Take a photo of a barcode or cover
pagesofplatypus 's review for:
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth
by Andrew Joseph White
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
Andrew Joseph White, may both sides of your pillow always be cool.
First off, the setting in this is exquisite! Immediately you're transported to Victorian England. The magic system and world building is all done very well and straightforward. I love occultism and everything that happens at the institute Silas is sent to serves up the dark, gothic atmosphere perfectly. There is quite a bit of gore, but most of it is described through a medical lens so it's not as gross as it could otherwise come across.
Silas is one of the best YA protagonists I've come across in a while! He's incredibly smart, deeply caring, protective of those he cares about, and above all brave. It is so rare to see trans representation in fantasy or historical settings and Silas' character and representation is executed so poignantly. He has to deal with not only the standard bigotry of Victorian England but also his impending forced marriage to a Speaker and the constant loss of autonomy of both body and self as his future is decided for him. I also like how often it's affirmed that Silas is very proudly trans no matter what the world tries to define him as. And that most of his struggles only arise because of how other people perceive and pre-conceive him.
As well, though it is not explicitly stated due to there being no language for it during Victorian times, it is clear Silas has the 'tism. He's constantly told to stop fidgeting, that he's rude and lacks the ability to discern social cues, that he has not outgrown things he should have. It's all another mask Silas has to wear to deny his true identity and conform to society's expectations and plays a part in why he's sent off to be "corrected." Silas also has the Rabbit, an internal voice, who often admonishes and speaks to Silas.
The rest of the characters are all nicely fleshed out as well. I especially love Daphne and Isabelle. I was ambivalent on the other girls Silas meets at first, but Mary also grew on me a ton! I truly despise Mrs. Forrester and Charlotte. I understand their characters and how they reperesent the upholding of patriarchy which is precisely why they are so detestable. We also get a little bit of the spirits' persepective through short verses every few chapters.
The underlying mystery was predictable but no less exciting. Everything about the Speakers and their obsession with who should and shouldn't be allowed to control the Veil between life and afterlife and the dark secrets regarding it at the school is delicious to unravel. I love a little ghost action so Silas communicating with the spirits and working to uncover what exactly is happening to the disappeared girls at the school is all very suspenseful and the reveal is very heartbreaking and enraging.
Lastly, this is the first time I've actually rooted for and been enrapt by a romance in a teen/YA story in a long time. Silas and Daphne are absolutely beautiful together and I really really loved seeing them trust one another and find solace in each other.
First off, the setting in this is exquisite! Immediately you're transported to Victorian England. The magic system and world building is all done very well and straightforward. I love occultism and everything that happens at the institute Silas is sent to serves up the dark, gothic atmosphere perfectly. There is quite a bit of gore, but most of it is described through a medical lens so it's not as gross as it could otherwise come across.
Silas is one of the best YA protagonists I've come across in a while! He's incredibly smart, deeply caring, protective of those he cares about, and above all brave. It is so rare to see trans representation in fantasy or historical settings and Silas' character and representation is executed so poignantly. He has to deal with not only the standard bigotry of Victorian England but also his impending forced marriage to a Speaker and the constant loss of autonomy of both body and self as his future is decided for him. I also like how often it's affirmed that Silas is very proudly trans no matter what the world tries to define him as. And that most of his struggles only arise because of how other people perceive and pre-conceive him.
As well, though it is not explicitly stated due to there being no language for it during Victorian times, it is clear Silas has the 'tism. He's constantly told to stop fidgeting, that he's rude and lacks the ability to discern social cues, that he has not outgrown things he should have. It's all another mask Silas has to wear to deny his true identity and conform to society's expectations and plays a part in why he's sent off to be "corrected." Silas also has the Rabbit, an internal voice, who often admonishes and speaks to Silas.
The rest of the characters are all nicely fleshed out as well. I especially love Daphne and Isabelle. I was ambivalent on the other girls Silas meets at first, but Mary also grew on me a ton! I truly despise Mrs. Forrester and Charlotte. I understand their characters and how they reperesent the upholding of patriarchy which is precisely why they are so detestable. We also get a little bit of the spirits' persepective through short verses every few chapters.
The underlying mystery was predictable but no less exciting. Everything about the Speakers and their obsession with who should and shouldn't be allowed to control the Veil between life and afterlife and the dark secrets regarding it at the school is delicious to unravel. I love a little ghost action so Silas communicating with the spirits and working to uncover what exactly is happening to the disappeared girls at the school is all very suspenseful and the reveal is very heartbreaking and enraging.
Lastly, this is the first time I've actually rooted for and been enrapt by a romance in a teen/YA story in a long time. Silas and Daphne are absolutely beautiful together and I really really loved seeing them trust one another and find solace in each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Deadnaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Abortion, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Dysphoria