The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! ๐
star_witch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Sexual harassment
danuu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Murder and Rape
sgtz00's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Rape, Murder, Sexual assault, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
vanitzas's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Gore, Sexual assault, Vomit, Drug use, Violence, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Blood, Excrement, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Pedophilia, Addiction, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Sexism
hiddenfallacies's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Drug use
Minor: Bullying, Classism, Racism, and Vomit
gphemsley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Murder, Drug use, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content and Vomit
laurariexx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Drug abuse, Blood, Sexual assault, and Addiction
Moderate: Gore, Rape, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
sofiavilla's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, Sexual assault, and Excrement
Minor: Cancer
lauragraceo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Murder and Rape
neetarattan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
๐๐ข๐จ๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ช๐ด๐ฎ โข ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ฐ๐ค๐ช๐ฆ๐ต๐ช๐ฆ๐ด โข ๐๐ถ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐
I am so glad that Leigh Bardugo took the risk to do something ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฆ๐ญ๐บ different, yet still epic fantasy - showcasing her incredible skill at creating complex worlds and magical systems, blurring the boundaries between fantasy and reality. The magic was deeply layered making it fun to learn about each secret society -ย all of which are actual real structures on Yale's campus! [side note: I have never wanted to go on a guided tour of New Haven until now.] The paranormal aspects were haunting, contributing to the overall dark academia vibes.
Ninth House is less accessible than her prior series like Shadow & Bone or Six of Crows (Grishaverse). Let me explain why: the first half of the book is spent world building, creating a fully immersive environment for the reader. There is a lot to take in between characters, their pseudonyms, dates & places, and timeline flashbacks, not to mention the houses themselves and what type of magic each uses. Then there is the main plot: an unsolved murder. I loved watching the case unfold alongside Galaxy "Alex" Stern, aka Dante.ย
But you get my point: a lot of readers want fast action & not have to do a lot of thinking. This is a much slower build, but if you are willing to wait for it, you will see the brilliance of the writer at the end. I loved Centurion, Darlington, Dawes, and North. Simply amazing.
This is truly a dark fantasy, lots of trigger warnings: Rape, Sexual Violence, Death, Murder, Classism, Violence, Gore, Drug Use, Drug Abuse, Misogyny, Addiction, Blood, Body Shaming, Toxic Relationship, Adult/Minor Relationship.
Graphic: Classism, Drug use, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Misogyny, Blood, Murder, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Violence