This book was nothing like I expected, but Jenni Howell has an unusual way of telling a story. Boys With Sharp Teeth is full of angsty characters, twisted morals, and although I wanted to love this book it did leave me confused many times throughout the book.

Unfortunately, this book isn't for me - although being marketed as queer it definitely isn't and the world building/storytelling in general was lacking. I found it quite difficult to get into and had to try multiple times before I was able to read it all the way through. This will be someone's 5 star read, it just wasn't mine.

I'm a big lover of character driven stories, even above plot-driven. So in that respect, this book felt really appealing to me.
I absolutely loved the dark academia theme, and you can't really go wrong with the rich brat kids behaving badly trope. The only thing I wasn't completely sold on was Marin/ Jamie as the unreliable narrator. Not because I dislike first person narration, which I do. However, I think it's important to allow backstories to unfold, allowing readers to find out about a character. Unfortunately here, it never felt like there was anywhere near enough information early on to set the scene and all the way through the book I kept waiting for information to help build Marin/ Jamie as a character, but I felt like what I needed never really arrived.
For example, the background story of Marin's mother is so fragmented and unclear, I never really fully understood what happened there, and this felt like much of a theme throughout this book- also for what concerned Sam.
As a result her feelings, hatred, loved and fears felt too detached to allow me to justify them, or understand her at all, which in turn made the book less engaging and in the end I wasn't all that interested in what happened to her- not a good place to be, when you have a first-person narrative.

I felt like too many scenes are there 'just because'- they don't particularly help progress the story or build the characters, which in turn makes them feel like written to unnecessarily prolong the story without adding much to it.
Everything is always hinted, which is fine initially, to keep you on your toes and to keep you guessing. Unfortunately, at times, hints were too subtle to give the story enough focus. A lot of smoke and mirrors, but not enough action and clarity, until the point I felt it was too late.

I think what ultimately let this book down somewhat is the fact that it's YA. The writing is dark and atmospheric; the tension, dynamics, obsession, are all there. But I couldn't shake the feeling that all that tension could really go somewhere good if allowed to peak and unravel- unfortunately it doesn't, and it all wastefully just fizzles out.
Sadly this book felt too much like style over substance- like it was trying a bit too hard, just like Marin.
I'm very sorry, because I really wanted to love it.

The premise and the cover? Fantastic.
The execution? It wasn't great for me, at least as far as I got. Lots of unrealistic aspects that destroyed my immersion (I can suspend disbelief but there was a LOT to suspend here) + unclear vibe + rushed writing (?). Maybe I should have read longer, but I really wasn't clicking with it.

Wow—what a breathtaking dark academia debut! This novel masterfully explores the depths of obsession, delusion, and the razor-thin boundary between love and hate, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems.

At just seventeen, Marin James is relentless in her pursuit of the truth surrounding her cousin’s mysterious death. Her suspicions fall on Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu—the enigmatic, dangerously magnetic leaders of the school’s most exclusive circle. Determined to uncover their secrets, Marin infiltrates the academy’s elite world, only to find herself ensnared in a tangled web of attraction, deception, and shifting allegiances. As the lines between justice and vengeance blur, she begins to question not only the boys' culpability but also her own perception of the truth.

Jenni’s writing is utterly spellbinding—each twist and revelation upends everything you thought you knew, creating a narrative that constantly straddles the line between reality and illusion. The novel’s atmospheric tension is palpable, its characters beautifully layered and emotionally raw, making this a story that lingers in your mind long after the final page is turned.

Boys with Sharp Teeth is a dark academia triumph, perfect for readers who crave intricate storytelling, morally grey characters, and an intoxicating sense of mystery. With its hauntingly lyrical prose and perfectly paced suspense, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of the genre. An enthralling, thought-provoking experience that demands to be devoured—five stars, without question.

Boys With Sharp Teeth is one of the most unique novels I have ever read. I was immediately drawn in by the plot - 'wicked' boys, dangerous characters and a dark academia setting I adore. Accompanied with the beautiful, if sometimes self-indulgent and grandiose, prose that marks the genre.
Overall, I had a good time whilst reading, enjoying the unique storytelling which had a lot more questions than answers. I was happy to suspend my disbelief for the majority of the plot as the tone was giving me all spooky and dark vibes I love about the genre. Plus, that gorgeous cover!

The issue I had throughout, is that in the name of being 'mysterious' there were times were the plot stepped from being intentionally cryptic to outright confusing and incomprehensible - whilst a lot of this becomes clearer towards the end, I still spent a little too much of the story feeling lost when a little more understanding would have only heightened the tension and building sense of dread.

Nonetheless, the toxic and twisted character relationships within this book really were a highlight and for that alone I would be interested in the authors future work. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a villain origin story?

I love a story with morally grey (sometimes morally black) characters and a constant air of danger; so, Boys With Sharp Teeth hit a lot of marks for me. But for those who are happy to be swept up in the mystery of it all this book really is YA dark academia at it's core.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re looking for a book that feels like a fever dream wrapped in a philosophical debate and sprinkled with just enough danger to make you question your life choices, Boys with Sharp Teeth is it. It’s eerie, it’s mesmerizing, and it’s nothing like anything I usually read—which made it all the more refreshing.

Our main character, Marin, decides to go undercover as ‘Jamie’ (because that always goes well!) at an elite boarding school to investigate the mysterious death of her best friend. Her plan? Move in with his former roommates—the very people she suspects. Smart move? Absolutely not. Entertaining? Oh, definitely. These boys are progressively more unhinged, and after Jamie purposefully crashes a car (as one does), one of them—Henry—develops a rather intense fascination with her. Their relationship isn’t so much romantic as it is a psychological tug-of-war. Henry wants to possess Jamie. Jamie wants to use Henry for information. It’s less enemies to lovers and more morally gray chess match with a side of danger.

Meanwhile, Jamie navigates classes, lurks in the library, and finds herself exchanging quotes in the margins of a book with a mysterious stranger. It’s poetic, eerie, and somehow the perfect contrast to the chaos surrounding her. But speaking of poetry—this book? Philosophical to the max. I have a master’s degree, so I like to think I can handle complex writing, but Boys with Sharp Teeth really pushed my limits. Some passages were hauntingly beautiful, others left me staring into space wondering if I’d just had an out-of-body experience. And this is technically YA? Not sure if I agree.

That said, the writing is stunning. One quote that still lingers in my mind:

“It’s a boy, not a ghost; it’s a boy, not a monster, I tell myself. But I know boys, and now I know monsters, and there isn’t that much difference between them.”

Chills.

I had no idea where this story was going, but I was strapped in for the ride. There are twists, there are turns, and I’m not sure I fully grasped all of them—but maybe that’s the point. The beauty of Boys with Sharp Teeth is in the gaps, in the things left unsaid, in the meaning you create for yourself. It’s unsettling, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s unlike anything I’ve read before. If you’re in the mood for something dark, poetic, and a little unhinged—this one’s for you!

This sounded absolutely brilliant. YA dark academia that gave off 'Every Exquisite Thing' by Laura Steven vibes. However, this just didn't hit the mark for me. I really struggled to get into it and to then carry on picking it up.

The plot regarding Jamie coming to the school wasn't realistic to me at all. Coming in off fake results, a bad cheque and a fake ID lays a very shaky foundation. I know she was acting out of anger and grief and doesn't care if her plan is foolproof or not. But the fact she got away with the facade for so long was so confusing to me. Especially with the test results and her supposed intelligence, it just seemed too far fetched for her to fit in so easily without being called out.

The best scene was about 20% of the way through in the forest. The atmosphere was really great and I really liked the eerieness to it. But after this things just lacked the excitement from that scene. I found that the plot lacked intrigue for me as I was just so confused for the majority of the time. I hated that we were set up for Jamie to be with Adrian and then it ended up being more of a thing with her and Henry. I thought her and Adrian had much better chemistry. I don't understand why there was so much detail into her connection with Adrian, especially with the way the story went.

I found the characters hard to connect to. Especially Jamie/Miran. I understand the need to differentiate the two as Miran is pretending to be Jamie, and of course to show that Miran has a hard time being Jamie. But half the time I couldn't figure out who Miran even was. There were many things that didn't add up.. Including her relationship with her dad. If your daughter is gone for a month, surely you have some questions for her or have emotions around seeing her again. I just found her relationship with her family really hard to understand and odd. I also don't understand where or why her character went down the road she did. Her actions were very questionable and odd.

I just feel like there were so many other ways to go with this book that would've made it a stronger story and a more satisfying conclusion. It had such a cool idea around it but in my opinion, I just don't feel like it was executed well.

So, I don’t actually know where to being with this one. I was initially very excited when I 1. Saw the cover 2. Read the title 3. Saw what books it was comped with.

Sadly, it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get past the writing style. I can see people liking it, but for me it didn’t work and I usually love lyrical prose. I couldn’t engage with the characters or plot in the way I would have liked to. If you asked me what this book was about and what happened, I’d honestly say I don’t quite know. So much happened, but also not a lot at all, and when things did happen towards the end, it was fairly predictable.

I did really find the dynamic between Marin, Henry, Adrian, and Baz interesting. Some scenes when all four of them interacted I really enjoyed, and the overall ambiance of the book was great. The hatred, the little touches, the long glances, the secrets. Whew. Those got me stressed and invested all the same. Though, don’t misunderstand me, that’s not for romantic purposes. This is NOT a romance. Far from it.

To add, I can see this one make a great tv-show or movie. I actually kept seeing it more as reel playing in my head while reading, and I think that might have been my way of making sense of it all. I was there for the vibes. And ultimately, I do really hope it lands with the right audience and find its true fans, because with the right people, this will most likely be a winner.

Dark, unsettling, and utterly hypnotic, Boys With Sharp Teeth sinks its fangs into you and doesn’t let go. Jenni Howell crafts a world dripping with eerie allure—one where grief, obsession, and power swirl together beneath the elite walls of Huntsworth Academy.

At its core, this is a story of vengeance. Marin infiltrates the school seeking justice for her cousin’s death, but her mission quickly spirals into something far more complicated. The lines between love and hate, predator and prey, blur as she becomes entangled with Adrian and Henry—two enigmatic figures who rule Huntsworth with a dangerous kind of magnetism. Their dynamic is charged with a tension that feels almost unbearable at times, an intoxicating mix of attraction and danger. But nothing at Huntsworth is as it seems, and the deeper Marin digs, the more the story takes on a surreal, almost nightmarish quality.

Howell’s writing is haunting, laced with sharp prose that perfectly captures the book’s philosophical undercurrents. The novel leans into the darker side of Dark Academia—its gothic atmosphere is thick with paranoia, and the horror elements creep up on you in ways that are both unexpected and terrifying.

But what truly sets this book apart is its willingness to embrace the strange. It demands a suspension of disbelief, rewarding readers with an experience that is as disorienting as it is mesmerizing. There’s a fever-dream quality to it, where you’re never quite sure what’s real or what lurks just beneath the surface.

This is not a book for readers seeking a neatly wrapped romance or clear-cut morality. It is unsettling and unpredictable, with characters who are deeply flawed, often walking the razor’s edge between fascination and destruction. But for those willing to step into its shadowed halls, Boys With Sharp Teeth is an intoxicating, unforgettable read—one that lingers long after the final page.

can we start by saying how this cover is BEAUTIFUL!

This is my first story by Jenni Howell and may I say her writing is phenomenal - i highlighted so many quotes of this book and now I NEED the physical book asap to annotate. It kind of reminds me of a YA version of Olive Blake.

​I did find the book to be a tad bit slow and lengthy and I wished it had more romance aspect to it as sometimes I felt a little removed from the characters. But that did not stop me from devouring this debut up, I was hooked and can't wait to read more from the author.

overall I think it's the perfect book for dark academy lovers, the plot and dynamics were really gripping - I would definitely recommend!

First of all the cover and the setting of this book is fantastic for those with a taste for Dark Academia. I feel those that have rated poorly were expecting a pure romance novel based on the cover alone. This is a dark twisted narration that keeps you on your toes with lies and angst.

I received a copy of this book via NetGallery for review.

Howell’s debut novel is so addictive, toxic and enthralling! We follow Marin who is out for revenge after her cousin dies at a mysterious elite boarding school and wants to bring him justice while taking down the group that did it. But Marin gets pulled into a web of deceit, lust and obsession. I loved Marin as our main character, so it made for an easy and fun read because I was really rooting for her. The rest of the characters were compelling even if they weren’t particularly likeable at times (which is the whole point) and they were just entertaining to follow since you just didn’t know who to trust.

I adored the writing style so much! So I’m excited for the future of Howell’s career because I know her writing will only get better from here.

Overall it was just a really enjoyable read and I loved the ending a lot🙏🏻

I found this to be overall a bit tedious.
I may just not be the target audience for this.
Pacing was off, characters had no depth.
Just didn’t resonate with me at all.
Overall interesting concept but wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
All opinions are my own.

So we are all in agreement that the main reason we picked this one up was because of the cover right? I mean it is absolutely stunning and everything about it SCREAMS dark academia, rivals, enemies to lovers!!!!
Because I 100% based my request on what the cover looked like I had no real idea of what to expect when I started reading it, but I wasn’t overly disappointed. Things were a little confusing, a little clunky in places and very slow to get moving. I didn’t really love the writing style (I think it added to how confusing some of the things were) but I know what’s just my own personal preference and reading habit.

In a nutshell this is dark academia, boarding school setting, love triangle? Murder mystery, revenge filled story. It is also YA so don’t go into it thinking that just because there are romantic elements there will be anything steamy happening. Other than a few weirdly timed kisses (that were just hella awkward) there isn’t a great deal happening in that department, and I think it would have benefitted more from just not having any romance at all, or any romantic elements/will they won’t they behaviour.

Overall a really good read if you’re in the mood for a dark academia murder mystery. Like I said it moves kinda slowly at the beginning but things really do start to pick up and get even more confusing and manipulated right until the end!

TW: self harm, suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts, murder.
“Im afraid you’ll find the truth of me ugly, even if you’ve never flinched from me here”

this is like a Dorian Gray inspired dark academia with elements murder mystery teenage boarding school, and the concept was amazing. I loved the atmosphere of the school, the vibe of the way the buildings and surroundings were described was stunning and really did create that dark gloomy mood we all look for when reading dark academia.

I thought the plot was a cool concept, a little patchy at times (slow going at first but around the mid way point picked up really well) I guess my problem was I just found it a little .. predictable. you could’ve asked me at the 30% mark what I think is going to happen and I would’ve predicted every single plot twist with ease. maybe that’s because I’ve read so much dark academia and know the vibes- it wasn’t bad, it was written really well and definitely had some hard hitting moments but it left me wanting for more. It was a good book, not bad not great it just kinda fell in the middle for me.

Boys With Sharp Teeth follows seventeen year old Marin James who sets out to get revenge after her cousin is found dead. Marin blames Adrian Graves and Henry Wu. Marin decides to infiltrate Huntsworth Academy to enact revenge but things get complicated when Marin meets Adrian and Henry.

This was fine but honestly I probably shouldn’t have requested this given I’m not a huge fan of young adult novels anymore. This was enjoyable at the start but I found the rest of it to be dull and over dramatic. I think this will appeal to fans of revenge stories and people who love young adult novels.

I loved the character work of this dark acamdeic fantasy, it was so intriguing and the group dynamics and relationships were so fun and interesting.

The epitome of dark academia, this book was twisted, emotive and dark, set within the prestigious boarding school of Huntsworth Academy our main character Marin's late cousin worked security at. Structurally, this book is split into sections based upon the meditations of Rene Descartes, providing a philosophical and almost psychological structuring on the timelines within this book. With philosophy often a way to ones 'self' this story really got under my skin with the darkness it held, and the disturbed twisted desire that was present that was nothing I've ever seen in a horror before.

Compared to we were liars and the ravens boys this is labelled as a YA- and while i agree with the age range it certainly sits at the higher end with the themes and trigger warnings involved, although I didn't agree with the comparison with the other books, having read we were liars and hating it, that certainly was not the case with this book.

Grief stands out within this book not just because of the late cousin and his mysterious death but of the ghastly presence throughout everything and the events that unfold. I certainly have feelings about the two main male characters of interest, Adrian and Henry, which will require a lot of unpacking, whereas our other female character Baz is someone i grew to love and want to protect. The dynamics within this trio shift with our plot, not knowing who to trust next, our overall villain was not who I expected though and the outcomes at the end broke me with how I had grown attached to certain characters. The strange occult aspects crept up on me unexpectedly and the extremes had my jaw on the floor - but I daren't say more as I feel this needs to be experienced by the reader themself.
Overall, I highly reccomend this book both for the depth of its writing, character development and uniqueness like nothing ive consumed before.

This reminded me a lot of The Raven Boys, with a deeper supernatural twist. A little bit unrealistic in character interactions (another one of those 'where are the adults?' books) but worth it for it tantalising plot. The prose really helps elevate the work, it really paints a picture and is more absorbing.

I was so excited for this book, one of my most anticipated of 2025 and I hate to say that I hated this. There isn't anything I even remotely enjoyed about it and that makes me so sad.