Scan barcode
s4l4d's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, and I wouldn't say that often. Of course, I enjoy what I read most of the time, but Ninth House definitely blew me away. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the thoughtful world-building feels like something books need more of these days. It felt like every detail was important to the narrative which supports the intrigue - I couldn't put the book down. The pace was slow at first since establishing the magic system felt like the priority, but I appreciate how you really feel like part of the universe the whole time. Definitely loved stepping into Alex Stern's shoes and seeing the world through her eyes with a realistic rough-around-the-edges, unique perspective you don't see often. This is one of those books I forgot I was reading while I was reading it because of how entrenched you feel. Absolutely a must-read, messy, trauma-infused, addictive version of Harry Potter!
PS. if you're into special editions of this book, they do not disappoint! I personally have 2 different copies because of my love for this book <3
PS. if you're into special editions of this book, they do not disappoint! I personally have 2 different copies because of my love for this book <3
shieldat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
keepiticy27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
ratelyn's review against another edition
4.0
rounding up from a 3.8ish - slow to start and the mc was a bit hard to like, but the vibes were vibing. I feel ninth house sets up a promising sequel.
jennreadslots's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
arykalden's review against another edition
3.75
I almost put this book down, but I’m glad that I didn’t. There are certain moments that are so dark maybe unnecessarily so. It’s hard to reconcile the past of this character with their present. That I’ll being sad I think the world is quite interesting, the characters have depth, and it’s definitely worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Drug abuse, and Sexual assault
megcwilliams's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
seasecrets's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tdavidovsky's review against another edition
4.0
I don't usually enjoy books with so much gratuitous violence, but Ninth House has enough redeeming qualities that I managed to get past all the gore. Aside from the body horror scenes, the rest of the book is beautifully written. Even the dark and violent sections serve to make important points about power and privilege. I also adore the characters, especially the protagonist, Alex Stern. She's a moody and broody girl with a dark and mysterious past, an archetype usually reserved for male heroes/anti-heroes, and it's refreshing to see it applied to a female character. I have minor complaints about how the premise of this story isn't as good as the execution, and the mystery is a little unsatisfying at times, but characters like Alex (as well as Darlington) are interesting enough that those complaints don't matter.