Billed as historical fiction/fantasy, I expected more of an adult read, but I found the ‘voice’ of this story to be on the younger side. The language and somewhat macabre content may make it unsuitable for young readers, but it certainly hits the YA bracket comfortably.
There’s some Arthurian legend woven into this story, which is beautifully told. I listened to the audio narrated by Molly O’Neill who has an impressive range of accents that span the British Isles.
The three main characters are charming and endearing, with our title character, Jenny, being deliciously grumpy. While it lacks some of the suspense and tension that I’d expect from an adult read, it reads more like a fairytale, and it bounces along at a nice pace.
Thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully written, it’s a solid five stars from me, with thanks to NetGalley and Hachette UK audio for the chance to read an ARC.
Greenteeth publishes in audiobook format on 25 February.

4.5 stars rounded up

WONDERFUL. British legends and fairy folklore at their finest, I’d recommend for other fans of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Fairies. Fey lake creature Jenny Greenteeth sets out with a witch and a goblin to get rid of the evil spirit inhabiting the village’s parson. There wasn’t quite as much emotional interiority as I prefer (there is lots of material for it, but often we got to see it through negative space, the things not said, rather than having it made clear) but it was still fun to watch Jenny learn to get along with people after so long alone in her lake. I loved the way it all tied up at the end.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in return for an honest review. The narrator Catrin Walker-Booth did a great job balancing all the accents, although some of the non-English creatures suffered from English proninciations (looking at you, afanc).

4.5 stars

GREENTEETH is a charming debut that brings together folklore from across the British Isles with a monstrous protagonist.

I liked how this book focused on ordinary people. Temperance, the witch, is a farmer's wife (and with a loving, understanding husband.) She's a mother and not a princess or anything like that. Brackis, the goblin, is widely travelled but not anyone of especial note. They set off determined to save not a country but a small village. Though they rub shoulders with the lord of the wild hunt, it's ultimately focused on "ordinary" people and the impact they can have.

This book weaves together folklore from across the British Isles, taking the reader from Cornwall to Skye and beyond, bringing together kelpies and unicorns and even King Arthur. It's such a nice collection of tales woven seamlessly into one, letting all these creatures exist together and focusing on a lesser known one - Jenny Greenteeth herself.

The main character, Jenny, is a monster in the traditional sense. She has sharp teeth and eats things like drowned puppies. But by seeing through her eyes, she's far less monstrous - she has a fey outlook on the world. I liked how she was used to poke fun at human oddities, an outsider thinking that things we might take for granted as "normal" are very bizarre indeed.

Catrin Walker-Booth narrates this book so well. I was in somewhat of a listening slump (too many audiobooks in too short a time) when I picked this up, but I raced through this tale. She really brings the slow, subtle magic of this book to life.

You can often tell within a few pages/minutes of a book when it's going to be a really good one, and that was the case with 'Greenteeth', a debut fantasy novel set in medieval England. The story is told in the first person by Jenny Greenteeth, a river-hag who has lived a quiet life in a lake for many centuries. One day she rescues a young woman from the nearby village from drowning during a witch-trial. It turns out the woman, Temperance, actually is a witch - albeit the helpful, good kind - and the parson who condemned her is possessed by an ancient evil spirit intent on destroying the village, lake and eventually the country. So Jenny, Temperance, and a goblin friend set out on a series of quests with the ultimate aim of saving all they love.

Jenny is an instantly likeable and interesting character, and I quickly came to love her and her companions. I was fully invested in them and their success, which always makes for an exciting and transporting read. As if things couldn't get any better, O'Neill even throws in a cute dog to accompany them. The writing is very evocative, the kind where you feel as though you are actually there, and can almost smell the lakewater, feel the bite of the cold, see the stars - even when you're sitting in a modern house or train.

The story is full of incident and the pacing is very good - it never becomes slow, but never races too fast either. The structure of companions conducting quests is a classic fantasy set up, and for good reason because it works so well. I liked the fact the story was based on British/European folklore - whilst I do love originality and 'world-building', it can make for tiring reads as you try to absorb lots of new information and concepts. There was no need to do that here. Anyone familiar with the basics of such folklore (and it features so heavily in fantasy writing and media that most people who enjoy the genre will be) can get straight into it. It was really refreshing to read a story where I could just focus on enjoying it and not on understanding what underpinned it. However it wasn't predictable - in fact there were surprises at the end even for me, and I'm not often unable to see things coming in a book.

It worked well as an audiobook and I liked the narrator, who read clearly and at a good pace, did good voices, and never became 'shouty' or shrill. I was able to follow the story easily in audible form.

All in all, this is a really excellent fantasy novel that I'd highly recommend to those who like the genre and even those who only dip in occasionally. If Molly O'Neill can keep writing novels like this she's going to gain a large following fast.

Great wee story. An old-fashioned mythical quest with loveable characters. I predict a sequel and I’m here for it (as long as it’s centred on Jenny again!).

Loved this book! From the very beginning, I was drawn into the world of Jenny Greenteeth. I love a story from the monster’s perspective. Her relationship with Temperance and the goblin really makes the story. It was great to see the characters grow with one another, and form a bond slowly throughout the book.

4 stars because at points in the middle it dragged. But on reflection those parts were a useful part of Greenteeth’s character development.

A story about a bunch of misfit banding together to safe a village.

I enjoyed the characters, their dynamics and the way the story progresses.
Dare I say this book is a "cosy" fantasy. The story itself isn't cosy but the group dynamics of the characters and the writing made me feel like I was going along with them.

Jenny Greenteeth is a fearsome, charming, powerful, wholesome lake-dwelling monster as her mother before her, and her mother before her. Jenny has never spoken to a human until a witch from a nearby town is thrown into her lake and something tells Jenny she has to save her. The witch, Temperance, has lived in peace her whole life not hurting anyone until an ominous new pastor came to town and turned everyone against her, culminating in her attempted execution. With Jenny’s healing and nurturing, Temperance is sure she will get back to her husband and children to resume her life. This proves to be more complicated than first expected when Jenny discovers a malevolent force in Temperance’s village that must be stopped. The pair of women and a travelling goblin salesman of metaphysical goods, that likes to visit Jenny from time to time, must team up for a quest to find a way to rid their world of this new threat.

I absolutely love the characters in this book! Jenny is a fabulous example of a misunderstood monster and I loved the exploration of her species and history. She was very well written and her motivations were clear throughout the story. I was very empathetic towards Temperance and her mission to get back to her babies and I loved how she embraced her magic slowly throughout their quest. The side characters were also very enjoyable and brought some humour to the book, but the relationship between Jenny and Temperance definitely takes centre stage.

At about the halfway point the quest is well and truly underway and there are some great action scenes and unexpected revelations, but I definitely found myself zoning out a little bit and less interested than the beginning of the book. I’m happy to say it does end on a high and it made my heart swell. This is perfect for fans of quest fantasies and folklore enthusiasts.

I really enjoyed the narration and the accents added to the fun.

Greenteeth is a cozy folklore tale that is told from the monsters perspective (Jenny), who is a delightful and vivid character. I loved the lore behind the story, the historical context and the actual setting. You really are in the lake with Jenny and I loved that immersion. The story is well paced for a cozy atmosphere with that mild peril. The adventure aspect is well done, the found family is great and of course there’s a trusty animal companion. What more does one need from a fantasy folklore? This is one for fans of Someone You Can Build A Nest In.
I always feel like the books I enjoy the most I write bad reviews for and I feel this is the case here. I apologise now as I literally have no words for this cast of characters that swept me into their magic world.
One another note the audiobook really gave Jenny a voice, created that immersive feeling and was an utter delight to listen to so I would highly recommend this format.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I loved this book. Listening to the audiobook was a magical fun experience. I really enjoyed the story. A fantastic paced story. The characters are all great

Greenteeth is a wonderful adventure tale and a fantastic romp through the realm of British mythology, touching on myths and legends both familiar and less so. Its ragtag band of adventurers put me in mind of the works of T. Kingfisher and TJ Klune, though its choice of titular lead character elevates Greenteeth to a new level of creativity and depth.

Making Jenny Greenteeth, a lake-dwelling monster, the lead POV character of this novel is an absolutely inspired choice. Safer options were definitely there, but I admire Molly O’Neill for taking the plunge and focusing the book around a character who’s been around for hundreds of years and never spoken to another human. As the story progresses we get to explore the clash between Jenny’s monstrous habits and her strong sense of morality, and see how even a monster can have a heart in the right circumstances. Jenny’s interactions with Temperance, the unwilling new occupant of her lake, are some of my favourite bits of character work I’ve read this year.

The worldbuilding in Greenteeth has a quaint feel, but covers a lot of ground through old English folk tales. The village of Chipping Appleby is simply delightful as a focus point for the story, though the author somehow even manages to make the bottom of the lake cozy and homely in a weird way! I can’t delve too much into the plot for fear of spoilers, though the story was far more extensive than the blurb suggests, and was cleverly structured and paced to draw in more mythological tales without feeling rushed.

A word on the audiobook narration: Catrin Walker-Booth does a great job at simply and subtly distinguishing the main characters, as well as capturing the quaint worldbuilding throughout. As the lead trio go through their ups and downs through the story, the emotion is carried through in the narration to keep the story exciting and pacey. The range of British accents was also to be commended!

No os voy a engañar, la razón por la que leí Greenteeth es porque comparaban a Molly O’Neill con T. Kingfisher y ahí ya saltaron todas mis alarmas, porque una es víctima del marketing como todo hijo de vecino. Afortunadamente, aunque quizá la comparación con la estadounidense es un tanto exagerada, sí es cierto que la novela de debut de O’Neill es refrescante (no sólo porque esté protagonizada por una náyade) y muy entretenida de leer, así que ha sido un acierto.


El libro está narrado en una primera persona muy directa y veremos toda la historia a través de los ojos de Jenny Greenteeth, la náyade de un lago situado cerca de un pequeño pueblo inglés, que un día, tras siglos de soledad, decide rescatar a una mujer a la que han lanzado al río por bruja, siendo esto el origen de una hermosa amistad. Y es que esa es quizá la mejor definición de Greenteeth, que es un libro sobre la amistad inverosímil y cómo no se debe prejuzgar por los orígenes de cada uno.

He de reconocer que me hace mucha gracia que todas las náyades se llamen igual, Jenny Greenteeth, porque me imagino a “las Jennys” juntándose para irse de fiesta y me río yo sola, aunque el libro no se extienda mucho por el campo humorístico. Esta es una de las grandes diferencias con Kingfisher, pero como digo la comparación es inadecuada, aunque comprensible.

Jenny y Temperance, la joven rescatada que resulta ser una bruja, investigarán las razones de su intento de asesinato y tendrán que partir de viaje para cumplir tres misiones que les encargarán las hadas. Hasta aquí, todo muy convencional, ¿verdad? Molly O’Neill no está innovando en el género ni falta que hace, porque el libro está narrado derrochando ternura y bondad, no me extraña que lo etiqueten como cozy. Y es que hay veces que no hace falta crear todo un nuevo subgénero o inventar alocadamente, si no que basta con tener las ideas claras y ganas de escuchar un relato agradable.

A esto también contribuye y mucho la narración de Catrin Walker-Booth, que vuelve totalmente creíble el punto de vista de un ser feérico acuático en su relación con los humanos. Incluso se permite el lujo de poner acentos específicos cuando las andanzas de las amigas y su acompañante las llevan a Gales. Todo un acierto en la elección de la narradora.

También me gustaría destacar que el libro tiene un giro final que me parece que da un nivel más de complejidad (sin llegar a ser ecuaciones diferenciales, que nos conocemos) al relato y que justifica ciertas reiteraciones que al principio tomé como pecados de juventud de la autora, pero que luego vi que estaban colocadas a propósito.

Un libro entretenidísimo y perfectamente disfrutable, de esos que te alegran el día. Muy recomendado.

This was absolutely delightful! Greenteeth is a story about a lake monster, a witch, and a goblin going on a heroic quest. Along the way, they fight monsters, chase unicorns, and learn to trust each other. Like any good modern fairytale, it has a lot of heart, a lot of humour, and a lot of adventure - and a terrifying villain who must be defeated at all costs. I loved the atmosphere of it: the story takes us from the south of England to Wales to Scotland, and I could tell the author had a lot of love for all these places. The moment they crossed into Scotland and could tell because of the midgies was one of my favourites! The setting and the magic reminded me a bit of Pratchett's Witches, and while it felt gentler, more fairy-tale-like than Pratchett's biting satire, I also appreciated how the story wasn't all light-heartedness, but it had its moment of darkness too. This one was definitely a highlight!

LOVED IT! Such a beautifully paced fantasy tale with great characters and intrigue. Excellent narration, would thoroughly recommend the audiobook.

Jenny Greenteeth, a creature of the lake, makes a new friend in Temperance who is thrown in the lake by an evil village pastor for being a witch! They team up with Brakus, a goblin, to go on a quest to banish the Earl King!

It was cute and cozy but also dark and a bit gory at the same time, I loved it!

I especially loved the animal companion, Cavall, and wanted to give a special mention to the Lord of the Wild Hunt!!!

The writing was so charming and there was so much UK folklore, it was mesmerising! I loved the friendship/found family, it made me all warm inside!

✨ Netgalley ARC ✨
Release Date: 25th February 2025

This is a cosy Fantasy inspired by British Folklore.

📖 We follow a lake monster called Jenny Greenteeth.She has never spoken to a human before, but when a witch is thrown into her lake, something makes Jenny decide she's worth saving.

Though they have nothing in common, these two must band together on a magical quest to defeat the evil that threatens Jenny's lake.

✨ Review ✨
I want to start by saying I don't get on cosy fantasy. I keep trying it because I like the idea of it but it just never seems to work for me. So bare that in mind, because my biggest issue was I was bored. But I can see why someone that likes cosy fantasy wouldn't be.

The story is a very basic one. Everything is very easy and nice there is never any sense of urgency and it just doesn't work for me. Again I don't tend to get on with cosy fantasy you might like this about the story.

I was also very interested in the characters. I found them to be flat and one dimension and there was nothing for me to really invest in. But again these characters are really nice from the get go. They don't even so much as have to face there own inner demons, for a reader like me there was nothing to sink my teeth into.

The prose was okay, I do think it's weighted down with exposition at times but I wouldn't say there is anything fundamentally wrong with the writing.

If you like nice cosy fantasies I would recommend but it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the audiobook of this title.

Greenteeth is a cosy found family adventure told like a fairy tale quest.

We are initially introduced to the lake dwelling Jenny Greenteeth as she maintains her freshwater home, this is disturbed when a witch is thrown into her lake by the local village people. Jenny then rescues her and from there a bond is created and an adventure begins to form. Throughout the story several different myths, legends, and magical creatures are introduced covering different tales of English, Welsh, and Scottish origin. I particularly appreciated the nod to Arthurian legend as a massive Merlin fan, and fae are always fun to read about.

The story itself had a strong start for me, I appreciated the background to help adjust to this new magical world and get to know Jenny and her story. It did feel a bit never-ending as the quest went on a bit but didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. Perfect to put on and relax to, do some colouring, or just escape into.

The narration from Catrin Walker-Booth is also delightful and makes it that much more magical to listen along to.

Would recommend for fans of T. Kingfisher, Marie Brennan, and Heather Fawcett.

At the beginning when we are introduced to Jenny Greenteeth it reminded of Ursula from the Little mermaid with a twist and Temperance had the feels of an innocent but firey witch (misunderstood healer) who seemed to have a beautiful heart but also mouth of a sailor, heart of a lion and a spirit in her to get back to save her family that nobody or more to to the point no evil would stop no matter what it took. Brackus, our little quirky Goblin, reminds me of a mix of having the magic and tricks of Lord of the rings looking more like the Hobbit.

With a mortal human in Temperance also known as the witch, Jenny the water hag and Brackus the Goblin the 3 findthemselves joining forces after Temperance was thrown in to the lake shackled by the village pastor in which Jenny had called home for thousands of years. When Temperance had been spared, she decided she had to get back to her family this is when they seek out Brackus for items to help them. They come accross dark forces and it becomes obvious they cannot walk through these paths and woods alone so Brackus takes to the journey wirh them advising the only way forward is to approach the high faye King Gwin they need more help.
Together they approach seeing all sorts of mythical creatures not all being of good nature, they are having a party dancing and feasting in the courtyard and at first sight they simply look like humans to Jenny but at closer look they are not they are leaving cuts as they hold hands with their long nails without so much as a glance at what is happening to ine another this ia not human behaviour!

Temperance crump the witch with the Goblin Brackus and Jenny the water hag get into to the high faye Court to ask for help of the Lord of the wild hunt Gwin expressing the have seen the Earl King. He refuses to help, but his wife intervenes and suggests he helps, so he gives the 3 in front of him tasks set before the summer solstice in order for them to be allowed his assistance!

His wife thereafter approached the 3 on their quest for the 1st task of the boar advising them on how to manage this as safely as possible, they continue on and return to the Highfaye where the 2nd task set is an iron oar and the king states to his wife do not be offering and help this time, he did allow them some fresh supplies to continue!

Their journey continues with unicorns and more whilst the trio are trying to figure out their great quest to conquer before they go back to the faye Court to see the King with all that had been requested of them before they can get the finality of their end goal combating the Earl King.... Will they succeed?!?! Will Temperance get to her family safe and well?!?! What will be the outcome for Brackus the Goblin and of course our main character Jenny Greenteeth what sacrifices will be made can anyone be saved, will the evil darkness win in this very individual unique tale...?!?! If you want to know then take a read or listen if this is your preference to this and wander on the quest with these three quirky peculiar but absolutely fantastic beings who had the most fantastic relationship in their quest to overcome darkness whatever the cost that is what bound them together...

EXCALIBER SWORD 🗡🙏🏼✨️❤️

As you can probably read from my review which covers some of the main points this is a mythical story of 3 very different beings on a quest who have divinely been brought together to save not only Temperance family but also the soul of Britain which is in a very precarious position from very dark forces.. I didn't want to continue to just review of this happened and that otherwise what would be the point in anyone reading or listening themselves, safe to say I got caught up in the details of this narrative... Details matter in such an intricate detailed story with so much happening from one moment to the next.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, and such, like you may find, this is something you will enjoy. It is of course slightly different fro those a little more maybe on the edge of Narnia feels but it is such a mix it is really in a league of its own its not really possible to categorise this book very easily!

I enjoyed this as i have great interest in folklore, mythical, witches and historic type eras although for me personally it was just a little too predictable in the storyline of 3 come together go on a quest good fighting evil etc. I didn't feel there was much in this that wasn't predetermined or anything that as a listener, I didn't have some kind of foresight. Albeit of course the different types of creatures etc and the specific writing and creativity is absolutely fantasticly done you really are able to envisage this as you listen to the narration which of course I did not know or have inclination on it was more the story itself felt familiar.

Well narrated, all characters were brought to life individually uniquely in their own way, making this a pleasureable listen. Tones and pitch are perfect that the narrator brought home the times of great importance, bringing the listener into the emotions I sense were hoped would be felt through these words. Great work!

With thanks to Netgalley and Hatchette UK Audio / Little, Brown Audio, for the opportunity to listen to this ELC in return for an open, honest review. Much gratitude and appreciation 🙏🏼

I really enjoyed this story and it's unique perspective of a creature that inhabits a lake and the friends they make. It very much had the feel of a Grimm fairytale, with all kinds of fey creatures. They journey through most of the UK, with beautiful descriptions of it all. Great story and great naration. I very much enjoyed the ending too!

Refreshing read, feels like long winded fairy tale, brimming with folklore references and mythological creatures. All so very native to British isles. While it's very fairy taleish, adventure element is also strong, which keeps you engaged and wanting know what happens next. There's a constant debate to what makes people bad or not. Finding and keeping true friends yet another theme making clear that the book has some strong messages thorought alongside to all the adventures made.