Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison

58 reviews

caseymac's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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frnknbrry's review against another edition

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medium-paced

2.5

i enjoy the author & mostly enjoyed the book but i just have a major bone to pick
with the way she used the werewolf in relation to trauma/abuse/mental health which is the whole point. i don’t like that the only other names, known survivor is who bit her and who is portrayed as destructive and dangerous. i really didn’t like the first scene with silver. i greatly disliked that the resolution to (trauma/sudden transformation) is to be more normal and settle down and that will make things better.
but i held on because i could see what she was going for and really wanted it to be as cool as i wanted it to be.

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binreads's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. As someone who is unapologetically in love with everything Twilight, it was fun to read something supernatural again. It's been so long! 

I loved Rory's inner thoughts, and I honestly found her hilarious. I loved the dynamic between her and her sister, Scarlett. All the other characters like Ash, Seth, Mia, etc were all great additions, all with their own unique personalities. The pacing was great, love how we started at Halloween and ended after New Year's. I never felt bored and it kept me wanting more and more of the story. I could totally see a sequel.

This is labelled as a 'dark comedic love story', which it's really not? I find it focuses mostly on Rory and her transformation both mentally and physically while grappling with her becoming a werewolf. Her relationship with Ian's is a fun bonus but there's not enough focus or depth to it for the entire book to be labeled a love story. Really, it's a love story with Rory and finding herself to be honest. 

The one thing I didn't find so believable is the fact that Rory is on this work leave that lasts for months and she's only in her 20's. Coupled with the fact that her job is in NYC, and she happens to be at a high ranking level, I'm not saying it's impossible but honestly, her being a werewolf is much more believable. I don't think the NYC backstory, really added much to character. 

The ending climax definitely felt rushed. Would have loved to see more fallout and conflict after what happens.
I feel like her and Mia's conflict could've lasted longer. And the fact that Ian just outright accepts Rory literally being a werewolf felt far fetched. I actually thought Ian was going to be the one who changed Rory, but once we find out it's Mia all along, it totally made sense. I also think it could've worked though if it was just a random person who did it. I hope down the line Rory finds Dave and gives him what he deserves.

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rachel Harrison’s newest horror takes a refreshingly modern approach to werewolf lore that, I have to admit pleasantly surprised me. 

Full of dark humour and a loveably snarky protagonist,Such Sharp Teeth explores trauma, rage, and the often complex road to recovery through a paranormal (and feminist) lens that definitely tugged at my heartstrings. 

The viscerally grotesque imagery was really good and definitely stayed true to the genre, though do brace yourself if you’re even remotely squeamish as it’s not pretty. I must admit I was a little grossed out by some of the descriptions (particularly that horrifyingly detailed rat scene.) 

However, the intensity and depth of emotions packed into these scenes—both in the aftermath of the attack and Rory’s first transformation—really resonated with me and will definitely appeal to anyone who loves flawed, nuanced characters confronting and overcoming the obstacles in their life. 

I absolutely loved Rory, who is one of the most nuanced and complex protagonists I’ve ever encountered. Having reluctantly agreed to temporarily move back to her hometown (and live) with her pregnant sister (who recently split from her long term boyfriend), Rory finds herself struggling to cope with the resurfacing memories of her past trauma and the relationships that have become strained as a result—and made infinitely more complicated by her new (secret) life as a werewolf. 

Honestly, having found out what Rory had to go through as a child, I totally understood her frustration and rage, particularly at her mother. And though she managed to find the strength and fortitude to embark on the journey of self-acceptance and healing, I don’t think I could be nearly so forgiving had I been in Rory’s position. 

Ian, however was an absolute cinnamon roll and I loved how patient he was with Rory throughout her dark and painful emotional crises. Watching their flirtation and relationship slowly unfold was just a genuine delight and only added to the swoon-worthiness. 

Overall, a fiercely witty, ferociously feminist and heartfelt horror that’s perfect for newbies to the genre or anyone looking for something spooky to devour.

Also, thank you to Titan books for the finished copy 

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vixenreader's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Not as much of a horror book as it
is a supernatural drama, it still is an engaging read about the how internalized rage and trauma can manifest decades later, and at the most inopportune time. 

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queergoth_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley but all thoughts are my own. 

I was very excited to read Such Sharp Teeth as I absolutely loved Rachel Harrison's previous book Cackle. Unfortunately it didn't quite have the same impact on me. 

The book follows Rory as she tries to navigate lycanthropy, moving back home to help her sister and dating her former highschool friend. 

I felt like this book was simultaneously exactly what I expected and not which made for a bit of a weird reading experience. I really enjoyed the journey that Rory was going through and how it impacted her on top of all the other things she was dealing with. However, I felt like most of the other characters were a bit underdeveloped. Everyone has a lot going on and I feel like Rory just kind of blows them off so we never really get to know them except when it's relavent to the story. I also didn't really feel the chemistry between her and Iain. Most of their history was pre-book so it felt like I just had to assume it was there, even though Rory didn't like him in school. I don't know, it just didn't do it for me. 

I also felt that the pacing was a bit off. I think that is probably to do with the side characters not really having a moment until it was relavent. Or at least that's how it felt to me. 

I feel like I've got a lot of criticisms but honestly I did enjoy this. I kept reading because I was invested in Rory and I do think this is good if you want some low stakes casual horror. 

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erinoco's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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valmai's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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sunshinestark's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0


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candeegirl's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I got a lot more out of this book than I was expecting, I went into it thinking it was going to be a fun werewolf romance but what I got was more of allegory about woman's suffering and silence. This book captured woman's rage very well, and in a very fun and digestible way. I would've loved some more of the romance but I still had a lot of fun reading about Rorys transformation.

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