Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

666 reviews

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad 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

This is genuinely one of my favorite books. This author is so talented and I always feel like I’m right beside the characters as the story goes on. I love a T4T romance. Normally, I don’t read historical fiction/period pieces but this one was an exception, probably because of the queerness of it all. AJW, you nailed it again. 

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

There was a lot about this book that I really liked. A clearly autistic protagonist was one of them. I really enjoyed Silas' characterization for the most part.
The one thing I will note is I'm not sure if the rabbit was supposed to represent self-doubt/fear or an anxiety disorder. I'm happy he was able to overcome it, but I wish its fate was more nuanced? I'm not exactly sure how to explain it? I did appreciate that Silas wasn't all 'fixed' at the end and still had to fight against PTSD from his experiences. That makes me think that the rabbit was supposed to be self-doubt/fear based, but I still didn't like the thought that Silas could just kill that part of himself.
 

Daphne was by far my favourite, and I wish we got to see much more of her in the book.
Daphne and Silas' being 2 sides of the same coin and mirrors of each other was a real credit to the story. Usually, I don't like the love at first sight trope (or love at first conversation), but this actually made sense to me.


The sanitorium/school was pretty scary for the most part.
I wish there had been more adults there. The idea that the students couldn't band together and take the Forresters down was a bit difficult to believe. In the end, that's kinda what happened. I just wonder why it didn't happen sooner.
Some of the choices that the adults in this book make does make it feel very Y/A. That's not a bad thing, just something to note. I was just lacking a sense of extreme danger in some places.
However, the abortion/c-section scene was fantastic. That whole section was done super well.


I can't decide if I want a second book or not.
The brother's takedown would be super fun. Also, I felt like that was a thread that was left loose that I would have liked to see tied up. On the other hand, I was pretty happy with the ending as a whole. The squad going to take down The Speakers is a great ending. Ok, I do actually want a second book. Mostly, I just want Silas' brother to get punched.
 

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challenging dark hopeful mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is one of these books that I ended with just starring at the wall. I loved it - the message it stands for, the warning for the men who claim a woman and get rid of everything that might show them their flaws, show them they are not gods and everyone who isn't a cis man has to bow before them. So much power in a character that cries and is weak but finds strength in that "weakness". Andrew has done it once again. Make me furious for those that came before us and angry at those who still claim power over people who live with disabilies, queer people, women and so many more. 
The gore was very well done, so well done, in fact, I have questions for Andrew... hahaha.
Also, Daphne and Silas use such beautiful language for each other. I was giggling every time they met.
All in all, I think I will remember this book for a long while.

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dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

MIND THE TRIGGER WARNINGS 
oh my god
A dark read I generally would not agree falling into YA, really more New Adult or just adult with a teen protagonist, similar to Library of the Dead. 

Some very relatable and authentic representation of autistic and trans characters that was at times heartwarming and other times soul crushing. 

The ending wrapped up ridiculously quick, which lost it a star. 

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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

 
I had to sit with this book a bit before writing my review.

This is truly one of the most impactful YA books I have read in my entire life. Despite it's fictional writing, this book draws upon historical events. Knowing this, the contents in the book were even more emotionally bounding. 

This book explores the institutionalization of minorities including BIPOC & Queer people but also women. It also explores forms of resistance against oppressive systems, these topics are essential to the book and were incorporated in a phenomenal way. 

The historical incorporations alongside the horror sends chills down your back and hits to your deepest core.

Sillas is an incredible protagonist. His courage and bravery is truly like no other. He is a character that draws you in and changes your entire life. Sillas alongside the cast of characters dig their nails in your brain creating a much more thrilling experience.

By the end of the book, I had to sit and stare at a blank wall because I simply couldn't believe what I had read. Truly one of the best YA horror books.

I read this via audio and the narrator did an amazing job at depicting the story and Silla's voice. In all honesty, I recommend everyone read this audio to truly get a vivid picture of Sillas and his story.

I do recommend to look at trigger warnings, this book deals with some serious topics that can be triggering to folks.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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