Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

DNFing at 54%. I really wanted to love this, truly the cover is GORGEOUS and this weird and spooky idea seemed really interesting. But this fell really flat for me.

The writing feels overly pretentious with the constant nods back to philosophy. It’s poetic but I don’t feel like it’s doing it in a meaningful way, just more so it feels forced and the author was trying to sound fancy while writing.

I found myself with a lot of questions and not enough answers to keep me going. While we can definitely have mystery (that is the genre we’re going for right?) it’s entirely frustrating when we aren’t given any kind of possible answers as we pick apart the mystery with the narrator.

I also just felt like we jumped from place to place so quickly. When we finally were getting to a good spot, the chapter ended and then the next chapter it’s immediately the next day and we get a rough idea of what happened after the previous chapter ended. It’s ridiculous and annoying.

I also found it really hard to believe that a prestigious boarding school hired a teenage boy who dropped out of high school to be their security guard. Like huh??? And the fact he then just fucks around with the students before he gets murdered. Like that makes absolutely 0 sense lol

Not to mention the inconsistency of Marin saying she’s not good at school but she’s also somehow able to understand intense philosophical discussions in their philosophy class and she’s never even studied the topics before at her public high school.

Truly I could go on. This was just overall a real bummer and I just couldn’t force myself to read it any longer. Perhaps this will be someone’s cup of tea but it certainly isn’t mine.

After her beloved cousin, Sam, is found dead in a shallow creek on the campus of Huntsworth Academy, Marin James vows to get revenge. She knows his death was not an accident, and better than that, she knows who is responsible. Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu, two untouchable rich boys, who are among the most socially elite in the school had befriended Sam, and pulled him into their toxic world.

Marin is determined to find the truth of what happened to Sam. She ends up infiltrating Huntsworth as a totally new person: Jamie Vain. She's after one thing, revenge. From the very start, this novel gave me HEAVY Foul Is Fair vibes. Everything from the set-up, to the strong focus on getting revenge, and the narrative voice, all reminded me of that book, which I loved.

I listened to the audio and thought the narrator did a great job with the initial tone; it was morose, and felt heavy and serious. However, as it continued, I couldn't help but feel that it was too one-note, which started to get old. I feel like the further I read, the more it started to lose me. It was a progression of disinterest. The first half was really strong, I did love the set-up and how mysterious it all felt, but the closer it got to the end, the more it went off the rails for me.

I will say, I do feel this is categorized well as Dark Academia. Over the years, it seems a lot of books get called that, but only loosely fall into that category. This does have all the necessary components of a solid Dark Academia, even though the execution fell a little short, IMO. I enjoyed the philosophical concepts that were incorporated into the story. I liked how much of a personal battle the MC was having with her own mission and place in this story. That aspect was really well done. I think if you enjoy this sort of dark tone, paired with a more cerebral storyline, you'll like this one a lot. Sadly, for me, the ending just left me lost. IDK what the heck happened.

Nevertheless, I am glad that I picked this one up. I would definitely read more from this author in the future, and I know a lot of Readers are going to enjoy this one. Thank you to the publisher, Roaring Brook Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I really appreciate it!!

I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately this book was very flat and built up to nothing for me. The constant sprinkling in of philosophers and bits of Latin to sustain the dark atmosphere also was a bit annoying because it just felt like nothing was really happening. I had to DNF it halfway through reading it because the stakes would be raised just to be substantially dropped. It really felt like a very mediocre YA book that was trying to make itself more serious by sprinkling philosophical quotes here and there but it just felt pretentious in a way? I don’t know but this wasn’t it for me.

I was SO excited to get to read this ARC. I mean, look at the cover! 😍

Seventeen-year-old Marin James adopts a new identity as Jamie Vane in order to infiltrate Huntsworth Academy and get revenge for her cousin’s suspicious death. When she gets there, she finds herself swept into the social circle of her three top suspects, and soon discovers that nothing is as it seems on the outside. The two boys at the center of it all have devastating secrets they’d do anything to protect, and Marin will do anything to uncover them. But will she lose herself to the character of Jamie she’s created to stay hidden? Or to something more sinister?

Jenni Howell’s writing style is so much fun to read. Her prose is beautifulll! I love me a good metaphor, and this book is full of them in all their dark poetic glory. I’ve heard the prose referred to as fever dream-esque, and that’s a spot-on description. Sometimes it’s unclear what Marin is thinking when she acts, things just happen with so much intensity that you can’t help but just hold on for the ride. And while I love that writing style, sometimes it was a little too unclear what was actually going on. I honestly wanted this book to be longer so we could have more time with this world and these characters!

If you’re looking for a read where all of the characters are a little bit unhinged, where there may or may not be something spooky lurking in the shadows, and where love is forgone in favor of revenge, I’d give this one a try. Fever dream or not, the writing will have you thinking about it for days after (especially if you’re a writer!)

The cover is the best part of this book.

DNF at 40% -- I just couldn't do it. This book is a mess, and I still don't know what it going on.

Bummer.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc.

I did finish this ARC, but took some time to do so.
I likely am not the target audience for this book.

Didn't fully understand the main character's need to find the truth behind her cousin's death--I do understand wanting to know the truth, but not to the extent Jamie/Marin went to in her own investigation. I needed more background about the cousin's relationship/younger years--there were stories, but just didn't seem that Jamie/Marin would be so hard-core set on this entire search.
I couldn't really root for or get behind her motives and need for justice. If there had been more of a background story or something to pull at my emotions, it may have had me rooting for her.

Also, for the elite boarding school (Huntsworth) she was accepted to be a student, mid-term, without pre-payment, etc., seems way too far-fetched, even for a dark academia/fantasy novel, right? Maybe? I did like the location in Tennessee, Appalachian Mountains--and mentions of Nashville, Knoxville. The campus descriptions were excellent and provided the appropriate backdrop for suspense, mystery, prep/boarding school life--even if, at times, it felt pretty cookie-cutter.

I did appreciate that one of the students, Baz, has a chronic condition (that I share) and that was an interesting aspect of the story...and (spoiler) a possible way to "off" someone. I like the incorporation of current technology that was mentioned in the story (insulin pump). Granted, alcohol doesn't mix well with this condition--and would've been interesting to possibly include that to their storyline; however, the absence didn't diminish that character's story or arc. They were my favorite of the characters.

The mix of philosophy before each chapter was interesting, at times, and led to some academic discussion, but I didn't get any real sense that it mattered at all. All of the characters were just moody and spoiled, and just blah.

I did enjoy the Mirror analogies and sections and would've liked that explored more. It could have led up to more suspense and made the last 30(ish) pages really hum! That's when the book, for me, finally picked up the pace, after dragging for so long! It could've also tied in well with the paranormal aspect of the story and may have been more interesting.

3-3.25 stars

Thank you Macmillan Publishing and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Boys With Sharp Teeth in exchange for review.

This book requires an immense suspension of disbelief. Everything that needs to happen for the story to progress happens in the most obvious and frankly, stupid way.

The book's plot is convoluted but also banal. Marin, assuming the identity of a made-up student named Jamie, is sneaking into a well-to-do boarding school because she believes a group of students are responsible for the death of her cousin.

Luckily, Marin/Jamie runs into one of the people right away. Then of course she's put in the same building as them and even put in the same room as one of them (because this is a very progressive school in a Southern state that is okay with co-ed rooms for teenagers).

Jamie is supposed to be investigating the murder but doesn't really do much. She's scathingly angry at the two males, especially Graves (one of my favorite moments of the book is when Jamie asks why Adrian Hargraves is nicknamed "Graves", she's smart as a whip, that one). You'd think you would want to be in their good graces for investigative purposes, but Jamie isn't really investigating, so who cares?

The book tries to cosplay at spouting philosophy, but it's so poorly done and so melodramatic that you'll feel nothing but cringe. The story wants to be a swooning, gothic-lit-esque psychodrama, but it falls flat. It's an immense slog after Part I, and towards the end, I felt like the book would just never end. The supernatural twist is downright silly.

To compare this to The Raven Boys series is asinine. This book lacks nuance and any real character development. It's also far too long and has an unsatisfying conclusion.

oh this felt like CLASSIC dark academia goodness. there's a thick layer of pretension thrown over everything, but underneath it's gritty and dark and sinister and perfect. jamie/marin is a fascinating main character, because she simultaneously believes herself so morally superior to the other characters and at the same time is just as sinister and terrible and ruthless as them as well. i loved the twists and pulls all over this one.

I did myself a disservice by not binging this book, so I will almost certainly give it a reread, but GOSH do I lovr the atmosphere of this book. The writer did incredibly with creating a dark atmosphere through the writing style. I absolutely love dark academia, and maybe that's why this felt a little lack luster to me? The characters weren't as compelling as most dark academia that I read. I will be receiving my OwlCrate edition soon and giving it a reread to see if I hindered my own experience the first time!

DNFed at 23%. Almost a third of the way into the book but it felt like nothing was happening and I was b o r e d.

when her cousin’s body is found in a creek on huntsworth academy’s property, marin james knows exactly who’s to blame, and will stop at nothing to get justice. she infiltrates the school and worms her way into the lives of adrian hargreeves and henry wu, the two boys she’s sure are responsible for her cousin’s demise. as she carries on this ruse, though, the lines between right and wrong and revenge and attraction begin to blur.

this book reminded me of the girl you know, in that a girl sneaks into an elite school to find answers—and revenge—for her dead family member. there were plenty of differences, but still, i would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed that one, and vice versa!

boys with sharp teeth was such a captivating story. we have the murder mystery at the forefront, which was interesting enough to keep my attention, but on top of that we have the complex relationships between marin and the two boys, which made the story even more thrilling. this is a story i can absolutely see myself returning to at some point, and i’m looking forward to whatever’s next from jenni howell!

This was pretty good. I definetly enjoyed it. I thought it was a unique story. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I think it’s worth the read.

I love a good character-driven story and boy oh boy were these characters a doozy. A fancy school full of lies, betrayal, murder mystery, and a group of kids that really need a hug makes for a really entertaining book.

The magical elements really kept me on my feet and honestly made me question so much of the story, but the way things were tied up at the end made for such a good book.

Thank you Macmillan Publishing and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Boys With Sharp Teeth in exchange for review.

3 stars

This delivers on dark academia mystery with unrelatable entitled rich kids who have incredibly dark and haunted pasts.

I loved the premise of this book, spooky and studious with a dash of lying and false identities. I also really loved the pacing of this book especially the first 75% it felt very of life realistic though apparently the entirety of the story is about two weeks? It took some very bizarre turns that I didn’t expect but wasn’t fully invested in. I had the hardest time determining two of the main characters relationship. And while I felt I understood what was happening towards the end I was also very confused… without giving any direct spoilers the alternate reality aspect didn’t fit in with the story in my opinion. It was still a fun read though, thank you!

If you are a Petty Crocker like we are, then Boys with Sharp Teeth is right up your alley. It is an enjoyable read, with a beautiful plot and fun twist ending.

Thanks to Macmillan Children's and Roaring Book Press for an eARC for an honest review.

This is marketed as dark academia with hints of the supernatural and a YA thriller.

This follows Marin James who recently lost her cousin in a mysterious death ruled to be overdose, however, she thinks one of his three friends at Huntsworth Academy - Adrian Hargraves, Henry Wu, or Baz killed him. She disguises herself as Jamie and infiltrates the school determined to find his killer. Overall, I found this overwritten and meandering, the premise sounded interesting and while I love morally grey characters, these did not have any true depth for me. Felt melodramatic and faux philosophical as well to me. Reminded me of a hybrid of the vibes of Catherine House with the mystery premise of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife. I wanted to DNF several times.

2.5 rounded up to 3/5

3.5 - I was so excited for this one, as it is marketed as a dark academia, young adult philosophy, and a bit of a gothic horror. Although I enjoyed this book, I was a bit let down.

Boys with Sharp Teeth is a dark academia/thriller taking place at an elite boarding school. Marin comes to Huntsworth Academy after finding out that her cousin has been murdered, determined to figure out the truth. She knows that Adrian and Henry are involved somehow and will do anything to get in their inner circle to seek justice. A love triangle unfolds, where Marin feels more seen and understood by these two boys than anyone ever before.

The setting of this book, while a bit unrealistic in the details, was really atmospheric. I was really impressed by the author's writing, especially as a debut book. The actual genre of the book is a bit hard to place, because of how it definitely is young adult, but incorporates dark academia, a bit of horror, and psychological thriller. There also was paranormal elements, which made the book lean slightly fantasy.

I thought this was going to be a gay romance but it was more of a love triangle, where I think more development was needed. The book was less romance but a subplot of the love triangle, where Marin is in love with both the boys for different reasons. I got a bit bored towards the middle of the book, after really being hooked in the beginning by the setting and the mystery that was unfolding.

Overall, not the book for me but I really enjoyed the writing! Thank you to FierceReads for the free booK!!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC and ALC I received in exchange for an honest review.

There were things that I truly loved from this book especially the dark academia atmospheric vibes. I am always a sucker for that kind of vibe in books.

I kind of wish that the characters were college students and not high schoolers because some of their decisions were more mature than you would expect from high schoolers. The mystery was interesting and kept me engaged.

Overall, it was a good read. I don't think I would recommend the audiobook version though. The narration did not work for me and I had to speed it up sooo much in order to be okay with it.

3 stars
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I haven’t been this confused by a book in a long time.

The description of this book is what really drew me in. But while the vibe of the book is immaculate and the writing was poetic, the actual plot left me completely lost. The start of the book was interesting. Girl seeks revenge for the death of her cousin. But it fell apart as I went on. I almost DNFed halfway through, but hung on hoping it would get better. Somehow, this one is neither character or plot driven. That left it in limbo for me. There are points where it feels like nothing is happening, which can be fine. But here, it just felt like the book was primarily unexplained filler. Entire plot lines just end without explanation or go on and on without explanation. I got that this was suppose to have a bit of supernatural to it, but it’s never clearly explained for me. The book exists, but that was about it for me.

I love a morally grey character, which I absolutely got here. Marin/Jamie is incredibly unreliable as a narrator. Graves and Henry both have this air of mystery to them. But there was no character growth. Everyone remained stagnant and within their roles, if not devolving within them. I rooted for no one and nothing.

I could not connect with this book at all and I was really disappointed by that.

Thank you so much to Fierce Reads and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Jenni, come outside. I just want to talk real quick. Firstly- how dare you? Second- how dare you? How dare you write a book that altered my brain chemistry and had me in complete bi panic the whole time. I loved this so much. It was mysterious, fierce, romantic, and tense, but SO GOOD! I loved everything about it. From the story, to the characters, to the plot, to the conclusion. I couldn’t get enough. When I wasn’t able to read it, I was thinking about reading it. It was everything to me. I want to erase it from my brain so I can read it for the first time again. Truly.

Jenni- give me everything you ever write. I am a forever fan!