41 pages • 1 hour read
Ninth House
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Book Brief
458
Novel • Fiction
New Haven, Connecticut • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo follows Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a former drug addict with the ability to see ghosts, who is recruited by Yale's secret Lethe House to oversee its magic societies. Guided by mentor Daniel Arlington, or Darlington, Alex navigates the macabre rituals and power struggles at Yale while investigating a series of murders rooted in the secret societies' occult practices, ultimately uncovering dark secrets and corruption. Topics include substance use, sexual violence, and trauma.
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
363,228 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House offers a dark, gripping tale enriched with a vivid setting and complex characters that have captivated many readers. The novel's intricate world-building and suspenseful plot are praised, though some criticize its pacing and dense prose. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of dark academia and fantasy thrillers.
Who Should Read Ninth House?
Fans of dark academia, magic, and complex characters will relish Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Similar in tone to Donna Tartt's The Secret History and Deborah Harkness's A Discovery of Witches, this novel blends supernatural intrigue with a gripping narrative, ideal for those who enjoy depth and a touch of the macabre.
363,228 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Daniel “Darlington” Arlington
Daniel “Darlington” Arlington
A senior at Yale known as the “Gentleman of Lethe,” he mentors Alex in the supernatural realm and comes from a family with a historical connection to New Haven.
Pamela Dawes
Pamela Dawes
A graduate student and a member of Lethe, Pamela is initially at odds with Alex but shares a strong sense of justice and contributes significantly to the plot with her knowledge.
Marguerite Belbalm
Marguerite Belbalm
A professor at Yale and an unexpected antagonist, her true nature and dark past make her a central figure in the supernatural events at the university.
Dean Elliot Sandow
Dean Elliot Sandow
A dean at Yale with a connection to Lethe, his seemingly fatherly demeanor masks deeper, darker ambitions related to the supernatural.
458
Novel • Fiction
New Haven, Connecticut • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
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