

I recommend this reading a lot, this was a book filled with pain, fight and strength of people trying to survive a cruel society ready to use and destroy them.

Andrew Joseph White managed to outdue Hell Followed With Us which I didn't even think was possible!! I love the time period that was chosen for this because it seemed like a more realistic jump for a secret society like this to exist. The addition of the asylum to... "fix" people who belonged to the queer community was a phenomenal choice for the setting of a horror book, a mix of reality and fantasy. We had a wonderful cast of characters and AJ really toed the line of what's allowed in a YA book (I mean the "surgery" that was completed without anesthetic genuinely made me nauseous). Daphne's existent was something I picked up on pretty early in the book, but truly made such a wonderful edition to the story, especially the ending.

I know for certain I will be picking up anything AJ writes and I find it hard to believe I wouldn't enjoy it.

Could not recommend enough!!

I'm not the biggest fan of horror stories and I was a bit hesitant when I requested this title, but I heard queer paranormal romance and I couldn't not give the novel a try. And I'm so happy I did because I LOVED every second of this reading. It's very gorey and queer and I couldn't recommend it enough!

*Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Heart wrenching, horrifying, but I couldn’t put it down. The spirit bares it’s teeth is not an easy read but it is an impactful and insightful one. Andrew Joseph White rarely fails to make an impact and this book is no different his discussion and centralization on marginalized communities and identities is part of what makes his writing. The mixture of historical events with the fantasy genre lends itself to the discussion of these communities and the issues that exists within them and outside of them. The seamless intersection of gender and queer issues was well written and truly creates an impact. An incredible book by an incredible author.

This book is absolutely incredible. It was everything I wanted from a LGBTQIA+ romance paranormal novel. It encouraged me to seek out Andrew’s first novel which I’m reading currently and am loving. I am also looking forward to his next novel. Phenomenal author, great world building, great characterisation, and great story teller. Would highly recommend this novel!

The story captivated me from the first moment. Silas's voice is so strong, so solid, that it's impossible not to immerse yourself in the reality of him. He is a very well-constructed protagonist, just like the story, surprising with every opportunity, as viscerally human as can be, to the point of involving you in this emotional reality.

Andrew created a world that is difficult to escape from once you enter it, with established rules as difficult to break as they are to accept. In that aspect, he is very similar to the reality we live in today, although this, despite all the blood and guts, is a story of hope, illusion and love above all things.

I feel like the ending was a little weak after so much tension and drama. I am satisfied, I'm a happy reader, and to be honest there are only a couple of lines that I would have changed. It is as well structured as the rest of the book, with those details that left me dissatisfied. What did cause me some displeasure was that almost all the male characters are toxic because, although the context lends itself to this result, I find it difficult to believe that it is almost impossible for there to be a decent man besides Silas, in addition to that twist easy to expect when the novel reached its climax.

However, it's a difficult novel to put down once you start it, if not impossible. Silas, Daphne and Mary are characters as endearing as Charlotte, Lord Luckenbill, Ernest Forrester and Mrs. Forrester are despicable. It makes you think if things have really changed since the time in which the novel is inspired, because there has been progress, but also new forms of abuse, discrimination and torture. Not to be missed.

I've been trying to read this for almost a year. The mental images that it keeps giving me are just not worth it and this is definitely not a book I ever want to even think about again.

Calling all bookworms and magic enthusiasts! If you're in the mood for a whimsical adventure that's equal parts enchanting and meaningful, then "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" by Andrew Joseph White is the spellbinding read you've been searching for.

Picture this: a cozy library nook, a steaming mug of cocoa, and a tale that transports you to a world where spirits roam and magic reigns supreme. That's the magic of White's storytelling, and let me tell you, it's utterly irresistible. From the moment you crack open the pages of "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth," you're whisked away on a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Follow along as our plucky protagonist, accompanied by a cast of charming characters, embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of a hidden realm where spirits dwell.

What sets this book apart is not only is amazing storytelling but the ease at which it handles some complex topics. White creates a protagonist struggling to maintain their identity in a world that is out to smother it in the most whimsical way possible. The captivating narrative drags you in from the moment you start the novel and is captivating for any type of reader. There's something truly magical about the way he brings his characters to life, each one brimming with personality and charm.

But it's not just the characters that shine in this tale—it's the world-building too. White's vivid descriptions paint a picture so rich and immersive, you'll feel like you're right there alongside the characters, traversing enchanted forests and unraveling ancient mysteries.

As an English teacher, I can't recommend "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" enough. Its ability to touch on some of life's most difficult topics in this fictional story is something I want all students to experience.

this was so good it had me reading while walking down the sidewalk and just hoping I didn't run into anyone. it was visceral, and infuriating, and hopeful, and full of rage in a way that I now equate with andrew joseph white's writing. I can't wait to read his third book.

Really good and meaningful book for me as a t4t trans boy. I just though that it was really really dark. Definitely 5 stars, but I don't think I'll revisit it any time soon.

Once again Andrew amazes me with the way violence is used to elevate the story telling and feels natural as opposed to being for shock value

Horrifying, fascinating, and full of weaving twists that kept catching me off guard in the best way possible! I really enjoyed the narrative of this story, and how the main character was the narrator. Once again, Andrew makes a marginalized group so interesting while carving into the dark reality of the struggles that they face, even in fiction. I can not stop recommending this book!

As always I’m so thrilled that books like this: dark, beguiling and infinitely strange are being published!

This story takes you on a wild and at times, heartbreaking journey, with the distinct body gore & compelling characters that we’ve come to associate with Andrew Joseph White!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read an early version of this book in exchange for a honest review!

I really, really loved this book. I felt seen and a profound peace while reading it. But beware, because there are extremely painful and gory scenes within it. The peace I felt was because someone put into words things I was feeling already, things that sometimes I don’t know how to express. So despite de C-section without anesthesia and despite all the violence and gaslighting, I enjoyed it with a calm smile.
I’d recommend to everybody to check the content warnings and proceed with caution. However, if you are a trans person with a lot of feelings about what is expected of your body, check it out. Maybe you’ll find peace too.