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A Love Like Sharp Teeth
After the questionable death of his neighbours, elderly notary Wilhelm Anwalt waits for the moon and the undead to rise. As he does, he commits to paper the memories of his youth and early marriage in the shadows of the Bavarian mountains, and his first experience with a monster that would haunt him for the rest of his vampir.
- GenresHorror
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 7, 2026
5/5 stars
What a beautiful, horrifying little novella. A Love Like Sharp Teeth features the letter written by Wilhelm Anwalt in 1532. A plague is destroying his small German town and Wilhelm alone knows what is truly behind it. He writes of his life and love with his wife, and details how they have faced this creature before, a vampir that haunts them still.
The writing stood out here: it was beautiful, haunting and vivid. The vampir is a spindly, grotesque monster, which I LOVE TO SEE!! Let vampires be ugly again! Big fan!!!
This one is only a short novella yet so, so good. Definitely recommend to anybody who wants a gothic horror reminiscent of the classics, while also being unputdownable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC! Releases March 6th, 2026!
What a beautiful, horrifying little novella. A Love Like Sharp Teeth features the letter written by Wilhelm Anwalt in 1532. A plague is destroying his small German town and Wilhelm alone knows what is truly behind it. He writes of his life and love with his wife, and details how they have faced this creature before, a vampir that haunts them still.
The writing stood out here: it was beautiful, haunting and vivid. The vampir is a spindly, grotesque monster, which I LOVE TO SEE!! Let vampires be ugly again! Big fan!!!
This one is only a short novella yet so, so good. Definitely recommend to anybody who wants a gothic horror reminiscent of the classics, while also being unputdownable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC! Releases March 6th, 2026!
March 17, 2026
‘After the questionable deaths of his neighbours, elderly notary Wilhelm Anwalt waits for the moon and the dead to rise. As he does, he commits to paper the memories of his youth and early marriage in the shadows of the Bavarian mountains, and his first experience with a monster that would haunt him for the rest of his days: vampir.’
I’m a sucker for disturbing and macabre covers, especially if a bloody, vampiric tale is bait or promise. So naturally, when I stumbled upon this one while perusing NG, I pounced.
A Love Like Sharp Teeth is told from the MMC’s, Wilhelm, POV, through his journal history, which would likely only ever be discovered and viewed upon his death.
As I read through his recounting of a chilling and disturbing experience and confrontation with a vampire, I was thoroughly swept up in the classical and savory prose -- I was rapt. It was just so 🤌🏼
Such an unexpected and hair-raising little jaunt, I truly hated for it to end.
Birss is undoubtedly very talented and I'd love to read her work again.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. Thank you for the opportunity!
I’m a sucker for disturbing and macabre covers, especially if a bloody, vampiric tale is bait or promise. So naturally, when I stumbled upon this one while perusing NG, I pounced.
A Love Like Sharp Teeth is told from the MMC’s, Wilhelm, POV, through his journal history, which would likely only ever be discovered and viewed upon his death.
As I read through his recounting of a chilling and disturbing experience and confrontation with a vampire, I was thoroughly swept up in the classical and savory prose -- I was rapt. It was just so 🤌🏼
Such an unexpected and hair-raising little jaunt, I truly hated for it to end.
Birss is undoubtedly very talented and I'd love to read her work again.
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. Thank you for the opportunity!
March 16, 2026
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with the ARC.
This is a fantastic edition to the vampire genre fiction. Short novella that explores the horrors of fearing for your love ones. This was written immaculately and I enjoyed it very much. I would say that the vampire subgenre of horror is not my favorite, but done well, sharp and short is the best package for me. I highly recommend if you need something on the shorter side that can be read in two hours. I would definitely seek to read something else by this author.
This is a fantastic edition to the vampire genre fiction. Short novella that explores the horrors of fearing for your love ones. This was written immaculately and I enjoyed it very much. I would say that the vampire subgenre of horror is not my favorite, but done well, sharp and short is the best package for me. I highly recommend if you need something on the shorter side that can be read in two hours. I would definitely seek to read something else by this author.
March 12, 2026
*I received this arc through netgalley*
(this review will be posted to Amazon, Fable, and Netgalley)
Thank you to the author and Victoria Editing for allowing me to read this book.
I really enjoyed this short story told from the main character in a letter format. I mean 74 pages of rich detail so much so that I could clearly see the scenes in my head is always a treat! The story quietly pulled me into its embrace and mesmerized me just as a vampir would to its prey. To me, the way this reads is refreshing and I applaud the choice to write in this way.
A quote I love:
"For someone who had been so dedicated to logic and to study, to come face to face with the arcane was practically an invitation to insanity, for what is reason in the face of madness? Having seen it before my very eyes, I had no choice but to accept the existence of the supernatural."
(this review will be posted to Amazon, Fable, and Netgalley)
Thank you to the author and Victoria Editing for allowing me to read this book.
I really enjoyed this short story told from the main character in a letter format. I mean 74 pages of rich detail so much so that I could clearly see the scenes in my head is always a treat! The story quietly pulled me into its embrace and mesmerized me just as a vampir would to its prey. To me, the way this reads is refreshing and I applaud the choice to write in this way.
A quote I love:
"For someone who had been so dedicated to logic and to study, to come face to face with the arcane was practically an invitation to insanity, for what is reason in the face of madness? Having seen it before my very eyes, I had no choice but to accept the existence of the supernatural."
March 6, 2026
I am speechless after reading Hannah Birss A Love Like Sharp Teeth. Seriously, my heart and brain stalled and I had full body chills after turning the last page.
In A Love Like Sharp Teeth, Wilhelm Anwalt writes a letter to his fellow townsfolk detailing his experience with a vampir as young man and explains how that experience affects each of them now.
This novella reminded me of Dracula, but a thousand times better. Because I couldn't put this down, but my bookmark in Dracula has been stuck twenty-five percent in for almost a year now. Dark, moody, and atmospheric, Birss transports us to a German village with, rightfully, severe superstitions. I was right there alongside Wilhelm, among the fog and the trees, hearing the church bells toll in the distance. I did not want the story to end. I would have stayed in this world and explored every decrepit, crumbling home for answers.
Of course, the story ended perfectly and left me with those full body chills. Do yourself a favor and pick up A Love Like Sharp Teeth. You won't put it down, and when you too turn that last page, you'll feel for a while.
I owe a massive thank you to the author and Netgalley for an early reader copy. All opinions are my own.
In A Love Like Sharp Teeth, Wilhelm Anwalt writes a letter to his fellow townsfolk detailing his experience with a vampir as young man and explains how that experience affects each of them now.
This novella reminded me of Dracula, but a thousand times better. Because I couldn't put this down, but my bookmark in Dracula has been stuck twenty-five percent in for almost a year now. Dark, moody, and atmospheric, Birss transports us to a German village with, rightfully, severe superstitions. I was right there alongside Wilhelm, among the fog and the trees, hearing the church bells toll in the distance. I did not want the story to end. I would have stayed in this world and explored every decrepit, crumbling home for answers.
Of course, the story ended perfectly and left me with those full body chills. Do yourself a favor and pick up A Love Like Sharp Teeth. You won't put it down, and when you too turn that last page, you'll feel for a while.
I owe a massive thank you to the author and Netgalley for an early reader copy. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2026
advanced copy courtesy of NetGalley
"I must ask you, dear reader, what would you do for love"
In this supernatural horror, we read the last writings of a man who's village has been terrorised by a vampire as he relives the horrors he experienced decades prior as the dark presence reached his door in hopes to save his current town a similar fate.
throughout this book, I was rather dissapointed by many errors I would not expect to see in a released book, be it grammatical errors, incorrect turns of phrase or references of things well past the time period of the book.
"I must ask you, dear reader, what would you do for love"
In this supernatural horror, we read the last writings of a man who's village has been terrorised by a vampire as he relives the horrors he experienced decades prior as the dark presence reached his door in hopes to save his current town a similar fate.
throughout this book, I was rather dissapointed by many errors I would not expect to see in a released book, be it grammatical errors, incorrect turns of phrase or references of things well past the time period of the book.
March 3, 2026
WOW !!! This was brilliant! It reads like Dracula, Frankenstein, Carmilla and all my other favourite classic horrors. Short, sweet, and oh so creepy. Truly a spectacular piece of writing.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read and review this work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Love Like Sharp Teeth by Hannah Birss
4.25 rounded down to 4🔮 orbs
Est. Pub. Date: March 6, 2026
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Into the forest of emotional turmoil….
💡 Orbs Prologue: I live within Wilhelm Anwalt. Dear reader, I see your brow furrow in wonder. How, Orb, could you live inside a human being? In the truest sense of magic, I have nested myself, like a wren, within the emotional framework of Wilhelm, a man hailing from the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria. Wrapped by his rapidly increasing geriatric-like bones, an outpouring of emotions remains to be rediscovered. A soft phlegm stumbles his speech as my work rises to the surface. Talk of times long past, I remain his body's constant. Like a conductor, the pains orchestrated by my pulling of the human switches, the breath quickens, the heart rate accelerates, and sweat drips from the brow in remembrance of times long buried. I am in his conscience, never quite forgotten, but among a pot of torturous soup. I am his emotions, turning internal thermostat knobs while releasing a chain reaction of hormones to fend off what would cause him harm. In this retelling of a story, I will attempt to put you, the reader, in the driver’s seat, to relive a harrowing experience and decide whether we did what was best…
🧐 A small glimpse: Discovering the deceased bodies must never get easier. In 1532, disease was decimating the European population. As the death tolls rise, Wilhelm wonders if the newest victims have fallen to an illness or something all too familiar to him, a vampir. The signs are all there, and Wilhelm, once a staunch disbeliever, has become intimately involved in fighting against these phantoms of the night. Oh, he believes! Henne, his adoring wife whom Wilhelm dotes upon, suffers at the hands of one of these fanged beasts. The town is under siege, with time being of the essence. With his best friend Karl, author Hannah Birss does the unthinkable and has readers tag along with Wilhelm on a hunt to kill a vampir, and exact revenge for a town swimming in chaos and blood.
👍 Orbs Pros: Eloquence personified! Hannah Birss writes in such a majestic style that I am, quite frankly, envious. In a world wrought with death and decay, the words flow in a beauteous manner. Different! I might be new to the party, but my depictions of vampires are pale-skinned coffin-dwellers with fangs. The grotesque descriptions offered by Birss put a more folkloric spin on it, challenging my mind to bend my imagination at these newfound atrocities. A superb palate cleanser! This novella remained a small, concise play with words that brought atmosphere in spades. Scavenging through the wastelands of humanity, undying love and romance reign supreme, even through a fog of death. That cover! Oh my, that is tasty in all its ravenous splendor!
👎 Orbs Cons: I struggle to attempt to conjure many drawbacks. Again, length might be bothersome for some, or perhaps you are tired of the vampire trope. Which I have good news! There are vampirs in this one, with a fresh new look to blow your mind with.
Highly Recommended! I was impressed with Birss's prose. The story does an exceptional, horrifying job of creating a tense atmosphere of mere mortals fighting against an undead looking to satiate its bloodthirsty appetite. Highly recommended for those lovers of the vampire persuasion with a bit of a twist of lemon.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: Long, long ago…on a fateful night, Wilhelm’s wife gestured playfully by the fire. In the stark contrast of the world around them, the serenity and bond they had created forced me to flood Wilhelm with overwhelming contentment and happiness. Unfettered love, with every heartbeat in unison with one another… until it wasn’t. Henne Anwalt lies bleeding, with an open window blowing the cold breeze upon her nightgown. As Wilhelm’s disbelief festers in his mind, I go to work. Grasping the blood-soaked chains, I pull down a floating elevator. I rapidly exchanged its contents and filled the space with rage and retribution before a momentous ascent back up to Wilhelm’s receptors. Within seconds, the blind fury mocks the tenderness he experienced only moments before. Some might call it foolish, hunting a vampir, but what should we do? Allow our beautiful bride to suffer at the hands of a monster or fight till death? Tracking the forest for clues, a stream is parted by a bridge, the moment has shown itself, and we are here. I step on the adrenaline pedal, and Wilhelm responds with the strength of ten warriors. The salivating maw of the undead waits, and one must ask, have we miscalculated this frightful endeavor?
Many thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
4.25 rounded down to 4🔮 orbs
Est. Pub. Date: March 6, 2026
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Into the forest of emotional turmoil….
💡 Orbs Prologue: I live within Wilhelm Anwalt. Dear reader, I see your brow furrow in wonder. How, Orb, could you live inside a human being? In the truest sense of magic, I have nested myself, like a wren, within the emotional framework of Wilhelm, a man hailing from the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria. Wrapped by his rapidly increasing geriatric-like bones, an outpouring of emotions remains to be rediscovered. A soft phlegm stumbles his speech as my work rises to the surface. Talk of times long past, I remain his body's constant. Like a conductor, the pains orchestrated by my pulling of the human switches, the breath quickens, the heart rate accelerates, and sweat drips from the brow in remembrance of times long buried. I am in his conscience, never quite forgotten, but among a pot of torturous soup. I am his emotions, turning internal thermostat knobs while releasing a chain reaction of hormones to fend off what would cause him harm. In this retelling of a story, I will attempt to put you, the reader, in the driver’s seat, to relive a harrowing experience and decide whether we did what was best…
🧐 A small glimpse: Discovering the deceased bodies must never get easier. In 1532, disease was decimating the European population. As the death tolls rise, Wilhelm wonders if the newest victims have fallen to an illness or something all too familiar to him, a vampir. The signs are all there, and Wilhelm, once a staunch disbeliever, has become intimately involved in fighting against these phantoms of the night. Oh, he believes! Henne, his adoring wife whom Wilhelm dotes upon, suffers at the hands of one of these fanged beasts. The town is under siege, with time being of the essence. With his best friend Karl, author Hannah Birss does the unthinkable and has readers tag along with Wilhelm on a hunt to kill a vampir, and exact revenge for a town swimming in chaos and blood.
👍 Orbs Pros: Eloquence personified! Hannah Birss writes in such a majestic style that I am, quite frankly, envious. In a world wrought with death and decay, the words flow in a beauteous manner. Different! I might be new to the party, but my depictions of vampires are pale-skinned coffin-dwellers with fangs. The grotesque descriptions offered by Birss put a more folkloric spin on it, challenging my mind to bend my imagination at these newfound atrocities. A superb palate cleanser! This novella remained a small, concise play with words that brought atmosphere in spades. Scavenging through the wastelands of humanity, undying love and romance reign supreme, even through a fog of death. That cover! Oh my, that is tasty in all its ravenous splendor!
👎 Orbs Cons: I struggle to attempt to conjure many drawbacks. Again, length might be bothersome for some, or perhaps you are tired of the vampire trope. Which I have good news! There are vampirs in this one, with a fresh new look to blow your mind with.
Highly Recommended! I was impressed with Birss's prose. The story does an exceptional, horrifying job of creating a tense atmosphere of mere mortals fighting against an undead looking to satiate its bloodthirsty appetite. Highly recommended for those lovers of the vampire persuasion with a bit of a twist of lemon.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: Long, long ago…on a fateful night, Wilhelm’s wife gestured playfully by the fire. In the stark contrast of the world around them, the serenity and bond they had created forced me to flood Wilhelm with overwhelming contentment and happiness. Unfettered love, with every heartbeat in unison with one another… until it wasn’t. Henne Anwalt lies bleeding, with an open window blowing the cold breeze upon her nightgown. As Wilhelm’s disbelief festers in his mind, I go to work. Grasping the blood-soaked chains, I pull down a floating elevator. I rapidly exchanged its contents and filled the space with rage and retribution before a momentous ascent back up to Wilhelm’s receptors. Within seconds, the blind fury mocks the tenderness he experienced only moments before. Some might call it foolish, hunting a vampir, but what should we do? Allow our beautiful bride to suffer at the hands of a monster or fight till death? Tracking the forest for clues, a stream is parted by a bridge, the moment has shown itself, and we are here. I step on the adrenaline pedal, and Wilhelm responds with the strength of ten warriors. The salivating maw of the undead waits, and one must ask, have we miscalculated this frightful endeavor?
Many thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
March 19, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book through net galley. Thank you to the publisher/author/net galley for the opportunity to review this book prior to release.
Now into the novella, I want to first start off by saying the way Birss is able to describe and build the vampir is PHENOMENAL. It was a masterclass in writing vampires. Everything about how the vampir was written had me completely enraptured and captivated. It was eerie, macabre, sinister—everything a well written vampire should be. When I read the first few passages I said audibly “Dang girl, you know how to write!!” The vampire, and the premise of the story were completely captivating and I absolutely loved these aspects of the story.
Now why I am only giving the book 2.5 🌟 I started this book extremely frustrated. I found the narrator to be incredibly unlikable, there were many glaring editing errors, and the writing was shallow/underwhelming. These things made the book difficult to want to continue. There was a lot of “telling not showing” and I wish that the author could have extended out the first half of the book to give us a better glimpse into the main characters history, the setting, the romance/courting of the narrator and his wife, etc. This would have helped me to care more about the main character, who until around 65-70% I hadn’t. The premise of the book is phenomenal and what drew me to apply for an ARC (in combination with the cover—which by the way A+++), so I would have liked to see some atmosphere building/setting of the stage for the rest of the book. Getting to the vampir, I realized Hannah Birss really knows how to write which made the lackluster first half even more frustrating because I can tell just how talented she is as a writer and an artist.
I would love if there was a way to push back this release, get a new editing team (because good god), and fix the problems with the first half because the woman knows how to write and this could easily be a 5 🌟 read with more work. I also loved the little illustrations and would love to see a few more throughout the novel, they were fun and definitely added an eerie vibe as I was reading. I am not so naive or self important to think my review will inact any kind of changes but I do want to note that I think this novella has huge potential and it would be a shame to not see it be the best it can be. I
Overall I think I would recommend the book because even with its flaws, it’s so short that it’s worth getting through them to get to the good bits.
Now into the novella, I want to first start off by saying the way Birss is able to describe and build the vampir is PHENOMENAL. It was a masterclass in writing vampires. Everything about how the vampir was written had me completely enraptured and captivated. It was eerie, macabre, sinister—everything a well written vampire should be. When I read the first few passages I said audibly “Dang girl, you know how to write!!” The vampire, and the premise of the story were completely captivating and I absolutely loved these aspects of the story.
Now why I am only giving the book 2.5 🌟 I started this book extremely frustrated. I found the narrator to be incredibly unlikable, there were many glaring editing errors, and the writing was shallow/underwhelming. These things made the book difficult to want to continue. There was a lot of “telling not showing” and I wish that the author could have extended out the first half of the book to give us a better glimpse into the main characters history, the setting, the romance/courting of the narrator and his wife, etc. This would have helped me to care more about the main character, who until around 65-70% I hadn’t. The premise of the book is phenomenal and what drew me to apply for an ARC (in combination with the cover—which by the way A+++), so I would have liked to see some atmosphere building/setting of the stage for the rest of the book. Getting to the vampir, I realized Hannah Birss really knows how to write which made the lackluster first half even more frustrating because I can tell just how talented she is as a writer and an artist.
I would love if there was a way to push back this release, get a new editing team (because good god), and fix the problems with the first half because the woman knows how to write and this could easily be a 5 🌟 read with more work. I also loved the little illustrations and would love to see a few more throughout the novel, they were fun and definitely added an eerie vibe as I was reading. I am not so naive or self important to think my review will inact any kind of changes but I do want to note that I think this novella has huge potential and it would be a shame to not see it be the best it can be. I
Overall I think I would recommend the book because even with its flaws, it’s so short that it’s worth getting through them to get to the good bits.
March 20, 2026
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Hannah for gifting me this book.
A Love Like Sharp Teeth is a short vampire horror story. The story takes a place in the form of a letter written by Wilhelm Anwalt, an elderly notary who while waiting for a vampire to appear decides to write a letter to whoever might find it.
I want to start this with the positives. I really liked the vampire in this story. The way Birss described it was amazing and it really allowed me to picture the creature in my mind.
I also really enjoyed the way Birss made the love the narrator felt for his wife feel so undeniable. It is the "burn the world" kind of love, I really enjoy in my books.
That being said, I found this book a little hard to read, not because of the writing or the story but because of the narrator. I really didn't like him and that made me not overly care to hear his story. Excluding the love he feels for his wife, he does seem to have any likable qualities. I think it helped that the story was so short. I do feel if the story was longer it would have been unbearable to listen to Wilhelm go on.
I also didn’t get the spine-chilling eeriness I love from vampire stories. It felt a bit predictable, and even the scenes that were meant to be “gory” didn’t give me the uneasy feeling I was hoping for.
For that reason, I’m giving it 3 stars. I don’t think the story was bad, it just wasn’t for me.
A Love Like Sharp Teeth is a short vampire horror story. The story takes a place in the form of a letter written by Wilhelm Anwalt, an elderly notary who while waiting for a vampire to appear decides to write a letter to whoever might find it.
I want to start this with the positives. I really liked the vampire in this story. The way Birss described it was amazing and it really allowed me to picture the creature in my mind.
I also really enjoyed the way Birss made the love the narrator felt for his wife feel so undeniable. It is the "burn the world" kind of love, I really enjoy in my books.
That being said, I found this book a little hard to read, not because of the writing or the story but because of the narrator. I really didn't like him and that made me not overly care to hear his story. Excluding the love he feels for his wife, he does seem to have any likable qualities. I think it helped that the story was so short. I do feel if the story was longer it would have been unbearable to listen to Wilhelm go on.
I also didn’t get the spine-chilling eeriness I love from vampire stories. It felt a bit predictable, and even the scenes that were meant to be “gory” didn’t give me the uneasy feeling I was hoping for.
For that reason, I’m giving it 3 stars. I don’t think the story was bad, it just wasn’t for me.
March 6, 2026
What a beautiful Gothic love horror story.
Written in classic gothic style and I loved every minute of it.
Everything is written descriptively but not overly wordy, in a style reminiscent of Victorian written gothic horrors like Dracula and such.
Dark, moody, atmospheric, descriptive, whist making you feel the care and love. But also delivering in the descriptions that share the horrors, feeling, sorrow of all within the story.
I read this in one sitting, it's short but impactful.
The shortness it's it's only down side. Only because I was enjoying the writing so much I just didn't want it to end. However I do have a soft spot for traditional Gothic style writing, so I could be a bit bias.
Just a quick note, the vampire is not you trope vampire of modern times but more of the historical type.
I would recommend this book to classic vampire lovers or those that love classic gothic style writing.
The horror is not shock gore or anything of the type. The horror is the aspect of the vampire.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for letting me read this ARC. I really enjoyed it.
Written in classic gothic style and I loved every minute of it.
Everything is written descriptively but not overly wordy, in a style reminiscent of Victorian written gothic horrors like Dracula and such.
Dark, moody, atmospheric, descriptive, whist making you feel the care and love. But also delivering in the descriptions that share the horrors, feeling, sorrow of all within the story.
I read this in one sitting, it's short but impactful.
The shortness it's it's only down side. Only because I was enjoying the writing so much I just didn't want it to end. However I do have a soft spot for traditional Gothic style writing, so I could be a bit bias.
Just a quick note, the vampire is not you trope vampire of modern times but more of the historical type.
I would recommend this book to classic vampire lovers or those that love classic gothic style writing.
The horror is not shock gore or anything of the type. The horror is the aspect of the vampire.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for letting me read this ARC. I really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
When one loves with a love like sharp teeth, how does one turn it around on the object of his affection?
A short read that packs a lot of punch within its pages. Written similarly like Dracula, but instead of the story told through a series of letters, the entire book is one confessional letter from our main character Wilhelm, who grapples between his ardent love and his own morality.
The prose and eloquence was exactly what I expected in a book with vampires (and honestly what Dracula lacked during my first read). The writing also evolved along with Wilhelm's journey - but despite it all, the undercurrent of ardent love for his wife was present throughout the entire book.
A pleasant read and I hope to read longer books from the author soon.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
When one loves with a love like sharp teeth, how does one turn it around on the object of his affection?
A short read that packs a lot of punch within its pages. Written similarly like Dracula, but instead of the story told through a series of letters, the entire book is one confessional letter from our main character Wilhelm, who grapples between his ardent love and his own morality.
The prose and eloquence was exactly what I expected in a book with vampires (and honestly what Dracula lacked during my first read). The writing also evolved along with Wilhelm's journey - but despite it all, the undercurrent of ardent love for his wife was present throughout the entire book.
A pleasant read and I hope to read longer books from the author soon.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
March 17, 2026
“A Love Like Sharp Teeth” - Hannah Birss
I received this an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing, so thank you! This was an e-book, so will be reviewing that edition.
Wilhelm Anwalt stands beside a grave; one of many in a short time. Haunted by memories of his past life, he decides to write it down, pleading with the reader to listen to his tale. His past horror is bleeding into the present, and he knows this illness which plagues his new home, is not a sickness but a vampir.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is a novella, roughly 74 pages, and I read it quite fast. This was a good read, and I believe this is already published. The story was short and sweet, and I was invested in the character’s story. Wilhelm explains how his home town was ravaged by the monster, and discusses the people’s reactions, and burning homes of the infected.
I would recommend this book for any vampire lover.
Thank you again to NetGalley and Victory Editing, and wish the author best with this story.
I received this an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing, so thank you! This was an e-book, so will be reviewing that edition.
Wilhelm Anwalt stands beside a grave; one of many in a short time. Haunted by memories of his past life, he decides to write it down, pleading with the reader to listen to his tale. His past horror is bleeding into the present, and he knows this illness which plagues his new home, is not a sickness but a vampir.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is a novella, roughly 74 pages, and I read it quite fast. This was a good read, and I believe this is already published. The story was short and sweet, and I was invested in the character’s story. Wilhelm explains how his home town was ravaged by the monster, and discusses the people’s reactions, and burning homes of the infected.
I would recommend this book for any vampire lover.
Thank you again to NetGalley and Victory Editing, and wish the author best with this story.
March 17, 2026
1532–Steinau, Germany. Upon his neighbors' mysterious deaths, an elderly notary named Wilhelm Anwalt records his horrific history with a dreaded vampir, who has shadowed him most of his life.
5 Reasons to Read
🦇 A short read and frame narrative, single POV.
🦇 Evocative of Bram Stoker’s Dracula without being any kind of direct copy. There's a subtle tuberculosis allegory going on.
🦇 Excellent prose with an eerie atmosphere.
🦇 A rather devastating love story.
🦇 Plot twist!
Wow. What a romantically tragic little emotional roller coaster. The whole story builds up to the open-ended conclusion, and it packed a sharp punch I wasn't expecting. I do wish there was a page or two more of showing Wilhelm's friendship with Karl. I feel like that would have helped make Karl's fate a little more impactful for me. But that's just a mild criticism.
I recommend reading A Love Like Sharp Teeth on a Kindle at night with the lights off for maximum spooky effect.
5 Reasons to Read
🦇 A short read and frame narrative, single POV.
🦇 Evocative of Bram Stoker’s Dracula without being any kind of direct copy. There's a subtle tuberculosis allegory going on.
🦇 Excellent prose with an eerie atmosphere.
🦇 A rather devastating love story.
🦇 Plot twist!
Wow. What a romantically tragic little emotional roller coaster. The whole story builds up to the open-ended conclusion, and it packed a sharp punch I wasn't expecting. I do wish there was a page or two more of showing Wilhelm's friendship with Karl. I feel like that would have helped make Karl's fate a little more impactful for me. But that's just a mild criticism.
I recommend reading A Love Like Sharp Teeth on a Kindle at night with the lights off for maximum spooky effect.
March 7, 2026
A beautiful vampire novella! Chilling and noteworthy, "A Love Like Sharp Teeth" By Hannah Birss is something you can sink your teeth into, No pun intended; well, maybe.
Obviously, I wanted to give this novella a shot when I found out that it was a vampire story. I'm partial to those. However, this is a book anyone will probably enjoy. If you like gothic novels with a hint of suspense, this is definitely worth your time and money. The fact that you can finish it in one sitting doesn't hurt, either.
If you are looking for something surprising, with a hint of Mary Shelly and a sprinkle of Stoker, then this has your name on it. Hanna Birss is a wonderful writer. I caught myself smiling and at times creeped out, while reading it. Exactly what I look for when I pick up a horror story.
Obviously, I wanted to give this novella a shot when I found out that it was a vampire story. I'm partial to those. However, this is a book anyone will probably enjoy. If you like gothic novels with a hint of suspense, this is definitely worth your time and money. The fact that you can finish it in one sitting doesn't hurt, either.
If you are looking for something surprising, with a hint of Mary Shelly and a sprinkle of Stoker, then this has your name on it. Hanna Birss is a wonderful writer. I caught myself smiling and at times creeped out, while reading it. Exactly what I look for when I pick up a horror story.
March 9, 2026
Thank you to Hannah Birss, Victory Editing and NetGalley for this free advanced copy of A Love Like Sharp Teeth. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Such a wonderfully dark and ominous short story. The inspiration from Dracula was clear, without it ever feeling like a retelling or adaptation.
The quality of the writing made this a tale of its own merit. The first person narrative, via the medium of letters, made me feel fully immersed in events.
It was ultimately the story of what one man will do in the name of love, and how love can in some exceptional circumstances hinder you from doing what needs to be done.
It all builds to what feels like an inevitable and harrowing conclusion. The ending is not neatly tied up, which I know some readers don't like, but it felt like the right thing for the author to do.
Such a wonderfully dark and ominous short story. The inspiration from Dracula was clear, without it ever feeling like a retelling or adaptation.
The quality of the writing made this a tale of its own merit. The first person narrative, via the medium of letters, made me feel fully immersed in events.
It was ultimately the story of what one man will do in the name of love, and how love can in some exceptional circumstances hinder you from doing what needs to be done.
It all builds to what feels like an inevitable and harrowing conclusion. The ending is not neatly tied up, which I know some readers don't like, but it felt like the right thing for the author to do.
March 11, 2026
A captivating, haunting gothic tale that blends grotesque vampires and how far we would go for our loved ones. I simply could not put down this novella. It was told from via a long letter by Wilhem, detailing his experience in his hometown with a vampire many decades ago and how it still haunting him today. Birss did a fantastic job at leading us into the Bavarian mountains of the 1500s, with the perfect atmospheric and dark descriptions of classic horror novels without bogging down the story without overzealous prose. Definitely more of a creepy, suspenseful, moody horror novel than a body/gore horror, but there are graphic elements. As it was getting to the end, I kept wishing it would go on because I truly loved it so much, but it was perfect as is.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2026
"I must ask you, dear reader, what would you do for love? Would you grow your own set of fangs and fight back, defend it most ardently from encroaching shadow, or would you lie down and let the dark consume them?" - Hannah Birss, A Love Like Sharp Teeth
When I tell you that I couldn't put this book down, I truly mean that I could not tear my eyes away from this beautiful, haunting story. The atmosphere is crafted perfectly for this gothic vampir love story. Birss's writing is engaging and enveloped me in the old world of piety and folklore. I could feel the love that Wilhelm had for his Henne. I could also imagine the creeping vampir thanks to the vivid descriptions. If you like classic feeling stories, like Dracula, you will love this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hannah Birss for the ARC!
When I tell you that I couldn't put this book down, I truly mean that I could not tear my eyes away from this beautiful, haunting story. The atmosphere is crafted perfectly for this gothic vampir love story. Birss's writing is engaging and enveloped me in the old world of piety and folklore. I could feel the love that Wilhelm had for his Henne. I could also imagine the creeping vampir thanks to the vivid descriptions. If you like classic feeling stories, like Dracula, you will love this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hannah Birss for the ARC!
March 25, 2026
Thank you to Hannah Birss, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this eARC.
I finished this novella a few days ago and felt I wanted to sit with it for a moment before writing a review. I Really enjoyed this story. Pacing, detailing and worldbuilding were all excellent. I really appreciate the attention to descriptive detail. It felt real. The language was immersive into the world. I found myself on the edge of my seat for the second half of the story, consumed and wanting to know what was going to happen. I found the end was very satisfying and was written well. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!
I finished this novella a few days ago and felt I wanted to sit with it for a moment before writing a review. I Really enjoyed this story. Pacing, detailing and worldbuilding were all excellent. I really appreciate the attention to descriptive detail. It felt real. The language was immersive into the world. I found myself on the edge of my seat for the second half of the story, consumed and wanting to know what was going to happen. I found the end was very satisfying and was written well. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!
March 6, 2026
Hannah Birss does it again with another top read.
Cast as a confessional letter by a notary who suspects his town has been afflicted by a vampire, A Love Like Sharp Teeth is a beautifully written novella from an author at once at home in darkest horror and nimble fairy stories - although it's easy to forget how close the line is between the two.
Sitting confidently alongside the gothic tradition that birthed Carmilla, Dracula, Frankenstein, and Poe, this novella is satisfyingly complete but still leaves you wanting more. I particularly liked how the vampire - vampir, here, much as it's vampyre in Polidori's novella, recalling a period before the term was locked down - has an actual wild, unknowable quality. It's not a quest to find a count or other afflicted noble, but a return to the idea that monsters come to town without warning, offering no reason for their actions.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley
Cast as a confessional letter by a notary who suspects his town has been afflicted by a vampire, A Love Like Sharp Teeth is a beautifully written novella from an author at once at home in darkest horror and nimble fairy stories - although it's easy to forget how close the line is between the two.
Sitting confidently alongside the gothic tradition that birthed Carmilla, Dracula, Frankenstein, and Poe, this novella is satisfyingly complete but still leaves you wanting more. I particularly liked how the vampire - vampir, here, much as it's vampyre in Polidori's novella, recalling a period before the term was locked down - has an actual wild, unknowable quality. It's not a quest to find a count or other afflicted noble, but a return to the idea that monsters come to town without warning, offering no reason for their actions.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was short, sweet, and to the point. It's perfect for fans of classic vampire horror, and wasn't any longer than it needed to be. It isn't really trying to do anything new with the genre but I still was a little surprised by the ending, and the atmosphere was excellent. The relationship between the main character and his wife (i.e. a love like sharp teeth) seemed a bit one-dimentional at first but I liked how it developed by the end. Overall a great read, and a great addition to a Halloween reading list. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
March 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a wonderfully haunting, gothic novella. The prose were beautiful and the descriptions were wonderfully vivid. I really enjoyed the feature of a Vampir over a traditional vampire and it really was monstrous!
The romantic air and overtones of the story were exactly what I would expect from a gothic novel (we love a doting and besotted husband). I think the length was just right for the story it was telling but I very much look forward to potentially reading something longer from the author!
This was a wonderfully haunting, gothic novella. The prose were beautiful and the descriptions were wonderfully vivid. I really enjoyed the feature of a Vampir over a traditional vampire and it really was monstrous!
The romantic air and overtones of the story were exactly what I would expect from a gothic novel (we love a doting and besotted husband). I think the length was just right for the story it was telling but I very much look forward to potentially reading something longer from the author!
March 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this! Hannah Birss writes in a way that is so pleasing to my brain! Having previously read her “A Slightly Stranger Point of View” short story collection, I was so excited to find this new story and I was not disappointed in the slightest!
This vampire novella was chilling, dark, and moody. All great attributes that had me immersed in the story! There was just something about this book that I can’t quite put into words that made it so enjoyable. There are plenty of vampire stories out there and this one is firmly in the “must read” category!
I will continue to seek out whatever Hannah writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
This vampire novella was chilling, dark, and moody. All great attributes that had me immersed in the story! There was just something about this book that I can’t quite put into words that made it so enjoyable. There are plenty of vampire stories out there and this one is firmly in the “must read” category!
I will continue to seek out whatever Hannah writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
March 12, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
A mysterious letter from the 1500's? Sign me up. This was an incredibly attention grabbing novella.
It was spooky and dark, and who doesn't love a man who is so desperately in love with his wife he will do anything to keep her safe? Plus a dark, tragic ending that also leaves you wanting more.
Loved this!
A mysterious letter from the 1500's? Sign me up. This was an incredibly attention grabbing novella.
It was spooky and dark, and who doesn't love a man who is so desperately in love with his wife he will do anything to keep her safe? Plus a dark, tragic ending that also leaves you wanting more.
Loved this!
March 15, 2026
Wonderful. I am currently reading Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’s Guest and Other Weird Stories’ and the fact that this tore me away from that speaks volumes.
A wonderfully written vampire story that could easily have been written decades or centuries ago.
A wonderfully written vampire story that could easily have been written decades or centuries ago.
March 17, 2026
Such a good horror love story novella.
March 22, 2026
A compact fast paced horror novella.
March 25, 2026
great addition to the vampire genre
Nosferatu movie vibes. Beautiful prose, centered around love (but no romance).
Nosferatu movie vibes. Beautiful prose, centered around love (but no romance).
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