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A review by asparagusisreading
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
River of Teeth is a historical fiction inspired by a real plan the United States government concocted to breed and slaughter hippopotamuses as an alternative meat source. The story is set in 1890s America after the plan has been put in place - multiple hippo generations have come and gone, bred and raised like cattle. Despite the government's best efforts, the plan failed when the hippos became feral and savage, eating anyone and everyone that got too close. To solve their problem, the government hires a small team of mercenary hippo wranglers, lead by Winslow Houndstooth... a man looking for a fortune and revenge.
River of Teeth successfully weaves relationship dynamics and non-heteronormative characters into a fast-paced compelling story full of adventure and mischief, tension (both romantic and murderous), a heist, romance, humor, violence, and history - all packed into less than 200 pages. When this book popped up in StoryGraph's "Up Next Recommendations" feature, I was intrigued. I did not expect to be sucked in immediately and so enthralled by the story. I mean, who wouldn't be intrigued by mercenary cowboys riding hippos? Think The Magnificent Seven, Wild Wild West, The Harder They Fall, and Razorblade Tears. I finished the book in just a few hours reading physically and listening to the audiobook. I have the sequel queued up for tomorrow because I need to know more. This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Gailey and I will certainly be reading more.
Representation: (I don't remember a confirmed official sexuality on page but I assume) pan/bi male main characters, bi plus sized female main character, nonbinary main character (they/them), aroace Latina main character,
River of Teeth successfully weaves relationship dynamics and non-heteronormative characters into a fast-paced compelling story full of adventure and mischief, tension (both romantic and murderous), a heist, romance, humor, violence, and history - all packed into less than 200 pages. When this book popped up in StoryGraph's "Up Next Recommendations" feature, I was intrigued. I did not expect to be sucked in immediately and so enthralled by the story. I mean, who wouldn't be intrigued by mercenary cowboys riding hippos? Think The Magnificent Seven, Wild Wild West, The Harder They Fall, and Razorblade Tears. I finished the book in just a few hours reading physically and listening to the audiobook. I have the sequel queued up for tomorrow because I need to know more. This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Gailey and I will certainly be reading more.
Representation: (I don't remember a confirmed official sexuality on page but I assume) pan/bi male main characters, bi plus sized female main character, nonbinary main character (they/them), aroace Latina main character,
Content Warnings:
- violence and gore with blood
- deaths and murder, including both humans and animals
- theft and arson
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Violence, Murder, Death, and Blood