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Phoebe Harkness #1
Hell's Teeth
New Oxford.
A third of the human population has been lost.
The wars came, and they created a monster. The Pale, a subhuman, vampire-like drone. Then they lost control.
In the thirty years that followed, humankind sought to rebuild itself within the walls of New Oxford.
But society had become fractured – humans now lived incongruously among Genetic Others, themselves a group of many subspecies.
The most dangerous of them all: the vampires.
Somehow, these groups have managed a peaceful co-existence under the controlling government influence of the Cabal. But that is all about to change…
When Phoebe Harkness receives a phone call in the middle of the night, things take a turn to the horrifying. Her supervisor at Blue Lab One, a high-security research facility, has gone missing.
And all that is left behind: her teeth.
Dr Harkness now finds herself in a race against time to stop further bloodshed and uncover the mystery behind the victims of this horrific crime. She must navigate the dark underworld of the vampire community, without becoming someone’s prey herself…
But she is not alone – on her side, against all odds, is another vampire. Together they must fight for answers before it’s too late…
Hell’s Teeth is the gripping first instalment of the urban gothic Phoebe Harkness series. It follows the young doctor as she stalks through the corrupt dystopia of New Oxford.
A third of the human population has been lost.
The wars came, and they created a monster. The Pale, a subhuman, vampire-like drone. Then they lost control.
In the thirty years that followed, humankind sought to rebuild itself within the walls of New Oxford.
But society had become fractured – humans now lived incongruously among Genetic Others, themselves a group of many subspecies.
The most dangerous of them all: the vampires.
Somehow, these groups have managed a peaceful co-existence under the controlling government influence of the Cabal. But that is all about to change…
When Phoebe Harkness receives a phone call in the middle of the night, things take a turn to the horrifying. Her supervisor at Blue Lab One, a high-security research facility, has gone missing.
And all that is left behind: her teeth.
Dr Harkness now finds herself in a race against time to stop further bloodshed and uncover the mystery behind the victims of this horrific crime. She must navigate the dark underworld of the vampire community, without becoming someone’s prey herself…
But she is not alone – on her side, against all odds, is another vampire. Together they must fight for answers before it’s too late…
Hell’s Teeth is the gripping first instalment of the urban gothic Phoebe Harkness series. It follows the young doctor as she stalks through the corrupt dystopia of New Oxford.
382 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2016
60 people are currently reading
2187 people want to read
About the author
James Fahy
14 books331 followersJames Fahy is the childrens author of the Changeling fantasy series, a Middle-Grade age series following the adventures of Robin, a seemingly unremarkable boy who is swept up into a war between our world, and the Netherworlde, a shadowy realm which lies beyond our own.
In addition to fantasy for younger people, James also writes adult Urban Gothic
James is represented by the Ampersand Literary Agency, Oxford, Publisher Venture Press, London
In addition to fantasy for younger people, James also writes adult Urban Gothic
James is represented by the Ampersand Literary Agency, Oxford, Publisher Venture Press, London
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
June 11, 2023
Actual rating: 3.6789548989 stars.
Why is it that UF novels with female leads and written by male authors tend to be98% 90% less crappy than those written by female authors? Is there a scientific explanation for this most befuddling fact, I wonder? Or are male authors simply more likely to sell their souls to the devil in exchange for wondrous UF writing talents? Yeah, that must be it.
Anyhoo and stuff. This is UF. With a female lead. Andboring as fish vamps. Been there, read that about 159,457 times. But. The story is set in a post-war, Dystopian UK (which is most refreshing indeed, if you ask me). The mostly female cast of characters is, strangely enough, not clichéd. More interestingly, the heroine is not a complete idiot. I kid you not. She's no Mary Snowflake or Special Sue, either (or is it Mary Special or Snowflake Sue? I forget). Wow, I know, not your typical female UF lead. But you know what I really like about her? She is not completely repelled by the idea of using severed body parts as weapons. Now that's my kind of girl!
· Book 2: Crescent Moon ★★★★
· Book3: Paper Children ★★
Why is it that UF novels with female leads and written by male authors tend to be
Anyhoo and stuff. This is UF. With a female lead. And
· Book 2: Crescent Moon ★★★★
· Book3: Paper Children ★★
June 27, 2016
This is my first James Fahy read but it will not be my last! Fahy has an amazingly intimate way of telling a story-his narration style draws you in and makes you feel like you are *exactly* the person he wanted to write this book for.
So many times I found myself re-reading certain lines because they were either especially funny or unusually frightening and that's where I lived, emotionally, while reading this book--either in lighthearted comedy or fear and that's a delicate balance to strike!
The main character, Phoebe Harkness is my new best friend. Witty, stubborn, curious, smart as a whip, you fall instantly in live with this girl, *probably why it's so hard to watch her life come unraveled before your eyes, she's so relatable. Starting with a mysterious encounter with a sexy vampire named Allesandro, Phoebe is pulled in to a world that she used to study from the outside--the world that James Fahy expertly created, New Oxford.
Co-existing in this strange, apocalyptic environment are GOs (Genetic Others), Pales, Bonewalkers and humans. I love how Fahy found creative ways to reveal backstory about how all of these contrasting species came about without huge, awkward info dumps. As new characters entered the scene and crazy stuff starts happening to Phoebe, I obviously had all these questions and by the end of the book, everything is sufficiently explained. I loved that! I'm so tired of reading books where the author either expects the reader to keep reading without enough information *or* throws everything down at the reader all at once. This story manages to do all the world building and backstory with comfortable ease relative to the immediate plot. So cool.
All of Fahy's characters are fleshed out too, none of these crazy names nobody can pronounce or remember and a sufficient cast of memorable characters--those that are there to support and assist our protagonist and those that want to hunt her down and harm her (eek!)
Warning to female readers: Prepare to fall in love with a vampire all over again! I haven't loved a vampire since early Anne Rice books but now I have a new vamp-crush! (you'll know him when you meet him) *wink*
I'm so excited for a sequel! There better be a sequel! I want more.
So many times I found myself re-reading certain lines because they were either especially funny or unusually frightening and that's where I lived, emotionally, while reading this book--either in lighthearted comedy or fear and that's a delicate balance to strike!
The main character, Phoebe Harkness is my new best friend. Witty, stubborn, curious, smart as a whip, you fall instantly in live with this girl, *probably why it's so hard to watch her life come unraveled before your eyes, she's so relatable. Starting with a mysterious encounter with a sexy vampire named Allesandro, Phoebe is pulled in to a world that she used to study from the outside--the world that James Fahy expertly created, New Oxford.
Co-existing in this strange, apocalyptic environment are GOs (Genetic Others), Pales, Bonewalkers and humans. I love how Fahy found creative ways to reveal backstory about how all of these contrasting species came about without huge, awkward info dumps. As new characters entered the scene and crazy stuff starts happening to Phoebe, I obviously had all these questions and by the end of the book, everything is sufficiently explained. I loved that! I'm so tired of reading books where the author either expects the reader to keep reading without enough information *or* throws everything down at the reader all at once. This story manages to do all the world building and backstory with comfortable ease relative to the immediate plot. So cool.
All of Fahy's characters are fleshed out too, none of these crazy names nobody can pronounce or remember and a sufficient cast of memorable characters--those that are there to support and assist our protagonist and those that want to hunt her down and harm her (eek!)
Warning to female readers: Prepare to fall in love with a vampire all over again! I haven't loved a vampire since early Anne Rice books but now I have a new vamp-crush! (you'll know him when you meet him) *wink*
I'm so excited for a sequel! There better be a sequel! I want more.
December 27, 2017
This was great. vampires, zombie(type things) and a good collection of interesting strong and non-cliché female leads blasting their way through a city stalked by a murderer. a few spelling/grammar issues in my copy, but nothing that took away from the enjoyment of the story
December 7, 2017
This book reads like an epic TV show. every chapter feels like a 'tune in next week' cliffhanger, in a good way, and it felt like a mish-mash of all the best bits of Buffy and Underworld. Absolutely great fun. *flicks through Netflix looking for the adaptation*
January 12, 2018
This book read like an action movie, with great fast pacing and barely a moment to rest between some excellent set pieces. From escaping vampire nightclubs by punching through a wall, battling the undead in gothic church basements, gunfights with mercs at a wealthy gala…poor Phoebe Harkness definitely gets her cardio quota in. all this action is balanced well with some good old fashioned sleuthing. * cue hacking into private secret government computers and snooping around your bosses abandoned house finding curious old photographs*. It felt like I was watching a movie more than reading a book, it was so immersive. And the constant danger is tempered with some extremely witty dialogue. It’s like Buffy grew up and moved to Oxford England, and I love it.
November 23, 2017
Fabulous read. a true murder-mystery full of vampires, a great dark and gothic setting, and some hilarious humour and one liners.
At times dark and gory, and filled with titbits of history and interest. I loved this and can easily see it being a Netflix series or movie. one of the funniest MC I've read in a while
At times dark and gory, and filled with titbits of history and interest. I loved this and can easily see it being a Netflix series or movie. one of the funniest MC I've read in a while
October 21, 2017
You guys! This book was SO good!! The opening chapter was brilliant - hooked me right in - and kept me that way right through. I found it surprisingly refreshing to read a vampire story where romance wasn't the central theme. Phoebe Harkness is witty, strong and extremely likeable. Fast moving plot, and fantastic world-building. Very impressed, I'm excited to read more from this author.
January 9, 2021
This book is a very fresh take on the vampire/urban gothic myth. In a world ravaged by wars, the story is set within the walls of New Oxford, a place both recognisable and chillingly believable. A great deal of dystopia is very far fetched, but this scenario, and the uneasy truce between humans and the Genetic Others, seems a little bit too possible.
The author has created a very likeable, relatable character in Phoebe Harkness. She has the most delightful sense of humour and a steely determination to make the best of this new world. She's not the usual flawless heroine, and that's why she appealed to me so much. She is thrown into something that she has no control over, and subsequent events lead her further down the rabbit hole unearthing buried secrets which have a huge impact on humanity as a whole.
Fahy also excels in his introduction of the supporting players. They are all well rounded, beautifully crafted and with their own part to play in the story. Quite simply, they shine. I have a huge soft spot for Griff, Lucy, the ever prickly Ms Cloves and Allesandro.
I will be eagerly awaiting the second book in this series, Crescent Moon, later this year.
The author has created a very likeable, relatable character in Phoebe Harkness. She has the most delightful sense of humour and a steely determination to make the best of this new world. She's not the usual flawless heroine, and that's why she appealed to me so much. She is thrown into something that she has no control over, and subsequent events lead her further down the rabbit hole unearthing buried secrets which have a huge impact on humanity as a whole.
Fahy also excels in his introduction of the supporting players. They are all well rounded, beautifully crafted and with their own part to play in the story. Quite simply, they shine. I have a huge soft spot for Griff, Lucy, the ever prickly Ms Cloves and Allesandro.
I will be eagerly awaiting the second book in this series, Crescent Moon, later this year.
October 7, 2020
This was a rec from https://beta.thestorygraph.com/
It is a new book recommendation site I heard about and this was my first read using it. Great rec and something I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. I recommend giving it a shot if you’re in a slump.
Hell’s Teeth takes place in a dystopian future where most of the world is overrun by manmade zombies and people live in walled cities.
Vampires, werewolves and various ‘genetic others’ live, often uneasily, alongside the remains of humanity. Pheobe Harkness is a scientist trying to create a vaccine against the zombie virus. She is unwillingly put in the middle of a doomsday plot by a fringe group of vampire when all she really wants is to hide in her lab and watch pre-apocalypse reruns in her down time.
It is a dark premise, but lightened with humor and good characters. I like weird and twisted, but I must have some quirky characters and laughs as well. Unrelenting bleakness doesn’t do it for me and this hits a nice balance. Also, there is a hint at a possible future romance, but it is definitely not the center of the book.
The second book was better and I just started the third. Solid urban fantasy with a good dose of horror, solid world building, and lots of action.
Only quibble was the monologuing villain, but just a minor thing overall. Mostly that device makes me giggle.
It is a new book recommendation site I heard about and this was my first read using it. Great rec and something I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. I recommend giving it a shot if you’re in a slump.
Hell’s Teeth takes place in a dystopian future where most of the world is overrun by manmade zombies and people live in walled cities.
Vampires, werewolves and various ‘genetic others’ live, often uneasily, alongside the remains of humanity. Pheobe Harkness is a scientist trying to create a vaccine against the zombie virus. She is unwillingly put in the middle of a doomsday plot by a fringe group of vampire when all she really wants is to hide in her lab and watch pre-apocalypse reruns in her down time.
It is a dark premise, but lightened with humor and good characters. I like weird and twisted, but I must have some quirky characters and laughs as well. Unrelenting bleakness doesn’t do it for me and this hits a nice balance. Also, there is a hint at a possible future romance, but it is definitely not the center of the book.
The second book was better and I just started the third. Solid urban fantasy with a good dose of horror, solid world building, and lots of action.
Only quibble was the monologuing villain, but just a minor thing overall. Mostly that device makes me giggle.
January 12, 2018
Phoebe Harkness is my new Hero. How awesome to have a leading female MC who isn’t a ‘plain girl with a plain face but a PROPHECY FILLED DESTINY’ and forever falling at the feet of every eight-pack-abbed vampire would-be-lover who stumbles across her path.
No, in Hell’s Teeth, what we get instead is Harkness, a funny, slightly awkward but unapologetically intelligent scientist, who is constantly surrounded by the usual shirtless supernatural lotharios who saturate this genre, but who to be honest, finds them more of an irritation than anything else. Phoebe would rather slob at home and watch her world’s equivalent of Netflix, but to great comic effect, is constantly thrown into the path of danger and conspiracy. Some of the funniest moments in this excellent book come from Phoebe’s often sarcastic and funny responses to super-dramatic situations which would feel massively melodramatic in the hands of a less skilled writer. This manages to poke fun at all the stereotypes of the genre, while also being a damn good story too.
No, in Hell’s Teeth, what we get instead is Harkness, a funny, slightly awkward but unapologetically intelligent scientist, who is constantly surrounded by the usual shirtless supernatural lotharios who saturate this genre, but who to be honest, finds them more of an irritation than anything else. Phoebe would rather slob at home and watch her world’s equivalent of Netflix, but to great comic effect, is constantly thrown into the path of danger and conspiracy. Some of the funniest moments in this excellent book come from Phoebe’s often sarcastic and funny responses to super-dramatic situations which would feel massively melodramatic in the hands of a less skilled writer. This manages to poke fun at all the stereotypes of the genre, while also being a damn good story too.
September 10, 2016
4.5 massive stars for this great read! Again, not my usual genre, but boy, was I sucked in! My housework suffered today as I was glued to the pages, heart pounding, head racing and wow! Reminded me of the Will Smith movie, I am Legend. Fabulous read Mr Fahy!
May 20, 2019
The world building was interesting & kept me reading to the end. Sadly the MC was a nincompoop & I can’t get past her asinine attempts as a spy or her truly feeble detective work. Not going to continue the series.
August 24, 2016
Hell’s Teeth by James Fahy
A phone call wakes Phoebe Harkness at 3.00am.
‘At that godless hour, it’s only ever one of two things. Somebody’s dead, or somebody’s drunk.
Unfortunately for me it was the former.’
From this gripping opening, James Fahy’s fast-paced story held me every step of the way.
New Oxford. In a new world after war has ravaged the old, Dr Phoebe Harkness hurries to uncover a mystery of a terrible crime. In the process, she must go into dark areas of the city, and try to get out again alive. In this new world, humans co-exist with Vampires, GOs (Genetic Others), Pales and Bonewalkers. James Fahy’s world-building is excellent and is delivered with complete ease to the reader.
The characters are fantastic. I’ve read James Fahy’s Isle of Winds and I found the same in that story - wonderful, well-rounded characters that leap off the page. Chief of these is Phoebe who is tough, witty and smart.
I found the story gripping, compelling, and exciting, with a good dose of humour, and with a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion.
This is a 5 Star read. I definitely recommend this book.
A phone call wakes Phoebe Harkness at 3.00am.
‘At that godless hour, it’s only ever one of two things. Somebody’s dead, or somebody’s drunk.
Unfortunately for me it was the former.’
From this gripping opening, James Fahy’s fast-paced story held me every step of the way.
New Oxford. In a new world after war has ravaged the old, Dr Phoebe Harkness hurries to uncover a mystery of a terrible crime. In the process, she must go into dark areas of the city, and try to get out again alive. In this new world, humans co-exist with Vampires, GOs (Genetic Others), Pales and Bonewalkers. James Fahy’s world-building is excellent and is delivered with complete ease to the reader.
The characters are fantastic. I’ve read James Fahy’s Isle of Winds and I found the same in that story - wonderful, well-rounded characters that leap off the page. Chief of these is Phoebe who is tough, witty and smart.
I found the story gripping, compelling, and exciting, with a good dose of humour, and with a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion.
This is a 5 Star read. I definitely recommend this book.
December 19, 2017
Modern day vampire shenanigans. all the ghouls and ghosties of the old world are dragged into the modern age in this slight/futuristic tale set in a post-apocalyptic tomorrow where humankind lives under a controlling fascist government within walled cities, (the countryside a no-mans land not due to the usual post-apocalypse radiation fallout, but by swarms of man eating genetic vampire degenerates. (think naked nosferatu, times a million)
in this claustrophobic setting, humans live in uneasy alliance with supernatural survivors of the end of the world. in other hands, this could all make for an oppressive, George Orwell future of bleakness, but there's so much snappy backchat and fun in the writing, that the light shines through and makes New Oxford a place you'd actually quite like to live, rather than avoid
in this claustrophobic setting, humans live in uneasy alliance with supernatural survivors of the end of the world. in other hands, this could all make for an oppressive, George Orwell future of bleakness, but there's so much snappy backchat and fun in the writing, that the light shines through and makes New Oxford a place you'd actually quite like to live, rather than avoid
August 26, 2017
3.5 stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Dr. Harkness is thrown into a lot of mess in the dystopian world of New Oxford as her supervisor goes missing and the only thing that is left of her is, surprisingly, her teeth. Harkness turns out to be a great main character as she guides us through her world with a lot of wit, which made this book so nice to read.
The world is filled with Genetic Others, Vampires and the like, which has of course been done a lot recently in the genre, but it still somehow feels fresh in Hell's Teeth. I should really pick up the second book in the series soon!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Dr. Harkness is thrown into a lot of mess in the dystopian world of New Oxford as her supervisor goes missing and the only thing that is left of her is, surprisingly, her teeth. Harkness turns out to be a great main character as she guides us through her world with a lot of wit, which made this book so nice to read.
The world is filled with Genetic Others, Vampires and the like, which has of course been done a lot recently in the genre, but it still somehow feels fresh in Hell's Teeth. I should really pick up the second book in the series soon!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 7, 2017
Ok, so I admit it - I'm a Helsing.
Hell's Teeth, a clever, quirky, post-apocalyptic story of Dr Pheobe Harkness. As a scientist following in her father's footsteps, she's now researching a cure for a race of killing Genetic Others, named the Pale. Created by man, turned on man, now man is up the proverbial creek with no paddle in sight. Unwittingly, Phoebe is dragged under into a world of Vampires to gather intel for a now growing series of murders - is she next on the list? With a very clever plot and brilliant twist, diverse characters, alive, dead and other...Hell's Teeth delivers a quirky, fast-paced and sometimes fabulously gruesome read.
Hell's Teeth, a clever, quirky, post-apocalyptic story of Dr Pheobe Harkness. As a scientist following in her father's footsteps, she's now researching a cure for a race of killing Genetic Others, named the Pale. Created by man, turned on man, now man is up the proverbial creek with no paddle in sight. Unwittingly, Phoebe is dragged under into a world of Vampires to gather intel for a now growing series of murders - is she next on the list? With a very clever plot and brilliant twist, diverse characters, alive, dead and other...Hell's Teeth delivers a quirky, fast-paced and sometimes fabulously gruesome read.
December 21, 2017
I didn't think this would be my 'bag' at all, as a lot of Paranormal Fiction feature a 'bass-ass superhero female MC who is awesome until they meet some smouldering man and then they become all weak at the knees and kitten-like and it just makes me roll my eyes.
so I was very happy to see that Phoebe Harkeness doesn't fall in with that group. She's smart, clever, resourceful and extremely funny, and she don't need no man.
lots of great action and a very fast plot kept me turning pages on this one
so I was very happy to see that Phoebe Harkeness doesn't fall in with that group. She's smart, clever, resourceful and extremely funny, and she don't need no man.
lots of great action and a very fast plot kept me turning pages on this one
March 30, 2016
I am an enormous fan of all things post apocalyptic, world has drastically changed for humans type stories. With that being said, this is one of the best dystopian type world books I've read. The story was one of a kind, the characters epic and it was truly entertaining from start to finish. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2016
wonderfully grizly, gory and sexy, with a lead who isnt a total airhead swooning at the vamps around her. I love Phoebe, and I loved this book
January 12, 2018
Just hilarious good fun. Manages to be scary, entertaining, creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, tense and clever all at once. Would pay good money to see this expanded into a tru-blood style TV show. Give Griff and Lucy more airtime, and adorable Oscar needs his own show.
December 27, 2017
In Hell's Teeth, Author James Fahy has created an intricate world filled with strongly drawn and relatable characters, and has them populate the very real city of Oxford, albeit in a near-future/slightly alternate world where the apocalypse has happened and what remains of England is now a militia state of walled town, surviving the zombie apocalypse and living cheek-by-jowl with all manner of 'monsters' once thought to be nothing but myth.
What works so well in this book is there is no info-dump. everything we learn about the world, the creatures, the backdrop, the history, is weaved into the ongoing story in a very natural way, so the pace never slows, and everything feels oddly reasonable and it's easy to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the tale.
What works so well in this book is there is no info-dump. everything we learn about the world, the creatures, the backdrop, the history, is weaved into the ongoing story in a very natural way, so the pace never slows, and everything feels oddly reasonable and it's easy to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the tale.
August 19, 2016
Hell's Teeth was my first read by this author, and a recommendation via Instagram. I wasn't sure what to expect except vampires, since urban gothic isn't my usual genre, but I think it's earned itself more of my attention!
Hell's Teeth jumps straight into the story, and draws you in right away through it's action-filled plot, its lore of the world and - my favourite - the MC's sarcasm.
Phoebe Harkness is a scientist working on a cure for mankind's own fabricated nightmare. Without wanting to give away too much - there are monsters outside the save walls of New Oxford, and they waste no time tearing into their prey. They are faster, more resilient and far more violent than people, and they were created by humans. Naturally, humans can't control them, and Phoebe is the scientist in charge of developing a cure.
The plot moves quickly from the first page on. There wasn't one moment when I wondered if a chapter was really necessary, not one character I thought it could have done without - everything is justified, everything and everyone moves the plot along. It's gripping right from the start, and thanks to Phoebe's marvellous sarcasm I bonded with her very quickly. Honestly, I think we're soul mates.
The characters aside, it's the lore of he world that kept me turning the pages. There are vampires, werewolves, necromancers - but not quite like we know them, and just enough information is given without dumping too much info on the reader at once. In fact, not much at all is said about the other races. Hell's Teeth focuses on their vampires, so, while the other races are mentioned and we get a bit of information, we don't get so much that it wouldn't make sense in the context. We don't receive information for the sake of it, and it's left me really curious about the sequel.
There were a couple of minor things which bugged me slightly; there were small inconsistencies in spelling, a few tense changes, and other minor things like that, but nothing that made me want to stop reading. On the contrary - I was sad every time I had to put it down, and all those positives more than made up for it!
Overall this was a thrilling read, with a fascinating world which I loved exploring, and well-known races with fresh twists. This was my first urban gothic read, but it won't be my last!
Hell's Teeth jumps straight into the story, and draws you in right away through it's action-filled plot, its lore of the world and - my favourite - the MC's sarcasm.
Phoebe Harkness is a scientist working on a cure for mankind's own fabricated nightmare. Without wanting to give away too much - there are monsters outside the save walls of New Oxford, and they waste no time tearing into their prey. They are faster, more resilient and far more violent than people, and they were created by humans. Naturally, humans can't control them, and Phoebe is the scientist in charge of developing a cure.
The plot moves quickly from the first page on. There wasn't one moment when I wondered if a chapter was really necessary, not one character I thought it could have done without - everything is justified, everything and everyone moves the plot along. It's gripping right from the start, and thanks to Phoebe's marvellous sarcasm I bonded with her very quickly. Honestly, I think we're soul mates.
The characters aside, it's the lore of he world that kept me turning the pages. There are vampires, werewolves, necromancers - but not quite like we know them, and just enough information is given without dumping too much info on the reader at once. In fact, not much at all is said about the other races. Hell's Teeth focuses on their vampires, so, while the other races are mentioned and we get a bit of information, we don't get so much that it wouldn't make sense in the context. We don't receive information for the sake of it, and it's left me really curious about the sequel.
There were a couple of minor things which bugged me slightly; there were small inconsistencies in spelling, a few tense changes, and other minor things like that, but nothing that made me want to stop reading. On the contrary - I was sad every time I had to put it down, and all those positives more than made up for it!
Overall this was a thrilling read, with a fascinating world which I loved exploring, and well-known races with fresh twists. This was my first urban gothic read, but it won't be my last!
September 1, 2016
Things I did not do while reading James Fahy's 'Hell's Teeth':
- I did not steal the book from a family member who was clearly reading it;
- I did not skip ahead to the end just to check what happened to Phoebe Harkness because I was stressing out in a tense moment of the book;
- I did not whip out 'Hell's Teeth' at the traffic lights to have a quick read despite being the driver of the vehicle; and
- I did not get the giggles and wish for a moment that I was the hot chocolate loving, venerable Dr Phoebe Harkness.
Confession time: maybe I did do all those things, but I dare you to not do them and I bet you can't!
Fahy has written a thoroughly enjoyable dystopian, paranormal novel with oodles of fun and imagination. I loved Phoebe's droll sense of humour and was rather taken with Allesandro - the vampire with "perfect cheekbones and wavy hair" and voice of honey.
'Hell's Teeth' was well-paced, with plenty of action and gruesome descriptions of the monsters Phoebe encounters - the Pale, GOs, Bonewalkers and of course, the vampires. The story is set in Oxford in a future time where quite literally, the world has gone to hell.
Fahy has an obvious talent and I highly recommend this book to everyone except children. I greatly look forward to the second instalment of the Phoebe Harkness series.
- I did not steal the book from a family member who was clearly reading it;
- I did not skip ahead to the end just to check what happened to Phoebe Harkness because I was stressing out in a tense moment of the book;
- I did not whip out 'Hell's Teeth' at the traffic lights to have a quick read despite being the driver of the vehicle; and
- I did not get the giggles and wish for a moment that I was the hot chocolate loving, venerable Dr Phoebe Harkness.
Confession time: maybe I did do all those things, but I dare you to not do them and I bet you can't!
Fahy has written a thoroughly enjoyable dystopian, paranormal novel with oodles of fun and imagination. I loved Phoebe's droll sense of humour and was rather taken with Allesandro - the vampire with "perfect cheekbones and wavy hair" and voice of honey.
'Hell's Teeth' was well-paced, with plenty of action and gruesome descriptions of the monsters Phoebe encounters - the Pale, GOs, Bonewalkers and of course, the vampires. The story is set in Oxford in a future time where quite literally, the world has gone to hell.
Fahy has an obvious talent and I highly recommend this book to everyone except children. I greatly look forward to the second instalment of the Phoebe Harkness series.
July 3, 2016
"You can drop me... at the library," I said with feeling.
Humans, The Pale, Bonewalkers, Tribals, Genetic Others.. oh my!
Phoebe Harkness is our glorious main protagonist. Witty; independent; smart; relatable. This is a character you cannot help but root for in her every move. She is no Bella Swan!
The supporting characters are wonderful. I truly adored Allesandro, Veronica Cloves, Lucy, Griff.. Gio the vampire that looks like David Bowie (!) was an absolutely delicious antagonist. They all had a place within this story. There were no characters I felt that were throwaways, just there to be there.
James Fahy's writing had hints of China Mieville's apocalyptic London & splashes of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse. Most importantly, his narrative voice is his own & it is obvious that he has his very own signature way of writing a story. New Oxford was a delight -- I am a details person. I love worldbuilding. Fahy does a fabulous job of drawing the reader into this world, the world of proper vampires, amongst other things!
I look forward to more from Mr. Fahy & discovering what else is in store for Phoebe!
What a fangtastic good time!
Humans, The Pale, Bonewalkers, Tribals, Genetic Others.. oh my!
Phoebe Harkness is our glorious main protagonist. Witty; independent; smart; relatable. This is a character you cannot help but root for in her every move. She is no Bella Swan!
The supporting characters are wonderful. I truly adored Allesandro, Veronica Cloves, Lucy, Griff.. Gio the vampire that looks like David Bowie (!) was an absolutely delicious antagonist. They all had a place within this story. There were no characters I felt that were throwaways, just there to be there.
James Fahy's writing had hints of China Mieville's apocalyptic London & splashes of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse. Most importantly, his narrative voice is his own & it is obvious that he has his very own signature way of writing a story. New Oxford was a delight -- I am a details person. I love worldbuilding. Fahy does a fabulous job of drawing the reader into this world, the world of proper vampires, amongst other things!
I look forward to more from Mr. Fahy & discovering what else is in store for Phoebe!
What a fangtastic good time!
December 29, 2016
I have to admit I read this due to the overwhelming love it receives on Instagram. It's not the sort of book I would normally read if I'm honest, but then the age Old saying "don't judge a book by its cover" came along and smacked me round the head once I started it.
I genuinely really enjoyed it. Fahy has a very infectious style of writing. It's warm, funny and engaging. Also there's plenty of sarcasm in there, which is right up my street.
The plot was well thought out but not too complicated, which I'm hugely grateful for because once I began realising the general tone of the book, I was worried I would be going "what? I'll have to go back and reread that", thankfully I didn't need to.
I also liked that although it is the first in a series, the ending wasn't a cliffhanger. So many series rely on that. To me, if I like a story I will read more, I don't want to be bribed into getting the next book. (I will though)
All together a really fun and enjoyable read.
I genuinely really enjoyed it. Fahy has a very infectious style of writing. It's warm, funny and engaging. Also there's plenty of sarcasm in there, which is right up my street.
The plot was well thought out but not too complicated, which I'm hugely grateful for because once I began realising the general tone of the book, I was worried I would be going "what? I'll have to go back and reread that", thankfully I didn't need to.
I also liked that although it is the first in a series, the ending wasn't a cliffhanger. So many series rely on that. To me, if I like a story I will read more, I don't want to be bribed into getting the next book. (I will though)
All together a really fun and enjoyable read.
May 17, 2016
Fun read! Thoroughly enjoyed the location descriptions (especially the interior of Sanctum—lovely). Appreciated Phoebe's strength and humor, and look forward to seeing the relationship between the intelligent scientist and the ever-so-sexy Allesandro 'develop.' My favorite character is Veronica Cloves, because I've known so many Veronica's in my life and God knows, they need exposing and a change of wardrobe! I've given this book 5 *'s because of the fantastic work done by the author: writing, story and fab characters, however, would love to see a copy edit done by the publisher. Well done, Mr. Fahy, bring on book 2!
October 12, 2016
original and fun, this book bares its fangs and sticks its tounge out at what can be a very tired genre.
the vampires are three dimensional, the good guys are fallable, and the setting is delightful. loved it all
the vampires are three dimensional, the good guys are fallable, and the setting is delightful. loved it all
October 10, 2017
I don't even know where to start with the greatness of this book. I mean, I had heard all over Bookstagram how great the book was, and I love the author as a person himself, and really enjoyed Isle of Winds, so I knew I would enjoy it, but I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did.
This story takes place many years into the future where Vampires and Werewolves are known among the people because of a species that the humans created that went rogue and started killing everyone. Dr. Phoebe Harkness is a doctor who is researching for a cure for the species that went rogue in order for the world to go back to its peace. But things get a little crazy when her boss goes missing and she meets her first vampire.
From that point, the pace of the book just kept going and kept me hooked that I tried reading any free chance that I had because I didn't wanna stop and wanted to find out more. James' writing style is just that way, and PHOEBE!!! Her sass and sarcasm made me fall in love with her from the beginning. I mean, who doesn't love a sassy character? Especially when you're in their head!
I obviously gave this a 5 star because of my new found love for this book and am so excited to get to the next one!! Trust me, don't hold off any longer if you love some supernatural action. Get on this book now! I'm already disappointed that I waited as long as I did to read it!!
This story takes place many years into the future where Vampires and Werewolves are known among the people because of a species that the humans created that went rogue and started killing everyone. Dr. Phoebe Harkness is a doctor who is researching for a cure for the species that went rogue in order for the world to go back to its peace. But things get a little crazy when her boss goes missing and she meets her first vampire.
From that point, the pace of the book just kept going and kept me hooked that I tried reading any free chance that I had because I didn't wanna stop and wanted to find out more. James' writing style is just that way, and PHOEBE!!! Her sass and sarcasm made me fall in love with her from the beginning. I mean, who doesn't love a sassy character? Especially when you're in their head!
I obviously gave this a 5 star because of my new found love for this book and am so excited to get to the next one!! Trust me, don't hold off any longer if you love some supernatural action. Get on this book now! I'm already disappointed that I waited as long as I did to read it!!
August 14, 2017
Mr Fahy clearly knows how to craft a page Turner. Couldn't put it down! With his shades of dystopian Huxley meets True Blood meets Underworld, I wasn't sure how he could create something fresh within the genre. But fresh he did. Loved Phoebe Harkness- bumbling scientist (I think you need to have a word with the Ghostbusters franchise for nicking your ideas) who kicks ass! Warring vampires, creepy pales and the even more creepy bonewalkers- all with the wit you would hope for given his bookstagram posts. Where is book two when you need it?
January 12, 2018
The world has ended, more or less, in a global war between humanity and synthesised super-humans we made, who went rogue and tried to kill us all. Thirty years later, where this book picks up, what remains of civilisation live within walled cities, putting their lives back together, and the super-humans have all devolved into rabid and mindless creature roaming outside. (a very clever take on the classic ‘zombie apocalypse’ idea.
To mix things up, the humans in walled Oxford are not alone, they live alongside vampires, werewolves and other, stranger things, and in this powder keg of uneasy social alliance, Phoebe Harkness, science geek and unlikely adventurer is thrust, on a case to catch a serial killer that will see her drawn into the seedy underground vampire nightclub scene.
Cue secret societies, government cover-ups and dark and twisted family histories. All expertly told.
To mix things up, the humans in walled Oxford are not alone, they live alongside vampires, werewolves and other, stranger things, and in this powder keg of uneasy social alliance, Phoebe Harkness, science geek and unlikely adventurer is thrust, on a case to catch a serial killer that will see her drawn into the seedy underground vampire nightclub scene.
Cue secret societies, government cover-ups and dark and twisted family histories. All expertly told.
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