Ninth House
The global sensation from the creator of Shadow and Bone
📘 About This Book
'Impossible to put down' STEPHEN KING __________________ THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST FANTASY OF 2019 AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF OCTOBER 2019 A 2020 LOCUS AWARD FINALIST IN DEVELOPMENT FOR TELEVISION WITH AMAZON STUDIOS BY THE BESTSELLING CREATOR OF THE GRISHAVERSE AND THE NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES SHADOW AND BONE STEP INTO THE WORLD OF NINTH HOUSE __________________ Galaxy 'Alex' Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. A dropout and the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved crime, Alex was hoping for a fresh start. But a free ride to one of the world's most prestigious universities was bound to come with a catch. Alex has been tasked with monitoring the mysterious activities of Yale's secret societies - well-known haunts of the rich and powerful. Now there's a dead girl on campus and Alex seems to be the only person who won't accept the neat answer the police and campus administration have come up with for her murder. Because Alex knows the secret societies are far more sinister and extraordinary than anyone ever imagined. They tamper with forbidden magic. They raise the dead. And sometimes they prey on the living . . . 'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in years' LEV GROSSMAN 'Ninth House rocked my world' JOE HILL 'I wouldn't blame you for taking the day off to finish it' KELLY LINK 'Mesmerising' CHARLAINE HARRIS 'Compulsively readable' KIRKUS 'Atmospheric' BOOKLIST 'The fantasy novel of the year' THE I
📖 Summary
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo is a gripping contemporary fantasy novel that delves into the dark underbelly of Yale University, published in 2019 and spanning 434 pages. The narrative follows Galaxy Alex Stern, a young woman who stands out as arguably the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. As a high school dropout and the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide, Alex is desperately hoping for a fresh start in life. However, a free ride to one of the world's most prestigious and elite universities was always bound to come with a dangerous catch. Instead of just focusing on typical Ivy League academics, Alex is tasked by mysterious benefactors with monitoring the secretive, shadowy activities of Yale's infamous secret societies. These societies are not merely campus clubs for networking and drinking; they wield ancient, occult powers that shape the fortunes of the global elite. Through dark rituals, manipulation of the dead, and arcane magic, these exclusive groups have operated with impunity for generations, bending reality to suit their ambitions. As Alex navigates this perilous hidden world, she must rely on her unique, burdensome ability to see and communicate with ghosts, a trait that has haunted her entire life. Her harrowing journey forces her to confront not only the monstrous entities and corrupt human actors lurking within the hallowed halls of academia, but also her own troubled past. Blending gritty realism with supernatural elements, the novel explores themes of trauma, power, privilege, and survival, making it a standout entry in modern fantasy fiction. The book has achieved widespread acclaim, earning recognition as an instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, the Goodreads Choice Award winner for best fantasy of 2019, an Amazon best book of October 2019, and a Locus Award finalist, with television development currently underway at Amazon Studios.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Immersive and richly detailed dark academia setting
Compelling and resilient protagonist with a complex backstory
Engaging blend of gritty realism and supernatural fantasy
Acclaimed by prominent authors and major literary awards
⚠️ Cons
Contains dark and graphic subject matter that may not suit all readers
Complex world-building requires close attention to follow the occult lore
✍️ About the Author
Leigh Bardugo (b. 1975) is an American author known for the 'Grishaverse' fantasy universe, including the 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy and 'Six of Crows' duology.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Ninth House? +
The book is written by Leigh Bardugo, the bestselling creator of the Grishaverse.
When was Ninth House published? +
It was published in 2019 and spans 434 pages.
Who is the main protagonist of the story? +
The main protagonist is Galaxy Alex Stern, a dropout and sole survivor of an unsolved crime.
What is Alex Stern's special ability? +
Alex has the unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts or the dead.
Are there any television adaptations planned for the book? +
Yes, Ninth House is currently in development for television with Amazon Studios.
