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A review by bi_n_large
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
challenging
dark
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? Yes
4.25
CW: child sexual abuse, rape, violence
I was worried about this book because of the content warnings (or rather, and more importantly, the lack thereof.)
As awful as some of the scenes are to read (the on-the-page child rape is especially nauseating), they all serve the story of survivor Galaxy “Alex” Stern.
Bardugo writes Alex with compassion and honesty, presenting Alex’s prickly personality without judging her for it.
Alex’s POV was so satisfying to follow, much more so than her companion Darlington’s.
(My dislike of Darlington has more to do with preference than anything else. Darlington acts as the novel’s Gansey and I could have done without him.)
The story is creepy and offers twists on twists on twists with interesting commentary on privilege, rape culture, and trauma. Just when I thought the book was done, it hit me with ANOTHER twist.
At least the novel wraps up its main mystery before ending with a sequel hook.
Overall, this is a solid horror-fantasy novel with characters I wouldn’t mind reading about in the future.
(Minor spoiler: I don’t know if there’s an Alex Stern/Abel Turner ship happening, but I HOPE SO.)
I was worried about this book because of the content warnings (or rather, and more importantly, the lack thereof.)
As awful as some of the scenes are to read (the on-the-page child rape is especially nauseating), they all serve the story of survivor Galaxy “Alex” Stern.
Bardugo writes Alex with compassion and honesty, presenting Alex’s prickly personality without judging her for it.
Alex’s POV was so satisfying to follow, much more so than her companion Darlington’s.
(My dislike of Darlington has more to do with preference than anything else. Darlington acts as the novel’s Gansey and I could have done without him.)
The story is creepy and offers twists on twists on twists with interesting commentary on privilege, rape culture, and trauma. Just when I thought the book was done, it hit me with ANOTHER twist.
At least the novel wraps up its main mystery before ending with a sequel hook.
Overall, this is a solid horror-fantasy novel with characters I wouldn’t mind reading about in the future.
(Minor spoiler: I don’t know if there’s an Alex Stern/Abel Turner ship happening, but I HOPE SO.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, and Misogyny
Minor: Racism