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mariaoverbooked's review against another edition
5.0
The way this series is so unlike anything else, utterly captivating, and enthralling.
If you like morally grey characters, this is a masterclass (I expect nothing less from the author who brought us Kaz Brekker). These novels take everything I love in a book: morally grey badass characters, mystery, magic, dark academia, a bit of romantic tension, thoughtful commentary on history, literature, religion, demons, class structure, and murder - mixes and shakes it all up until a masterpiece emerges.
I absolutely loved Ninth House, raved about it to anyone who would listen, so naturally I pre-ordered this sequel as soon as I could. I'll admit I didn't do a reread of Ninth House before starting but with a helpful summary of the first book I was able to dive right in and most things came back to me or were explained. I fell back in love with Alex (and Darlington) fairly quickly as we dove back into the story.
These characters are so well written they practically jump off the page. Alex and Darlington might be two of my favorite characters ever, much less within the series. I loved that we got a better look at the found family aspect in this one (once again I expected nothing less from the woman who gave us the crows). Each character felt thoughtful and well explored. We got to see and feel their individual struggles and it didn't seem to take away from the plot at all, if anything it added to the overall depth of storytelling.
My one issue with this one was a lot of the adventuring plot line felt a bit pointless, like a red herring through the middle. However, once we get to the end it all comes together in such a brilliant way that it all seemed somewhat worth the meandering. I absolutely speed through the ending, I couldn't get enough and I want more. It's rare that I love a second book the way I loved this one.
I think what Bardugo does well is that this truly feels like a sequel and leaves the third book open to have much bigger stakes and answer the big picture questions and tie off the larger threads. Hell Bent didn't feel like filler between two books, it was its own adventure that simultaneously solved the cliffhanger from the first book and opened the door to something a lot bigger to be explored in the final book and I for one, can't wait.
If you like morally grey characters, this is a masterclass (I expect nothing less from the author who brought us Kaz Brekker). These novels take everything I love in a book: morally grey badass characters, mystery, magic, dark academia, a bit of romantic tension, thoughtful commentary on history, literature, religion, demons, class structure, and murder - mixes and shakes it all up until a masterpiece emerges.
I absolutely loved Ninth House, raved about it to anyone who would listen, so naturally I pre-ordered this sequel as soon as I could. I'll admit I didn't do a reread of Ninth House before starting but with a helpful summary of the first book I was able to dive right in and most things came back to me or were explained. I fell back in love with Alex (and Darlington) fairly quickly as we dove back into the story.
These characters are so well written they practically jump off the page. Alex and Darlington might be two of my favorite characters ever, much less within the series. I loved that we got a better look at the found family aspect in this one (once again I expected nothing less from the woman who gave us the crows). Each character felt thoughtful and well explored. We got to see and feel their individual struggles and it didn't seem to take away from the plot at all, if anything it added to the overall depth of storytelling.
My one issue with this one was a lot of the adventuring plot line felt a bit pointless, like a red herring through the middle. However, once we get to the end it all comes together in such a brilliant way that it all seemed somewhat worth the meandering. I absolutely speed through the ending, I couldn't get enough and I want more. It's rare that I love a second book the way I loved this one.
I think what Bardugo does well is that this truly feels like a sequel and leaves the third book open to have much bigger stakes and answer the big picture questions and tie off the larger threads. Hell Bent didn't feel like filler between two books, it was its own adventure that simultaneously solved the cliffhanger from the first book and opened the door to something a lot bigger to be explored in the final book and I for one, can't wait.
crtnybracy's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, and Animal death
spac3core's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
melodranna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jmlascar's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
lacerbean_reads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dragonlilly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This sequel was just as good, and maybe even better in certain areas than the first, and the first book was great! I absolutely have to commend Leigh Bardugo for all the research she did for these books, and it seems the research had increased even more for this one. Although, Turner's line about Judges being boring is so wrong, and Judges has to objectively be one of the more exciting books of the Old Testament in the Bible for sure. The book is interesting with cool bits of mystery, while also being a bit thoughtful, and lots of fun and bouts of sadness. I am a big fan of Bardugo's writing, in that every line feels quite purposeful. Later phrases or sentences hark back to previous ones, and previous words hint at the future in a satisfying way.
I feel more attached to the characters in this book than in the previous one, and I love the feel-good camaraderie. I love the discoveries, and the scene in which the main group are forcefully made to see each others' past was super cool and well done. And I will also say that I enjoyed the ending of this book a lot more too. The necessary questions that needed answering in this book were answered and yet still left us wondering for more but not in a disappointing way, but an exciting way. The ending made me worried, then joyful and smiling, and then thrilled at a fun action scene that gets us ready for the next book. Very good sequel overall and am excited for when the next book comes out.
I feel more attached to the characters in this book than in the previous one, and I love the feel-good camaraderie. I love the discoveries, and the scene in which the main group are forcefully made to see each others' past was super cool and well done. And I will also say that I enjoyed the ending of this book a lot more too. The necessary questions that needed answering in this book were answered and yet still left us wondering for more but not in a disappointing way, but an exciting way. The ending made me worried, then joyful and smiling, and then thrilled at a fun action scene that gets us ready for the next book. Very good sequel overall and am excited for when the next book comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Vomit, and Suicide
Minor: Slavery and Panic attacks/disorders
sunnysidekatie's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0