Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

Thanks Net Gallery for the Advance Readers Copy!

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Rating: 3 stars

Jenni Howell's "Boys with Sharp Teeth" delivers an intriguing dark academia premise that ultimately falls short of its potential. The novel attempts to blend the occult elements reminiscent of Leigh Bardugo's "Ninth House" with the privileged social dynamics of "Gossip Girl" and the suspenseful intrigue of "Pretty Little Liars," creating an ambitious cocktail that doesn't quite mix smoothly.

The concept of the story truly drew me in as dark academia girlie - wealth, power, and murder, however the execution stumbled with the progression of the plot.

Despite its flaws, "Boys with Sharp Teeth" maintains enough intrigue to keep pages turning, even as readers navigate through occasionally muddled prose. The novel delivers sufficient atmosphere and mystery to satisfy genre fans, though it never quite reaches the heights of its more polished influences.