Book review — Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
No sooner had I completed the book than I was looking for its sequel. There is something about fantasy magical realism novels that is thoroughly enjoyable. I didn’t ponder to appreciate Leigh Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology, which I read some two years ago. But I am here to appreciate the wonders of “Ninth House”.
It starts with Alex, our troubled 19 year old protagonist. She has been through a lot of ups and downs in her life. Mostly downs. She is offered admission in the prestigious Yale University despite not having proper education. The catch, she has to secretly work for a secret society named Lethe. But of all people why was she chosen. Because Alex has a special power. She can see the dead, ghosts of people roaming the earth, among the living unaware of them. Now Alex has to learn the ways of the different secret societies and also solve a murder mystery which may or may not be linked to the societies.
Ninth House is a bit difficult to get into. It takes a little time to sync up your mind with the story as you are grasping to what is actually happening. I started the book when I was nearing sleep one night and the first 11 pages flew above my head that I had to start all over the next day. It is a really dark and spooky story. I was not expecting it. Not at all. It is very different from all the other Bardugo books I have read. And that’s a good thing because there is no ground to compare it to.
Bardugo has mastered the art of building her world side by side building up the story. All the characters are well developed each with a compelling backstory. The story might be laden with references to Yale history and its celebrated alumni, and some of the biggest happenings in America but I missed them all since I had no prior knowledge of it.
It is a suspence/paranormal/supernatural fantasy book. It does touch a lot of distressing subjects that make the whole experience of reading it rather intense.
This is the third book I’ve read by Leigh Bardugo and she is swiftly becoming my all time favorite author. It’s like you cannot go wrong with her books. You are bound to be engrossed for days at end (if you are a slow reader like me) and continue to be mesmerized long after the books end. She has kept an open end, leaving two biggest questions unanswered, hinting at a definite sequel and I am elated just by the prospect of it.
What’s peculiar about this book is Leigh Bardugo has successfully created an imposing character dominating the entire plot yet not having an actual presence in the story. Didn’t get what I said? Find out by reading ‘Ninth House’.
