logo
pagesback-cover
177
Reddit meter
all mentions

Ninth House

480 pages, 2019

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description
Alex Stern, a member of Yale’s freshman class, is the most unlikely candidate for the university. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mother and an unknown father, Alex dropped out of school at an early age and became involved with drug dealers. At age twenty, Alex witnessed a horrific crime that led to the death of her boyfriend: the murder of her drug dealer and his friends. Some might say that she has thrown her life away. However, she is offered a second chance—to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What is the catch and why her? Still searching for answers to this herself, she arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of future politicians, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. Alex discovers that their occult activities are more sinister than any paranoid imagination could conceive.
Explore the Dark Side of Ivy League

Ninth House gives us a peek into the dark underbelly of the Ivy League. Leigh Bardugo paints a picture of secret societies, occult rituals, and the power dynamics at play in elite institutions. It's a thrilling ride that will make you question what really goes on behind closed doors.

Uncover the Power of Resilience

The protagonist, Alex Stern, is a survivor. Despite her troubled past and the challenges she faces at Yale, she never gives up. Her resilience is inspiring and a reminder that we too can overcome our obstacles. So, take a leaf out of Alex's book and never back down.

Discover the Magic in the Mundane

Bardugo weaves magic into the everyday world in a way that's both fascinating and believable. She shows us that magic isn't just about wands and spells, but can be found in the most unexpected places. So, keep your eyes open, you never know where you might find magic.

Understand the Importance of Friendship

In Ninth House, Alex forms an unlikely friendship with her mentor, Darlington. Their bond is a testament to the power of friendship and how it can help us navigate even the darkest of times. So, cherish your friends, they might just be your lifeline when you need it the most.

Learn to Question Authority

Bardugo doesn't shy away from critiquing the power structures in society. Through Alex's experiences, she encourages us to question authority and not take everything at face value. So, don't be afraid to question the status quo, it might just lead you to uncover some uncomfortable truths.

Quotes 5

Ninth House is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in years. This book is brilliant, funny, raw and utterly magnificent ― it's a portal to a world you’ll never want to leave.

Stephen KingStephen King - Horror Fiction Author

Ninth House is the best fantasy novel of the year.

Kirkus ReviewsKirkus Reviews - Book Review Magazine

Bardugo's mesmerizing storytelling makes this a must-read.

Publishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly - Book Review Publication

Ninth House is a mesmerizing, unforgettable tour-de-force.

BooklistBooklist - Book Review Publication

Ninth House is a complex, darkly atmospheric tale with a hard-won, powerful conclusion.

Library JournalLibrary Journal - Library Publication
Stephen KingKirkus ReviewsPublishers WeeklyBooklistLibrary Journal

Recommendations

1