Nothing But Blackened Teeth | Cassandra Khaw | Horror | Book Review

 

How do you feel about the use of gore and violence in horror literature ❓ Do you prefer subtle horror or more graphic depictions ❓❓❓

Personally, I believe that both subtle horror and graphic depictions have their place in the genre, depending on the story being told and the atmosphere the author aims to create.Ultimately, my preference depends on the narrative and its execution. A well-crafted subtle horror story can be just as powerful, if not more so, than one filled with gore. It’s the balance and the skill of the author in using these elements to serve the story that truly matters to me.


Name of Book: Nothing But Blackened Teeth
Author: Cassandra Khaw
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd
Publication Date: 21 Oct 2021
No. of Pages: 128
Format: Kindle


"Khaw's got a sterling premise, enduring lore, and the fresh talent to voice it." -Josh Malerman, New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box. A gorgeously creepy classic haunted house story based on Japanese folklore, combining The Haunting of Hill House with The Ring.


CASSANDRA KHAW (they/them) is an award-winning game writer and former scriptwriter at Ubisoft Montreal. Khaw's work can be found in places like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Lightspeed, and Tor.com. Khaw’s first original novella, Hammers on Bone, was a British Fantasy Award and Locus Award finalist, and their recent novella Nothing But Blackened Teeth was a USA Today bestseller, Bram Stoker Award nominee, and Indie Next Pick.

My Opinion

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw: A Disappointing Haunted House Horror

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw promised an intriguing haunted house horror but ultimately fell short of expectations. The book started with a bang, captivating me with its eerie atmosphere and initial suspense. However, as the story progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to follow the plot and understand the characters' intentions.

One of the major issues was the lack of explanation about the haunting. The mystery surrounding the house and its dark history remained vague, leaving me wanting more clarity and depth. Additionally, the characters felt underdeveloped, making it challenging to connect with them or comprehend their motivations.

The climax felt rushed and unsatisfying, which was disappointing given the potential the story had at the beginning. I also felt that the novella format did not do justice to the complex narrative Khaw attempted to weave. A longer format might have allowed for more thorough exploration of the plot and characters.

Despite my high hopes for Nothing But Blackened Teeth, the book ultimately took a nosedive, and I could only give it 3 stars. It had a promising start and an intriguing premise but fell short in execution and depth.

  • Characters ------------------ ⭐⭐⭐
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  • Intrigue -------------------- ⭐⭐⭐
  • Logic ---------------------- ⭐⭐⭐
  • Enjoyment ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐

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