Genre: Dark Academia, Adult Fantasy, Supernatural Mystery
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Would I Read It Again? Absolutely!
My Overall Thoughts
This book had me up at 2 AM because I HAD to know what was going to happen next!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo was dark, mysterious, and absolutely worth the read. I loved how the author mixed magic, secret societies, murder, and the darker side of power into a world that almost felt believable.
Secret societies at Yale practicing magic to gain money, influence, and knowledge? Oh, I could absolutely see something like that happening behind closed doors! But what really made this book stand out for me was its characters, especially Alex Stern.
Characters — Alex Stern and Darlington
Galaxy "Alex" Stern is not your typical perfect female main character, and I loved that about her! Alex is a mess. She's guarded, she's been through some of the worst experiences imaginable, and her ability to see ghosts, known as Grays, has made her life anything but easy.
What some people would consider a gift, Alex sees as a curse.
Her childhood and past experiences have left her deeply traumatized. She's spent much of her life being an outcast because of things she can see that other people can't. Underneath all that guardedness, we see someone who genuinely wants to belong, make friends, and have a chance at a normal life.
Then we meet Daniel Arlington, better known as Darlington, and he's almost the complete opposite! Where Alex would probably give anything to escape the supernatural world, Darlington has spent his life wanting to experience it. After getting a taste of the unknown, he threw himself into learning everything he could about magic.
He even envies Alex's ability, but he doesn't fully understand everything she's been through because of it. I really enjoyed seeing their different perspectives and how their relationship developed through her training. They're two completely different people, but somehow, it works.
Worldbuilding — Yale's Secret Societies
The worldbuilding was one of my favorite parts of this book! Yale is already known for its history and secret societies, so adding an entire magical system beneath that made the setting even more interesting.
The eight magical secret societies, known as the Houses of the Veil, have their own connections to magic, rituals, and power. And of course, powerful people are using that magic to gain even more money, influence, and knowledge.
The way the author incorporated the old buildings, wards, and magical protections into the university made everything feel connected. It wasn't just magic happening at a college. The history of the campus and the magic were woven together.
Alex is offered an opportunity to attend Yale because of her unusual ability. In exchange, she's recruited into Lethe House, the Ninth House, which oversees the other eight magical societies and makes sure their rituals don't go too far. Now imagine trying to balance normal college life, classes, friendships, and secret magical responsibilities when you've barely had a normal life to begin with!
Plot, Mystery, and Pacing
The mystery had me questioning EVERYTHING!
When a local young woman named Tara Hutchins is murdered, Alex begins to suspect that something much bigger is happening around Yale. She's already witnessed strange behavior during her first solo watch, and things aren't adding up. But getting other people to take her concerns seriously isn't easy.
What I really enjoyed was her determination to investigate. She could have looked the other way to protect her opportunity at Yale. Instead, she kept digging, even when it meant breaking rules and putting herself in difficult situations.
And let's be serious. When you're dealing with wealthy, powerful people who think they can get away with anything, sometimes you have to learn how to play their game!
I was on Alex's side throughout this investigation. I loved trying to connect all the little breadcrumbs the author left behind. Every time I thought I was figuring something out, another piece of information made me question what I knew.
Writing Style and Story Structure
One thing I really appreciated was how Leigh Bardugo moved between Alex's and Darlington's perspectives and different points in time.
I loved seeing the past and present come together. Instead of giving us everything at once, the story gradually reveals more about the characters, their experiences, and the world they're involved in. By the time those little pieces started connecting, I was completely invested. I really enjoyed this style of storytelling, and I'm amazed by how well it worked for this novel.
Friendships and Supporting Characters
Something else I appreciated was seeing Alex try to build relationships outside her magical responsibilities. She wants to fit in with her roommates and experience something resembling a normal college life. I liked seeing her make an effort to be a good friend and have their backs.
I also appreciated Pamela Dawes, Lethe's Oculus, who assists Alex and Darlington with research, magical preparations, and the responsibilities that come with overseeing the societies. I especially liked how Dawes continued supporting Alex, even when things became complicated and others were quick to question her involvement.
And Detective Abel Turner, Lethe's police contact and Centurion, adds another interesting dynamic as Alex tries to navigate an investigation that involves both the ordinary world and the supernatural one.
Content Warnings
This is a very dark adult fantasy novel, and readers should be aware that it includes disturbing material. Content warnings include sexual assault and sexual violence, drug use, trauma, murder, violence, and other potentially triggering situations. Some of these scenes are especially difficult, so I recommend checking detailed content warnings before reading if you have concerns.
Final Thoughts
5 out of 5 stars!
I loved this book! The complicated characters, magical societies, mystery, and way the past and present came together made this such an enjoyable reading experience.
I'm seriously considering reading it again, a little slower this time, before moving on to the second book. I feel like there are details I might appreciate even more on a reread.
If you enjoy dark academia, supernatural mysteries, complicated characters, and magic tied to power and privilege, I definitely recommend giving Ninth House a try.
Would I Read It Again? Absolutely!
Until the next chapter,
Happy Reading,
S. J. Robinson
Check Out the book here at my Bookshop https://bookshop.org/lists/sjr-writes-and-reads
