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natreviews 's review for:

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
4.25
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is a very good horror story that takes place over a night... or maybe half a night? Cassandra Khaw has a way with words. Her writing is excellent. The only real issues is I felt like the story wasn't long enough, or maybe this wasn't the right medium to tell it. I kept on thinking that this would make an awesome short film. This book could've easily been 100 pages longer than it was, and I think I might've liked it even more. For what it is though, it isn't bad. 

I also love how they called out the typical horror tropes. It was kind of funny and smart to put them in. Also, I highly recommend having your phone with you or reading near a computer if you're not familiar with Japanese Demon/Spirit lore. You can understand from the text that all of the demons mentioned are... well... demons. They all do hold a different meaning within the culture though. I wouldn't say it's required, but enhances the reading if you know the general lore behind them. 

I also need to give a shout out (and what makes this a 4.25/5 instead of just a 4/5) to Samuel Araya for the illustration on the cover. Gives Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark vibes, and as a child would terrify me (still as an adult, it's really creepy). I would get this book just for the cover alone to be honest. It's scary as all get out and I am here for it.

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