Ninth House

by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth House cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1357
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781473227996
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-10-08
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Alex Stern, an unlikely Yale freshman, is given a second chance at life and education after surviving a grisly murder. Her free ride comes with a catch: she must monitor Yale's secret societies, known for their power and influence. When a girl is found dead on campus, Alex suspects the societies' involvement in forbidden magic and the supernatural. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a web of deceit and danger that threatens everyone around her. Ninth House is a gripping tale of mystery and the occult, blending the academic world with dark fantasy. Alex's journey is one of discovery and danger, as she navigates the treacherous waters of Yale's secret societies and their hidden agendas. With praise from literary giants and a TV adaptation in the works, this novel promises an immersive and chilling experience.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2023-04-13
fascinating 4.00

This well-written dark fantasy appealsto fans of academic settings and unique magical structures, offering a rich and engaging narrative.

The reviewer highlights the academic elements and setting as particularly appealing, finding the magical structure of the different houses fascinating. The dark fantasy genre is well-executed, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy intricate world-building and a well-crafted narrative. The characters and their development are also noted as strong points.

Quick quotes

    Ninth House is a well-written dark fantasy.

    The academic elements and setting were appealing.

    I found the magical structure of the different houses particularly intriguing.

The Lit Bitch · 2023-02-10
engrossing 4.50

The book grew on me and became unputdownable, rich in characters and moral issues, with a compelling murder mystery at its core.

This reviewer was initially hesitant but quickly became engrossed in the story, praising its depth of characters and the moral complexities woven throughout. The murder mystery was a standout element, keeping them hooked until the very end. The dark and intricate world-building was particularly appreciated, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This book was a solid 4.5 stars.

    It grew on me and I couldn't put it down once I got into it.

    It was rich in characters, moral issues, with a smart murder mystery.

The Lit Bitch · 2023-02-10
engrossing 4.50

The book is rich in characters and moral issues, with a smart murder mystery at its core. It grew on the reviewer and became unputdownable.

The reviewer found Ninth House to be a richly layered novel with complex characters and thought-provoking moral issues. The murder mystery at the heart of the story is cleverly crafted, keeping the reader engaged. The reviewer initially had reservations but quickly became engrossed, finding the book hard to put down. The depth of the characters and the intricate plot make it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This book was a solid 4.5 stars.

    It grew on me and I couldn't put it down once I got into it.

    It was rich in characters, moral issues, with a smart murder ...

SFF Book Review · 2019-11-27
brilliant 4.75

The book is a brilliant and dark adult debut, not for the faint of heart. It features great twists and a non-linear narrative that keeps readers engaged.

SFF Book Review described Ninth House as a brilliant and dark adult debut that is not suitable for the faint of heart. They loved the book for its great twists and non-linear narrative, which kept them engaged throughout. The reviewer highlighted the book's ability to delve into dark themes while maintaining a compelling story. The non-linear narrative was particularly praised for adding layers of complexity and intrigue. They found the book to be a standout in the adult fantasy genre, with a unique and captivating story.

Quick quotes

    Ninth House is a dark adult thriller that is not for the faint of heart.

    I loved this book. It had so many great twists.

    The non-linear narrative was particularly compelling.

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