I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions are mine.

'Do you know how angry the dead can be?'

Trans boy Silas is sent to a finishing school/sanitorium for young women with 'Veil Sickness', and must do his best to survive while solving the mystery of what happened to the ghosts that haunt its grounds. Queer Gothic horror at its finest!

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's debut 'Hell Followed With Us' and dove into this headfirst. Reader, it was like getting on a rollercoaster, strapping in, and suddenly realising you've started your ride at the top of the first drop, and it isn't slowing down any time soon!

The historical fiction aspect felt grounded and realistic, the fantasy elements were eerie and fascinating, the queer horror at its heart was brutal, unforgiving, and absolutely showstopping. Make no mistake, this is gritty, gory, and unrelenting in the misery it visits upon its characters, but not in a way I ever found to be over the top or too much for the story it was crafting - just terrifying and infuriating as I refused to put it down until I hit the epilogue.

Because of the oft-unrelenting nature of the plot, the occasional brief snatches of joy, or peace, or simple understanding are all the more effective. There's a moment where Silas is truly seen and understood for one of the first times in his life, and I honestly had to take a breather and have a little cry! The characters' hearts beat so clearly on page, it was like warm afternoon sunlight breaking through a bitterly cold sky.

It follows, then, that what I most ardently adore about this book is actually its sense of hope. Torn from grasping hands and held close to heart, fought for again and again, won with fury and determination. This is not a classically happy tale, but it is ferociously, bitterly hopeful, and in some ways that means so much more to me.

Now, if you choose to read this, I definitely recommend checking the list of trigger warnings in the author's note at the beginning! This is violent, gory, and the full scale of aggressions micro to macro are visited upon characters whose society deems them 'unwell'. Nightmares are around every corner and creep into every chapter - but it is so incredibly well done that I wouldn't want anything less.

This book is haunting and beautifully written. It's also deeply disturbing and traumatic. It unlocks and shines an uncomfortable light on so much religious trauma. There's no shortage of terror in this book. Torture runs rampant, with people suffering horrifying physical consequences for defying those in power.

The connection between Daphne and Silas is so comforting in the midst of so much awfulness. This is a terrifying mirror into corruption and power structures, and how they create suffering and trauma even for the people in power. In this world, power makes monsters of men.

There was a small typo near the end of the second paragraph on page 71. "a gir will do lots of things" should say "a girl will do lots of things"

In the end, the book had an ending that nearly tied up the loose threads, gave a comforting sort of closure, and offered up a hard-won happiness for these incredible characters, who were finally able to live authentically after all they'd been through.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read Hell Followed With Us for the first time in August of 2022, and have since read it twice more, solidifying its place as my favorite book. Andrew Joseph White's next book was the most anticipated on my to-be-read for 2023. And boy, did it not disappoint. It was terrifying and gruesome and haunting, but in a way that makes the hairs on the back of your next raise and the feeling of dread settle in your stomach. Everything about it, from the horror to the characters and the romance to the depictions of gender and disability and more made this book feel like it came from the heart (and many months of research). As an autistic and trans reader, Silas will forever have a place in my own heart, right next to Benji.

This definitely has made it to my list of my favorite books of the year. Queer horror that delivers as advertised, at last. I've read a few horror books lately that don't get the dread factor down right and they're just atmospheric and gothic, not scary, to me. "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" got the atmospheric part down, infused with an undercurrent of dread throughout the narrative arc.

The book is the story of Silas Bell, who's a trans man trapped in a time and a universe that's oppressive toward women who don't fit in, who aren't obedient, biddable brood mares, in a body that doesn't belong to him. He dreams of working as a surgeon and living as his true self, but he doesn't realize how far out of reach that dream is until it's too late.

The universe in "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" was fascinating and very well done. It takes place in an alternate historical England in which some people are born with violet eyes, which gives them the ability to work the Veil, the magical division separating the realm of humans and spirits. Men are seen as the only ones with the ability to do spirit work, and women, even those born with violet eyes, are forced to marry young and bear children; if they touch the Veil they are said to have Veil sickness and in need of treatment. But really, Veil sickness is anyone who doesn't obey the heteronormative mold.

Naively thinking to escape his fate, Silas poses as another man and attempts an induction ceremony into the all-powerful Speakers Society, which controls the use of spirit work in the country. But things go horribly wrong and to escape a prison sentence, he's sent instead to a sanitorium of horrors, where abuse, torture and dangerous medical experiments are rife, all in the name of molding obedient little girls into proper wives and mothers. There Silas encounters ghosts with horror stories of their own and finds an unexpected kindred spirit in the suitor in his arranged engagement, who is also trans.

First and foremost, I loved the characters. The trans representation was so well done and not fetishized or performative, but it helped me understand the trans experience better. It felt so authentic in the way it described the historical struggles of trans people and how they viewed their gender identity with all the barriers for men and women who aren't stereotypically cis and straight. This ultimately was a feminist novel as well, women and men who don't belong taking back their power in an oppressive patriarchal system, but it wasn't stereotypical, preachy or in-your-face about it. It almost read like historical nonfiction minus the supernatural elements since I was fascinated to learn that medical experimentation like that was more common than you might think.

It wasn't all horrific abuse and oppression, though. There were several moments of trans joy as well as the horror. I loved the gentle romance between Silas and Daphne against all odds, and the transformation of Silas's character from the meek and obedient. I also could tell he was autistic without the author actually saying it, which I appreciated; really added to the character and rang true to the time period as well.

This was a strong narrative that kept me on tenterhooks the entire time, wondering if Silas would ever fight back, if the dread would win out in the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Good! Good! Good! I love trans rights and autism and vivisection and an ambiguous ending and the inherent transness of the trans body and ghosts and teeth and bisexuality and t4t dynamics!

Thanks to PeachTree and NetGalley for the eARC of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth!!

*4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for the sake of the NetGalley rating system*

I read an eARC of Hell Followed With Us and loved it so I have been anxiously awaiting this book. Andrew Joseph White did not disappoint me!!

This book presents a snappy and quick plot that makes it very readable and hard to put down. I wanted a little more time to get to know some of the girls in the story more, but I know that is part of the nature of the story and our main character's struggle to socialize with others. But a brief interlude somewhere between a lot of the action would have been nice. Additionally, I think I wanted a bit more time with our MC and the love interest, Daphne. Things clicked into place them very quickly, but not in so much of a way that I didn't like them together. I did feel very connected with Silas, our MC. His anxious personality resonated with me and I enjoyed his growth throughout the book as he hashed out what it means to be man, not just in society but how he fits into his own definition of it.

As with Hell Followed With Us, this is a YA book, but more so the older end of YA. There are lots of serious themes and topics that rarely make into YA books, but that is probably why I love White's YA books so much. I love when a book isn't afraid to get gritty and disgusting. I think I liked the nature of the body horror better in Hell Followed With Us, but that is not to discount the body horror in this book. It was very clinical and I still loved it. But if you are squeamish...maybe tread lightly with this book. But I loved it.

Highly recommend this book for fans of horror and specifically body horror!

Thank you Netgalley and PeachTree Teen for providing me with this book in exchange for a review.

*4.5

"They must have convinced themselves they would never rot in the same dirt we do."

Andrew Joseph White said "you want body horror and gore with beautiful prose? BET" and proceeded to write this novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading Hell Followed with Us last year, but this is definitely a step up writing and plot-wise.
Silas is a solid character and we see him navigate Victorian England as an autistic trans boy. You're there to experience the injustice, prejudice, and violence inflicted upon him and afab people every step of the way, and it's visceral and gross and wrong yet you can't look away.
In short, this book goes from 0 to 100 really quick, and you better strap on because it's a hell of a ride.

One of my most anticipated reads this year and I was NOT disappointed!

Silas is a boy. If only the rest of the world would see him that way. After a failed attempt trying to escape his arranged marriage he’s said to have Veil sickness and sent to a school that turns young women into perfect little wives. He either has to do as they say or go missing like the others.

It’s dark. It’s gritty. It’s gory. It’s everything I’ve come to love about this authors writing. My heart broke for Silas throughout this entire book and I couldn’t stop reading! I did not want to put it down.

An instant new favorite

5/5

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

—

Oh. My. God.

Andrew Joseph White has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. I’ve been in quite the reading slump lately, but I devoured this book in under 48 hours. It’s truly a talent for a YA book to keep me on the edge of my seat to this extent. I found myself seriously questioning whether or not we’d get a happy ending. For me, it was unprecedented in this genre and utterly exhilarating.

But, at the same time, it was completely harrowing. I kept thinking, “This is awful, I can’t imagine it getting any worse,” and then, you guessed it, it got so much worse. And frankly, I’m not sure I’m surprised. White has a talent for taking the gruesome, violent reality of things and forcing you to look it in the eyes whether you like it or not. One of the notes I left while reading the book reads: “I feel like every time I whip my head to look at the awful thing that’s just happened a new atrocity pops up behind me… I can’t escape them.” And I think that’s the most apt way to describe this book.

But, that said, this book had some moments of bliss, as well. Between Silas, our autistic trans main character, and his trans love interest. And between Silas and another autistic character he meets. I found myself unable to sit still in the few moments we see Silas find peace with his identity thanks to recognizing it in someone else because they were so truly happy.

While the words “trans” and “autistic” are never used due to the anachronistic issues with the terms, the joy (and the pain) these characters undergo is so unique to the experiences of those communities that White makes it impossible to think them anything but what they are.

I am a huge fan of Hell Followed With Us and had wondered if this novel would be able to live up to its predecessor and I can say with absolute certainty that White has managed that and more. The Spirit Bears Its Teeth is a perfect mix of magic and reality so that it builds upon the themes it sets out to portray rather than overshadowing them. I couldn’t look away, even when I really wanted to, and I think that’s the point.

Oh man- I expected The Spirit Bares Its Teeth to be good, but I truly did not expect it to take hold of my heart ad head the way it did. This book is visceral, gory at times, and an absolutely wild ride. Silas, Daphne, and the other characters absolutely stole my heart. The lore of the Speakers and the magic system was presented in a way that wasn't too complex but still gave enough information to understand the world that had shaped Silas' family, the school, and the adults around him. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. Another absolute winner from AJW.

I will add to this review once I have all my thoughts in order, but I am obsessed with this book. I was hooked from the start!

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is about a boy stuck in a female's body, who wants to be a surgeon. Much like his brother as well as inspired by the late (fe)male Dr. Berry. In this world are people who have various shades of purple irises. These people are important to the elitists of the old Victorian, Great Britain.

TW transphobia, ableism, graphic violence, sexual assault, discussions of forced pregnancy and miscarriage, mentions of suicidal ideation, extensive medical gore

This historical fantasy is not for the faint of heart. This is actually my first horror book so I had no expectations other than that it could have gore. Which it did.
I have respect for all these characters and I would even call Daphne my favourite. When I started to read this book I had forgotton who she was and to me she was a woman from the start. The trapped women all had distinct personalities which was great and they all impressed me on an emotional level. It made it easier for me to form opinions about them and imagine a backstory for the ones that didn't really have one.
It had so much empathy for the people who were treated as lab rats and was uninterested towards the ruthless men. I wish I could say that George's betrayal shocked me.

Something I can't let go of is the pronouns of he main character and which view I had over him.
The other characters used the pronoun they saw to adress the main character (she/her), therefore it was difficult to stitch the correct pronoun to Silas/Gloria. And I was only able to see him as a boy at the very end. It bothered me to an extent that I thought of myself of a hater who is not capeable to correctly use his pronouns. Which, thankfully, happend even if it was too late.

I had not even the tiniest idea of what type of story this could be and the first chapter alone told me I had to be ready for the craziest book I'll get to read this month, The story is beautifully written with not to many details unless it had to be. Personally I wasn't a fan of the abortion part. And the only reason for that was because of the details that quite literally made me shiver. That and the dissected women in the basement. Even though the events in the book most likely have happend before to minorities, it's something I'd like to forget.

There grammar was not hard so I'm confident that the readers whose native language isn't english, are still able to follow this story with ease. Something that some authors don't care about. Not saying that it should be their top priority though. Just something I appriciate.

Is the book dark? Yes but if have read books with these tw's before, and weren't traumatised by them, this will work just fine.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Last year I read Andrew Joseph White’s first book Hell Followed With Us, and it ended up being my favourite book of the year. So it’s safe to say that I had incredibly high expectations for his second book, and I definitely was not dissappointed.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth had me glued to the pages from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the very end. I loved the horror elements and the setting a lot, but most of all I loved the characters. Silas and Daphne were both incredibly complex characters and it was very easy to fall in love with them, which, thinking about all the horrible things that happen to them, especially to Silas, was great, but also heartbreaking.

I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait to see what Andrew Joseph White writes next, because after having read his first two books and loving both of them, I’m convinced that whatever comes next will be just as horrifying and amazing.

I realize there is so much pressure on authours that write an incredible first book to live up to those expectations in their second book, and Andrew Joseph White's last book, Hell Followed With Us was something special. I think it's fair to say that his second book, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is immaculate.

It is incredibly crafted, the words are so intentional, and the authour creates such a visceral ambiance of horror and discomfort. But in a way that for me was tolerable, didn't feel gratuitous, and at times, was even oddly uplifting. The characters are lovable or strongly dislikable. where appropriate, but they all feel very alive, flawed, wonderful, and/or terrible, and they could step out of the page at any moment.. The descriptions of the settings transported me to a dark creepy house/finishing school/institution while I was curled up with my e-reader, I simply couldn't put this book down and the pacing was great.

I'll admit, horror isn't generally my genre and I probably would have missed out on reading his first book without a direct recommendation from a trusted friend, but I really like what he's doing with his writing - this book held my hand a little, made me feel some feelings, and told an absolutely compelling story, that's brutal, but also loving and empathetic.

Does this book require content warnings? Yes. Does the authour provide many of them himself in his kind Letter from the Authour at the very beginning? Also yes.. I appreciated the encouragement to not endure the book if it wasn't what you were able to read at the moment. I also appreciated the authour note at the end - reenforcing that while this book is a work of fiction, real horrifying things have been done in the name of science and medicine, especially in history, and suggests two very good books to learn more,

Thank you Netgalley and Peach Tree Teen for approving my request to read this. I kept hearing such good things about this novel and had previously read another work Andrew Joseph White's Hell Followed With Us. I had been anticipating reading more since I read that one. I saw all over Twitter and TikTok that this novel was on its way.
I devoured this the moment I got a notification that I got approved. I loved the presentation of the plot and the characters. I wanted to know what would happen with Silas and this novel kept me on my toes. With this novel, I felt the angst of having to conform. No one should be forced into conforming and this novel does an excellent job of sharing the perspective.
I extremely enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read more from this author. I plan to buy both this work and his other work. I'm so glad I got a chance to read the arc.

"if we still had the fingers to take out their eyes, we would feast on them like witches"

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for this arc!
This book has left me spellbound. Every single word of this novel has bewitched me and is crafted with care and precision. I immediately fell in love with the characters, and I want to cradle them and their sharp teeth to my chest. I am so excited to see what Andrew Joseph White does next!

Andrew Joseph White's "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" is a suspenseful supernatural thriller that combines themes of mystery, horror, and the paranormal. White provides a fascinating and suspenseful read with its atmospheric location, chilling suspense, and a terrifying tale of ancient curses and evil spirits.

The narrative centres on Silas Bell, a sceptic investigator who becomes sucked into a web of sinister secrets and paranormal activity in a tiny hamlet. He discovers a long-forgotten curse that endangers the lives of the town's residents as he looks further into the mystery. Before it's too late, Bell must battle evil spirits and discover the truth.

The setting that Andrew Joseph White has created for "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" is where readers are drawn into a world tinted with horror and mystical undertones because of the author's descriptive descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. As the plot develops, White's dramatic and evocative writing style heightens the suspense.

The interesting and complicated characters in "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" each have their secrets and goals, giving the story depth by bringing a sense of mystery and mystique. There is a noticeable uneasiness because of how tense and distrustful the character's relationships are.

The narrative is paced with increasing suspense and riveting discoveries by White. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats as they solve the mystery alongside the protagonists as the plot takes unexpected turns. Readers are left wondering what is real and what is a result of the characters' worries and beliefs as a result of the author's deft merging of supernatural aspects with psychological suspense.

The book explores issues like the strength of faith and the evil that lurks within us. The distinction between the natural and the supernatural is hazy within the exploration of the thin line between reality and superstition. The novel also explores the effects of earlier decisions and the extent people will go to keep secrets hidden.

The supernatural thriller "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" is suspenseful and evocative, yet some of the characters or the plot should have been explored more. The occult may not be appealing to all readers because the plot is mostly centred on the paranormal. However, the eerie surroundings, thrilling narrative, and examination of old curses and evil spirits produce a terrifying reading experience. This novel is an engaging and compelling read because of the language, fascinating characters, and effective blending of supernatural and psychological themes. If you enjoy reading stories of mystery, horror, and the paranormal, "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" will leave you with a lingering feeling of unease and a desire for more. Suspenseful storytelling, the investigation of ancient curses, and malevolent spirits make for an engaging and chilling reading experience.

"Mors vincit Omnia."

Wow! What an amazing book!!
Would love to read more from the author.
Thankyou netgalley for the Arc!
Full review will be uploaded soon

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a story enjoyed on two simultaneous planes: The story itself is horror-filled and wonderfully macabre, written with the kind of poetry that reminds you of biting because you must, but it's everything else - the detail, the word choice, and the pacing - that really sells it. From seeing the world through the lens of Silas' struggles of being both autistic and trans to the largely misogynistic underpinnings that keep their world moving, every detail feels hand-crafted to keep you looking at the realities of a world most would shy away from. Andrew Joseph White has a way of capturing the reader's attention, of making them look and saying, "Isn't this abominable? Isn't it grotesque?" while leaving you wishing for more.

There is strength in breaking the status quo, in being yourself and fighting against that which harms, in accepting weakness, and I think that's something captured beautifully here.

This book is so wonderful! Watching Silas learn to love himself was an absolute joy. The historical portion of this was really well done and absolutely terrifying. This is an engaging book that captures a lot of terror.