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alisonkolonick's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
martinatan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
4.25
Leigh Bardugo owns this ass
ok ok some thoughts that ran through my head, but not a cohesive review because I will always be too insane and biased about her writing to write something balanced:
- she strikes again with the calculated development ofunconventional and intense romance! i swear that she makes an art of slipping in well-placed sentences that convey barely restrained emotional tension. I feel like similar to Kaz and Inej in the Crows duology, Alex and Darlington have such a specific set of neuroses that make them tragically terrible for each other but maybe even worse if they were to be paired with anyone else or left alone. Their dynamic is heartbreakingly good with a little sexual tension as a treat. the rest of the plot was pretty good too.
- Also I am enjoying this crew becomingmore monstrous, as their world becomes increasingly hellish. There’s something inherently queer and found family-ish about a bunch of university age adults coming together over murder and blood magic. don’t @ me.
- She did a great job of introducing antagonists into the story and slowly revealing and resolving conflicts throughout. This is something that was done well in the first book and I was pleasantly surprised that it was still so satisfying and fresh in this one.
- I was similarly worried about attempting to replicate the mixed timeline format from the first book but it was just as effective, just made me wary at first because the opening to this series was such an immediate draw for me and to see it attempted again felt like she was setting myself up for disappointment. but it did NOT disappoint.
- I was also anticipating more backstory and development for characters introduced in the first book. This met my expectations and I found their histories to be really compelling, if not admirable or enviable.I was so delighted by snippets of Dawes and Turner POVs, and I really hoped Dawes would become a more central perspective. This didn’t quite happen but I see a lot of room for that in the next book.
- The book deals with issues of race and exploitation in an okay way.I think Turner’s story was important to tell, and his actions in the moment of his flashback made the most sense for a “sympathetic cop” character to me, but all the same, his decision to not leave the force even after this traumatic moment in his career feels maybe disingenuous to me? I wish there had been more follow up about how this moment affected him afterwards. In fact, his emotionlessness being sort of explained away as a defense mechanism or a technique he developed for professional settings does not bode well for me. A Black character, by a white author, written to have no emotions? In the face of an extremely painful and fucked up line of work that sees the death of a lot of Black people? I’m sure Bardugo did her best to deal with it, but I assume it’s near impossible to do justice to Turner’s storyline in her position. Still processing this. That’s what I’ve observed and analyzed about the situation with regard to Bardugo writing a Black character in a low fantasy setting.
I could say more but I’m done ranting for now. This book truly thrilled me and I was happy to delve into this world again.
ok ok some thoughts that ran through my head, but not a cohesive review because I will always be too insane and biased about her writing to write something balanced:
- she strikes again with the calculated development of
- Also I am enjoying this crew becoming
- She did a great job of introducing antagonists into the story and slowly revealing and resolving conflicts throughout. This is something that was done well in the first book and I was pleasantly surprised that it was still so satisfying and fresh in this one.
- I was similarly worried about attempting to replicate the mixed timeline format from the first book but it was just as effective, just made me wary at first because the opening to this series was such an immediate draw for me and to see it attempted again felt like she was setting myself up for disappointment. but it did NOT disappoint.
- I was also anticipating more backstory and development for characters introduced in the first book. This met my expectations and I found their histories to be really compelling, if not admirable or enviable.
- The book deals with issues of race and exploitation in an okay way.
I could say more but I’m done ranting for now. This book truly thrilled me and I was happy to delve into this world again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Classism
bookwitch_92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
One of the most amazing book series I’ve read in a long time. I don’t suppose I’m the actual target audience, but I can’t wait for the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Blood, and Death of parent
kathleenabby's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I enjoyed this one a lot more than ‘Ninth House’ this one felt like more was going on and the pacing was more evened out so I never felt bored this in the first home.
Great development on the world building from the first book. But I also felt this was a lot more character driven than Ninth House was which is probably why I loved this one so much more than the first.
Great development on the world building from the first book. But I also felt this was a lot more character driven than Ninth House was which is probably why I loved this one so much more than the first.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Murder
hunkydory's review against another edition
dark
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Forced institutionalization
laurenmahoney25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fantastic sequel, and I’m really excited to see where the next one goes. I was so happy to get more POV of Dawes and Turner, and to see Alex and Darlington interact. I’m so interested to see their relationship evolve, and the way post-Hell Demon Darlington is absolutely feral for Alex had be obsessed . I didn’t love this one quite as much as ninth house, as it was very different in tone and theme. I missed some of the dark academia elements and the ties to the real world. Still a great sequel worth the wait!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Grief and Stalking
Minor: Addiction and Sexual assault
piratesandprophecy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i have but a few things to say:
1. book of the year. book of the fucking century. leigh threw her whole spookussy into this one.
2. i never expected to be willing to fight a goddamn adult hippopotamus, the most life-threateningly homicidal animal i know of, for tripp helmuth, but here were are.
3. if darlington and alex don’t get it on in the next book i’m suing. the level of mutual pining and horniness here breaks the scale.
1. book of the year. book of the fucking century. leigh threw her whole spookussy into this one.
2. i never expected to be willing to fight a goddamn adult hippopotamus, the most life-threateningly homicidal animal i know of, for tripp helmuth, but here were are.
3. if darlington and alex don’t get it on in the next book i’m suing. the level of mutual pining and horniness here breaks the scale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Suicide attempt
tanishah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Cursing, Drug use, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Slavery and Police brutality
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
rjkadlick's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
i just feel like nothing happened in this book until 50% in (i have a kindle, i checked), and alex stern feels a bit like an edgelord to me. can't remember if she was like that in the first book but i feel like it could have been a nuanced look at trauma and grief but its just like "no one can be around me i hurt everyone i get close to."
also deducted points for the constant mentions of demon dick
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt and Fire/Fire injury