lukes_ramblingwritings66's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was good. Almost kicked myself for liking it because of how much I associate Leigh’s books with my old toxic bookstore job but I think reading this reclaimed that. It’s dark and adventurous and very easy to get lost in the story. I will say, Darlington as a shortened ver of Daniel Arlington is just…. an ick. Anyways, can’t wait for the sequel to come out in paperback next year and go to hell. Cuz I’d rather go to hell than pay full price for a hardcover book these days.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Drug use, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
mirandaleighhhh's review against another edition
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.
<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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Addiction, Body horror, Drug abuse, Rape, Blood, Death, Sexual assault, and Violence
bezarue's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot, though I think there were times where it lost the sense of its own vibes. I didn't mind it combing a murder mystery with the occult, but I'm not sure the prose was always consistent, and I don’t think the flashbacks were always employed to the best effect. I'm not sure I vibed with Alex, I'm glad she turned out to not be as pick me as she was set up to be at the beginning, but I could have done with something other than gratuitous trauma shaping her personality. I think Turner was my fave tbh. I'm almost hoping he gets to peace out of book 2. The mystery was very compelling and there were a lot of twists right up to the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault
annaxavila's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Violence, and Drug use
Minor: Trafficking
smallspkp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
hayls657's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Addiction, Blood, Cursing, Death, Gore, and Murder
catorureads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was... something. I wished I had checked out the trigger warnings before delving into this book because your girl was traumatised nine pages into the book. It was interesting, which was the main reason why I still continued to read this book. I feel like a lot happened while at the same time it's like nothing happened at all.
Something I heard from other reviewers was that were different time lines and that it was difficult to follow. I didn't have any problems with that so for me it wasn't that confusing. I liked Darlington the most and we got the least of him so... I also enjoyed Danes and I didn't hate Alex but she just wasn't my favorite. Plot wise, I don't have much to say. The story intrigued me but I'm writing this review a few days later and I'm starting to forget the plot already. I might pick up the next book, just not right now.
I'm still dipping my toes into the dark academia genre and I'm not sure yet if it's something for me.
Something I heard from other reviewers was that were different time lines and that it was difficult to follow. I didn't have any problems with that so for me it wasn't that confusing. I liked Darlington the most and we got the least of him so... I also enjoyed Danes and I didn't hate Alex but she just wasn't my favorite. Plot wise, I don't have much to say. The story intrigued me but I'm writing this review a few days later and I'm starting to forget the plot already. I might pick up the next book, just not right now.
I'm still dipping my toes into the dark academia genre and I'm not sure yet if it's something for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Sexual assault, Body horror, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Rape, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Excrement
sashahc's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Just finished “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo. (Author of Shadow and Bone / Six of Crows). It is dark academia at Yale. The secret societies practice magic and an outsider who can see ghosts has to solve a mystery and pass her classes while keeping entitled magic users from eating the world. It’s dark and a bit grim, but very compelling. The main character is a survivor and takes absolutely zero shit. Review the TWs if you need to. #book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Addiction, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Classism
katiemack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
The first third of this is tough to follow via audiobook, but once I got used to the nonlinear format and got to know the characters the events of the book start to make sense. I'm also grateful that they REALLY pick up in the second half.
Looking forward to reading Hell Bent (and hopefully seeing more of Dawes; would protect her with my life.)
Looking forward to reading Hell Bent (and hopefully seeing more of Dawes; would protect her with my life.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Sexual assault, and Rape
lulucutus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Murder, and Violence