A review by lizzieinmt
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I struggled to figure out what this book was really about, but on reflection I believe it's about the struggle for and abuse of power. And how people are willing to maintain, commit to and sacrafice themselves and others for power, often a power they don't fully understand. This is reappeared for us in the book over and over each time it becomes a larger and higher steaks example. I did enjoy it and it falls comfortably (or rather nice and uncomfortably) into dark academia. I do have a few criticisms that I feel didn't pull their weight in the story, but overall it was a compelling read with a heavy, deep magical feel.
I think the use of rape as a plot point repeatedly through the book did show the misuse of power and illustrate terrible people. But I don't think this was the only way that could have been done and I did feel that even with the big revenge ar "ground zero" she was really trying to make up for rape as a plot point. Like, why is murder and emotional/physical threat and mistreatment not enough? Why throw that in to. Didn't ruin the book but did make me like it less than other dark academia novels for sure
Expand filter menu Content Warnings