A review by mirandaleighhhh
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

dark emotional mysterious 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

3.75

This was slow-medium paced, mostly due to world building. I had a hard time following for at least the first 40% of the book, but by the end it was tied together. It also took some time to get used to the perspective and timeline shifts, but ultimately that is one of the more interesting aspects of the story. I loved Darlington and Dawes, I love Alex to- she’s full of fire and justice and yeah it all reads like she’s morally grey but honestly????? She’s the one with the strongest morals. I wasn’t expecting the ending, and I’m looking forward to the next book!

<spoilers>
I felt that the r*pe scene was unnecessary? I understand its purpose, but I don’t think her characterization would have suffered at all if that scene had been physical abuse rather than sexual. It seems there were enough horrifying men throughout the course of her life so far, and I just don’t know that going further with a ghost scenario in the fictional world was necessary. 
I also wish there had been a little more development or detail (even an extra chapter or two) about Dawes and Darlington's relationship, and some experiences on the job between Alex and Darlington, to fill some of the gaps where the world building could have been better.
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