Book Review: Sharp Teeth

Written by Toby Barlow

My Rating:  Loved it.  Fantastic experience.  Absorb now!

Initial thoughts:  I had heard this book was good one a long time ago and just never picked it up until recently.  The summary I heard was that this was a story written in the epic poem style about lycanthropes, and that the lycanthropes were not wolves, but dogs.  Most people wouldn't let a wolf into their home, but don't think twice about letting in a dog.  That thought freaks me out.

Nutshell:  Basically, the story follows a number of characters in the Los Angeles area, including a newly employed dog catcher, a couple of pack leaders, and a lawyer.  The stories eventually intertwine into a fantastic showdown.

What I dig:  Given that this was Toby Barlow's first book I was extremely impressed.  The characters had distinct voices to me.  The reader jumps among the various characters and gets the pieces to the puzzle that eventually comes together at the end.  I found myself rooting for a number of the characters, including those that I would consider the bad guys.  The epic poem style was a breeze to read and got to the heart of matters quickly.

What I don't dig:  I felt the pace was very quick in this book, maybe a little too quick because I thought the character development was a little lacking.  You do get into the character's heads and see their motivations, but it just felt like it was extremely rushed.  This is a minor quibble for such a fantastic book.  I guess I just wanted to spend more time in this world?  If you are the type who prefers an author get straight to the point and not meander, then this story will be set at a pace to your liking.

Final thoughts:  After I finished it I was in a state of excitement.  It was a great, quick read.  I eagerly await another book from Toby Barlow, since this was his first and currently only book.

Any comments are appreciated!