What a quirky, endearing, funny, original, devastating, frustrating, and oddly beautiful story this was. I loved it, but it also hurt. I was not expecting that. Still recovering. 
 Let's start off with the good and healthy part of the relationship I had with this book: the unique flair. When you imagine merfolk I'll bet you picture a beautiful creature with brilliant, colorful scales and flowing hair on a warm beach. That's not Teeth. ...And for some reason this makes it that much more lovable? The ocean around this island is cold and the merman is has dry, flaky, grey scales, is almost constantly bruised, and has creepy piranha teeth. The poor thing can't even breathe under water. He also comes with so much attitude/personality that you would not expect right away. Nothing classy about him at all. I love how he learned to curse off the sailors and even picks up a few of Rudy's habits (like nicknaming others "kiddo"). He was just too cute and I don't think I'll ever read about a similar character again. Reading from Rudy's point of view was a lot of fun as his insight was strange, perceptive, and seemed random at times but was also very easy to follow (if that makes any sense). He had a really great voice and was able to pull other characters to life. Without his input, his brother Dylan would have just been a poor sick kid. Through Rudy's devotion, you loved that adorable little thing as if he were your own blood. Very powerful writing. 
 However this book also sorta killed me a little inside. But even after it bruised my heart to a bloody pulp, I still have to give it a high rating because it stuck in my mind (though it would have been a 5 hands down if there was a different ending). I could not even eat dinner without wanting to end it early to go read more. For those who are interested, my only complaints are: (view spoiler)[the unresolved romance. I need my gay boys to be in love for ever and ever. But they don't even kiss or say, "I love you" once. It's still obvious they do care, but... Gawd, I'm greedy, okay? I wanted more. A lot more - to a point where I had to double check the author's comments at the end just to make sure their relationship was not just a figment of my gay-obsessed imagination. Hell, Rudy kisses Teeth's sister more and UGGH. Bisexuality is fine (and actually preferred because love is not about gender), but he did not feel anything for her and was willing to risk his life to rescue Teeth. So why so little gay for a gay book? 
 The second complaint is the resolution (though this is highly tied to the first reason). I can't handle the separation at the end with a higher probability that they will never see each other again. I needed Teeth to come back once things calmed down and everyone forgot about him. I needed Rudy to go out and find him because they were only complete when they were together. I wanted the romance, the "happily ever after". My heart is broken. I've never done this with a story but I HAD to come up with my own resolution - when Rudy entertains the thought about going to Paris, I took that as, "I'll never stop until I find him" because I needed that. I'm a sucker for closure. (hide spoiler)] 
 So all the frustration is out of love for the story and characters... but ouch. Sometimes caring can really backfire.