First of all, I’d to say thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me access to this digital ARC of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White. As someone who read Hell Followed With Us around this time last year, I was very much anticipating this book and could not wait to see what the author was going to do next. My expectations of this book were exceeded, blown out of water, as this book is probably my favorite that I have read all year. I’d like you as a reader to keep in mind the trigger warnings of this book, as it contains transphobia, ableism, graphic violence, sexual assault, forced pregnancy and miscarriage, suicidal ideation, and extensive medical gore. Despite this, I was enraptured into the story of Silas Bell, and those like him with violet colored eyes, in 19th century England. Silas is a character that I’m sure many of us can relate to, as when he talked about having a metaphorical rabbit in his chest, I found this an interesting depiction of how it might feel to live with anxiety, attempting to please others at the deficit of yourself, and negative self talk. This book is filled with powerful figures who have many corrupt ideologies, but has those attempting to right the wrongs of these people and breaking down the system from the inside out. A five star read and truly what I believe will be a breakthrough bestseller novel in the fantasy genre

Thank You, Netgalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink, Peachtree Teen for this e-Galley.

Wow....just wow. This book was brilliant, soul-stirringly dark but at the same time there was that sliver of hope and triumph.
After the first few pages I felt frozen in place, utterly mesmerised, and didn't want to get out of my car and go to work.
By page seven I was still sitting in my car almost in tears. (I did end up leaving the car eventually....)

The cover art is beautiful and haunting, loved the additions of all the eyes.
Safe to say that I loved this book I read the whole thing in 12 hours (went to work today and everything).

The Spirit Bares It's Teeth by Andrew Joseph White is wonderfully dark, beautifully written and death truly does conquer all.

Thanks to NetGalley, Holiday House/Peachtree/Pixel+Ink for the Arc!

Mors vincit omnia - Death conquers all

This book really shook something loose in me and I can´t even grasp it. Just do yourself the favor and read it! It´s such an important read. At times so hard to read on an emotional level because all of this happend at some point to some people who just did´t want to fit in the categories other people made for them. This book is a must! It explores sexuality and gender and love in all it´s different forms. All topics and themes that need to be talked about more. Can´t wait to read more of Andrew Joseph White!

Book out September 05,2023!

Andrew Joseph White writes some of the most gut-wrenching and amazing stories! The Spirit Bares Its Teeth proves it even more.

This story follows our main character, Silas, as they struggle with an abusive and obviously not accepting family. This is honestly a great oversimplification of parts of the story, but I mention in this way so that I can make a point. Andrew Joseph White knows how to TAKE ME THERE. I find myself wrapped so deeply within this storyline that I felt as lost as our main character. When Silas felt hopeless, I did too. That to me speaks to then incredible talent that is Andrew Joseph White. The emotional depth and character development that he weaves into his stories have the ability to transport you entirely to his new worlds.

Additionally, this story is very quickly paced. The mystery and intrigue that is built into this story, suckered me in and refused to let me go until I found out the fates of my favorite characters. (I also needed to know exactly how the relationships between the main character and others were going to play out).

As for horror elements, there are plenty. The first and most prominent is the evil of the human spirit. The depiction of transphobia in this story astounded me. It astounded me because I know it is an all too real sentiment and it honestly turned my stomach at times.

I'll never forgive some of the characters in this novel. They don't deserve it. However, if there is one thing to know about this book, it's that THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!! Go read it when you can, because this is trans literature at its best!!!

This books was amazing!!! I loved Hell Followed With Us, so I was really curious what Andrew Joseph White would write next. I was also a little nervous that I wouldn't enjoy his second novel as much. But I was so wrong to be nervous and doubt him. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is even better! The horror is intense, so definitely listen to the content warnings. Eyes really creep me out, so the body horror in this book messed with me. But I loved Silas and Daphne and the moments of trans acceptance and joy they had were beautiful. Definitely recommend!

I usually do not purchase physical copies of a book if I have an ebook, but I definitely will for this one!

I adored Andrew Joseph White’s first novel, Hell Followed With Us, & have been anxiously anticipating this novel & was so so so excited to be approved for an arc of it! I absolutely loved this; it told such a dark & moving story beautifully. The representation in here with transness & autism is so so good, just as I expected it would be, & the commentaries on transness were very powerful in this & I just loved my reading experience. This book is definitely very dark, so mind your triggers going into it.

Tw: deadnaming, confinement, death, gender dysphoria, forced institutionalization, misogyny, blood/gore/body horror, abandonment, murder, medical content, pregnancy due to SA, miscarriage, hate crime, homophobia/transphobia, gaslighting

“if a dead girl prays to God can he hear her?”




This is such an amazing book truly. I could not put it down. First off, thank you to NetGalley and PeachTree for the Arc!!!!

I love the way that all the horrors of this book are very in your face, you cannot ignore them. The graphic C-section in this book has to be one of my favorite parts. Which is gruesome I know but it’s very well written and just insane. I cried both in happiness (t4t will always get me) and sadness throughout this book. Some of the nastier moments you want to turn your head and not see but you really cannot escape the horrors in this book even if you tried. You think things could not get worse and then surprise they do! This is so amazingly written. There was a point where I was concerned that this would not end in a happy or even content way, I wasn’t sure it would be able to. The ending is perfectly done it’s a very satisfying ending in my opinion.

Silas!!!! I love him dearly its amazing to see trans autistic characters. Its like reading from my own brain. I love the way his love interest (also trans) does not fault him the for the ways they are different. That she doesn’t treat him as a thing that needs to be fixed in the way that others do. Theres moments between Silas and another autistic character which are so dear to me. To read two autistic people finding an understanding with each other is very heartwarming. Which is nice because there is not many moments you can describe as heartwarming in this book.

I loved the way AJW wrote an autistic character in Hell Followed With Us so I knew it would be amazing in this and I was right. I really enjoy his writing, im looking forward to his adult book!

Okay so I had DNF this book because of a certain eyeball scene I could not bring myself to pick it back up unfortunately. However, for those with a stronger constitution, I cannot reccomend this book enough, because until then I couldn't put it down, but eyes are already such a squeamish thing for me that I couldn't pick it back up

The Spirit Bares its Teeth was such an excellent read I couldn't put it down. The story follows Silas, a sixteen year old trans boy with autism in Victorian England. He doesn't have the language to describe his autism or that he's trans, but both of those facts are conveyed wonderfully through narration and storytelling.

Silas was also born with purple eyes - the mark of someone who can reach through the veil of living & dead. For women born with violet eyes, their best prospects in life are to marry well since they are not allowed to practice spirit work. Silas is seen as a girl and is raised to be a good wife. But his biggest wish is to become a surgeon. He is sent to Braxton's finishing school and diagnosed with "veil sickness." Silas meets other girls with a similar diagnosis who don't fit the mold of what a good woman should be.

This story is expertly told. There is wonderful tension from start to finish. Silas and all the characters are really well-rounded and grow and develop through the story. This book points a lens at the different ways people react to oppressive societies - how good people become oppressors and how the oppressed are trained to perpetrate the system.

There are some pretty gruesome scenes in the story, but nothing seems extraneous. This is another great horror/suspense from White and definitely worth a read.

I’ve never made a better book request in my life.

After reading Hell Followed With Us, I was ravenously waiting for AJW’s next book. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. If I thought his first novel was amazing, this is a masterpiece. I was thoroughly captivated from page one.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth follows Silas, a trans boy in an alternate version of Victorian England that involves mediums. In an effort to try and avoid being married off and forced to bear children, he attempts to live as his authentic self, only to be sent to a sanatorium.

The author does a great job of weaving historical details into the story, which helps to create a sense of realism and authenticity. The way women, minorities, and people with mental illnesses were treated in 1800s England is enough of a horror on its own, so it’s a fantastic setting for this book.

I have never felt so seen by a character. As a neurodivergent trans boy, every thought in Silas’s head throughout this novel is something I’ve felt in some capacity before. I had so many times I had to put down the book and take a moment to sit with these thoughts, and yet I still finished it within two days like a maniac. The exploration of gender identity and mental health was masterfully done. Silas’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and I think many readers will find themselves relating to it.

The horror is written so incredibly well. The medical gore made me sick to my stomach, even as a horror fan, and I couldn’t have been happier about it. Good gore is hard to write, and the author manages to ride that line perfectly. It was just bloody enough to add to the terror, but it never felt gratuitous. Each instance had a clear purpose.

Overall, this is one of those once-in-a-blue-moon novels that makes me upset that I finished it because I’ll never find another book like it again. It’s absolutely fucking feral, which means it’s definitely not for everyone, but damn if it wasn’t exactly the type of book I needed in my life. AJW has quickly become my new favorite author.

I knew that this book was going to be good the moment I heard about it, though after reading it I am even more blown away than before. Andrew Joseph White is such an amazing author, I have had the absolute pleasure of enjoying everything he has written and this one definitely did not let me down. Now I just finished the book maybe a couple minutes ago so I apologize for any messiness within my writing.

Silas took my heart the moment he was introduced, the way his “rabbit” was portrayed in the book was breathtaking and so very relatable. Not only his growth as a character but also the way he helps other characters grow within the story are beautifully written. I’d never thought I would relate to a character so much in a historical setting.

And I can’t forget about Daphne, her pureness and genuine love and concern shown throughout the book are truly felt, it makes you feel as a reader that you also have someone on your side rooting for you and your success.

This book just shows us the importance of belonging and how acceptance can move miles. I would recommend this book to everyone, but please be aware of the trigger warnings before you decide to pick up.

The biggest, sincerest thank you from the bottom of my heart to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC for review!

Andrew Joseph White, first and foremost, thank you for writing queer and trans representation in the way I desperately needed but had no idea I did! I loved Hell Followed With Us so incredibly much, so much that I was nervous to read this novel because I didn’t want to compare the two. However, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth just pushed its way right up the list of my favorite books. (and Andrew is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!)

I’m writing this immediately after finishing the book, at 2:42 AM after a concert in which I was reading the book between sets because I was DYING to know what happened next that badly. I was so invested in the plot and these lovable characters. I love the way AJ writes about LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent characters in such a realistic and relatable way and allows them to face the nightmarish and grotesque struggles our communities face in real life, but with that dystopian/fantasy twist and we are still provided with gorgeous examples of these characters persevering.

It means more than I can say to get to read someone trans, queer, and autistic fight through every hardship thrown at them for simply existing, learn how to ignore and overcome that horrid voice inside our heads, and break through to the other side with a future filled with healing and joy and love.

as taylor swift once said… FUCK THE PATRIARCHY.

the spirit bares it’s teeth is a gothic horror with autistic/trans rep rooted with deep enforcements of the patriarchic standards and gruesome medical practice.

this book reminded me of american horror story: aslyum with it’s paranormal elements and being locked away for being different or misunderstood. the anxiety and dread i felt for our MC throughout the book was almost unbearable but extremely necessary.

the scenes in this book are GORY so be warned. our MC is obsessed with surgery and is very descriptive with the procedures performed. you’re going to get lots of blood, lots of abuse, and lots of moments your heart is aching for these characters.

please check the trigger warnings to make sure this book is right for you.

Crossposted to Goodreads

WOW. I was expecting it to be a lot but this book really hit me harder than I expected. This review may be a tad disjointed as I'm still collecting my thoughts on the rollercoaster that was this book

The first thing that struck me about it was the main character. Silas is by far the most beautifully written autistic character I think I've ever read in anything, and I could connect to him SO WELL as a neurodiverse person myself. I think he was written in a way that will captivate and relate to many people. I feel this can be really hard to do in first person, and the author absolutely nailed it. His special interest in surgery was FASCINATING and it made him so much more real.

The Spirit Bares its Teeth is also a horrifying and eye-opening commentary on what happened (and still does) to people who are different, who don't fit into the social norms and boxes they are shoved into. It's horribly sad and horribly important to face, and facing it head-on is EXACTLY what you are forced to do. When you think it cannot get more brutal, trust me, it does. But it's not just trauma dumping--there's something to be said about everything that happens.

Silas's romance and camaraderie with Daphne was unexpected but beautifully written. The bittersweet ending set a year later was what hit me the hardest about it--Mary and Frances never had that option. I also appreciate the fact that it really emphasized how Silas especially was still healing, still struggling, but now that he had a support system he was going to be okay.

Wow...just wow. I went into this having never read White before and was blown away. Over the course of two days, I was sucked into this creepy, spelling-binding story. At its heart, this book is not about the horror but the hope that dwells within in. An absolutely stunning novel that follows the literary legacy set by Stalking Jack the Ripper and Cemetary Boys.

Thank you to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for this arc!

Andrew Joseph White has given us a new visceral, grotesque, heartbreaking yet heartwarming, young adult horror. Or, a historical horror fantasy.

In the vein of his previous novel, the story in <i>The Spirit Bares Its Teeth</i> is told through Silas, an autistic trans boy with the desperate wish to become a surgeon like his brother and to live his life as the man he is. But in an attempt to escape forced womanhood, Silas is caught and sent to the all girls school and sanitorium to combat his 'veil sickness' and prepare him for his future husband. And disturbing things commence.

I find White's books to be important. He centers voices and perspective historically omitted from traditional publishing, and his books are easily accessible for teenagers since he's writing YA, while still keeping the interest of adults. His work holds the potential to reach a wide audience. I think this is fantastic. There are so many people out there in need of this (and the previous) book!

As for the story, I did struggle somewhat to get into it at first. The beginning was very intriguing, and then it sort of lulled for me, but right about halfway it picked up again. I found the book very enjoyable - although sometimes difficult to read because of the topics he's exploring. However, this also made the book even more valuable to me. I like how White doesn't shy away from difficult themes nor extremely visceral language. His stories thrive because of these elements. I do wish we learned even more about the Royal Speaker Society and how the medium stuff worked, but I recognize that this might have turned the story into something other than intended here.

I also really enjoyed the Victorian London setting and the relationship between Silas and Daphne, as well as between Silas and his brother George. It was hard, but also nice, to witness the world through Silas in general. He's a character I see many connecting with. And I enjoyed the exploring of the themes of violence against women, queerness, gender roles, and gender binary. White has shown us that Victorian age London, through the eyes of an autistic trans boy, really is the perfect way of exploring these particular issues.

Andrew Joseph White is an auto-buy author for me from now on! Can't wait for everyone else to read this book - just remember to check trigger warnings!

Also, that cover?? One of my absolute FAVORITES this year.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a beautifully written historical horror. All of the characters were perfectly fleshed out. I particularly loved how all the girls at Braxton all had different personalities, I find in books with ensemble casts it can be hard to separate characters but I did not find this once. I appreciate the LGBTQI+ rep and Autism rep in this so much, I find in the fantasy books that get recommended to me they don’t have a lot of rep in them and it always makes me so sad… and it just adds a whole new layer of relatability for many readers when authors do have rep.

I also really enjoyed the inclusion of the bunny character, it gave a lot more of an insight into Silas as a character rather then focusing just on the plot and was just very relatable to have a little voice in Silas’s head that was impacting his character, it made many of his actions more understandable as we got an insight into his internal thoughts.

The pacing of the book was great I never felt like there were slow parts then really fast part it felt like it flowed really well.

And can we just take a second to talk about how beautiful the cover is! I don’t think I have seen a more perfect cover for a book then this one. it captures the vibe of the story perfectly.

!!!SPOILER AHEAD!!!

It was very upsetting seeing George turn from a very supportive brother to jus not caring about Silas at although, it was just sad to see him loose all of his support from before he got to Braxton, But OMG! I did not see the George plot twist coming!

I was an instant fan of Andrew Joseph White's after finishing Hell Followed With Us, and was absolutely thrilled when I got accepted to be an ARC reader for The Spirit. I think White excels particularly well in the use of the joy of connection in the midst of horrific suffering and trauma, and this book further proves it.

In this story we follow Silas, an autistic, 16-year-old trans boy living in London in the late 1800s. He is highly desirable due to the fact that he has violet eyes, a relatively newfound genetic trait that indicates the ability to commune with spirits and manipulate the Veil. We are presented with a multitude of horrors, including but not limited to: extreme medical malpractice, the abuse of young women, and the harsh attitude towards neurodivergency in this time period. There are so many surgical similes. So many in fact that I thought it was a little bit overkill, but ultimately it made sense due to Silas' hyperfixation on the medical field.

The journey this book takes you on is one of gory madness and farfetched hope, and it is amazing. I was filled with anxiety and dread with every new revelation this cast of characters encountered. White's characterization and plot devices are the perfect blend of YA and grown adult horror. Yes, this is still considered YA, but just like Hell Followed, it really toes the line for me. That being said, definitely approach this one with caution. There are many scenes that are particularly hard to stomach, and general themes that may be a little intense for any who are sensitive to them.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for granting me access to this ARC! I will most certainly be nabbing a physical copy as soon as it's available to the world.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White takes readers on a haunting journey through Victorian London, where the Veil between the living and the dead has grown thin. Silas Bell, a sixteen-year-old boy with violet eyes, finds himself trapped in a society that expects him to conform as a Speaker wife. However, Silas rebels against societal norms, struggling against an arranged marriage and battling with his own identity as an autistic trans man.

The book presents an intriguing concept, blending elements of the supernatural, historical fiction, and themes of identity and oppression. The love story between Silas and Daphne adds a heartwarming touch, and the representation of autism spectrum is commendable. Silas' experiences and struggles are relatable, shedding light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

One of the strengths of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is its ability to confront the darker aspects of history. The book delves into the horrors of systematic oppression, and the author does not shy away from depicting the violence and gory surgeries that were prevalent during that time. Trigger warnings are given, and readers should be prepared for the unsettling and disturbing aspects portrayed.

Despite the heavy themes, the book offers a sense of hope and love amidst the horrors. Silas' resilience and determination shine through, and his journey serves as a powerful exploration of navigating a world that is both neurotypical and patriarchal.

It should be noted that the content of the book may be better suited for a New Adult audience rather than a Young Adult one due to its intense and mature themes. The author's portrayal of Silas as a relatable character, regardless of his gender identity, is commendable and contributes to the book's inclusivity.

While the story is captivating and hard to put down, the world building could have been more cohesive and better explained. Some aspects felt messy and could have benefited from further development and clarity.

Overall, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a compelling and thought-provoking read. It delves into dark historical realities while offering hope, love, and representation. Readers should be prepared for the intense content and should take note of the trigger warnings provided. Despite some flaws in the world building, this book stands out as a powerful exploration of identity and resilience in the face of oppression.
4.8 rounded up to 5/5.

The first word I can think of when I describe this book is POWERFUL. There is power on the page here - in the strength of the prose, in the sheer anger that leaps off the page, in the creepy gothic vibes, in the graphic descriptions of gore and body horror. But at the heart of this book is a raw, aching vulnerability that speaks to the main character Silas's experience of transphobia, ableism and misogyny in this Victorian-era world. White's ability to get the reader inside Silas's head and bring us along with his journey was second to none.

The pace is fast and never lets up, the characters are as fascinating as they are horrific, and the atmosphere deliciously creepy. This was the first of White's books that I have read, and it grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go.

Thank you to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.