The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

Where do I begin? I finished this book and immediately ordered Andrew's other book from my library. After page 128, I devoured the book in one sitting.

As someone who is not neurodivergent or trans the way Andrew writes Silas's internal struggles and inner monologues was truly eye opening. He does a perfect job of describing what it feels like to be born into the wrong body. The societal and personal struggles are not only historically relevant, but I'm sure easy to relate to even now. As a YA book, I know that young people (and even old ones, like me... 34) will see themselves in these characters and find comfort whether they struggle with wanting to feel “normal” as a neurodiverse person or even someone with depression/anxiety. Despite all of the internal struggle that Silas goes through, he never wavers for more than a few moments about his true identity and his strength shines through this book from beginning to end. I loved the side characters of Daphne, Mary, and Isabella and felt sorrowful for many others. I love a book that can connect you to its characters in such a way that you don't want it to end. This book has everything- gothic vibes, romance, self-discovery, found family, suspense, historical basis, and beautiful representation. Many TWs but being YA I personally did not feel like anything was so horrible that I needed to put the book down. If you are VERY sensitive to sexual assault in books, probably don't read this, if you can handle some, you'll be okay.

I feel like there is so much more I want to write but right now all I can say is that this book is AMAZING and it will live rent free in my brain forever. <3