A review by auldesola
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

challenging dark emotional informative sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I needed more queer horror and AJW delivered this beautiful thing with its trans empowerment message and the wonderfully written trans male MC, Silas.

I feel like I have so much to say about The Spirit Bares its Teeth, but I don't want to spoil it. If you can handle the horror aspects of it (which, I'm not gonna lie, it probably isn't for everyone), there is something so gold here. As a trans man, myself, I saw so much of myself in Silas, whether it was some of his mindsets or thoughts shared through narrative voice. AJW got to the whole soul of it and plunged the scalpel in deep to show you the heavy, bloody truth about what it is like to be trans. What it feels like to be autistic as well. And how big of a joy it is to find someone like yourself.

Although, I would very much like to find some adult stories about trans folks, this YA is still quite wonderful and I think it's worthy of your time like it was, mine.
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