Review of 'What Big Teeth'

With a layered mystery, a haunting setting, and thrilling tension, What Big Teeth has an otherness to it that pulls you in and forces you to keep reading. --Tricia Levenseller, Publisher's Weekly-bestselling author of The Shadows Between Us

Eleanor Zarrin has been estranged from her wild family for years. When she flees boarding school after a horrifying incident, she goes to the only place she thinks is safe: the home she left behind. But when she gets there, she struggles to fit in with her monstrous relatives, who prowl the woods around the family estate and read fortunes in the guts of birds.

Eleanor finds herself desperately trying to hold the family together--in order to save them all, Eleanor must learn to embrace her family of monsters and tame the darkness inside her.

Rose Szabo's thrilling debut is a dark fantasy novel about a teen girl who returns home to her strange, wild family after years of estrangement, perfect for fans of Wilder Girls. This exquisitely terrifying and beautiful tale will sink its teeth into you and never let go.

Review

What Big Teeth delves into werewolf mythology as it stands apart from traditional fiction, creating a story of a girl struggling to find her place in her home.

Interesting

What Big Teeth is a fascinating debut novel, but the first half of the story takes some getting used to. Personally, after such a strong opening, I found the story’s pacing to be lackluster. It was not bad, but it was a struggle because it felt like much showing instead of telling.

Now, I say felt because as I was reading, I was seeing the story play out. There is much exposition to the storytelling, but it goes with the narrative that Szabo was building. What Big Teeth is a story about a girl sent away by her grandmother at a young age seeking refuge back home. However, unfortunately, Eleanor does not feel like she fits in anymore, which is relatable to the reader.

However, there is something sinister and captivating about the story. It did give off Addam’s family vibe, it was dark, mysterious, and cooky, and that is what drew me in ultimately. Intrigue is what kept me reading, especially once What Big Teeth introduces Grand’Mere. My need to unravel the mystery behind Eleanor hooked me.

Characterization

Now, while the story did give off Addam’s family vibes, it did lack the charm. I was reading the story for the story and not the characters. The problem is that the whole family dynamic lacked heart and Eleanor herself lacked substance, which is ironic.

Honestly, I just was not a fan. Everyone was cruel to one another, and I was not too fond of Eleanor’s grandmother, who did not welcome her home at all. Her sister and Rhys were vicious bullies, constantly doubting Eleanor and undermining her. To be blunt, they were awful to her. Eleanor is flawed, she makes mistakes that put the family in danger, but it is easy to understand why. The only person kind to her is Grand’Mere; she is the only one who shows her love and kindness, whereas everyone else dismisses her.

Final Thoughts

What Big Teeth was a struggle for me. It is unique, but the characterization fell short, and ultimately, I did not care for them; I only cared for the evolution of the story.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.