You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
loupend's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
If Darlington and Alex don’t fuck in the next book I’m going to lose my mind
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
Minor: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
laurenvoice's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.0
Hell Bent was a rollercoaster ride, and that ending has me wanting more!
Similar to Ninth House, the first half of Hell Bent started slow, whilst the second half was fast. At times it was frustrating how slow the start was and the many failed attempts to retrieve our "gentleman demon", Darlington, from hell , but that frustration was worth it in the end!
Alex and Dawes teaming up with Turner and Tripp was something special; these two new additions to the Darlington rescue mission were perfect. After Ninth House, I didn't think much of Tripp; however, Hell Bent added depth to his character and his development was good to see. Also, Hell Bent saw much character development for Turner, Alex and Dawes.
Although Hell Bent had some marvellous character development and storylines, some didn't hit the right spot. Michelle's storyline seemed a tad too random; it needed more explanation. Plus, I am having some trust issues with Mercy; at first, I was glad she became in the loop, but I don't know why something just isn't sitting right with her character. Finally, the bad guy in this story was too predictable.
Unfortunately, I had forgotten some of the events that had happened in Ninth House by the time I read Hell Bent, but thankfully, Leigh Bardugo put some reminders throughout the story; I had forgotten about some of the Blake, Dean. Sandow and Belbalm storylines. I hope we see the third instalment of the Alex Stern series sooner rather than later because that ending has me needing more!
The ending of Hell Bent was perfect, especially the final chapter. I didn't see that Tripp twist coming, but I am happy it came because it was better than the alternative. Also, it was sweet to see them salt guardians protecting the Rebel Lethe Gang (not sure what to call them). I am excited about the next book, and I hope we see Alex and Darlington finally getting together because the tension between them is too much!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Torture
christina95's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book soooo much more than the first! There was less ‘shock horror’ moments that didn’t add to the story thankfully and it made reading it more enjoyable. I loved the whole hell heist story line and thought it was really well laid out, but the side plot of the murders was underwhelming and felt unfinished but maybe it will get tied up in the next book and leave it in a better position. I also enjoyed the Tripp storyline and I have such a soft spot for him - he’s like a doopy golden retriever and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next there. What I also need to see is Alex and Darlington finally addressing their love for each other!!! There was so many points in this books that it could have happened so it better in the next! Overall a very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to seeing where they go next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
meliemelo's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
It's hard to follow up a masterpiece such as Ninth House, and I get the feeling that Hell Bent might have been difficult to read. I found the pace a bit lacking at the start, but it does catch up towards the end of the book, and I preferred the second half overall.
Even though it didn't quite captivate me in the same way Ninth House had (and I had just reread it), I did thoroughly enjoy Hell Bent, and was delighted to get all the characters back. There are some great ideas in there, and I like the way the universe gets expanded, although I felt this same expansion could have been explored a bit more. As I already mentioned, I especially enjoyed the last part, and am looking forward to seeing where it'll go from there.
Even though it didn't quite captivate me in the same way Ninth House had (and I had just reread it), I did thoroughly enjoy Hell Bent, and was delighted to get all the characters back. There are some great ideas in there, and I like the way the universe gets expanded, although I felt this same expansion could have been explored a bit more. As I already mentioned, I especially enjoyed the last part, and am looking forward to seeing where it'll go from there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
scripturient's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Slavery, Suicide, and Torture
Just basically ALL the trigger warnings.pinkyoshi's review against another edition
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
celinbean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
don’t get me wrong i loved the book i got sucked into the story even though with my exams coming up i have no time.
My main issue with the book is that there was always so much happening that neither the characters nor the reader had any time to just breath and process everything that happened before jumping into the next catastrophe thrown at them. There were no heartfelt conversations and the bonds between the characters were never truly explored.
Like when alex brought darlington back from hell by herself there was no heartfelt reunion. He barely even got a hug and a im so glad you made it back. They relayed what happened and the he just shuffles into his old bedroom and pours himself a drink and has a short pragmatic conversation with alex and that’s it. It was so anticlimactic! These people literally went to hell to get hin back each with their own motivation and then we just brush over it?? Even though that was basically the whole point of them interacting at all. That was the main plot point? Like my man spend a whole fucking year in hell and all he gets when he comes back is a clap on the back and that’s it? A “how was spain?” “Hotter than expected” off hand joke and nothing more?
There were so many plot twists unfurling one after another without really exploring the consequences. A lot of these plot points led nowhere or were a distraction for the characters. So many themes were touched on that i wish we had lingered on more (like the corruption at the heart of academia, the cost of magic and desire, the way our most intimate traumas can shape and distort us and what it takes to survive in a world that either wants to actively get rid of you or doesn’t care about you at all).
So overall i appreciate bardugo’s well of creativity when it comes to plot but i wish we had explored the emotional bonds between the characters more and lingered more on big reveals in the story to make them actually meaningful.
Also why was i absolutely convinced this was a duology and i would get closure for this whole story?? Now i probably have to wait another like 2 years 😭
My main issue with the book is that there was always so much happening that neither the characters nor the reader had any time to just breath and process everything that happened before jumping into the next catastrophe thrown at them. There were no heartfelt conversations and the bonds between the characters were never truly explored.
There were so many plot twists unfurling one after another without really exploring the consequences. A lot of these plot points led nowhere or were a distraction for the characters. So many themes were touched on that i wish we had lingered on more (like the corruption at the heart of academia, the cost of magic and desire, the way our most intimate traumas can shape and distort us and what it takes to survive in a world that either wants to actively get rid of you or doesn’t care about you at all).
So overall i appreciate bardugo’s well of creativity when it comes to plot but i wish we had explored the emotional bonds between the characters more and lingered more on big reveals in the story to make them actually meaningful.
Also why was i absolutely convinced this was a duology and i would get closure for this whole story?? Now i probably have to wait another like 2 years 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Police brutality, and Suicide attempt
amberacademia's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
2.5/5
As one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 I’m not going to lie I was a little let down.
The pacing was definitely consistent but was going at a million miles per hour constantly. There was so much going on and it would have been nice to be able to sit through some steady character development.
The secret societies didn’t really play any major part in this plot line, which was a little surprising, with Ninth House/ Lethe supposed to be the overseers of the secret societies. The book didn’t have the same dark academia vibe I got from Ninth House and felt much more like a heist book.
I wouldn’t say the book wasn’t enjoyable but it felt so far from origins of Ninth House.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Classism
renegades's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Hell Bent is a great follow up to a book that had so much packed into it, it nearly made my head spin. As a sequel, it has a strong plot and a strong sense of self and really benefits from all of the worldbuilding that had already been done in Ninth House. I didn’t remember a single detail of NH and as a result quickly realized I would have to read some in-depth summaries before proceeding here. It definitely helped, but NH has so much in it that is then referenced and recalled in HB that I was still left with gaps in knowledge. I would definitely recommend rereading NH before venturing into this sequel.
That being said, I overall enjoyed HB so much more. I thought the pacing was mostly great, the actual substance and details vs breathing room was balanced this time, and it really felt like coming back to a familiar world and familiar characters and learning to like them even more.
My biggest problem with this book (and this series I think) is just that while it’s so compelling and has all of the right ingredients, I can’t seem to form much of an emotional connection with the characters. I’m not sure why. I think Alex is mostly to blame. She’s a character who does a lot and has a lot of internal thinking, but I think her feelings/emotions are told more than they’re shown. The end should have felt more like a climactic gut punch but it really just felt like one thing happening after another. You know the characters are feeling some kind of way, but it’s never entirely clear what.
I also think that some of this book (mostly regarding the more adult themes such as drug use and sexual assault and sex) feels a bit contrived. It never feels like it’s a natural integration into the story, but someone who usually writes YA playing pretend with it to spice up the book. Leigh is a fantastic writer so I can’t say why these parts in particular feel so contrived, but they just do.
I do love Darlington and I love everything that happens with him especially near the end of this book. I’m invested in him and I want to see what happens with him and Alex. I would love for the last book to actually show the emotional resonance and attachment they have to one another because even though I’m told they are attracted to each other and they now have certain things binding them, the feelings don’t really appear to be one of them.
I don’t know! I just want there to be more feelings infused into this story. Romantic and platonic. There’s a found family happening here but I don’t feel the warmth I usually feel with literary found families. And I know Leigh is good at feelings bc she has written characters with plenty of heart in the past! So I’m slightly confused why it feels blocked in this series in particular.
Overall though, really cool components and I’m just so into [redacted] Darlington.
That being said, I overall enjoyed HB so much more. I thought the pacing was mostly great, the actual substance and details vs breathing room was balanced this time, and it really felt like coming back to a familiar world and familiar characters and learning to like them even more.
My biggest problem with this book (and this series I think) is just that while it’s so compelling and has all of the right ingredients, I can’t seem to form much of an emotional connection with the characters. I’m not sure why. I think Alex is mostly to blame. She’s a character who does a lot and has a lot of internal thinking, but I think her feelings/emotions are told more than they’re shown. The end should have felt more like a climactic gut punch but it really just felt like one thing happening after another. You know the characters are feeling some kind of way, but it’s never entirely clear what.
I also think that some of this book (mostly regarding the more adult themes such as drug use and sexual assault and sex) feels a bit contrived. It never feels like it’s a natural integration into the story, but someone who usually writes YA playing pretend with it to spice up the book. Leigh is a fantastic writer so I can’t say why these parts in particular feel so contrived, but they just do.
I do love Darlington and I love everything that happens with him especially near the end of this book. I’m invested in him and I want to see what happens with him and Alex. I would love for the last book to actually show the emotional resonance and attachment they have to one another because even though I’m told they are attracted to each other and they now have certain things binding them, the feelings don’t really appear to be one of them.
I don’t know! I just want there to be more feelings infused into this story. Romantic and platonic. There’s a found family happening here but I don’t feel the warmth I usually feel with literary found families. And I know Leigh is good at feelings bc she has written characters with plenty of heart in the past! So I’m slightly confused why it feels blocked in this series in particular.
Overall though, really cool components and I’m just so into [redacted] Darlington.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
sabmanosa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. The first book took a while for me to warm up to, because of the timeline, setting, and general vibe was so different from her Grishaverse novels that I was a bit put off. This book was a lot easier to fall into, and it had me captivated from the first chapter.
I didn't expect a lot of the twists and turns, and I enjoyed working through it, and figuring things out with Alex. The story was very satisfying, and left me excited for the next part of the series!
Something about the way she writes just draws me in - I think it's because she creates very human characters who are put in very inhuman situations. Definitely recommend this series (and anything by her really) for people looking for very dark "YA" (heavy emphasis on the A) type books.
I didn't expect a lot of the twists and turns, and I enjoyed working through it, and figuring things out with Alex. The story was very satisfying, and left me excited for the next part of the series!
Something about the way she writes just draws me in - I think it's because she creates very human characters who are put in very inhuman situations. Definitely recommend this series (and anything by her really) for people looking for very dark "YA" (heavy emphasis on the A) type books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicide attempt