Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo follows the story of Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a young woman with the ability to see ghosts and interact with the supernatural world. She is offered a chance at a new life when she is recruited into Lethe House, a secret society at Yale University that monitors and regulates magic and occult activities among the elite students. As Alex navigates the world of dark rituals, secret societies, and ancient mysteries, she discovers a series of sinister events threatening the delicate balance between the living and the dead. The novel shows themes of power, privilege, trauma, and the hidden forces that shape our world, blending elements of mystery, fantasy, and urban magic to create a gripping and atmospheric tale.
The most compelling aspect for me was the gritty and enchanting atmosphere. The book weaves the supernatural into the mundane world flawlessly, and I couldn't help but be immersed into the mysterious and dangerous realm of Lethe House. The only disappointment I had with this book was the pacing. I felt like it dragged a bit at some places. There just wasn’t enough action in the book. Ninth House doesn't shy away from tackling heavy themes like privilege, trauma, and the abuse of power. It's like a supernatural murder mystery with a side of social commentary. As for feelings, it stirred up a curious mix of intrigue, suspense, and a touch of eeriness. It's the kind of book that makes you rethink the hidden forces at play in our world, even after your done reading it. I would recommend this book to you if you're into urban fantasy with a dark twist and love stories that unravel with each turn of the page, this might just might be right for you.