What do you think?
Rate this book
Teeth
All myths have a kernel of truth. The truth is: vampires are real.
They’ve always been here, but only came out of hiding in the last century. They are not what Hollywood would have you believe. They are not what is written in lore or whispered by the superstitious.
They look and act like humans. They live and love and die like humans. Puberty is just a bit more stressful for those with the recessive gene. And while some teenagers worry about high school, others dread their next set of teeth.
Vampires are real, but in a social climate still struggling to accept that truth, do teeth alone make them monsters?
They’ve always been here, but only came out of hiding in the last century. They are not what Hollywood would have you believe. They are not what is written in lore or whispered by the superstitious.
They look and act like humans. They live and love and die like humans. Puberty is just a bit more stressful for those with the recessive gene. And while some teenagers worry about high school, others dread their next set of teeth.
Vampires are real, but in a social climate still struggling to accept that truth, do teeth alone make them monsters?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
3 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Owen
52 books152 followersKelli Owen writes dark fiction, thrillers, and suspense that explore characters, consequences, and the uneasy shadows of everyday life. Her novels dig into psychological tension, while her short fiction has earned her a reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling in bite-sized doses of dread.
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 11, 2025
This may be a very controversial review, so bear with me here. But I stopped reading the book at 24%. This is my third read from Kelli Owen and I have really enjoyed her other works immensely. However, this was a very hard book for me. So first off, reading the first few chapters made me feel like I was had ADHD. It jumps around to loads of different people and scenes, and was extremely hard for me to focus on anything. Then more characters were introduced, while others were left unattended for quite a while, before being brought back in. So the overall flow and incorporation of everything felt very off. Now some of the main characters were also of high school age and there was a lot of young adult drama, which is something I lose interest in immediately. The things I did like here was how Kelli Owen took a big chance and developed the story where humans and vampires live amongst each other. There are hard feelings as ‘lamians’ (Vampires) are looked at as a dangerous and unsavory class of people, so there is constant civil unrest. So there was a ton of political narrative in here, and some strong undertones of racism and classism. Another big issue, on that topic, was that the characters interacting with each other felt very scripted, and just seemed like glorified information dumps about this new world and societal norms. So once again, there was just nothing done smoothly here. And that also made it extremely difficult for me to find a vested interest in anyone on the pages. Vampires have been slaves to certain tropes for such a long time, and I truly enjoy when authors try out new concepts like this. As an author who also took risks with a new vision of vampires in my Preternatural trilogy, I admire the effort to not conform to what’s already been done a million times over. So kudos to Kelli Owen for doing just that! But as I struggled to make it to page 55, I just could not get through the remaining 183 pages, as much as I wanted to. There were just too many factors and dislikes that I couldn’t look past to finish it and give a more thorough and appropriate review. I apologize to the author if this came off in poor form, as that was not my intention. I do believe that this has a very specific audience, which I am unfortunately not a part of. I still look forward to seeing this talented author’s other books.
November 5, 2018
Lamians. That's what vampires are called now. They have rights just like regular people under the Stoker Treaty, so you'd better get used to it. This is part of the premise of Kelli Owen's TEETH, and it sucked me right in! (See what I did there? Perhaps I should move on...)
As we already know, just because laws are there doesn't mean they'll be followed. We only have to look at the civil rights movement to see that. Once coming of age is reached and the new, Lamian teeth come out, they're as difficult to hide as skin color. Unlike skin color though, those new teeth signify a lot of differences-we are NOT all the same. Lamians have special powers-they may be able to read our thoughts for one, and who's comfortable with that? TEETH does a terrific job of addressing the types of sociopolitical issues of today under the guise of vampirism.
Set in a small town, bigotry, ignorance and prejudice play a large role here. Lamians are hated as well as admired. They are ousted from popular social circles and in others they may be worshipped. A young woman just getting her teeth and worrying about being expelled from her social clique at school has feelings just as valid as the young man who wants to pay the dentist for implants because he needs to be accepted into a Lamian group. Looking at issues from all sides, Owen does a great job of slipping in current political commentary and I enjoyed that. Oh, and she also slips in a serial killer, but I'll leave you to discover that on your own!
Another aspect of this story that I enjoyed was the Lamplight Foundation. This is a Lamian organization designed to help Lamians learn more about their history, their future, their abilities and many other things. I found myself wanting to know more about them, how they came about and especially more about the leader of their local branch, Maximillian. Perhaps we will get that in a future book? I certainly hope so.
Just when I think I'm sick to death of vampires, an author comes along and puts their own spin on the old myths. So... relax-there's no sparkling here. There's no whiny regrets here as there is with Lestat and Louis, either. What we DO have is a clever way to address fear, bigotry and prejudice, and how they are used in our current political climate. And that way is all dressed up and disguised in the bloody gore of torn out throats and other body parts. Come on, how much fun is that? It's a LOT of fun! Trust me on this. Recommended!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2OrZdoK
*I was given an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
As we already know, just because laws are there doesn't mean they'll be followed. We only have to look at the civil rights movement to see that. Once coming of age is reached and the new, Lamian teeth come out, they're as difficult to hide as skin color. Unlike skin color though, those new teeth signify a lot of differences-we are NOT all the same. Lamians have special powers-they may be able to read our thoughts for one, and who's comfortable with that? TEETH does a terrific job of addressing the types of sociopolitical issues of today under the guise of vampirism.
Set in a small town, bigotry, ignorance and prejudice play a large role here. Lamians are hated as well as admired. They are ousted from popular social circles and in others they may be worshipped. A young woman just getting her teeth and worrying about being expelled from her social clique at school has feelings just as valid as the young man who wants to pay the dentist for implants because he needs to be accepted into a Lamian group. Looking at issues from all sides, Owen does a great job of slipping in current political commentary and I enjoyed that. Oh, and she also slips in a serial killer, but I'll leave you to discover that on your own!
Another aspect of this story that I enjoyed was the Lamplight Foundation. This is a Lamian organization designed to help Lamians learn more about their history, their future, their abilities and many other things. I found myself wanting to know more about them, how they came about and especially more about the leader of their local branch, Maximillian. Perhaps we will get that in a future book? I certainly hope so.
Just when I think I'm sick to death of vampires, an author comes along and puts their own spin on the old myths. So... relax-there's no sparkling here. There's no whiny regrets here as there is with Lestat and Louis, either. What we DO have is a clever way to address fear, bigotry and prejudice, and how they are used in our current political climate. And that way is all dressed up and disguised in the bloody gore of torn out throats and other body parts. Come on, how much fun is that? It's a LOT of fun! Trust me on this. Recommended!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2OrZdoK
*I was given an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
Read
July 4, 2019Writing up my review for Cemetery Dance! Just know, I loved this one.
August 1, 2018
Review copy
If the only vampires you have room for in your worldview are of the Bram Stoker's Dracula variety, you might as well stop reading this review right now. I say this because Kelli Owen has done the unthinkable, she has created her own vampire mythos and in so doing erased nearly everything that has come before. But it's OK, it's only a story and a mighty good one at that.
First of all, don't call then vampires, they're lamians. Use of the "v-word" is both ignorant and derogatory. While they are not exactly immortal, lamians can live well into their second century. You can see where this is going, no sense in spoiling all of Kelli's surprises.
Teeth plays well on multiple levels, with a wide variety of characters. Humans who wish they were lamians, lamians who would like to be human again. Then there are others who are just trying to fit in. Of course, there is lots of misunderstanding, racism, and hate. Deep down, Teeth is an allegory of the times in which we live. Add to all this, a story about someone who is killing both humans and lamians and you end up with an excellent read.
Kelli is gifted at expressing truisms from our everyday life and weaving them into her stories...
"He lifted the burger's bun and pulled two pickles free, apparently believing it was easier to remove them than to request a special order." Ain't THAT the truth.
The bottom line is if you can accept a fresh take on vampires, sorry...lamians. If you can accept a fresh take on lamians, I think you're more than likely going to enjoy Teeth.
Recommended.
Teeth is available now in both paperback and e-book formats from Gypsy Press.
From the author's bio - Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli Owen now lives in Destination, Pennsylvania. She has attended countless writing conventions, participated on dozens of panels and has spoken at the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA regarding both her writing and the field in general. Her fiction leans toward thriller and quiet horror, with an occasional bloodbath and even rarer happy ending.
If the only vampires you have room for in your worldview are of the Bram Stoker's Dracula variety, you might as well stop reading this review right now. I say this because Kelli Owen has done the unthinkable, she has created her own vampire mythos and in so doing erased nearly everything that has come before. But it's OK, it's only a story and a mighty good one at that.
First of all, don't call then vampires, they're lamians. Use of the "v-word" is both ignorant and derogatory. While they are not exactly immortal, lamians can live well into their second century. You can see where this is going, no sense in spoiling all of Kelli's surprises.
Teeth plays well on multiple levels, with a wide variety of characters. Humans who wish they were lamians, lamians who would like to be human again. Then there are others who are just trying to fit in. Of course, there is lots of misunderstanding, racism, and hate. Deep down, Teeth is an allegory of the times in which we live. Add to all this, a story about someone who is killing both humans and lamians and you end up with an excellent read.
Kelli is gifted at expressing truisms from our everyday life and weaving them into her stories...
"He lifted the burger's bun and pulled two pickles free, apparently believing it was easier to remove them than to request a special order." Ain't THAT the truth.
The bottom line is if you can accept a fresh take on vampires, sorry...lamians. If you can accept a fresh take on lamians, I think you're more than likely going to enjoy Teeth.
Recommended.
Teeth is available now in both paperback and e-book formats from Gypsy Press.
From the author's bio - Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli Owen now lives in Destination, Pennsylvania. She has attended countless writing conventions, participated on dozens of panels and has spoken at the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA regarding both her writing and the field in general. Her fiction leans toward thriller and quiet horror, with an occasional bloodbath and even rarer happy ending.
May 26, 2019
3.5⭐
This is going to be a mixed review from me. I loved some parts of Teeth, and didn't care for others. This book is different than most other vampire books I've read, but still felt reminiscent of True Blood show / Sookie Stackhouse books (except with a smaller amount of sex).
I feel that the allegory of monsters / creatures being used to represent minorities is a tired trope, and some parts of this book felt exhausting. For example, the direct comparison of using the word "vampire" instead of "lamian" was compared to using the n-word. There are ways to talk about race, sexuality, etc. in horror without featuring people as "other" or monsters.
Teeth was trying very hard to be a political vampire novel, and it fell flat for me several times. I know that it was supposed to feel relevant to today, but it just didn't feel natural at times.
I was very interested in some of the characters, and Madison was my favorite. I also would have liked more time with Max. I enjoyed the setup of seeing so many different characters' POV as lamian or human, and how they interacted with each other, and the world around them.
The ending of the book was a little abrupt, but it was left open-ended enough to continue with the story of this world. Although I struggled with some parts of the book, this was still an entertaining story.
This is going to be a mixed review from me. I loved some parts of Teeth, and didn't care for others. This book is different than most other vampire books I've read, but still felt reminiscent of True Blood show / Sookie Stackhouse books (except with a smaller amount of sex).
I feel that the allegory of monsters / creatures being used to represent minorities is a tired trope, and some parts of this book felt exhausting. For example, the direct comparison of using the word "vampire" instead of "lamian" was compared to using the n-word. There are ways to talk about race, sexuality, etc. in horror without featuring people as "other" or monsters.
Teeth was trying very hard to be a political vampire novel, and it fell flat for me several times. I know that it was supposed to feel relevant to today, but it just didn't feel natural at times.
I was very interested in some of the characters, and Madison was my favorite. I also would have liked more time with Max. I enjoyed the setup of seeing so many different characters' POV as lamian or human, and how they interacted with each other, and the world around them.
The ending of the book was a little abrupt, but it was left open-ended enough to continue with the story of this world. Although I struggled with some parts of the book, this was still an entertaining story.
June 3, 2019
Teeth by Kelli Owen is a fantastic book. Let’s get that out of the way first. If you haven’t read Kelli Owen, fix that now. She is an amazing writer with an incredible voice. Her stories keep you turning the pages until the end, and when they end, you’re angry. You’re not angry because they’re bad. You’re angry because there isn’t more. You want more. You need more. That is the sign of the great writer. This is what Ms. Owen does best. She gets you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go. Teeth her newest book is no exception, and it might be one of her best.
Teeth has a simple premise. What if vampires are real? How would society react to them? How could they integrate and become part of society? What if your neighbor was a vampire? How would you react? These are questions you will think about while you read this book. Kelli Owen takes the vampire tropes and rewrites them. Her approach to vampires is refreshing and original, and she needs to write more.
In Teeth the word vampire or vamp is a slur. They call vampires Lamian. Vampires are connected to humanity, instead of being the undead, they are alive. The gene that causes Lamians to exist is recessive and will hit during puberty. People who have the gene awaken, lose their incisors and grow fangs. Some people don’t even know that they have the gene in their family bloodline since it can be dormant for many generations. The people who become lamian can still live without human blood. They eat raw meat or can drink animal blood and that can appease their appetites. Many people see the lamians as freaks and unnatural. They want the lamians out and separate from them. Most of the lamians just want the same rights as everybody else. By doing this, Kelli Owen takes the trope of the vampire being evil and turns it into one where they’re second-class citizens and a minority group who the reader sympathizes with. It’s a brilliant idea, and it’s executed well.
This book follows a few different characters. Tamara, the daughter of a police officer named Connor and his wife Jacqueline. Jacqueline’s parents adopted her and her real parents were lamian. Her doctor prescribed medication, so her lamian genes stayed dormant. Tamara just grew her teeth, and Jacqueline has learned the truth about her past. Together they’re discovering how to exist as lamian and embrace their existence. Tamara has lost her best friend at school because her teeth grew and she’s become an outcast. Her father is investigating a series of murders where people are found dead with their blood drained.
Then there’s Andrea and her son Dillon. Dillon has also grown his teeth and Andrea can’t believe her son is a lamian. Andrew watches a steady diet of Fox and Friends and believes her son is a monster and that she has to stop him before he does something serious. Dillon has no friends at school and no support at home. He’s a boy who just needs someone to love him. His mother sees him as a monster and most of the people at school leave him alone. Every day the mother comes to terms with killing him because she can’t let a monster live.
Also, we have Madison, one of Tamara’s friends. Unlike Tamara’s best friend, Madison still likes Tamara and doesn’t view her differently because she has teeth. While the other kids see Tamara as a freak, Madison still sees her as a friend.
The main antagonist is Henry, Henry is a human who wants to be a lamian. He doesn’t have the gene, but he wishes he did. He was an outcast as a child and an adult and lamians are the only people he’s identified with. Despite being a human, he has developed an appetite for human blood. Then there is Maximillian who is an old lamian who runs a lamian support group. He’s one face of equality for lamians and he has been alive for a long time too. As the book progresses these characters meet and communicate. Their paths cross and the narrative continues. You will have more sympathy for the lamians than you will for the humans.
Teeth is a book about equality and existence. It’s a book about tolerance and hate. Kelli Owen tackles many large ideas in this book and she does so very well. It also mixes genres, it’s a coming of age story, mixed with a thriller. It’s a story about equality buried in a police procedural. It’s a horror book, but it’s much more than horror. This book is slim but meaty. This is a book you want to sink your teeth into and drain everything from. It’s nearly flawless. Kelli Owen has been writing for a while, and she is the queen of horror thrillers. Teeth is a perfect starting point. It has everything a horror fan can want in a book. Characters to root for, and a character you want to see die. Some gruesome gore and violence, and some intense thrills. It has some heartwarming parts and characters you will fall in love with.
Teeth seems to have gone under the radar and that’s a shame. It’s a fantastic book that takes old tropes and makes them new. Kelli Owen is a strong voice in the horror scene, but she deserves a wider audience. This book represents a writer at the top of her game, but it also shows that Owen is full of surprises. I can’t wait to see what she does next, I know that every time she writes a book she takes old tropes and makes them new. I would love to see what she tackles next. If you’re a horror fan, or you’re tired of vampire tropes, read this book.
Teeth has a simple premise. What if vampires are real? How would society react to them? How could they integrate and become part of society? What if your neighbor was a vampire? How would you react? These are questions you will think about while you read this book. Kelli Owen takes the vampire tropes and rewrites them. Her approach to vampires is refreshing and original, and she needs to write more.
In Teeth the word vampire or vamp is a slur. They call vampires Lamian. Vampires are connected to humanity, instead of being the undead, they are alive. The gene that causes Lamians to exist is recessive and will hit during puberty. People who have the gene awaken, lose their incisors and grow fangs. Some people don’t even know that they have the gene in their family bloodline since it can be dormant for many generations. The people who become lamian can still live without human blood. They eat raw meat or can drink animal blood and that can appease their appetites. Many people see the lamians as freaks and unnatural. They want the lamians out and separate from them. Most of the lamians just want the same rights as everybody else. By doing this, Kelli Owen takes the trope of the vampire being evil and turns it into one where they’re second-class citizens and a minority group who the reader sympathizes with. It’s a brilliant idea, and it’s executed well.
This book follows a few different characters. Tamara, the daughter of a police officer named Connor and his wife Jacqueline. Jacqueline’s parents adopted her and her real parents were lamian. Her doctor prescribed medication, so her lamian genes stayed dormant. Tamara just grew her teeth, and Jacqueline has learned the truth about her past. Together they’re discovering how to exist as lamian and embrace their existence. Tamara has lost her best friend at school because her teeth grew and she’s become an outcast. Her father is investigating a series of murders where people are found dead with their blood drained.
Then there’s Andrea and her son Dillon. Dillon has also grown his teeth and Andrea can’t believe her son is a lamian. Andrew watches a steady diet of Fox and Friends and believes her son is a monster and that she has to stop him before he does something serious. Dillon has no friends at school and no support at home. He’s a boy who just needs someone to love him. His mother sees him as a monster and most of the people at school leave him alone. Every day the mother comes to terms with killing him because she can’t let a monster live.
Also, we have Madison, one of Tamara’s friends. Unlike Tamara’s best friend, Madison still likes Tamara and doesn’t view her differently because she has teeth. While the other kids see Tamara as a freak, Madison still sees her as a friend.
The main antagonist is Henry, Henry is a human who wants to be a lamian. He doesn’t have the gene, but he wishes he did. He was an outcast as a child and an adult and lamians are the only people he’s identified with. Despite being a human, he has developed an appetite for human blood. Then there is Maximillian who is an old lamian who runs a lamian support group. He’s one face of equality for lamians and he has been alive for a long time too. As the book progresses these characters meet and communicate. Their paths cross and the narrative continues. You will have more sympathy for the lamians than you will for the humans.
Teeth is a book about equality and existence. It’s a book about tolerance and hate. Kelli Owen tackles many large ideas in this book and she does so very well. It also mixes genres, it’s a coming of age story, mixed with a thriller. It’s a story about equality buried in a police procedural. It’s a horror book, but it’s much more than horror. This book is slim but meaty. This is a book you want to sink your teeth into and drain everything from. It’s nearly flawless. Kelli Owen has been writing for a while, and she is the queen of horror thrillers. Teeth is a perfect starting point. It has everything a horror fan can want in a book. Characters to root for, and a character you want to see die. Some gruesome gore and violence, and some intense thrills. It has some heartwarming parts and characters you will fall in love with.
Teeth seems to have gone under the radar and that’s a shame. It’s a fantastic book that takes old tropes and makes them new. Kelli Owen is a strong voice in the horror scene, but she deserves a wider audience. This book represents a writer at the top of her game, but it also shows that Owen is full of surprises. I can’t wait to see what she does next, I know that every time she writes a book she takes old tropes and makes them new. I would love to see what she tackles next. If you’re a horror fan, or you’re tired of vampire tropes, read this book.
July 26, 2025
I've read a lot of vampire books. This is my favorite vampire book.
March 19, 2019
TEETH is brilliant! Toss out every vampire tale you have ever read, and the V-word along with them. What we have here is a complete rewrite of a millennia-old mythos that is both well-conceived and well executed. The story could not be more timely.
We can all agree that adolescence is a harrowing time upon which we can all look back as something we wouldn't want to experience again. Even those of us who might view that transition from childhood to adulthood through rose-colored glasses will concede it wasn't always the best of times. It is a time of peer pressure and sexual discovery. Imagine wondering about your species along with everything else.
TEETH is a study of modern society with its many concerns on display through a paranormal lens. I hesitate to use the word paranormal when normalcy is still up for grabs. And, in all of this, there is a murder mystery!
The bottom line is that TEETH is both brilliant and unique in its telling and universal in its meaning. It is one of those books whose social import is a natural part of the story yet stands front and center throughout. I can't recommend it enough.
We can all agree that adolescence is a harrowing time upon which we can all look back as something we wouldn't want to experience again. Even those of us who might view that transition from childhood to adulthood through rose-colored glasses will concede it wasn't always the best of times. It is a time of peer pressure and sexual discovery. Imagine wondering about your species along with everything else.
TEETH is a study of modern society with its many concerns on display through a paranormal lens. I hesitate to use the word paranormal when normalcy is still up for grabs. And, in all of this, there is a murder mystery!
The bottom line is that TEETH is both brilliant and unique in its telling and universal in its meaning. It is one of those books whose social import is a natural part of the story yet stands front and center throughout. I can't recommend it enough.
September 14, 2018
I took my time absorbing this novel, wanting to make sure I captured every small detail to give it a just review. That being said, here we go.
Kelli’s well-crafted version of vampires is a stellar breath of fresh air. These are not your run of the mill, allergic to garlic and crosses type of night walkers. This “coming of age” story depicts the real struggle of minorities in the form of budding Lamian teenagers.
Without giving spoilers, I will broadly say that there are several elements of horror in this: extreme, splatter, and quiet. Some you have to squint to see while others are blatant. For those that know... Jar of blood, rather obvious.
This story will make you cringe at the real-life accuracy, shudder with the visualization, and leave you craving more when you read the end.
Overall, I gave this 4 out of 5 stars because I felt the ending wasn’t as large of a finish as the buildup would imply. The story itself, the movement and characters gave me a strong enough connection that I only barely managed to stop myself from screaming at the abrupt ending. Speaking of, I see you reading this, Kelli. I love you and you’re an asshole.
Kelli’s well-crafted version of vampires is a stellar breath of fresh air. These are not your run of the mill, allergic to garlic and crosses type of night walkers. This “coming of age” story depicts the real struggle of minorities in the form of budding Lamian teenagers.
Without giving spoilers, I will broadly say that there are several elements of horror in this: extreme, splatter, and quiet. Some you have to squint to see while others are blatant. For those that know... Jar of blood, rather obvious.
This story will make you cringe at the real-life accuracy, shudder with the visualization, and leave you craving more when you read the end.
Overall, I gave this 4 out of 5 stars because I felt the ending wasn’t as large of a finish as the buildup would imply. The story itself, the movement and characters gave me a strong enough connection that I only barely managed to stop myself from screaming at the abrupt ending. Speaking of, I see you reading this, Kelli. I love you and you’re an asshole.
August 10, 2018
Kelli is one of my favorite authors. The cover blurb didn't leave me that excited for this book though. That was a bad assessment. This is one of my favorite books of hers, I read it over 2 days and it would have been less if I didn't have to work. The characters are great. The story itself is a great take on the myriad of bigots and hate we currently have affecting our society. Don't skip this because you're tired of vampires or Twilight ruined vampires for you.
October 24, 2018
A genre breaking Lamian novel. The characterization in all of Kelli's books is always top notch (yes, even "The Neigborhood")! This book is as much a story about a sign of the times as it is about the lamians (vampires) the author describes. A well thought out story that ends like it could be the beginning of a series?!? Thank you Kelli for signing the book for me at the Scares That Care weekend!!!
April 2, 2019
Not your typical Vampire story
I was not sure what to expect when I got this book. It is a fresh take on old folklore. Vampires have come out of hiding and struggle to be accepted by society. But someone is sabotaging the public's perception of them. Owen has a vivid imagination and masterfully tells us this new tale. Her descriptors make the reader feel as if we were there in the story seeing events unfold. I have been very impressed with her writing as I read more of Kelli Owen's books. I look forward to reading more!
I was not sure what to expect when I got this book. It is a fresh take on old folklore. Vampires have come out of hiding and struggle to be accepted by society. But someone is sabotaging the public's perception of them. Owen has a vivid imagination and masterfully tells us this new tale. Her descriptors make the reader feel as if we were there in the story seeing events unfold. I have been very impressed with her writing as I read more of Kelli Owen's books. I look forward to reading more!
September 12, 2018
In Teeth, Owen has created a world where vampires (Lamians) have always existed, but that has only been common knowledge for about fifty years, the condition rooted not in superstition and magic, but genetics. When children reach puberty, some lose their canines and have slightly longer, sharper, teeth grow in in their place. Given the tumultuous relationship lamians have with humans, this can be a great source of stress for the children, some of whom have been raised by bigoted and fearful parents whose only exposure to vampires is through Hollywood movies where they are portrayed as predatory monsters.
Owen does an excellent job of using the smalltown USA setting as a smaller version of the country as a whole. And the bigotry and hatred aimed at the lamians is a mirror-image of what every minority has had to endure – and still endures – to this day. She taps into the fears and emotions of her characters to deliver an entertaining story with depth. From the vulnerable teenagers coming to terms with their new fates (while being taunted by the popular kids), to the detective hunting the killer (while enduring intolerance from within the ranks) and the boy who feels threatened by his vampire-hating mother, Owen really goes to great lengths to show every character’s viewpoint.
Her contemporary interpretation of the vampire myth is also quite unique, replacing the age-old tropes and giving them a new lease of life. Gone is the affliction to daylight and garlic. No longer are they immortal, although they do have a longer life-span. And they are able to view themselves in the mirror. All of this makes it easier for them to hide in plain sight (as they have been doing for centuries) while also allowing the author to use it to heighten the fear felt by the intolerant. Their need for blood is less about bloodlust and more to do with dietary requirements. But it also adds to the fear when the killer’s victims are found with holes in their necks and missing blood. And there is still a hint at telepathy playing a role in lamian culture.
Owen does an excellent job of using the smalltown USA setting as a smaller version of the country as a whole. And the bigotry and hatred aimed at the lamians is a mirror-image of what every minority has had to endure – and still endures – to this day. She taps into the fears and emotions of her characters to deliver an entertaining story with depth. From the vulnerable teenagers coming to terms with their new fates (while being taunted by the popular kids), to the detective hunting the killer (while enduring intolerance from within the ranks) and the boy who feels threatened by his vampire-hating mother, Owen really goes to great lengths to show every character’s viewpoint.
Her contemporary interpretation of the vampire myth is also quite unique, replacing the age-old tropes and giving them a new lease of life. Gone is the affliction to daylight and garlic. No longer are they immortal, although they do have a longer life-span. And they are able to view themselves in the mirror. All of this makes it easier for them to hide in plain sight (as they have been doing for centuries) while also allowing the author to use it to heighten the fear felt by the intolerant. Their need for blood is less about bloodlust and more to do with dietary requirements. But it also adds to the fear when the killer’s victims are found with holes in their necks and missing blood. And there is still a hint at telepathy playing a role in lamian culture.
November 10, 2018
Forget everything you thought you knew about vampires. Excuse me, the politically correct term is lamians. That's right. Vampire is now a derogatory term. Kelli Owens creates an entirely new twist on the vampire mythology. Lamians have an amino acid deficiency. The "change" happens in your teens, because being a teenager isn't tough enough. Canine teeth get loose and fall out, only to be replaced by shiny new ones. Being a lamian also comes with some new abilities. While they are extremely long-lived, they are not immortal.
Prejudices are alive and well in Teeth. From the mother whose parents hid her own change, even from herself, to the mother who is so deeply entrenched in bigotry that she is afraid of her own son, there is plenty of discrimination to go around. Rooted deep within this story, is another of envy and admiration, with a character who would do anything to become lamian...and does.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
Prejudices are alive and well in Teeth. From the mother whose parents hid her own change, even from herself, to the mother who is so deeply entrenched in bigotry that she is afraid of her own son, there is plenty of discrimination to go around. Rooted deep within this story, is another of envy and admiration, with a character who would do anything to become lamian...and does.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
May 6, 2019
When I first heard author Kelli Owen's announcement for her upcoming Teeth, I was intrigued. She said she had rebuilt the mythos of the vampire from the ground up for this novel and these were bloodsuckers like we've never seen before. On one hand, I had reservations. How many times have we heard this (I'm looking at you, zombie genre) only to be disappointed? On the other, this is Kelli Owen talking. Knowing what she's capable of from the (not enough) books I've read from her, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. She has this knack of making the supernatural seem almost normal. And that's what she does in Teeth.
You can read Steve's entire review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Steve's entire review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
May 8, 2019
Enjoyable novel taking place in a time where vampires, or Lamians, have been begrudgingly accepted into society. Several high schoolers have to deal with prejudice and bullying when it is evident that they are not human. Add to this drama is the fact that there is a serial killer running rampant and the speculation is that it may be a Lamian. Highly recommended!
January 3, 2019
Teeth by Kelli Owen is a masterwork addition to the horror subgenre of vampirism. The story is woven from two interconnected plots that illustrate timelessly relevant sociological and psychological issues and horrors. Owen’s expert characterization and storytelling will enthrall you as her story bleeds your heart and mind.
Before I continue, I feel the need to point out, with all due respect to other reviewers, that bigotry and prejudice are NOT the only issues this novel illustrates. I don’t want readers to avoid this story thinking it is one big political statement. Neither do I want readers to see only that when they read it. There is much more to this story than that plight of both historic and modern societies. This story is about cause and effect, self-loathing and self-acceptance, fear and love, bullying and sacrifice, mental illness and misinformation. This is a big picture story told by a literary black belt. And, as with all great works, it can be enjoyed purely for entertainment value if you choose to tune out the sociological relevance. The story stands on its merit both as a relevant literary piece and as an entertaining read.
To continue, Owen’s expert characterization is, in my opinion, a vital part of her expert storytelling. The characters in Teeth are representative of real people and real types of people without being the expected stereotypes. They have individual personalities and just enough backstory to keep their words and actions believable, if sometimes infuriating. They are clearly products of their life experiences, as real people are. They are engaging, believable, and entertaining. And Kelli Owen does this without overwriting, which is why I say she is expert level.
In addition to Teeth being a profound literary mirror of sociological plight with incredibly engaging characters, it is a good story. It is a compelling and fun read. Owen seems to have collected different ancient lore of a similar bent and melded them into a singular historic theme. It’s brilliant and brilliantly done. To be clear, this is a horror novel. It has disturbing and horrifying sequences and subject matter. It does not fall under the urban fantasy vampire story heading even though it deviates from the Nosferatu style of vampirism. This unique piece is wholly Kelli Owen and completely shelf-worthy for the discerning reader.
Before I continue, I feel the need to point out, with all due respect to other reviewers, that bigotry and prejudice are NOT the only issues this novel illustrates. I don’t want readers to avoid this story thinking it is one big political statement. Neither do I want readers to see only that when they read it. There is much more to this story than that plight of both historic and modern societies. This story is about cause and effect, self-loathing and self-acceptance, fear and love, bullying and sacrifice, mental illness and misinformation. This is a big picture story told by a literary black belt. And, as with all great works, it can be enjoyed purely for entertainment value if you choose to tune out the sociological relevance. The story stands on its merit both as a relevant literary piece and as an entertaining read.
To continue, Owen’s expert characterization is, in my opinion, a vital part of her expert storytelling. The characters in Teeth are representative of real people and real types of people without being the expected stereotypes. They have individual personalities and just enough backstory to keep their words and actions believable, if sometimes infuriating. They are clearly products of their life experiences, as real people are. They are engaging, believable, and entertaining. And Kelli Owen does this without overwriting, which is why I say she is expert level.
In addition to Teeth being a profound literary mirror of sociological plight with incredibly engaging characters, it is a good story. It is a compelling and fun read. Owen seems to have collected different ancient lore of a similar bent and melded them into a singular historic theme. It’s brilliant and brilliantly done. To be clear, this is a horror novel. It has disturbing and horrifying sequences and subject matter. It does not fall under the urban fantasy vampire story heading even though it deviates from the Nosferatu style of vampirism. This unique piece is wholly Kelli Owen and completely shelf-worthy for the discerning reader.
October 11, 2018
A serial killer is on the loose, but is the killer a lamian, the newly public race of vampires, or is it a human pretending to be lamian? Kelli Owen blends myth, modern science, and police procedural with teen angst, racism, and bigotry to create a unique blend that works well on every level. This is my first book by Kelli, but it will not be my last. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. I loved this book.
March 19, 2019
The book follows a variety of characters, both human and lamian, as they do their day-to-day activities. The society of Owen's universe in Teeth is almost a mirror image of the United States right now. The vampires (lamians) are a minority, and there is a political divide on how to treat them. On one side, you have a group demanding they be monitored because they are dangerous, where on the other you have people saying lamians deserve equality. This is all so very familiar.
To add to the matter, there's someone killing humans and drinking their blood, adding more fear and paranoia to many in the town Teeth takes place in. Lines are drawn, fingers are pointed, assumptions are made, and people say awful, disgusting things to the vampires whose only crime is being born. Again, this is all so very familiar.
The characters in Teeth are where Owen really delivers. They are three dimensional and believable. For example, one such character is disgustingly racist towards the lamians, and normally it would be easy to write her off as ignorant trash. But Owen crafts her as someone deeply troubled, and while you do hate the woman, you also feel sorry for her on some level. The way she acts cannot be excused, but you can understand the reasoning behind it. It's not unlike Kevin Bacon's character in The Woodsman. You want him to burn alive, but at the same time you kind of feel sorry for him and you hate yourself for doing so. That's great writing.
You can read my full review here at Horror DNA.
To add to the matter, there's someone killing humans and drinking their blood, adding more fear and paranoia to many in the town Teeth takes place in. Lines are drawn, fingers are pointed, assumptions are made, and people say awful, disgusting things to the vampires whose only crime is being born. Again, this is all so very familiar.
The characters in Teeth are where Owen really delivers. They are three dimensional and believable. For example, one such character is disgustingly racist towards the lamians, and normally it would be easy to write her off as ignorant trash. But Owen crafts her as someone deeply troubled, and while you do hate the woman, you also feel sorry for her on some level. The way she acts cannot be excused, but you can understand the reasoning behind it. It's not unlike Kevin Bacon's character in The Woodsman. You want him to burn alive, but at the same time you kind of feel sorry for him and you hate yourself for doing so. That's great writing.
You can read my full review here at Horror DNA.
February 4, 2020
Two thumbs up. If you love vampire novels but think the genre has gotten too predictable then you should check this out. Vampires have become part of regular society and we see how it affects their lives and the people around them.
February 14, 2025
I agree with much of Peter Topside's review, although I did finish the book. I really wanted to enjoy it, but it was a bit of a mess. The YA angle didn't work for me and seemed only to serve as a catalyst for the information dumps. Anyway, on to my next read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews