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Bullet Tooth
"With Bullet Tooth, Grant Wamack has created a horror icon for our time. Unlike Freddy and Jason who commit their violent acts with their own two hands, the titular antagonist gorges himself on the violence he encourages in people just like us. The classical sensibilities that made those previous texts work are fully intact here too, but Grant brilliantly reinterprets them for our new dark age in a voice uniquely his. If you like cursed media, iconic horror villains, or urban legends, this book is an absolute must-read." - Lucas Mangum, author of Gods of the Dark Web and Bladejob
The latest cult classic from Wonderland award nominee Grant Wamack is a high-octane, hyperviolent mash-up of analog horror, crime, and cutting social commentary highlighting a part of Chicago that’s notorious for making headlines. Fans of The Backrooms, Jordan Peele, and Chief Keef will love this adrenaline-fueled narrative as it follows a black teenage artist who is battling depression and grieving the loss of his best friend to gang violence. He unwittingly summons Bullet Tooth, an entity with an insatiable hunger for chaos and violence with an enigmatic VHS tape found inside a dumpster.
The polar vortex of violence brewing inside the heart of Chicago sucks two others into its gaping maw. A Palestinian orphan/fashion influencer with a love for deadly weapons and a gangster/ex-boxer who equips people with the finest artillery.
How long can these three Chicagoans survive before they succumb to the seductive song of Bullet Tooth?
“Wamack’s prose is immersive in its authenticity, bringing the streets of the ‘Raq to the pages of this book. Vengeance and violence, gangs and guns, load up your extendos and hundred-round drums and join me in songs of praise for Bullet Tooth.“ —David Simmons, author of Ghosts of East Baltimore
The latest cult classic from Wonderland award nominee Grant Wamack is a high-octane, hyperviolent mash-up of analog horror, crime, and cutting social commentary highlighting a part of Chicago that’s notorious for making headlines. Fans of The Backrooms, Jordan Peele, and Chief Keef will love this adrenaline-fueled narrative as it follows a black teenage artist who is battling depression and grieving the loss of his best friend to gang violence. He unwittingly summons Bullet Tooth, an entity with an insatiable hunger for chaos and violence with an enigmatic VHS tape found inside a dumpster.
The polar vortex of violence brewing inside the heart of Chicago sucks two others into its gaping maw. A Palestinian orphan/fashion influencer with a love for deadly weapons and a gangster/ex-boxer who equips people with the finest artillery.
How long can these three Chicagoans survive before they succumb to the seductive song of Bullet Tooth?
“Wamack’s prose is immersive in its authenticity, bringing the streets of the ‘Raq to the pages of this book. Vengeance and violence, gangs and guns, load up your extendos and hundred-round drums and join me in songs of praise for Bullet Tooth.“ —David Simmons, author of Ghosts of East Baltimore
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
2 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Grant Wamack
23 books92 followersGrant Wamack is the author of The Frolicking, Black Gypsies, and God's Leftovers. He has had more than 40 short stories published in places such as Dark Moon Digest, the Best of Surreal Grotesque, and The New Flesh. You can find him floating around LA, reading tarot cards, and practicing jiu jitsu. Keep up with him by following his free weekly newsletter Literary Loud on substack: https://grantwamack.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 7, 2024
I like Grant Wamack’s writing, and have enjoyed some of his other books, but unfortunately, this one was a bit hit and miss for me. I liked the premise of the story and was looking forward to a horror which had a similar villain, such as the iconic Freddy and Jason, but Bullet Tooth, was not what I was expecting, and left me feeling a little disappointed.
This is a decent story, involving three different main characters, who live in an area of Chicago, where there is a lot of gang/gun culture. The words “B****”and “N*****”, are used heavily throughout, which became quite irritating.
This book will definitely appeal to a lot of readers, though unfortunately, I was expecting a lot more horror.
Thanks to BookSirens for sending me a free copy of this ARC, which I voluntarily leave a review.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a decent story, involving three different main characters, who live in an area of Chicago, where there is a lot of gang/gun culture. The words “B****”and “N*****”, are used heavily throughout, which became quite irritating.
This book will definitely appeal to a lot of readers, though unfortunately, I was expecting a lot more horror.
Thanks to BookSirens for sending me a free copy of this ARC, which I voluntarily leave a review.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 28, 2024
This is a dark, fast-paced story with well-crafted characters.
The villain, Bullet Tooth, is as nasty as they come.
It's gritty, brutal, and full of gore, so it's certainly not for the squeamish.
The ending felt rushed, but I still had a lot of fun with this one!
The villain, Bullet Tooth, is as nasty as they come.
It's gritty, brutal, and full of gore, so it's certainly not for the squeamish.
The ending felt rushed, but I still had a lot of fun with this one!
February 11, 2024
Wicked Fun!
I blazed through BULLET TOOTH, despite the fact that I kept slowing down to savor Wamack's prose. The writing is smooth, vivid, and the story is filled with great characters. You can't go wrong with anything by this dude. Highly recommended!
I blazed through BULLET TOOTH, despite the fact that I kept slowing down to savor Wamack's prose. The writing is smooth, vivid, and the story is filled with great characters. You can't go wrong with anything by this dude. Highly recommended!
January 4, 2024
Grant Wamack’s clean and fluid prose allows for complete immersion in the neatly interwoven stories of his compelling characters and their eventual coming together to overcome the evil unleashed from a dumpster VHS tape. Bullet Tooth as a villain is right fucked in the best way, while the lives of those who are fated to battle him have all provided unique skill sets that coalesce toward a satisfying conclusion. Hilarious, sincere, and grotesque, Wamack isn’t fucking around.
January 12, 2024
I’ve come to the realization that I crave visceral, mindf/ck stories that flay me open to plant seeds of thought within. There are just a handful of authors that give me what I need without fail, and Grant Wamack has secured his spot as one of them. Bullet Tooth is the newest addition to his catalog, and it’s a hard-hitting peek into inner city life and all the exquisite horrors that come along with it.
Within its pages Wamack introduces a new formidable villain born of fear and pain that gorges itself on the suffering of those it encounters…there’s plenty to be had. A primordial beast that could easily be summoned by each and every one of us. Bullet Tooth. Desperation given voice to sow maximum chaos.
He’s an imposing figure with a bloated head decorated with a grin made of golden bullets, just living in analog waiting to be released. The only way to combat this evil is to refuse to feed it by finding an outlet for the pain that conjures him.
Of all the stories I’ve read from Grant Wamack, this one is undoubtedly my favorite. His ability to capture urban life in such an unadulterated, uncut fashion is incredibly striking, leaving a mark that refuses to fade. There’s a dark and gritty truth buried beneath his words. It’s one that many of us will never experience, but it deserves to be brought to light nonetheless.
Gangs, violence, death, sex, art, drip, fame, retribution.
“That’s Chicago. That’s the hood, that’s my truth.”
Each character crafted is beautifully complex, embracing the duality of their existence— outwardly adhering to what society demands of them finely balanced with how they truly feel beneath the surface. Keeping this balance is where their strengths lie, but sometimes the scales tip and we witness their metamorphosis. It’s stunning.
Just a random side note: Bullet Tooth’s flashbacks? Magnificent. In my notes, I literally wrote “Grimdark AF”. This chapter fed my soul.
Grant, you’ve blown me away yet again. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Within its pages Wamack introduces a new formidable villain born of fear and pain that gorges itself on the suffering of those it encounters…there’s plenty to be had. A primordial beast that could easily be summoned by each and every one of us. Bullet Tooth. Desperation given voice to sow maximum chaos.
He’s an imposing figure with a bloated head decorated with a grin made of golden bullets, just living in analog waiting to be released. The only way to combat this evil is to refuse to feed it by finding an outlet for the pain that conjures him.
Of all the stories I’ve read from Grant Wamack, this one is undoubtedly my favorite. His ability to capture urban life in such an unadulterated, uncut fashion is incredibly striking, leaving a mark that refuses to fade. There’s a dark and gritty truth buried beneath his words. It’s one that many of us will never experience, but it deserves to be brought to light nonetheless.
Gangs, violence, death, sex, art, drip, fame, retribution.
“That’s Chicago. That’s the hood, that’s my truth.”
Each character crafted is beautifully complex, embracing the duality of their existence— outwardly adhering to what society demands of them finely balanced with how they truly feel beneath the surface. Keeping this balance is where their strengths lie, but sometimes the scales tip and we witness their metamorphosis. It’s stunning.
Just a random side note: Bullet Tooth’s flashbacks? Magnificent. In my notes, I literally wrote “Grimdark AF”. This chapter fed my soul.
Grant, you’ve blown me away yet again. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
January 16, 2024
I read the blurb for this one and thought to myself that we all need a new monster to read about and jumped right in.
And I am glad that I did. Its hard to explain how a book feels for me. I can say that its reads smoothly and the writing sucks you in, but how do I get across the way the book makes it seem possible that this creature exists?
I actually cant explain a lot of what happens without spoiling the whole thing, but if you are into the weird, kind of wacky, and what the heck is happening type of stories, then this one is for you.
Besides, this one has bullet teeth.
And I am glad that I did. Its hard to explain how a book feels for me. I can say that its reads smoothly and the writing sucks you in, but how do I get across the way the book makes it seem possible that this creature exists?
I actually cant explain a lot of what happens without spoiling the whole thing, but if you are into the weird, kind of wacky, and what the heck is happening type of stories, then this one is for you.
Besides, this one has bullet teeth.
February 15, 2024
Picked this one up because it sounded nuts and I love some weird horror. Bullet Tooth definitely delivered the horror, but the real beauty is in the characters.
Each and every main character was wonderfully written. I loved seeing how their unique personalities, pasts, and goals intersected as Bullet Tooth started pulling the strings.
I'm still thinking about one character in particular: Devin, the local bootleg man. He starts out like any other minor character, but his story hit me hard as the pages turned. Beautifully and tragically written.
I would have liked to know how Caleb knew when Bullet Tooth was influencing events. He just "knows." I'm wondering whether it's a gut feeling or whether he has some psychic link with the entity.
There were a couple minor editing issues but nothing that altered the plot.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Each and every main character was wonderfully written. I loved seeing how their unique personalities, pasts, and goals intersected as Bullet Tooth started pulling the strings.
I'm still thinking about one character in particular: Devin, the local bootleg man. He starts out like any other minor character, but his story hit me hard as the pages turned. Beautifully and tragically written.
I would have liked to know how Caleb knew when Bullet Tooth was influencing events. He just "knows." I'm wondering whether it's a gut feeling or whether he has some psychic link with the entity.
There were a couple minor editing issues but nothing that altered the plot.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
January 20, 2024
"Bullet Tooth" is like a rollercoaster ride through the twisted corridors of a horror lover's mind. From the get-go, Wamack delivers a visceral experience with insane visuals and a dose of body horror that's not for the faint of heart. If you're squeamish, you might want to buckle up because gore is on the menu right from the start.
"Bullet Tooth" is vulgar, bleak, and intentionally depressing. Wamack's word choices are intriguing. The folk horror elements add a unique flavor, and metaphors (that seem peculiar at first) are oddly well-fitting, helping make the indescribable suddenly tangible.
If you're a fan of Todd Keisling's "Scanlines," you might find a kindred spirit in "Bullet Tooth." Each character possesses distinctive qualities that make them easily distinguishable, leaving a memorable impression. The story has a gritty and brutal undertone, where the violence feels almost casual within the story's context. The calm intercuts make the violence jarring, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary in an unexpected way. It's like watching a limited series, with episodic elements that keep you hooked.
However, the dialogue in this story sometimes reads like pre-programmed NPC lines in a video game. The stiffness and the lack of emotional depth can be drawbacks, taking away from the vulnerability expected from characters in the horrific situations they unfortunately find themselves in.
There's a delicate dance between pacing and detail that occasionally stumbles. The book feels simultaneously too short and too long. Some chapters are dragged out, while others rush through scenes, and the brevity of certain moments, while contributing to a sense of urgency, left me with a desire for a more immersive experience.
Scattered typos and punctuation errors disrupted my reading flow every now and then, minor stumbling blocks in an otherwise visually captivating narrative.
The desire for more creepy tension and atmosphere lingers, but the visual and distinctive writing style compensates for some of the shortcomings. The story unfortunately never quite reaches the zenith of its potential, but the wild and gloriously gory ending, reminiscent of a B-movie, injects a dose of fun into the otherwise bleak atmosphere, making for a deliciously amusing conclusion. Although Chicago might not be on your travel list after reading this novella, "Bullet Tooth" is a ride worth taking.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Broken River Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had an early look at this work.
"Bullet Tooth" is vulgar, bleak, and intentionally depressing. Wamack's word choices are intriguing. The folk horror elements add a unique flavor, and metaphors (that seem peculiar at first) are oddly well-fitting, helping make the indescribable suddenly tangible.
If you're a fan of Todd Keisling's "Scanlines," you might find a kindred spirit in "Bullet Tooth." Each character possesses distinctive qualities that make them easily distinguishable, leaving a memorable impression. The story has a gritty and brutal undertone, where the violence feels almost casual within the story's context. The calm intercuts make the violence jarring, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary in an unexpected way. It's like watching a limited series, with episodic elements that keep you hooked.
However, the dialogue in this story sometimes reads like pre-programmed NPC lines in a video game. The stiffness and the lack of emotional depth can be drawbacks, taking away from the vulnerability expected from characters in the horrific situations they unfortunately find themselves in.
There's a delicate dance between pacing and detail that occasionally stumbles. The book feels simultaneously too short and too long. Some chapters are dragged out, while others rush through scenes, and the brevity of certain moments, while contributing to a sense of urgency, left me with a desire for a more immersive experience.
Scattered typos and punctuation errors disrupted my reading flow every now and then, minor stumbling blocks in an otherwise visually captivating narrative.
The desire for more creepy tension and atmosphere lingers, but the visual and distinctive writing style compensates for some of the shortcomings. The story unfortunately never quite reaches the zenith of its potential, but the wild and gloriously gory ending, reminiscent of a B-movie, injects a dose of fun into the otherwise bleak atmosphere, making for a deliciously amusing conclusion. Although Chicago might not be on your travel list after reading this novella, "Bullet Tooth" is a ride worth taking.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Broken River Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had an early look at this work.
March 23, 2025
Fast paced occult horror story that takes place on the darker side of Chicago. Gang violence, depression, grief and loneliness are the major themes of this story. It's not overly gruesome and honestly the violence is pretty minimal. The book just has this overwhelming sense of menace as Bullet Tooth spreads chaos and revels in negativity.
The author's writing style is very poetic and the chapters just flow like a rushing river.
The author's writing style is very poetic and the chapters just flow like a rushing river.
January 21, 2024
This is my first time reading one of Grant Wamack's works and it won't be the last. He has a knack for drawing you into a story, making it feel like a lived experience, which is everything you want in a horror book.
Bullet Tooth is a living, breathing creature that feeds on violence, pain, and misery. Putting this type of creature in the middle of the hood of Chicago is nothing short of brilliance. I couldn't help but feel somewhat connected to these characters and found myself wanting more.
The three main characters are all different, yet woven together in the fabric of their environment. I do feel that some characters were written better than others, but they each had depth and strong development.
This book isn't for the faint or squeamish. Wamack deals out plenty of gore and blood. It's gritty, dark, bleak, and heavy; but so are the themes of the story. He does an exceptional job of expressing the realities of gun and gang violence and how that affects a community and the families of those who succumb to these evils.
I couldn't help but see the inspirations of horror movies such as Candyman, Tales from the Hood ("Hardcore Convert" segment), and Hellraiser. Bullet Tooth being this entity that is an extension of people and their inherent nature, is such an intriguing concept and I wanted a little more. There's only really one main chapter where we get a little bit of his backstory.
Ultimately, I found the main hindrance is the pacing. The first 50-60% is the strongest. After that, things seem to speed up and the story isn't given time to breathe. Some of the dialogue doesn't seem to fit the characters or the scene, or at times just feels flat and without any personality or emotion. And the ending- I found myself saying, "That's it?" It was rushed and didn't feel like a satisfying climax at all.
Overall, Bullet Tooth is an appreciable addition to the Black horror genre. The issues Wamack touches on (depression, suicide, anxiety, guns, etc) are intricately crafted into this story of an "otherwordly" being with characters that could very well be real.
While the ending didn't pack as much punch as I would've liked, the journey there is wild and worth taking.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Broken River Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read it.
Accurate Rating: 3.5
Bullet Tooth is a living, breathing creature that feeds on violence, pain, and misery. Putting this type of creature in the middle of the hood of Chicago is nothing short of brilliance. I couldn't help but feel somewhat connected to these characters and found myself wanting more.
The three main characters are all different, yet woven together in the fabric of their environment. I do feel that some characters were written better than others, but they each had depth and strong development.
This book isn't for the faint or squeamish. Wamack deals out plenty of gore and blood. It's gritty, dark, bleak, and heavy; but so are the themes of the story. He does an exceptional job of expressing the realities of gun and gang violence and how that affects a community and the families of those who succumb to these evils.
I couldn't help but see the inspirations of horror movies such as Candyman, Tales from the Hood ("Hardcore Convert" segment), and Hellraiser. Bullet Tooth being this entity that is an extension of people and their inherent nature, is such an intriguing concept and I wanted a little more. There's only really one main chapter where we get a little bit of his backstory.
Ultimately, I found the main hindrance is the pacing. The first 50-60% is the strongest. After that, things seem to speed up and the story isn't given time to breathe. Some of the dialogue doesn't seem to fit the characters or the scene, or at times just feels flat and without any personality or emotion. And the ending- I found myself saying, "That's it?" It was rushed and didn't feel like a satisfying climax at all.
Overall, Bullet Tooth is an appreciable addition to the Black horror genre. The issues Wamack touches on (depression, suicide, anxiety, guns, etc) are intricately crafted into this story of an "otherwordly" being with characters that could very well be real.
While the ending didn't pack as much punch as I would've liked, the journey there is wild and worth taking.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Broken River Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read it.
Accurate Rating: 3.5
January 31, 2024
2.5 stars rounded to 3. Grant Wamack's 'Bullet Tooth' is set in Chicago, dealing with gangs and guns, with just a light touch of horror. There's a lot, A LOT of info on guns and the mentality of gang members. Unfortunately, none of these details drive the story, but, still, if you want to know what kind of weapons are used by gang members to secure their territory in the hoods of Chicago, you'll enjoy this book. I personally found such details interesting: the idea of placing a horror story in this setting seemed original enough to keep me reading to the end. The dialogue is, of course, what you'd expect to hear in this setting, and the portrayal of gangs feels realistic and accurate. I had high hopes for the promised analog horror part, but it's practically non-existent. It's just a smart gimmick to throw even more violence into an already casually violent mix. Overall, this didn't live up to the hype.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2024
Hellraiser fans are going to LOVE THIS STORY!
Bullet Tooth gives a shocking and terrifying glimpse into an all too real landscape within our world. Who doesn't love exploring and investigating some old VHS tapes when they find them? That's exactly what one character in this story does, unknowingly unleashing a centuries old evil that's thirsty for fresh blood.
This story had me hooked and unable to look away from the very start. The way that Grant Wamack blends these storylines and characters together truly shows how much he loves horror and how great of a writer that he is. It's bloody, it's disgusting, it felt so real at times and through it all, I found myself really enjoying all of these components. I've enjoyed other stories that Grant has put out, but this one by far is my favorite. It's so nuanced and shows a love for classic horror while also giving a fresh take and a unique perspective!
Move over Pinhead and Candyman, Bullet Tooth is blowing a new hole in horror as we speak!! Check this out!!
Bullet Tooth gives a shocking and terrifying glimpse into an all too real landscape within our world. Who doesn't love exploring and investigating some old VHS tapes when they find them? That's exactly what one character in this story does, unknowingly unleashing a centuries old evil that's thirsty for fresh blood.
This story had me hooked and unable to look away from the very start. The way that Grant Wamack blends these storylines and characters together truly shows how much he loves horror and how great of a writer that he is. It's bloody, it's disgusting, it felt so real at times and through it all, I found myself really enjoying all of these components. I've enjoyed other stories that Grant has put out, but this one by far is my favorite. It's so nuanced and shows a love for classic horror while also giving a fresh take and a unique perspective!
Move over Pinhead and Candyman, Bullet Tooth is blowing a new hole in horror as we speak!! Check this out!!
February 1, 2024
All I can say is Wow! This book grabs you from the opening pages and drags you in. Excellent characters and a fast paced story that drag you along for the roller-coaster ride..definitely recommended!
March 30, 2024
This is my first read by author Grant Wamack.
Set in Chi-town, it gives a very "realistic" look into inner city gangs and guns with young adults. It also touches on mental health issues that can occur when with those close to one's lost via gang violence. It is a little weird mixed with horror.
I appreciate the authenticity this book takes on that subject. Especially, the "boot-leg" DVD man and the barbershop. All the characters are relatable; Caleb was my favorite. I could truly feel his pain and see he wanted better and to achieve his goals. Bullet Tooth himself reminded me of the movie the "Ring" with regard to how he evolved. I wanted more "horror" from Bullet Tooth though. The book seemed to focus more on gangs and guns; Bullet Tooth at the center.
It has a great flow and pace, but the ending did feel a little rushed. I was glad for Caleb and his achievement. If you enjoy weird, guns and gangs, then this is the read for you. I am looking forward to reading another from Author Wamack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in Chi-town, it gives a very "realistic" look into inner city gangs and guns with young adults. It also touches on mental health issues that can occur when with those close to one's lost via gang violence. It is a little weird mixed with horror.
I appreciate the authenticity this book takes on that subject. Especially, the "boot-leg" DVD man and the barbershop. All the characters are relatable; Caleb was my favorite. I could truly feel his pain and see he wanted better and to achieve his goals. Bullet Tooth himself reminded me of the movie the "Ring" with regard to how he evolved. I wanted more "horror" from Bullet Tooth though. The book seemed to focus more on gangs and guns; Bullet Tooth at the center.
It has a great flow and pace, but the ending did feel a little rushed. I was glad for Caleb and his achievement. If you enjoy weird, guns and gangs, then this is the read for you. I am looking forward to reading another from Author Wamack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2024
Bullet Tooth was a fun and intriguing dark read. I hoped for more of an analog horror vibe from the description, but the story itself made up for it.
Bullet Tooth is a disturbing novel told through multiple perspectives. I enjoy stories where seemingly disconnected or tangentially connected character's stories converge, it makes me want to keep reading and find out what happens as soon as possible.
I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic and hurried. I was also hoping to see a bit more of the titular entity making it's presence and influence known. I think it's an idea worth expanding upon.
Overall it was a fun quick read. Fast paced, interesting plot, just a fell little flat toward the end. Perfect book to read in one sitting on a quiet night alone.
Bullet Tooth is a disturbing novel told through multiple perspectives. I enjoy stories where seemingly disconnected or tangentially connected character's stories converge, it makes me want to keep reading and find out what happens as soon as possible.
I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic and hurried. I was also hoping to see a bit more of the titular entity making it's presence and influence known. I think it's an idea worth expanding upon.
Overall it was a fun quick read. Fast paced, interesting plot, just a fell little flat toward the end. Perfect book to read in one sitting on a quiet night alone.
April 7, 2024
Bullet Tooth by Grant Womack is a horror story unlike one you’ve ever read. I don’t even know where to start with this but just know this book is stupid, awesome, ridiculous foolish in the great read! High school sing your Caleb recently lost his best friend in the murder went unsolved he has been depressed and taking Percocet just to feel anything when a VCR bootlegger tries to sell Caleb tapes he just wants to get away and says I promise I will buy some from you next time only saying it because he wanted to be rid of the conversation but the next time did come in Caleb wanting to keep his word gave the guy $10 and received three VCR tapes. Before watching the VCR tape named baby tooth Caleb had been having bad dreams and had been haunted by a creature he couldn’t put his finger on. When the videotape started playing Caleb blurted out bullet tooth and the next thing he knew he had a big headed naked monstrosity in his house with bullets for teeth. There’s also a gun enthusiast and Instagrammer Jasmine who daydreams about shooting people mostly in self-defense while Caleb wants revenge for his best friend‘s murder. Jasmine who loves her Glock want’s to know what it’s like to kill someone. They both will be taught a lesson by bullet tooth they couldn’t have learned anywhere else. This is a crazy book there is so much more to this book it is not a long story but OMG it is so entertaining this is a book I highly recommend to any horror fan The ending seemed like we may see bullet toothed again and OMG I hope we do! I want to thank Grant Womack broken River books and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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February 13, 2024This one sits around the 3.5 mark for me, and since I could round it up as well as down, I will skip the formal rating here. I really liked Black Gypsies and enjoyed some of that same vibe reading Bullet Tooth, which offers an interesting premisse, touching on some of that otherworldly to add to the setting and atmosphere. Even though it reads at a good clip, the story never quite felt all that engaging to me, and some of the themes definitely are deserving of more than a handful of caricatural sentences (the Palestinian ordeal, come on). The dialogue and scenes felt superficial and rushed a number of times, and I felt the wheels of the vehicle completely came off towards the ending. I still feel the author has more up his sleeve. But at the same time it seems to me that he hasn’t quite found his voice yet, losing himself in the maelstrom. Then again, this Bullet Tooth endeavor does seem to garner a whole lot of love and praise from plenty of readers as well, so maybe I’m just way off. To each his own and all that.
January 19, 2024
I received a free ARC, and this review is voluntary.
Although the story is told through three different perspectives embroiled in the same culture and atmosphere, it's through the character of Caleb we find a catalyst to the macro event in question, or the big bad, Bullet Tooth. It's also through these perspectives that we see the pain of where hope is hard to find, and the agony of loss, both of which permeate the reality all three live in.
Bullet Tooth as a character is a microcosm of a broader trend of violence, and brutality that does not live within defined lines, but can occur on any block, if such underlying conditions are present. The plot did well in bringing to life real issues found in Chicago, and how that portrayal can also be found in the subgenre of drill rap, which it found its origins in the Windy City.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. However, that quick surge of adrenaline was also symbolism to the undertones of the plot.
Although the story is told through three different perspectives embroiled in the same culture and atmosphere, it's through the character of Caleb we find a catalyst to the macro event in question, or the big bad, Bullet Tooth. It's also through these perspectives that we see the pain of where hope is hard to find, and the agony of loss, both of which permeate the reality all three live in.
Bullet Tooth as a character is a microcosm of a broader trend of violence, and brutality that does not live within defined lines, but can occur on any block, if such underlying conditions are present. The plot did well in bringing to life real issues found in Chicago, and how that portrayal can also be found in the subgenre of drill rap, which it found its origins in the Windy City.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. However, that quick surge of adrenaline was also symbolism to the undertones of the plot.
January 26, 2024
Bullet Tooth by Grant Wamack
2/5
There's one spoiler in this review right at the end. I'll warn you when it's coming.
I loathe to write a bad review because it seems ungrateful to talk bad about someone's hard work, but here we are.
I really wanted to like Bullet Tooth, I loved Candyman as a kid and the whole idea of a ethereal monster feeding off the violence in a rough American City is brilliant. Just that pitch had my mind flooded with images of what was to come.
The problem is, this isn't really horror. I was 70% into the book before anything happened that I would classify as a scare. That's just too damn much build up. Having finished the book, I see what Wamack was going for with the impending doom thing, but here's the problem; there's no impending doom.
What I read was a hundred or so pages of people complaining about how hard it is being the toughest, most talented or Sexiest person in the room. They're almost impossible to care for.
If you want to give me flawed characters on a path to oblivion, at least show me their flaws, just having childhood trauma doesn't count.
Also, constant musical queues are a bad thing, because aside from the fact that I didn't know any of the music mentioned (and I love hiphop for the record), any songs I bothered to listen to so that I could be more in the scene were just an auto tune voice crying about how hard life is while they're driving around in their sixty thousand dollar car with diamonds on their wrists.
*SPOILER*
Lastly, your monster feeds on violence. How the hell do you have him defeated by getting shot in the gut? Wouldn't your decision to use violence to kill him just make him stronger?
You turn your back on Freddy Kruger to destroy him. Take away his power. Have someone learn a lesson, does anyone learn anything in this book? No, they just stay the same only they're rewarded with money and online praise through social media.
I give this two stars for the premise and there's some good writing in there. It just wasn't for me.
2/5
There's one spoiler in this review right at the end. I'll warn you when it's coming.
I loathe to write a bad review because it seems ungrateful to talk bad about someone's hard work, but here we are.
I really wanted to like Bullet Tooth, I loved Candyman as a kid and the whole idea of a ethereal monster feeding off the violence in a rough American City is brilliant. Just that pitch had my mind flooded with images of what was to come.
The problem is, this isn't really horror. I was 70% into the book before anything happened that I would classify as a scare. That's just too damn much build up. Having finished the book, I see what Wamack was going for with the impending doom thing, but here's the problem; there's no impending doom.
What I read was a hundred or so pages of people complaining about how hard it is being the toughest, most talented or Sexiest person in the room. They're almost impossible to care for.
If you want to give me flawed characters on a path to oblivion, at least show me their flaws, just having childhood trauma doesn't count.
Also, constant musical queues are a bad thing, because aside from the fact that I didn't know any of the music mentioned (and I love hiphop for the record), any songs I bothered to listen to so that I could be more in the scene were just an auto tune voice crying about how hard life is while they're driving around in their sixty thousand dollar car with diamonds on their wrists.
*SPOILER*
Lastly, your monster feeds on violence. How the hell do you have him defeated by getting shot in the gut? Wouldn't your decision to use violence to kill him just make him stronger?
You turn your back on Freddy Kruger to destroy him. Take away his power. Have someone learn a lesson, does anyone learn anything in this book? No, they just stay the same only they're rewarded with money and online praise through social media.
I give this two stars for the premise and there's some good writing in there. It just wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
Surprisingly good.
Wasn’t expecting this one to reel me in like it did.
Creepy and entertaining
Wasn’t expecting this one to reel me in like it did.
Creepy and entertaining
May 23, 2024
I really liked this book. We have a new villain for the ages. It had everything I liked well developed characters, plenty of gore and a well written, fast moving plot. I would recommend this one to all horror fans. Move forward with caution if extreme gore bothers you.
October 25, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I originally requested Bullet Tooth off of nothing more than the cover alone because it was just so eye-catching that I couldn't resist the urge to read it, and I'm so glad I did. Took me two sittings to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
I'm always happy to be able to read diversely and to support authors of color, especially in the horror scene. Urban horror is such an incredible genre of horror, taking root in the terror that people feel living in places that can be so dangerous. I enjoyed the slang and use of AAVE in the hands of someone who actually knows how to utilize the language, too. Everything has a super modern feel. People say you shouldn't date a book, but I feel like this was just so excellently done.
Caleb and Jasmine are fantastic characters and I loved getting to know them better. Bullet Tooth is also an incredible creature. My only criticism is I wish he had been better utilized. Given what he is and how often he appeared in times of war, I was hoping for a larger confrontation at the end of the novel or to see what the fallout was going to be. That being said, Bullet Tooth was fascinating, and his design was badass.
I originally requested Bullet Tooth off of nothing more than the cover alone because it was just so eye-catching that I couldn't resist the urge to read it, and I'm so glad I did. Took me two sittings to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
I'm always happy to be able to read diversely and to support authors of color, especially in the horror scene. Urban horror is such an incredible genre of horror, taking root in the terror that people feel living in places that can be so dangerous. I enjoyed the slang and use of AAVE in the hands of someone who actually knows how to utilize the language, too. Everything has a super modern feel. People say you shouldn't date a book, but I feel like this was just so excellently done.
Caleb and Jasmine are fantastic characters and I loved getting to know them better. Bullet Tooth is also an incredible creature. My only criticism is I wish he had been better utilized. Given what he is and how often he appeared in times of war, I was hoping for a larger confrontation at the end of the novel or to see what the fallout was going to be. That being said, Bullet Tooth was fascinating, and his design was badass.
September 24, 2024
I received a Free copy of this book to review.
The story is ok I wasn't that big a fan of it overall, but that's just me. I will say the monster is very original.
The story is ok I wasn't that big a fan of it overall, but that's just me. I will say the monster is very original.
January 22, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
Bullet Tooth is a short but nasty story with a truly nasty villain. Part urban legend, part ancient evil, this story really worked for me. I had a ton of fun with it. My only complaint is that I wanted it to be longer, as the ending felt a bit abrupt. 4.25 stars
Bullet Tooth is a short but nasty story with a truly nasty villain. Part urban legend, part ancient evil, this story really worked for me. I had a ton of fun with it. My only complaint is that I wanted it to be longer, as the ending felt a bit abrupt. 4.25 stars
March 11, 2024
This story left me scratching my head a little. There were things I liked and didn't like in equal measure. Thinking back I still can't decide what I think.
Bullet Tooth, the character, is an otherworldly, malevolent beast who feeds off the violence, pain, and suffering of us mere humans. So what better place for him to munch than present-day Chicago with the gangs and their guns?
Caleb is a dude who is smack bang in the middle of this gang culture, but the life isn't really him. He enjoys art and has a real talent for it. We are introduced to him as he grieves for his best friend, another tragically killed in the wars on the streets. When Caleb purchases an old VHS tape from the go-to guy for rip-off movies, he inadvertently unleashes old BT upon the world.
The concept is great, the violence flows, and the characters were engaging enough for me to at least go with them for the ride without particularly liking them, Caleb aside. But I dunno, I just wanted more.
At certain points the tale builds the tension, daring you to turn the page. And in others, the action explodes in your face, but with little time for you to fully digest the magnitude of what is going on. And the ending was a little disappointing for me.
The dialogue here sounded too out of place at times, I just couldn't picture gang members talking like this.
I sound like I'm being a downer on this book, but I still did enjoy reading. The prose is engaging and the descriptions vivid, and it was obviously written with passion. Bullet Tooth is one nasty bastard, too, which is always a big plus in a horror story.
Whilst this isn't a book I will be telling the world about, it has invoked an interest in reading more of Grant Wamack. Hopefully then I shall be shouting his name from the rooftops!
I received a free copy of this from Book Sirens.
Bullet Tooth, the character, is an otherworldly, malevolent beast who feeds off the violence, pain, and suffering of us mere humans. So what better place for him to munch than present-day Chicago with the gangs and their guns?
Caleb is a dude who is smack bang in the middle of this gang culture, but the life isn't really him. He enjoys art and has a real talent for it. We are introduced to him as he grieves for his best friend, another tragically killed in the wars on the streets. When Caleb purchases an old VHS tape from the go-to guy for rip-off movies, he inadvertently unleashes old BT upon the world.
The concept is great, the violence flows, and the characters were engaging enough for me to at least go with them for the ride without particularly liking them, Caleb aside. But I dunno, I just wanted more.
At certain points the tale builds the tension, daring you to turn the page. And in others, the action explodes in your face, but with little time for you to fully digest the magnitude of what is going on. And the ending was a little disappointing for me.
The dialogue here sounded too out of place at times, I just couldn't picture gang members talking like this.
I sound like I'm being a downer on this book, but I still did enjoy reading. The prose is engaging and the descriptions vivid, and it was obviously written with passion. Bullet Tooth is one nasty bastard, too, which is always a big plus in a horror story.
Whilst this isn't a book I will be telling the world about, it has invoked an interest in reading more of Grant Wamack. Hopefully then I shall be shouting his name from the rooftops!
I received a free copy of this from Book Sirens.
January 14, 2024
This novella is a gritty look at inner city Chicago through the eyes of different characters and introduces us to the supernatural entity called Bullet Tooth.
This creature is terrifying to think about. It has a larger than normal head and bullets replacing teeth in it's mouth. It feasts on pain, violence, and suffering. And in this part of Chicago, there's plenty of that to go around.
Each character is realistically created. We have a young traumatized man who wants to be an artist, a young influencer woman whose online celebrity embraces guns, a gangster who's supplying weapons to various organisations on demand, and a rapper who has a lot of street cred as he works his way to stardom.
All of these characters are going to interact during this novella, leading the way to a massacre at the hands of Bullet Tooth. But it's these characters that make this book really shine. It's about violence and gangs in Chicago but it never feels overdone to make a point. When Bullet Tooth makes his presence felt, we already have a feeling that, with or without him, bad things were going to take place when these characters all got together.
I'm really looking forward to more from this creature and this is a book I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This creature is terrifying to think about. It has a larger than normal head and bullets replacing teeth in it's mouth. It feasts on pain, violence, and suffering. And in this part of Chicago, there's plenty of that to go around.
Each character is realistically created. We have a young traumatized man who wants to be an artist, a young influencer woman whose online celebrity embraces guns, a gangster who's supplying weapons to various organisations on demand, and a rapper who has a lot of street cred as he works his way to stardom.
All of these characters are going to interact during this novella, leading the way to a massacre at the hands of Bullet Tooth. But it's these characters that make this book really shine. It's about violence and gangs in Chicago but it never feels overdone to make a point. When Bullet Tooth makes his presence felt, we already have a feeling that, with or without him, bad things were going to take place when these characters all got together.
I'm really looking forward to more from this creature and this is a book I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
January 26, 2024
If you tell me that a horror novel is going to feature a cursed VHS tape, I’m going all in on it. Add Grant Womack’s name to that title page and you know you’re in for a surreal ride.
While you’re following plot threads that may seem familiar: an urban legend being accidentally summoned, the environment and characters are uniquely bound by their proximity to gangs and guns. We don’t get to see characters like this often enough, and rarely if ever in mainstream horror. I loved the badass Jas, a Palestinian social media influencer with an ever growing gun collection.
Comparisons to Candyman are apt, as we stomp through the streets, warehouses, and apartments of Chicago. But instead of invoking the avenging spirit of a wronged man, we are faced with a repugnant demigod who feeds on fear and violence. Bullet Tooth is hungry and Chicago is ready to bleed for him.
For me, my favourite parts were the historical recollections of times BT was previously awoken, and I wish we had more moments of this. While I enjoyed this novella overall, I was left wanting a bit more of the motivations of Bullet Tooth.
Thank you to @booksirens for an arc of this title. Which comes out February 6th.
While you’re following plot threads that may seem familiar: an urban legend being accidentally summoned, the environment and characters are uniquely bound by their proximity to gangs and guns. We don’t get to see characters like this often enough, and rarely if ever in mainstream horror. I loved the badass Jas, a Palestinian social media influencer with an ever growing gun collection.
Comparisons to Candyman are apt, as we stomp through the streets, warehouses, and apartments of Chicago. But instead of invoking the avenging spirit of a wronged man, we are faced with a repugnant demigod who feeds on fear and violence. Bullet Tooth is hungry and Chicago is ready to bleed for him.
For me, my favourite parts were the historical recollections of times BT was previously awoken, and I wish we had more moments of this. While I enjoyed this novella overall, I was left wanting a bit more of the motivations of Bullet Tooth.
Thank you to @booksirens for an arc of this title. Which comes out February 6th.
February 1, 2024
3.5 stars
If you love and appreciate hip hop and you have a thing for analog horror and VHS tapes, you’ll enjoy the ride that is Bullet Tooth.
Bullet Tooth is a villainous creature that thrives on pain, violence and chaos. He comes when he’s summoned and he’s just been called to the hood of Chicago.
We have 3 main characters, who are 3 different paths in life yet they have each been brought together by the wrath of Bullet Tooth.
The author does an amazing job of really pulling you in and making you feel like this could all be real. While I did have some issues with one of the characters and the ending seems to go at light speed compared to the rest of the book, I found myself invested in the story and wanting to see how these characters make it through.
I also wanted a little more bullet tooth. We got one chapter that touched on his back story and it’s actually my favorite chapter. I would love a little more of seeing how he operates in his element.
All in all, I enjoyed how the author took very real, present day issues and married them with horror so seamlessly. This was my first time reading Grant Wamack and it won’t be my last.
TW: suicide, death off page, attempted SA, gore, hun violence
If you love and appreciate hip hop and you have a thing for analog horror and VHS tapes, you’ll enjoy the ride that is Bullet Tooth.
Bullet Tooth is a villainous creature that thrives on pain, violence and chaos. He comes when he’s summoned and he’s just been called to the hood of Chicago.
We have 3 main characters, who are 3 different paths in life yet they have each been brought together by the wrath of Bullet Tooth.
The author does an amazing job of really pulling you in and making you feel like this could all be real. While I did have some issues with one of the characters and the ending seems to go at light speed compared to the rest of the book, I found myself invested in the story and wanting to see how these characters make it through.
I also wanted a little more bullet tooth. We got one chapter that touched on his back story and it’s actually my favorite chapter. I would love a little more of seeing how he operates in his element.
All in all, I enjoyed how the author took very real, present day issues and married them with horror so seamlessly. This was my first time reading Grant Wamack and it won’t be my last.
TW: suicide, death off page, attempted SA, gore, hun violence
January 14, 2024
Hellraiser fans are going to LOVE THIS STORY!
Bullet Tooth gives a shocking and terrifying glimpse into an all too real landscape within our world. Who doesn't love exploring and investigating some old VHS tapes when they find them? That's exactly what one character in this story does, unknowingly unleashing a centuries old evil that's thirsty for fresh blood.
This story had me hooked and unable to look away from the very start. The way that Grant Wamack blends these storylines and characters together truly shows how much he loves horror and how great of a writer that he is. It's bloody, it's disgusting, it felt so real at times and through it all, I found myself really enjoying all of these components. I've enjoyed other stories that Grant has put out, but this one by far is my favorite. It's so nuanced and shows a love for classic horror while also giving a fresh take and a unique perspective!
Move over Pinhead and Candyman, Bullet Tooth is blowing a new hole in horror as we speak!! Check this out!!
Bullet Tooth gives a shocking and terrifying glimpse into an all too real landscape within our world. Who doesn't love exploring and investigating some old VHS tapes when they find them? That's exactly what one character in this story does, unknowingly unleashing a centuries old evil that's thirsty for fresh blood.
This story had me hooked and unable to look away from the very start. The way that Grant Wamack blends these storylines and characters together truly shows how much he loves horror and how great of a writer that he is. It's bloody, it's disgusting, it felt so real at times and through it all, I found myself really enjoying all of these components. I've enjoyed other stories that Grant has put out, but this one by far is my favorite. It's so nuanced and shows a love for classic horror while also giving a fresh take and a unique perspective!
Move over Pinhead and Candyman, Bullet Tooth is blowing a new hole in horror as we speak!! Check this out!!
January 26, 2024
Grant Wamack is one of my favorite writers because of how he captures a time and place. In this case, we are back in Chicago, and I say "back" because the first Wamack novel that I ever read was Black Gypsies, which also takes place in Chicago. Wamack gave us one of my favorite characters ever, which is the drill rapper Big Poliano. Big Poliano is the worst, I tell ya. I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say that he is memorable and sucks.
Bullet Tooth hop out the VHS tape and start f**king shit up. Grant is good at creating crazy monsters tew. There is a part where one of the 3 main characters does the whole "lemme research what this crazy evil thing is" with Bullet Tooth where it's that perfect horror trope where they go to the library or go online to find out what this thing that is causing all the trouble is. Wamack just drops it in the middle of this crazy book and I love that, because it gives it a classic horror vibe out of nowhere.
I did a blurb for this book so you should read it tew
Bullet Tooth hop out the VHS tape and start f**king shit up. Grant is good at creating crazy monsters tew. There is a part where one of the 3 main characters does the whole "lemme research what this crazy evil thing is" with Bullet Tooth where it's that perfect horror trope where they go to the library or go online to find out what this thing that is causing all the trouble is. Wamack just drops it in the middle of this crazy book and I love that, because it gives it a classic horror vibe out of nowhere.
I did a blurb for this book so you should read it tew
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