Books like this are why I keep reading.
The characters
The characters in this book felt so real when they chose to do something, it was for themselves rather than for plot convenience. Their actions made sense and made them feel like real people who were placed in this story.
The representation
This book has some of the best representation that I have read in a while. Without even having to state what the character has, I can use the information given and work it out for myself, which is something I haven’t been able to do with a lot of books recently. I felt like I was able to understand all that the character is going through and I love them for it.
The plot
The plot in this book was insane, every time I felt like something couldn’t get worse, it went crazy. And not like the crazy where it didn’t make sense, but in the sense that it made sense, I could remember the foreshadowing, and yet I didn’t notice and still had my mind blown.
The writing
I found the writing in the book so beautiful; it manages to be easy to read while also giving horrifying details. I felt sick with the level of descriptions in some scenes and yet I couldn’t put it down.
Who would I recommend it to?
I recommend this book to people who are on the older end of YA and don’t mind lots of gore. I will also say that you should search for your trigger warnings before you go into this book.
Thank you to Andrew White for the free review copy!

This book was so special. It was my first Andrew Joseph White book and definitely not the last.

I don't think I have ever read something like this; so strong, raw and heartbreaking. It broke me to pieces while healing me somehow at the same time. It also made me rethink many things and view life differently. I wasn't that familiar with trans people struggles, and getting to educate myself through and because of this book was a total pleasure. And I will keep learning.

I couldn't be more happy and grateful to be able to read this book. Also, incredibly in love with the artist behind this cover. I'll buy a physical copy to add it to my collection and buy the rest of this incredible author's books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Daphne Press for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc

Whoa I didn’t really know what to expect when I started this book, it was written so well and the storyline just flowed it was easy to not want to put this book down. Descriptions of body horror and gore were also done with enough graphic information it made me a tad queasy and I was here for it! My heart broke so many times and I was left absolutely shocked at some parts! This was my first book by this author but I’m happy to say it is definitely not my last

This was my first read by AJW and it won't be my last!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy.

This book made me cry so many times, but it has still become one of my favourites. It’s a gothic medical horror, filled with gore, spirits and female rage, but also, surprisingly, hope. The author uses the topics of hysteria and Victorian misogyny to talk about sexism, ableism, and transphobia. White created a fantastical version of Victorian society, blending the historical with the supernatural. I found the setting captivating and original.

There is something raw and honest in White’s writing style that always makes me feel for his characters. Apart from Silas, we hear stories of other Braxton students, which are heartbreaking, horrifying, and enraging. But there is also hope in this novel in the characters’ determination to remain true to themselves despite society’s oppression and in the beautiful romantic subplot.

I should also add that I found this book less scary than Hell Followed With Us, but it is filled with detailed descriptions of medical procedures. It would be wise to check the warnings for this book.

A dark imagining of female hysteria and medical experimentation in Victorian England. Chilling, gruesome, and utterly un-put-down-able

This has been one of those books I could barely stop reading once I started. It is haunting, the kind of horror book I love - with roots in Victorian times as well as dabs at modern times. As a (gender-)queer autistic person I love how this book shows the dangers of what was basically ABA too, how molding people into hiding who they are to fit into society is wrong and dangerous, all in a great and well written story.

4.5 stars. Andrew Joseph White is now an autobuy author for me, despite both YA and horror not being my preferred genres. There's just something spellbinding about his writing and few authors build stakes and tension like he does. I loved the historical setting of this novel and how, while it is about spirits and haunting and misogyny and violence against women, it is about so so so much more, specifically about gender, about identity and about self-determination, healing, growth and above all, love. My one bug bear was that the language and dialogue didn't always suit the time period but i know other readers will be (rightly) more forgiving.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a horrifying, haunting novel. It's brutal in ways that you don't want to look away from. It's not an easy read and it's not meant to be. The themes of queerness, oppression and hidden injustices that are explored through the lens of Silas' surgery knowledge offer an excellent motif that really had me horrified and angry. I agree that the side characters and the narrative aren't the strongest but where writing and theming is concerned, this book captured me.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to its publication date that is forthcoming. I enjoyed the setting, pacing and the characters too. They were well written and seemed to jump off the page.

Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for the arc!

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a dark historical fantasy set in an alternate Victorian England. The story follows Silas Bell, an autistic trans boy forced into a brutal institution for young women with spiritual abilities. As Silas navigates the oppressive environment, he uncovers dark secrets and fights for his identity and survival against a society that seeks to control and erase him.

Gloriously atmospheric, dark, eerie. Tension, mystery, a well-paced plot and wonderful characters.

Check triggers before reading. 100% recommend.

this was an insanely good read, i had been meaning to pick up this guy's books for the longest time and now i have two on ebook and a physical
with sprayed edges :D a new favourite author for sure
i never get squeamish when reading books, but this one honestly got me in a few places with some descriptions, and i love it for that
i loved these characters too, they were all so different and were suffering so weren't always 100% likeable, but they felt very real
george is my opp if i see that man i am throwing hands directly at him

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of historical fiction, gothic horror, and dark fantasy into a gripping narrative. If you’re into stories that explore the darker corners of the human experience with a supernatural twist, this book will definitely catch your attention.

Set in an alternate Victorian England, the story centers on Silas, a young man with a gift—or curse, depending on how you see it—that allows him to communicate with spirits. In a world where the ability to interact with the dead is highly prized but also fraught with danger, Silas finds himself caught between his desire to be true to himself and the oppressive expectations of the society he lives in.

What makes The Spirit Bares Its Teeth particularly compelling is White’s masterful use of atmosphere. The setting is dark and eerie, filled with fog-shrouded streets, crumbling manors, and sinister institutions where secrets are buried deep. White paints a vivid picture of this world, drawing you in with rich descriptions that make you feel every chill and shadow.

Silas is a complex and deeply sympathetic protagonist. His struggles with identity and autonomy in a world that seeks to control and define him are powerfully portrayed, making his journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, exploring issues of gender, power, and societal expectations in a way that feels both relevant and timeless.

The supernatural elements in the story are seamlessly integrated, adding layers of tension and mystery. The spirits themselves are not just spooky figures but are integral to the plot, with their own motivations and desires that complicate Silas’s journey. The way White handles the horror elements is impressive—there are plenty of chilling moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but the horror is always in service of the story and the characters’ development.

The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end. It’s a story that’s as much about the internal battles Silas faces as it is about the external dangers lurking in the shadows.

Overall, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a beautifully crafted novel that combines gothic horror with deep, character-driven storytelling. It’s a book that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt out of place or struggled to find their own path in a world that doesn’t always understand them. If you’re looking for a dark, atmospheric read with emotional depth and a strong, compelling protagonist, this book is a must-read.

This book was everything I hoped for and so much more. Silas is a 16-year-old in Victorian London who dreams of becoming a surgeon, whilst hiding his abilities to speak to spirits beyond the veil. However, society has other plans, his mother wants him to marry as soon as possible, and more importantly to hide his Autistic traits. When Silas finds himself in a Sanitorium and Finishing School, he is supposed to learn how to be the ideal submissive wife society expects. Instead, Silas finds himself uncovering many secrets while trying to carve out the future life he wants.

This was my first Andrew Joseph White book and I have since ran to read his other books. As a YA horror, this toes the line perfectly between not enough, and too much. His characters are all so well written, and with such depth, that I almost felt as though I had been with them on a series-long adventure. And my love of Silas cannot be understated. This is such a vibrantly gothic story that focuses on humanity in a way that is just as important no matter the time period.

What a fun read. This is the story of Silas, an autistic trans boy in the 1800's. The veil between the living and the dead has become thinner and people with purple eyes can make a hole in it and do things in both worlds. But only men are allowed to do that of course. Silly little women are too fragile and are just for making babies obviously. So with Silas being a trans boy and that not at all being allowed (his parents are going to force him to marry some old guy soon and get started on the baby making) he is trying to figure out his escape. How he can live his life the way he wants to. How he can be safe. Of course his plans go awry and he gets sent to this school to learn how to be a proper lady and wife.

I really enjoyed this one. I loved watching Silad try and figure out what is really going on at this school while also meeting some people who are like him! Where he is seen for the first time. He has never had that before and I loved the interactions there. There is some pretty horrible stuff that happens, the one scene with the lady who runs the school is a lot in the best of ways, but so are a lot of the things really. And the ending was so satisfying (and I would love to read another book where the story continues. That would be so much fun!).

Absolutely loved this book! Its gory and raw and my new top favourite in ya horror.

I loved the characters. The autistic representation made me really happy im glad we got to see how autism effecta people differently with a completely non verbal character as well. And the trans representation was great as well qnd really well done. Andrew Joseph White is a fantastic lgbtq+ author.

I cant wait to read Whites next book, he never dissapoints!

Firstly thank you to Netgalley and Daphne Press for the e-ARC.

Mors vincit omnia. Death conquers all.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is truly an experience to read. It is not for the faint of heart so please do consider checking the trigger warnings before you start this book.

This book had me reeling from start to finish - the dread building as the plot climaxed. Yet even with all of this horror and disgust at the events that took place, the writing style was easy to read: I could not put the book down. I really enjoyed the pacing of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, as it did not seem to drag at all. Even when the plot was climaxing, it did not seem to rush or gloss over anything. This book has left me emotionally drained to the point that I am struggling to even find the words to summarise how this book has left me.

This is my first time having read anything by Andrew Joseph White, and I will definitely need to check out his other works.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a visceral, horror that follows Silas, a trans and autistic boy who can also commune with the dead. It is part alternate history and captures the horrors of the past while dealing with issues that are very prevalent today. Andrew Joseph White manages to capture queer range perfectly in Silas and his struggles. While society perceives Silas as a violet-eye woman (the perfect candidate for marriage) he wants to be accepted as a male and practice surgery.

The story does cover hard topics and contains a lot of gore and medical horror so do be sure to check this is right for you or you are in the right space before reading. The writing itself is fantastic and pairs the atmospheric eerie setting of the boarding school with the gore and horror of Silas’ trails. The characters are fantastic and Silas was instantly likable, relatable and you cannot help but end up rooting for and worrying for. Needless to say this was a fantastic read and I will definitely be reading the other novels by White in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Daphne Press for the e-ARC. My review is completely honest and left voluntarily.

This gothic horror deals in an alternate reality/history but felt extremely real and authentic in it's depiction of gender, neurodiversity and mental-health. Truly terrible things happen throughout this book [which are well warned at the top, which i appreciated], but it is written with such respect and there are moments of real beauty and hope and kindness aswell.

This was the first of White's books that I've read, but I have instantly jumped his other writing to the top of my TBR list.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher (Daphne Press) for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. #TheSpiritBaresItsTeeth #NetGalley

This is my second book from AJW and I have to say, very few characters embody queer rage as his characters tend to do. In this current book, Silas Bell is the protagonist, who wants to live free as a man, practice surgery, but many things prevent him from doing that, the main one being him being perceived by society as a violet-eyed woman, a sought after commodity. After his failed attempt to escape, he ends up in a women's boarding school, which is in reality a conversion camp to make the "best wife a man needs" of the enrolled violet-eyed women.

The story has some really hard topics, medical horror, gore, make sure to read the trigger warnings before venturing in, there are some really heavy ones. It is a pretty distressing novel, however I'd still wholeheartedly recommend it if you can read it, because it is heart wrenching, and feels very special.