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A review by eyvindr
Das neunte Haus by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It’s challenging to put my thoughts on «Ninth House» by Leigh Bardugo into words. This book is difficult to rate because it took me some time to get into the story, and even then—it continued to unfold gradually. The narrative alternates between the present and past, revealing crucial details step by step. Normally, I’m frustrated when protagonists know things that I, as a reader, don’t yet, but in this case, it worked well.
The writing style created moments of shock and surprise that kept me engaged. However, I must emphasise that this book needs a strong trigger warning at the beginning. The language is very explicit, and there are graphic descriptions of harsh scenes. It’s advisable to check the trigger warnings before starting.
One aspect I loved about this book is its portrayal of humanity and society. It highlights how corrupt and self-serving people can be. The theme of power abuse is prevalent, illustrating that power can rarely be monitored and is often abused, benefiting the privileged—mainly the rich. Those who suffer the most are women, non-whites, and other marginalised groups. These themes are explored within the setting of Yale University, showing how power dynamics operate within elite institutions (of course it’s just fantasy here).
Additionally, the plot was unpredictable, which made the reading experience thrilling. Each twist and turn took me by surprise.
Alex’s character resonated with me because it vividly depicts the struggles of a child who is neglected and suffers through trauma. This neglect and trauma can lead to severe mental health issues. It’s also disturbing that Lethe knew about Alex’s existence but never offered their help or guidance on managing her powers.
Darlington’s character is another highlight. He is empathetic and wholesome, and I’m eager to learn more about him in the next book.
In summary, «Ninth House» is a complex and intriguing read that tackles difficult themes and keeps you guessing. Despite its challenging start and heavy content, it offers a thought-provoking and engaging experience. Leigh Bardugo masterfully combines dark elements with profound insights into power dynamics, both in society and within the educational sector, and human nature.
The writing style created moments of shock and surprise that kept me engaged. However, I must emphasise that this book needs a strong trigger warning at the beginning. The language is very explicit, and there are graphic descriptions of harsh scenes. It’s advisable to check the trigger warnings before starting.
One aspect I loved about this book is its portrayal of humanity and society. It highlights how corrupt and self-serving people can be. The theme of power abuse is prevalent, illustrating that power can rarely be monitored and is often abused, benefiting the privileged—mainly the rich. Those who suffer the most are women, non-whites, and other marginalised groups. These themes are explored within the setting of Yale University, showing how power dynamics operate within elite institutions (of course it’s just fantasy here).
Additionally, the plot was unpredictable, which made the reading experience thrilling. Each twist and turn took me by surprise.
Alex’s character resonated with me because it vividly depicts the struggles of a child who is neglected and suffers through trauma. This neglect and trauma can lead to severe mental health issues. It’s also disturbing that Lethe knew about Alex’s existence but never offered their help or guidance on managing her powers.
Darlington’s character is another highlight. He is empathetic and wholesome, and I’m eager to learn more about him in the next book.
In summary, «Ninth House» is a complex and intriguing read that tackles difficult themes and keeps you guessing. Despite its challenging start and heavy content, it offers a thought-provoking and engaging experience. Leigh Bardugo masterfully combines dark elements with profound insights into power dynamics, both in society and within the educational sector, and human nature.