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Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a haunting novella that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Set in a decaying Heian-era mansion, this story blends Japanese folklore with modern horror, creating a chilling atmosphere perfect for a late-night read.

The premise is straightforward: a group of friends gathers at the mansion to celebrate a wedding, but what begins as a night of revelry quickly descends into terror. The mansion is not just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing entity, steeped in history and haunted by the ghost of a bride whose smile is as black as the void. The walls themselves seem to whisper with the voices of the girls sacrificed to keep her company, and as the night progresses, the friends find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets—both their own and those of the house.

I was particularly drawn to the ghostly lore Khaw weaves into the narrative, especially the inclusion of yokai, and more specifically, the ohaguro-bettari. This element added a fresh layer to the horror, one that might be unfamiliar to many readers, making the story all the more intriguing. However, it’s easy to see why opinions about this book are divided. Some readers might find the pacing slow, especially since the story takes its time unraveling, and the prose can be dense, at times almost meandering.

The characters are well-crafted, though the point of view does make it difficult to follow the secondary characters at times. The narrator's voice is often lost in poetic descriptions, which can detract from the plot and leave readers feeling a bit adrift. This is especially true when the narrative veers into more symbolic territory, with mentions of kitsune and other imagery that might be too obscure for those unfamiliar with the lore.

Despite its flaws, Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a novella that I enjoyed, particularly because it’s a shorter read. The brevity works in its favor, allowing the tension to build without overstaying its welcome. If you’re a fan of horror tinged with myth and lore, this book is worth your time, and I would certainly pick up another of Khaw’s works in the future.

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